Espresso Machines
Manual, Steam, Pump,
Automatic or Super-Automatic?
If after reading Step 1 you decide that espresso is what you're after, the next step is to choose the type of espresso maker. Should it be manual or automatic? Should it use the steam or pump method of extraction? Don’t know the difference? Read on…
On this page…
1. Buying Tips
2. Pump vs Steam
3. Steam Machines
4. Manual Machines
5. Semi Automatics
6. Automatics
7. Super Automatics
8. Combo Machines
9. Links
Coffee Search…
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Lets start with a list of things you should consider when buying: 1. What drinks you'll be making…
for example, if you intend to make a lot of cappuccinos, you should consider a machine that comes with a froth attachment.
2. Who will be using the machine…
consider whether the person has the time and/or patience to learn how to use the machine. If not, a simpler machine may be preferred over a more complicated system.
If you are buying for an espresso enthusiast, consider whether the ritual of coffee making is important. If yes, then a manual machine may be preferred over an automatic.
3. User control…
is important especially when the user is very fussy about their coffee. Depending on the type, user control features you might find on espresso machines allow you fine-tune the amount of coffee, water, temperature and fineness of grounds.
4. Environment the machine is in…
an office or club might require a super-automatic that does all the pre-grinding, pre-brewing, cup-warming and has a water reservoir for 20 cups. Obviously if you're buying for a small office or home you won't need this.
5. Maintenance…
most espresso machines require some degree of maintenance to minimise calcification of the machinery. Also, a clean machine results in better tasting coffee. If you don't have time for regular cleaning, or you are in an office where it will be forgotten, you should look at machines will self-cleaning features.
Next… about the extraction method - the one thing you should know before purchasing an espresso machine:
1. Extraction Method:
When considering the extraction method, it should be remembered that the crèma is the hallmark of a successful extraction.
Espresso machines on the market today employ one of two methods of extraction - pump or steam:
1a) Steam Machines - work by heating the water until it comes to the boil and produces steam. This is required in order to reach the high pressure needed to force the steam through the coffee grounds.
Advantages:- steam espresso machines are generally less expensive than the pump variety. Also, the boiling water means that the resulting liquid is hotter than that produced using the pump method. This is OK, as long as the liquid is not so hot that the coffee tastes burnt.
Disadvantages:- steam espresso machines lack the ability to produce a quality crèma. Also, the boiling water means that these machines cannot be opened safely for refill whilst in use.
1b) Pump Machines - work by forcing water at high pressure through the grounds using an internal pump. The water is heated to the correct temperature for optimal extraction of the beans without boiling.
Advantages:- because pump espresso machines extract the beans at a higher pressure than the steam method, they produce a high quality crèma and, in general, a nicer tasting cup.
Disadvantages:- pump espresso machines are more expensive than the steam variety.
Now, here's a look at the different types of espresso machines that are currently available:
1. Steam Espresso Machines:
These machines are usually small, affordable and come with a milk frother for cappuccino making. The espresso is not considered a true espresso because the extraction pressure is too low and the water temperature too hot. Nevertheless, an enjoyable cup can be made, especially when made with flavored beans, or with milk.
* Need more info? - read this article on steam espresso machines.
* Ready to buy? - see steam espresso machines.
2. Manual Espresso Machines / Piston Espresso Machines:
 
An old style espresso machine that requires the user to apply a reasonable amount of force to manually depress a lever in order to force water through the grounds - manual pump method of extraction.
* Need more info? - read this article on manual/piston machines.
3. Semi Automatic Espresso Machines:
  
These are electric pump extraction machines that automate the pump extraction process. The rest of the process, including adding the pre-ground beans, adding the water, stopping and starting the pump (at the push of a button) and cleaning the portafilter is manual.
Need more info? - read this article on semi-automatic espresso machines.
4. Automatic Espresso Machines:
These are electric pump extraction machines that automate the pump extraction process. Unlike semi-automatics, the user does not control when the extraction stops - this is controlled automatically (can be pre-set by the user). The rest of the process, including adding the pre-ground beans, adding the water, and cleaning the portafilter is manual.
Need more info? - read this article on automatic espresso machines.
Ready to buy? - see automatic espresso machines.
5. Super Automatic Espresso Machines:
   
These are electric pump extraction machines that automate the entire coffee making process, from grinding the beans, tamping the filter and brewing the espresso to emptying the used grounds into the waste unit, ready for the next cup.
Need more info? - read this article on super-automatic espresso machines.
6. Combination Drip / Espresso
These nifty machines allow you prepare regular coffee and espresso coffee as your mood dictates. A good machine has separate controls and water tanks for each function, enabling you to make espresso and drip coffee simultaneously, or separately as you need. Most of these machines come with timer and pause functions.
* Need more info? - see our Combination Espresso Machines article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
Amazon.com also has great prices. Search here…
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