1. The Manual Espresso Machine (Lever)
Lever machines use the compression of a piston to push water through coffee grounds. A spring and the operator controls the amount of pressure exerted. These machines are considered to be manual because the process is controlled by the operator instead of an electric mechanism.
How To Use
The chamber above the portafilter holds heated water, as the piston is raised the water is drawn. As the piston is forced back to its resting position, the water is pushed through the ground coffee in the portafilter.
The chamber above the portafilter holds heated water, as the piston is raised the water is drawn. As the piston is forced back to its resting position, the water is pushed through the ground coffee in the portafilter.
Pros
Total control, allows skills to shine, preferred by seasoned users. Simplicity of machine. Elegant styling, historical aesethics. Available in polished platings like gold, copper or chrome. Steam is on demand, you don’t need to wait for steam production like you do with other machines.
Total control, allows skills to shine, preferred by seasoned users. Simplicity of machine. Elegant styling, historical aesethics. Available in polished platings like gold, copper or chrome. Steam is on demand, you don’t need to wait for steam production like you do with other machines.
Cons
Requires exertion and attention to details. Long learning curve, can be difficult to master or troubleshoot. Requires caution, extremely hot boiler exterior. Spring-loaded models can exert force on operator if inadequate resistance is applied.
Requires exertion and attention to details. Long learning curve, can be difficult to master or troubleshoot. Requires caution, extremely hot boiler exterior. Spring-loaded models can exert force on operator if inadequate resistance is applied.
Shopping Tips
The boiler of a piston machine produces the hot water for brewing and steaming, so it’s important that the water capacity is adequate for your needs. The chamber is pressurized, so you’ll need to turn off the machine and let it cool before refilling it. Therefore this tends to be not the best choice for entertaining or making a large number of drinks. However, models are available in several boiler capacities with most sizes able to produce several shots.
2. The Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
The boiler of a piston machine produces the hot water for brewing and steaming, so it’s important that the water capacity is adequate for your needs. The chamber is pressurized, so you’ll need to turn off the machine and let it cool before refilling it. Therefore this tends to be not the best choice for entertaining or making a large number of drinks. However, models are available in several boiler capacities with most sizes able to produce several shots.
2. The Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Semi-automatic pump espresso machines are for those looking to recreate the cafe experience and who will invest both time and money in that pursuit. Turning out good espresso with one of these relies on your skill at preparing and pulling the shot, so expect to spend some time learning the art.
How To Use
With a semi-automatic machine, you have to prepare the shot then activate the pump for the appropriate amount of time to complete the shot. While an automatic pushes a predetermined amount of water through the grounds then turns itself off. Most semi-automatics have one switch to turn on the pump and another to trigger the boiler to prepare steam for frothing milk. Some even come with frothing attachments (which can either be helpful or simply another cleaning chore). Milk frothing takes practice, but if you use your machine often enough to justify its high initial cost, you’ll be whipping up liquid velvet for your cappuccinos in no time. Your first few shots will likely leave a bit to be desired, but when you have it down, you’ll find you have more control over the taste of your drinks than you would with a more automated machine.
Pros
Offers control, biggest selection, variation in prices
Cons
Requires some time, attention and skill
Shopping Tips
The high-pressure brewing environment of an espresso machine magnifies any problems created by poor or inconsistent grind. If you are graduating from a coffeemaker, you’ll need to make sure you use a quality burr grinder to ensure a fine and consistent grind. Avoid the temptation to blow your budget on an impressive machine and scrimp on the grinder – you need both to make a good cup.
The high-pressure brewing environment of an espresso machine magnifies any problems created by poor or inconsistent grind. If you are graduating from a coffeemaker, you’ll need to make sure you use a quality burr grinder to ensure a fine and consistent grind. Avoid the temptation to blow your budget on an impressive machine and scrimp on the grinder – you need both to make a good cup.
3. The Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Automatic espresso machines are essentially semi-automatics that push a specific amount of water through the grounds when you activate the machine (single or double depending on what button you push).
How To Use
You must still prepare the shot (so you’ll still need a good burr grinder that produces even, adjustable grounds), but the pump turns off automatically after the shot pours.
Pros
Less time, attention and skill. Measures water and time for you.
Less time, attention and skill. Measures water and time for you.
Cons
Still requires the shot to be prepared.
Still requires the shot to be prepared.
Shopping Tips
The cost of automatic metering components and touchpads make these machines more expensive than semi-automatics.
4. The Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Super-automatic espresso machines compare in ease to operating an auto-drip coffeemaker. They don’t require much time, attention, talent or effort.
How To Use
These babies do nearly every part for you: grind, dose, tamp and brew the shot at the touch of a button. All you have to do is keep the water reservoir full (unless you have a water line-in), keep the bean hopper full and occasionally empty the waste compartment.
These babies do nearly every part for you: grind, dose, tamp and brew the shot at the touch of a button. All you have to do is keep the water reservoir full (unless you have a water line-in), keep the bean hopper full and occasionally empty the waste compartment.
Pros
Easy, clean, automated, no real skill needed. Using this type of machine cuts down on the learning curve and drink faults due to operator error.
Easy, clean, automated, no real skill needed. Using this type of machine cuts down on the learning curve and drink faults due to operator error.
Cons
Reduced control over quality of shot. And with any all-in-one, if one element is compromised the whole unit is effected.
Reduced control over quality of shot. And with any all-in-one, if one element is compromised the whole unit is effected.
Shopping Tips
Increase your level of control by getting a machine with adjustability. Being able to manipulate grind settings or alter the water to coffee ratio will allow you to refine your shots. Also, sticker shock is common when reviewing super-automatics, but remember you’re buying two or more machines in one (grinder and espresso machine).
Increase your level of control by getting a machine with adjustability. Being able to manipulate grind settings or alter the water to coffee ratio will allow you to refine your shots. Also, sticker shock is common when reviewing super-automatics, but remember you’re buying two or more machines in one (grinder and espresso machine).
