When working on your monthly budget is your espresso allowance at the top of the list? Do you visit your local Starbucks more often than you do your parents? If so, you should probably consider an espresso machine for your home. Before you run out and buy the first one you see you should know what to look for.
Cost
Espresso machines can range in cost from under $50 to upwards of a $1000, it all depends on how fancy and how automatic you want the machine to be. You can buy a stovetop percolator for nearly nothing or a super automatic for over $3000. Cost is going to be the first thing to decide on, knowing what your budget is helps to narrow down your options.
Size
Look around your kitchen and decide where you are going to put the machine. Espresso machines come in countertop models or they can be as bulky and large as adding a freestanding appliance. Decide on a location and write down how much space you have there, be sure to save space around the machine for work, especially if it is a countertop model.
If you are going for the large, appliance size espresso machine you might want one that is plumbed to your water source, much like your refrigerator is. If this is the case you will need to make sure you have a location near your water tap, otherwise you might need a plumber to install the machine.
Accessories
Although you might be buying the espresso machine for that one-shot jolt in the morning, you want to be able to make those wonderful lattes and cappuccinos. You will need to also have these items:
* Tampers: these are essential when brewing a perfect espresso. Make sure it is the proper size for the espresso machine you purchase.
* Frothing pitcher and wand: these are needed for frothing steamed milk to make those great lattes and cappuccinos.
* Cappuccino thermometer: milk must be the right temperature for frothing.
* Espresso shot glasses, espresso cups, espresso pitchers
* Coffee grinder: fresh ground beans make the best espresso, unless you are purchasing an automatic espresso machine that grinds its own beans, you will need one.
Types of Espresso Machines
There are several types of espresso machines available on the market. Price will play a large part in which type of machine you choose to buy. The breakdown of how these machines work follows.
* Stove Top Percolator: These are the simplest of all the espresso makers and also cost the least. You can usually pick one up for around $20. They are made of aluminum and are used on the stove top.
You put water in the pressurized base, and then put the coffee into a basket that has a metal filter; the top area is where the espresso collects as it is percolated up. This model is a simple model that is great for those who don’t drink espresso often.
The stove top model is not good for making more than one espresso at a time because the base has to cool before it can be used again. It also has to be cleaned and dried very well to prevent build up.
* Electric Espresso Maker with Single Pressure Chamber: These models range in price from around $40 to $100. They have a screw on top where the water goes in. These offer no control whatsoever in making your espresso. You can’t control the water flow through the coffee and you can’t stop the water flow. You have to wait for it to finish.
Also, like the stove top model, you must wait for it to cool down before you can make a second cup. This is time consuming and the espresso isn’t all that great. Some people say it tastes more like strong coffee than espresso.
* Electric Espresso Maker with Water Reservoir: Saving your money up for this type of espresso machine is well worth the cost. The water goes into a separate reservoir that allows you to turn it on and off, controlling the amount that goes through the coffee.
These models allow you to pull a shot with a nice crema on it. The drawback is of course the cost. They start at a around two hundred and can run into the thousands.
Having an espresso maker in your home gives you a warm feeling inside, knowing that anytime you crave that jolt you can pull your own shot and you can offer your guest those hot, tempting lattes they typically have to pay a fortune for.
Weigh the options available and make an informed decision when purchasing your espresso maker. Be sure to find out about warranties and read any comments you can find about the machine. If you are an espresso enthusiast you should consider this an investment not to be replaced in 6 months.
