An espresso machine is an investment — especially if you want one with all the bells and whistles. So it’s important to consider the type that fits your needs.
✔️ Type: There are several ways to make espresso with manual, semi-automatic, automatic, super-automatic and pod machines all available to the home barista.
• Manual machines require finely ground beans that are scooped into a portafilter and tamped down. The filter is attached to the brew head and a lever is used to manually pull water through the grounds. It is the most customizable method but arguably the most difficult to master.
•Semi-automatic machines are similar to manual machines in terms of preparation, but they operate with a button or dial that automates the water flow instead of a lever, and the size of the brew is controllable.
• Automatic machines use a button instead of a lever to brew espresso. The size of the espresso or coffee drink is automated and often programmable. This method offers more consistency than a manual or semi-automatic machine, making them super easy to use. This style tended to nab top scores in Lab tests.
• Fully-automatic machines are a step above automatic machines. In addition to automated and programmable coffee sizes, they can also grind beans, measure them out and often tamp them for you. These tended to be our favorite in Lab testing for their do-it-all performance.
• Capsule machines use pods filled with pre-measured coffee to make espresso or other coffee drinks. They offer the most consistency and hands-off ease of use.
✔️ Size: Consider how much space you have to allocate to your espresso maker. The more customizable ones are usually bigger, while the smaller ones are typically more straightforward with fewer brewing options.
✔️ Price: A good espresso maker with features like a built-in grinder and multiple drink options can be expensive; a simple machine is usually more affordable. However, some espresso machines that seem straightforward can be costly due to higher-quality materials and more effective heaters, milk frothers or technology.
✔️ Pressure: The amount of pressure exerted upon coffee grounds is measured by BARs or barometric pressure. While some machines will have up to 19 BARs, a machine that exerts around 7 to 11 BARs of pressure into the espresso will produce a good extraction.