Home :: 6-Step-Guide :: To Espresso or Not to Espresso Coffee Machines To Espresso or not to Espresso? The first step to choosing your coffee maker is to decide whether you would prefer an espresso machine or other (drip, filter, percolator, etc.). Don’t know the difference? Read on… On this page… 1. Intro 2. Moka Stove Pot 3. French Press 3. Links Coffee Search… Can't find what you're looking for? Find it here! Choose an espresso machine if: Choose a coffee maker (non-espresso) if:   1. You are prepared to spend extra money. In general, good espresso machines are always more expensive than non-espresso machines. 2. You want to make various coffee styles, including cappuccino, macchiato, latte, flat white, etc. (see our "Espresso" article, for more info). 3. You are prepared to clean instruments (or, in the case of automatic machines, empty waste units) and make fresh coffee for each cup. 4. You can afford to spend time (a few minutes) making each cup of coffee - unless you are using a super-automatic machine. 5. You are catering for under four people at one time. Unless you purchase an automatic or super-automatic machine, espresso making can be time-consuming.   1. You don't want to spend a lot of money. In general, non-espresso machines are cheaper than espresso machines. 2. You are not interested in fancy coffee styles - a long black or a flat white, with perhaps the odd dollop of cream, will do. 3. You want to keep a pot of coffee going all day. 4. You wish to 'put the coffee on' and let it brew whilst you do other things. 5. You are catering to a lot of people and need an entire 6-12 cup POT of coffee in a relatively short time. 6. You prefer to buy pre-ground and/or flavored coffees. 7. You prefer weak coffee over strong coffee.

The Alternative to Electric Coffee Machines

Stovetop Pots - The Espresso Alternative

You don't always need a machine for great espresso coffee. The alternative is to use a stovetop pot, known as a 'Moka' coffeepot - named after the 'Moka Express' brand stovetop pot.

The stovetop pot makes a very strong and dark coffee. Because of its strength, the coffee from these pots can be used to make various other styles of coffee (including cappuccino), in the same way that espresso is used as the base for other styles of coffee.

These coffeepots are an Italian household item. They have two chambers, separated by a coffee filter/basket. The lower chamber is filled with water, which is then boiled to force the water through the coffee and into the top chamber, from which it is served.

Read our article on the Stovetop Espresso for tips on how to use and what to look for when buying these home espresso coffeepots.

Aluminium Stovetops

Stainless Steel Stovetops

Plunger / French Press - The Non-Espresso Alternative

You don't always need a machine for great non-espresso/regular coffee. The alternative is to use a plunger, known as a French press, or press pot. The French press is easy to use and gives the user complete control over the strength of the brew.

Read our article on the French Press for tips on how to use and what to look for when buying a French press.

Chrome Press Pots

Pyrex Press Pots

Follow these steps for happy coffee making!...

This was Step 1 in the Choosing A Coffee Maker Guide. Click here to see all steps.

Step 2 - Manual, Automatic, Super-Automatic or Combination Espresso Machine?:
If after reading Step 1 you decide that an espresso machine suits you best, the next step is to choose the type of espresso machine. Should it be manual or automatic? Should it use the steam or pump method of extraction? This article - "Espresso Machines" - helps you decide.

Step 3 - Drip, Filter, Plunger or Combination Coffee Maker?:
If after reading Step 1 you decide that you would prefer one of the other types of coffee maker, the next step is to choose the type (drip, filter, percolator, French press, etc.). This article - "Coffee Makers" - helps you decide.

Coffee Makers Cafe Search:

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