Types of espresso machines
There are various types of espresso machines in the market nowadays. Here I’ll try to explain the most significant features and differences between the most common types to help you choose your best one. There are two main features frequently mentioned in technical descriptions – steam driven and pump driven.
Let’s examine these two different types closer.
Steam driven espresso machines were the first in the market
Steam driven espresso machines are usually cheaper than pump driven and apply steam to press out the water through the ground coffee. These machines have very reasonable price – usual price is from $30 till $70. However there are huge amount of unfavorable valuations from experts. The most usual complaints are about quality of espresso – they don’t have enough power to make a decent shot. Experts declare that instead of espresso they make a good strong coffee. Nevertheless I still think that for the price this is great bargain.
Most popular Steam driven types of espresso machines:
De Longhi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Mr.Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine
Pump driven types of espresso machines are the most popular
At this moment pump driven espresso machines dominate in the market. They are more powerful than their steam driven relatives and use pump to force water through the thermo block. You can find them in very wide price range. Price could differ from $100 to $3000 or more. These are the most frequent machines in the market and produce amazing, dark, tasty espresso with real crema on the top. Pump driven machines you can use with coffee pods or ground coffee.
Pump driven espresso machines could be divided in two frequently meet types of espresso machines:
Semi-automatic espresso machines
Super automatic espresso machines
Semi-automatic espresso machines
Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most popular espresso makers in the market because of their price and level of control. Usual price could be approximately from $100 till $1000.
Exploitation of these machines requires a bit of skill. They are perfect for espresso enthusiasts who don’t mind to improve their skills of brewing. To my mind these machines in comparison with steam driven machines allow you to feel as a master of your espresso. Quality of your espresso, latte or cappuccino depends only from you, your skills and your preferences. In process of preparing espresso with semi-automatic machine you have to grind coffee, put it in the filter holder and tamp it manually. After filter holder have placed in appliance (brewing head) you have just to push the button to start and to finish brewing process. After each brewing process these machines require cleaning filters manually.
Semi-automatic machines don’t have built in grinders. That’s the reason to buy grinder, if you don’t have one already. There is additional option to use not only grind coffee but also coffee pods almost in all semi-automatic machines.
Here you can find more details about most popular Semi-automatic espresso machines:
DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker
DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker
Find out more data in Delonghi espresso machines reviews.
Nespresso D290 Concept Espresso and Coffeemaker
Gaggia 102534 Color
Gaggia 16109 Evolution
Gaggia 14101 Classic
Find out more information in Gaggia espresso machines reviews.
Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15-Bar Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine
Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
More details in Breville espresso machine reviews.
Super automatic espresso machines
Super automatic espresso machines are very easy to use however they could be very expensive. Price could be even $3000.
All super automatic espresso machines include a built-in grinder. They grind coffee and tamp it for you. Only thing you have to do – fill in coffee beans. Then push the button and machine will do the rest. In some cases you even don’t have to fill the water in water tank because several models are connected to water line. Imagine, you just have to push the button and your gadget will do the rest – grind coffee, tamp it, brew your beverage and then clean itself automatically. Isn’t amazing! You don’t need much skill to make your little shot. Even your kid can prepare it for you in the early morning.
Here you can find more details about most popular Super-automatic espresso machines:
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
DeLonghi ESAM3500.N Magnifica
Gaggia 90500 Titanium
As you see that is fairly easy to pick one of espresso machines best suited for your taste. You just have to decide what characteristics are more important for your needs, wishes or some additional circumstances. In some cases these circumstances could be very significant. For example, if you have to get up early in the morning while other family still sleep you have to take to account that almost all coffee makers are pretty noisy especially super automatic espresso machines because of built-in grinders. This problem could be solved if you choose already grounded coffee.
To get more detailed and particular information about different types of espresso machines, please, check it here.
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