Espresso machines come in every shape and size, and often times it’s over whelming. Believe me, I know…I’ve spent my fair share of time staring blankly at an Amazon page wondering where to even start. I’d like to help you out with that, and actually, this entire site is designed to help YOU find the best espresso machine for YOU.
Oftentimes there are several things to take into consideration when shopping around for espresso makers…Cost being the most prominent one most of the time. After that you have to consider features, the way it looks, how big it is and where it’ll fit in your kitchen, and you’ll also probably want to decide whether you want an automatic, semi automatic, manual, stove top maybe, or what.
All in all, it can give you one big headache…
Which is exactly where we come in! We try and outline our reviews in such a way that takes some of the stress off of you.
Let’s start by going over something that I think that a lot of people over look. The first step in browsing espresso machine reviews is to decide what TYPE of espresso maker you’d like, thus, I’d like to go over the different types. Within each type of espresso maker I’ll go ahead and tell you what my personal recommendation is for that style, and also give you a small review as to why I recommend each product.
Semi-Automatic/Fully Automatic Espresso Machines
Semi-Automatic espresso machines offer the best bang for your buck. Essentially what a Semi-Automatic is gonna do is that instead of using your arm to create pressure, it’s using an electric pump. This is great for you, because it allows your average joe to create some really excellent espresso, whereas before it took tons of practice to master the technique needed to have consistent pressure throughout the brew.
Now, the difference between Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic is that the fully automatic also has a control system that will push water through the espresso in specific amounts to create the perfect brew. Sounds pretty complicated, but all you have to do is get things started by pressing a couple buttons and having your ground coffee ready.
My Recommendation
My recommendation if you’re looking for a fully automatic is to go with the Bosch Benvenuto Thermoblock. It’ a solid machine that’s been tested by thousands of customers to make some of the best espresso that any machine under $1000 is gonna make. Not only does this machine get every bit of flavor there is out of the coffee, but it I’ve linked to the Amazon page if you want to check out some actual customer reviews on it.
If you’re looking for a semi auto then I’d probably suggest looking into the Capresso 121.01 Ultima. This machine probably gets you the best bang for your buck of any other espresso maker that I talk about on this page…It’s got a steam wand, an auto tamper that discards grounds, AND it not only makes incredible espresso, but it also brews killer coffee, all in just a few seconds provided it’s already hot. Again, I went ahead and linked to the Amazon page if you’d like to check it out.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
Super automatic espresso machines are a newer type of espresso maker, and when reading reviews you should keep this in mind. Basically the Super-Automatics can do anything…You put the unground coffee in (they have grinders built in) and then you can make any type of drink you want, from espresso to a cappuccino, to coffee, to Cafe Crema. They have steam wands, milk frother and everything else you could need to make whatever style drink you choose.
These machines are all the rage over seas in European countries. These Super-Automatics revolutionized espresso machines now much like the Semi-Automatics did back in the 80s when they first came out. Now, when looking at prices, you’re bound to notice that these are more expensive, but imagine if you could have a single machine in your home that did EVERYTHING coffee related that you needed it to…it’d be pretty nice, wouldn’t it? These machines are top of the line, if you’re looking for nothing but premium coffee (at a premium price, I’m afraid) then these are for you.
My Recommendation
Well, if you’re interested in seeing my recommendation, then I encourage you to check out the Gaggia Platinum Vision…This thing can make anything that you want it to, and the best part is…
You get to use a touch screen!
Ok, that’s not really the best feature, but it is pretty neat.
I’m really kind of at a loss for what to say about this machine…It just does so much, I don’t know where to start!
Let’s just say this: It makes incredible coffee in any form that you want, coffee that will rock your socks off, and it’ll last you a lifetime, AND it has more cool features than you could ever possibly use. It’s definitely my highest recommendation, and the nicest machine that I talk about here (by far). Even if you’re not interested in this, I’d still suggest taking a look at it because it’s pretty interesting to see what all it can do.
Manual/Lever Espresso Machines
Basically this is exactly like it sounds. You have to grind the coffee, you put it in the portafilter, and then YOU have to pull the pump (this is extremely difficult to do correctly and takes lots of practice). So while this method is probably the most rewarding, it’s also the most difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a pretty dang good cup of espresso if you learn how.
The benefit of a manual machine is that you have a fair amount more power when it comes to customizing what you want to do with your coffee. A lever machine gives you the ultimate control.
For a long time this was the only type of espresso machine available, which meant that people could generally only get high quality espresso from a trained barista. Man I feel bad for people back then! Don’t know what we’d do if we couldn’t make espresso in our own homes…
My Recommendation
Anyways, if you’d like to know my opinion then check out the La Pavoni Europiccola 8 Cup. It’s a lever machine, and even though there’s still a steep learning curve on making some good coffee, this one is definitely one of the easier ones to master. It just makes good coffee easy.
Well that’s about it. Hope that these espresso machine reviews helped you out! Feel free to keep browsing the rest of my site…I worked pretty hard on it =)