Who do not like their cup of Starbucks in the morning? A shot of espresso piping hot to get the day started. It is a thriving business, but in today's economy is not necessarily where you can afford to spend your money. So how do you get your shot of espresso? With an espresso machine of your own.
Today you can get an espresso machine in the kitchen without spending a fortune in the process. You can get them with or without steaming wands, and even as a part of your coffeemaker. You can get simple models that are used on your stove, steam pressure models or electric pump models. You can choose from semi-automated to fully automated. Espresso lovers have a literal buffet of machines to choose from.
With all these features to choose from, how can you know what's important and what is just accessories, which are not necessary? Read on.
Features
Cup Warmer: This is definitely not a necessity. Most are nothing more than flat plate located on top of the machine. Fancier models are available with a heating cabinet for storing espresso cups.
Frothing Wand: Simple espresso machines come with a regular wand; audacious machines come with a wand and a container to keep milk. For espresso only, it is not important. If you will be able to make latte you want a steam wand for frothing milk.
Control: A really good espresso machine will have more flexibility in adjusting the various elements essential to a good espresso. You should be able to control the quantity of water for each espresso, and maybe even the amount of coffee grounds (if the machine is automatic). In these controls allow you to create the perfect espresso coffee to your taste.
Pre-wetting: There are many names for this, depending on the brand of machine. Simply put coffee grounds are moistened before the espresso shot is pulled. This should help to release the aromatic oils to create a better espresso.
Pod Compatible: This is simply a convenience factor. Today there are pre-packaged pod of coffee to make espresso to make a no-mess task. Many espresso makers can use pods or regular loose coffee.
Filter: Some of the better espresso makers have a built-in water filter to remove chlorine or iron tastes from the water. Although this is a nice feature, it provides additional cost and the filters must be replaced. If your tap water is already filtered it is not necessary.
Bean Grinder: Luxury model espresso machines come with an integrated bean grinders. These machines grind enough beans for the current application. This is an expensive component.
Bypass Doses: If your machine has a bean grinder it can also have a bypass Doses. This allows you to slip into a second cup of coffee than what is stored in the grinder. If you're going to pay for an integrated mill, you should go ahead and get the bypass doses as well if you want something different one tomorrow.
Hot Water Dispenser: This is simply a service function. It will keep you from having to heat water if you want a cup of hot tea instead of coffee.
When deciding on an espresso machine for personal use, keep costs to a minimum by only buying as much machine as you need. You do not have an integrated grinder - you might want one, but it is not a necessity. By reducing the opportunities you do not need you to spend more on the machine and buy a reliable espresso machine that will last for years.
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