What Kind of Espresso Machine Do I Need?

 This chart will help you define the espresso experience you want to live. Follow the chart by answering basic questions and the arrows will point you to the type of espresso machine that will give you a thrill. Have fun!

 

 

  

 

Do you want an espresso machine for home/small office use or for a coffee shop / restaurant use?

 

 

 

 

 

Home / Small office

Coffee shop/restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is your budget above or below $700?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below $700

Above $700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want crema on top of your espresso?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

Characteristics

Stovetop

(Semi) Automatic

Super Automatic

Commercial

Level of Expertise

beginner

intermediate

beginner

intermediate

Picture

Vev Vigano Kontessa Espresso Pot

Rancilio Sylvia espresso machine

DeLonghi Magnifica Super Auto Espresso Machine ESAM3500.N

Pasquini Livia Automatic Espresso Machine 

Milk Frothing

one model only, manual

manual

automatic system

Available on manual and automatic system depending on model

Body

stainless steel or aluminium

plastic or stainless steel

plastic and stainless steel

polished stainless steel coachwork and chrome plated

Safety

none

automated pump shut off

3-Hour Automatic Shut-Off

automatic low water shut-off

Maintenance

normal

descaling when user judges necessary

automatic decalcification indicator

descaling when user judges necessary

Brewing Capacity (oz.)

6-18

35-67 removable water reservoir

44-82 removable water reservoir

118 oz.-1 gallon automatic boiler refill

Espresso Quality

no crema, less aroma

depends on user ability

guaranteed consistency

depends on user ability

Space Required

7''-11'' tall

avg. 9.25"W x 11.5"D x 13.75"H

avg. 11"W x 14.5"D x 15.5"H

12.5"H x 11.5"W x 15"D

Price Range ($)

25-100

150-700

750-2400

695-1740

Which one suits you best?

stove top comparison

semi-automatic comparison

fully automated comparison

commercial comparison

 

 

 

Once upon a time...

New Espresso Machine Takes Center Stage at Saturday Brunch Celebration

Madeline gazed out her wide kitchen window as the morning sun peeked through the trees. She could see its reflection glistening on the dew that covered the bright yellow day lilies lining the stone path that led from her back door to the rippling stream at the edge of her yard.

A perfect morning, she thought. And a day such as today deserved to start perfectly. After all, it wasn’t every day that provided the opportunity to celebrate your daughter’s first professional job. It wasn’t just any job either. After years of determination mixed with countless hours of late-night studying, her daughter, Emma, had graduated with honors with a degree in veterinary medicine. And Monday she would officially begin her career at one of the best veterinary clinics in the region.

That meant that only this weekend was left for celebrating Emma’s accomplishment, and Madeline had planned an outdoor summer brunch for friends and family to do just that. But she couldn’t begin preparing for the day without first going through her morning ritual. She turned away from her thoughts at the window to look towards the gleaming new espresso machine sitting proudly on the kitchen counter.

Madeline smiled, thinking back to the day almost one month ago when her husband, Thomas, had walked through the door with an “I’ve got a surprise for you” smile on his face and a ribbon-decorated box in his hands. Unable to wait for Madeline to lay down the stack of plates she was holding, Thomas had unravelled the ribbon and gleefully lifted a beautiful Rancilio Silvia from its protective box.

At first, Madeline had not known what it was. After all, she was familiar with regular coffee makers and even with stove top pots, but this…now, this was something beyond anything she had ever seen before. Still, she was not surprised by Thomas’s purchase. He loved coffee so much he considered it a separate food group, and he had always been fascinated by kitchen appliances. Besides, he had recently been saying that he wanted to purchase a home brewer. But Madeline had expected him to spend a day visiting retail coffee stores first to compare models before making his decision.

As if reading her mind, Thomas piped up, “Can you believe I found this online? I didn’t have to go to a single store!”

Still not quite sure of this whole “online” vocabulary, Madeline asked if this meant that he had found something on their computer and then called a company by phone to place an order.

The Convenience Of Shopping Online For Best Quality

Smiling, Thomas explained that he never even had to pick up the phone. Rather, his entire purchase experience, from researching the best espresso machines and comparing models to placing his order through a secure connection, had all been done through the computer from the comfort of their own living room.

Madeline soon learned, too, that Thomas had, indeed, done extensive research on various types and brands before making his selection. He had read reviews and compared models on different websites, such as EveryEspressoMachines.com and Shop.com.

On these sites, Thomas had been able to learn about stovetop moka pots (also known as portable espresso makers) and super automatic machines! Knowing that he wanted something that would not only make delicious coffee but would also become a centerpiece in their kitchen, he had chosen the stainless-steel-lined model he now held in his hands.

And even though it had only been a few weeks since Thomas had brought the box home, a morning cup of the aromatic brew had quickly become a ritual for Madeline.

Her coffee was soon steaming in its small cup, and Madeline walked over to the table to read the morning paper and wait for Thomas, who was always a bit of a sleepyhead, to join her. Thinking of the day ahead, she made a mental list of small tasks still to be completed. Put the flowers on the table, make the iced tea, heat up the homemade quiches, slice the fresh fruit... Madeline hoped her guests would also enjoy the strong brew as much as she and Thomas did each morning.

By the time she finished the final sip of her coffee, Thomas had padded down the stairs in his robe and slippers. Madeline quickly poured him a cup - with no sugar, just how he liked it - and began making final preparations for the day’s brunch.

Before she knew it, it was 11:00 am, and the doorbell heralded the arrival of the first guests. Madeline’s heart nearly burst as, for the next several hours, her beautiful Emma basked in the kind words and congratulations showered upon her by loving friends and family. And even as Emma enjoyed the celebration in her honor, guests couldn’t help but notice the bright shiny addition to Madeline’s kitchen countertop.

As Madeline served the steaming beverage to her guests, she realized that it came from much more than just a coffee maker. When it came down to it, her prized possession was really a tool that helped bring people together to celebrate life’s great achievements.

You too can capture important moments in the comfort of your own home. Visit the following recommended merchants to order now:

­Top Selling Coffee Makers by Brand

 

Use their comparison tool and make a clearer choice.


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Things You Should Know Before Buying 
Are you a coffee lover confused by all the different models currently being presented to us? Click the link above to clarify and compare.

Glossary
This collection of illustrated definitions will clarify the specific functions and enhance your barista vocabulary.


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