Most of us love coffee lovers hold the opinion that of all the varieties available, espresso takes the cake. Due to the fondness of espresso in the ‘coffee world’, more and more people are looking for the type of espresso machine that’s right for them.
Compared to other types of coffee, espresso is in a league of its own. It’s a strong, powerful, highly concentrated, flavorful drink made by forcing steam through coffee beans. Once you try an espresso, you’ll see why espresso machines for home use are in such high demand!
Today we would be highlighting the three main types of espresso machines that dominate the market in order to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine:
With semi-automatic espresso machines, you would have to stock up the supplies like water and ground coffee from time to time in order to ensure that the machine has everything it needs.
Using semi-automatic machines is similar to working with a fully automatic espresso machine: However, here’s the difference: Both fully automatic and semi-automatic machines require you to press a button, but after you press the button on a semi-automatic, the time period for which the coffee extraction takes place is dependent on you.
Semi-automatic machines allow you to stop the extraction. If the machine is pouring the coffee slowly, you can let the pump run for a longer period of time. This allows for a more ‘customized’ user experience.
Pros:
-Semi-automatic espresso machines are the most commonly used espresso machines and are highly suitable for home use.
-These machines offer you more control than fully automatic espresso machines, as you control the pump with the help of the button.
Cons:
- Cleaning the filter will be required after each use.
- A separate coffee grinder might be needed since it is absent in most of the semi-automatic coffee machines.
2. Fully Automatic Espresso Machine:
As it’s name suggests, this is the easiest type of machine to use. With a fully automatic espresso machine, you just need to simply press a button and the machine will do the rest of the work for you. The vast majority of fully-automatic machines are available for direct plumbing, so you most likely never have to check on things like water levels thanks to the direct water connection.
Fully Automatics also often have coffee grinder mechanism inside that grinds the beans on its own once you press the “start” button. You can put the coffee beans in the machine rather than ground coffee.
Also, the disposal of the used beans is automatic.
Once the beans are ground and the use of the beans is completed, the machine puts the used grounds into a separate bin, which you can later remove the contents of.
The most important thing to understand is that when you are using a fully automatic espresso machine, you do not have customizable control of the coffee. Your machines does the work for you. For some coffee lover, this might sound like a dream come true. But for others, maybe they want that ability to tweak their machine.
Pros:
-The most convenient option.
-These machines can be programmed in advance.
-You do not need any coffee-making skills to make a great espresso.
Cons:
-Little to no customization options.
-Fully automatic espresso machines can be very expensive.
-If used frequently (such as a busy restaurant), these machines may require frequent maintenance.
3. Manual (Lever) Espresso Machine:
This type of machine is the most time-consuming.
There are quite a few steps you have to complete in order to produce your espresso. However, this allows for the most customizable beverage.
You will have to first add water and ground coffee in the machine. Once the water is heated you, you have to pull the lever down, which forces water into the compartment where the ground coffee is present.
After that, you have to adjust the frother according to the type of coffee you need.
Honestly, the steps we just mentioned only scratch the surface, and these machines take a lot of practice. But even though this might seem like a lot of work, you will be able to brew the exact type of coffee you want.
Pros:
-Controlling the lever previously helps you creates better coffee.
-Customization is possible when you are using the manual espresso machine.
-Most Manual Espresso Machines are relatively small, which can be convenient for small kitchen countertop space.
Cons:
-Not suitable if you don't have good espresso making skills or if you’re not will to learn
-It is not easy to operate the machine
-Probably not the best machine for those always in rush in the mornings
Espresso-making is incredibly satisfying, and there is a reason more “home baristas” are coming out the woodworks. We hope this brief guide will help you choose the best espresso machine for your needs!