Espresso machines are becoming more and more popular for home use. Espresso machines represent a small piece of the market, making up only about 4 percent of the 27 million coffeemakers sold annually. However, with Starbucks closing many of its local stores, that number may be changing soon and now is a great time to buy your own espresso machine for your home. Espresso machines are really the preferred method for most coffee drinkers. They cite the robust flavor and decreased brewing time as reasons.

Which Espresso Machine Should I Buy?

Deciding which model to buy can sometimes be overwhelming. Regardless of the model you choose you will need one that is solidly built to stand up to pressure since they rely on built up steam and heat to create espresso and cappuccino. A solid home espresso machine will cost around $200 for very good base model. But, if you are looking for a more high end, automatic machine you are going to have to fork over close to $1000 or more for top of the line.

Espresso Machine Types

Espresso machines are generally divided into four main types: manual, semi-automatic, automatic and fully automatic. All four types can produce a good coffee, but as the machines progress from manual to fully automatic the amount of work you need to do decreases. And the as we all know, as the amount of manual work decreases, the cost rapidly increases. Some of the high-end automatic machines grind, measure, tamp brew serve and clean up at the touch of a button and are great for the office or home.

Steam

When making espresso, steam provides pressure to push water through a bed of coffee grounds. Steam is something you need to consider when purchasing your espresso machine. On many low end machines the steam power and longevity is questionable because of the lack of adequate airspace to build up steam pressure. On some models steaming milk can also be an issue. The inexpensive espresso machines either don't have steaming capability, or they have such low steam pressure, that making one good cappuccino is a major undertaking. On the cheaper espresso machines there are no real controls on pressure or temperature and steam build up can also be a problem but can be easily vented.

Espresso machines have a boiler where water is heated until it becomes steam and gets high pressure which drives the hot water through the fine ground coffee. In pump espresso machines, an electrically driven pump forces the hot water into the chamber where it is blended with coffee and finally coffee is poured directly into the cups.

There are also manual pump espresso machines which are often a lot cheaper. But the manual pumps require lots of experimentation on the user’s part, as the user is responsible for determining water volume and brewing time.

Automatic Espresso Machines

Automatic espresso machines for the private sector are becoming more and more popular and sales are increasing each year. Even with the automatic machines growing popularity, some people feel that an automatic espresso machine removes the personal touch when it comes to making their espresso. But the automatic espresso machines guarantee a more consistent product.

Automatic espresso machines also eliminate waste (and reduce training time and cost to coffee shop owners). Many automatic machines have automatic controls and digital displays as well as an adjustable central steam nozzle that produce perfect cappuccino and latte at the push of a button. Many automatic machines also have options for hot water for tea and hot chocolate. Automatic machines also cut down on the time between cups which in the commercial world can help increase productivity and profits.

Super automatics do it all and do it with style. Just press one button and a super automatic espresso machine grinds whole beans inside the machine, tamps down the grounds, brews a delectable shot, and holds the waste in an internal container for later disposal. Super-Automatic Machines use espresso beans and generate espresso, cappuccino, and frothed milk automatically at the push of a button. Beans are ground fresh for each espresso.

Commercial Espresso Machines

Commercial espresso machines are separated from semi-commercial-espresso machines by the pump. While the semi-commercial machine has a vibratory pump, the commercial machines have a rotary vane pump. Commercial espresso makers like Starbucks go with a darker roast of beans to produce their traditional flavor. Commercial espresso makers use automatic machines to produce a product on a regular basis. Consistency in the market is much more important than quantity when brewing perfect espresso. Consistency starts with the basic ingredients and how they are mixed.

Commercial automatic espresso machines can produce espresso after espresso to keep that line moving. That equals faster service, which adds to better customer service, which is how word of mouth is spread and that’s great news for any business.

Prices – You Get What You Pay For

Prices on espresso makers tend to double every ten years. Look for a company that stands behind its product and backs them with an impressive warranty. Prices can vary from around $30 for a small manual machine to $6000 for a super automatic commercial grade machine. If you are looking for a reliable home model just remember, you get what you pay for, so make sure that the machine you choose is new and fully warranted, including full barista training and a good support service (if using it commercially). The great thing about traditional machines is that there are no major moving parts so less to go wrong.

I hope this article was informative and helped you understand the many styles of espresso machines available. If you would like to learn more about espresso machines, making espresso or reading product reviews, please visit us at http://www.espressomachines-review.com.