What You Need to Know Before Buying an Espresso Machine

If you’re reading this, it probably means that you love your espresso or are in dire need of an espresso machine. But before we head right into it, let’s make one thing clear, there is a huge difference between a cup of coffee and espresso. The flavors in a cup of espresso are so intense, filled with character, and packed with a punch! In a nutshell, it’s a flavor that’s out of this world. So if you thought, you could have the same experience with a cup of Joe, you might as well keep dreaming. And we have Italy to thank for the technology that made the first espresso machine back in the year 1884.

So, why would a small cup of coffee have a lot of reputation? The answer lies in the brewing machine! An espresso machine is arguably one of the most endowed machines by coffee lovers. Let’s face it, we are living in a busier society than our grandparents did. To most people, coffee becomes an everyday vital beverage.

For this reason, it makes a lot of sense if you would wish to invest in your own espresso machine because come to think about it, buying a cup or two of espresso each day can be a lot of money when tallied up over a month. But then again, not all espresso machines on the market are equal. The guys at Pick & Brew state in the article https://www.pickandbrew.com/choosing-the-best-home-espresso-machine/, that finding the ideal espresso machine for you can be an overwhelming task, especially considering the dozens of makes and models on the market. They also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and features, all of which contribute to a difference in pricing. This is why conducting some research online and checking out reviews online is crucial before purchasing your own espresso maker. To help you make a sound decision, though, here’s what you need to know before buying an espresso machine.

1. Usage

The first thing you want to consider before buying an espresso machine is how it will be used. Of course, it’s making a lot of espressos! But do you want an espresso machine for commercial or domestic purposes? A home espresso machine may not suffice for use in a cafe or coffee business. Now, while it’s expected that both will make the same espresso quality, there are a few differences between commercial and domestic espresso machines, namely:

A.  Size

Commercial espresso machines are often larger and will require a lot of space to set up. This is because they need to be connected directly into your building’s main plumbing for drainage purposes. So if money is not a problem and you have space, you can always get a commercial espresso machine for your home. You never know, you might just learn some barista techniques. On the other hand, domestic espresso machines are relatively smaller and are the ideal types of machines you’d want for your home or office kitchen.

B.  Certifications

If you want to invest in a commercial espresso machine, it must be NSF-Certified. This is because it’s manufactured for commercial use and all the sanitary and safety standards must be met, but the same cannot be said for domestic espresso machines. You’ll only need to pick one, pay, and you’re good to go.

C.  The Quantity of Espresso Brewed

Commercial espresso machines are designed and manufactured for exactly that, commercial use. This means producing hundreds of espresso cups a day. And it doesn’t stop there, some espresso machines can double up as latte and cappuccino makers. On the other hand, domestic espresso machines cannot measure up to the volume of espresso produced by commercial machines because for starters, they don’t have that same level of robust quality.

2. Budget

A homeowner only needs an espresso machine that will satisfy his needs and nothing else. But if you would consider the needs and the demands of espresso in a restaurant, you need an espresso machine that has a high level of robustness. This is why commercial espresso machines are more expensive than domestic espresso machines. It’s best to set up a budget depending on your needs and the type of espresso machine you want. Again, you will want to conduct some research beforehand and check out the reviews online to have a rough idea of how much you’d need.

3. The Quality of the Espresso

The espresso cup is creamier, stronger, richer, and tastier than any other coffee drinks in the world. For you to have such a combination of elements in one small cup, you need a machine that will give you exactly that. Nonetheless, various factors can impact the quality of espresso produced. Some machine-related ones include:

• The number of boilers present (the more – the better) – this will allow you to adjust each boiler to your specifications depending on the taste and quality of espresso you’re looking for.
• Pressure – For the best quality espresso, you need a machine that can forcibly push hot water through the ground coffee at maximum pressure. High pressure means good quality espresso.
• Temperature – For the production of top quality espresso, an espresso machine must reach its highest temperatures and remain steady at such temperatures

The perfect shot of espresso should have a balanced blend of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness. In addition to this, it should also include a thick top layer of crema. The elements will vary from one brand of the espresso machine to the other and this may affect the quality of the espresso.

4. Ease of Use

This is a question of preference. There are two types of espresso fans; those who wish that an automated machine takes the guesswork out of the process for that perfect cup of espresso and there are those who are hands-on, wanting to have control over how their espresso is made. Fortunately, there is always something for everyone. If you don’t have time for all the coffee brewing rituals, then you are better off with an automated espresso maker. These come with programmable features and intuitive controls. It’s therefore important to understand these features before buying one.

5. Safety

Espresso machines generate high temperatures and pressure. However, both the temperature and pressure are regulated inside. But you may notice that some machines will get warm to the touch. An espresso machine should have status lights and clear and easy to use buttons or controls. If you are considering a domestic espresso machine, go for models that have an auto shut off feature. This will go a long way in preventing accidental burns.

6. Warranty

Depending on the manufacturer, espresso machine warranties may range between one and two years. Before leaving the vendor, it’s important to ask them how the manufacturer offers support. Some manufacturers prefer mails, phone calls, while others offer support via the internet. Ensure that a user’s manual is provided for and that you are satisfied with the warranty.

Thanks to technology, those who thought that making a cup of espresso is complicated and strenuous can breathe a sigh of relief. Years back, it used to be a form of art. Some people still prefer it that way, but whatever your inclination, the above tips will provide you with insights on how to get the best espresso machine.