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Espresso means something to everybody. Some avoid it like the plague, others rely on it to kick start their day. Some don’t appreciate the high amount of caffeine it contains, while others see it as the perfect potion to ensure a late night out. Either way, espresso isn’t always easy to make, which is why this guide is aimed at helping you shop for the perfect espresso machine.

Types

So, where to begin? Let’s look at the different types of machines available. There are four types: manual, semi-automatic, automatic and fully automatic. Remember that with less work to do on the user’s part, the price increases. However, some of the fully automatic machines do all the work, from grinding and measuring to cleaning up with one push of the button, making it perfect for offices.

Steam

Steam is a vital aspect to consider, as steam provides pressure to push the water through the coffee grounds. Some cheaper machines don’t provide much steam, making the brewing of a simple cappuccino a major undertaking. Also, with the less expensive machines, there is usually no way to adjust the pressure or steam, which could be a problem.

Espresso machines also have a boiler, which heats the water until it becomes steam. In some machines, an electric pump forces the hot water into a chamber, where the water mixes with the coffee and produces your espresso. Manual pump machines are a lot cheaper, but require experimenting on your part to get the right amount of pressure.

Automatic machines

Automatic espresso machines are becoming more and more popular, but don’t agree with the espresso connoisseur, who feels that automatic machines remove the personal touch from each cup. These machines do make a fairly consistent cup of coffee, and also saves time by removing waste and producing the perfect cup with a push of a button.

So, choosing a machine will depend on who you are serving, how often you make a cup, and what sort of espresso you desire. If you are looking to serve an entire office, an automatic machine would be a good choice, and drinkers can make a cup in a minute with the push of a button. If you are looking to make a different cup each time, have a look at the super automatic machines, which do all the work of a regular automatic, but offer more choice. At a price.

Tags: caffeine, espresso, espresso machine