Home Espresso Machines
Finding Your Perfect Match
Home espresso machines nowadays come in many different types. In a way, this is a positive thing.
The wide selection will provide you with a lot of choices, which translate to more chances of finding the best home espresso machines that fit your needs. On the other hand, having far too many choices to choose from can also prove to be a challenge especially when the time comes for you to make a final decision.
But making your choice of which home espresso maker to buy is definitely an important one, and you should be sure of your choice before you cash out on a machine.
What Kinds of Espresso Machines are Available?
Basically, home espresso makers follow the same mechanism of action. They push hot water through coffee grounds by applying pressure to create full-flavored espressos.
The problem is that there are many ways to do this, which translates to three basic types of home espresso machines, namely pump espresso machines. All four have certain advantages and disadvantages.
Pump espresso machines are the most sophisticated type of espresso machines and thus, they are also the most expensive. The advantage of using pump espresso machines is that you do not have to question the taste of your espresso because you can be sure of its great taste.
Pump espresso machines can produce excellent espresso by using a powered pump, which is able to exert the right amount of pressure in the process of brewing. There are, however, certain disadvantages such as the bulky sizes of most models, the noise during operation, and possible clogging of the pump due to the mineral deposits from water that may get left behind.
These espresso machines are usually more advisable for use in commercial settings, and there are other better choices for home machines.
The other type is the lever/piston espresso machine, which uses a manual lever and piston to produce water pressure. The disadvantage with this type is that you need to exert effort in operating the manual lever, but this is great for the home because it is quiet and is very easy to maintain.
However, the taste of espresso produced from lever and piston machines are usually not as assured as the taste of coffee produced by pump machines.
There are also steam-powered espresso machines which uses the steam from heated water to produce the pressure. However, the pressure is usually not strong enough and at times, the taste of espresso is sacrificed. The only advantage is that these are smaller and more sleek machines that are very easy to use.
A Krups Pump Espresso Offer
If you think the taste of your espresso is the most important factor for you, you should try the pump espresso machines. One good model is offered by Krups, the XP4030. At only under $150, the machine is already equipped with a 15-bar pump and can make great-tasting espresso, cappuccino, and latte.
In heating, the machine is backed by ThermoBlock technology. The machine comes with a 32 oz. removable water tank, removable drip tray, and a selection dial that allows you to control the operation of the machine, from brewing espresso to producing froth for cappuccinos.
DeLonghi Simultaneous Coffee and Espresso Brewer
Another good product to check out is the DeLonghi BCO130T Combination Machine that can produce coffee and espresso. At around the same price as the Krups pump espresso machine, this machine can already brew coffee and espresso at the same time.
You can also adjust the strength of your brews. The machine is also automatic; you can set its timer for the machine to begin brewing at your desired time. It comes with a 4-cup carafe for espresso and 10-cup carafe for coffee. Other features include a brew-pause mechanism, a swing-out stainless steel filter, and a warming plate. You can also prepare cappuccino with its Jet Frother.
Save on a DeLonghi Steam-Powered Machine
If you are on a budget, the DeLonghi EC5 basic espresso and cappuccino maker is available at only around $63, and the price can even be reduced based on promotions. The twist is that the machine’s capacity is only 4 cups.
This is under the steam-driven espresso machine category. It comes with a swivel Jet Frother, a 2-cup adapter for simultaneous brewing, a safety cap, a removable drip tray, and a highly durable carafe.
Pros: Pump driven machines provide great-tasting coffee; lever/piston machines are easy to maintain; steam-driven machines are affordable and user-friendly.
Cons: Pump driven machines are expensive; lever/piston machines are not the easiest to use; steam-driven machines may sometimes sacrifice coffee taste.
The Verdict
There are different types of home espresso machines. Pump-driven ones are best for coffee buffs, while steam-driven machines are great for regular homemakers. The lever/piston ones can be affordable alternatives to pump-driven machines.
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