How to Choose an Espresso Machine
You no longer need to head into a café to get delicious coffee. If you choose the right machine, you’ll be able to brew it at home. To do this, you’ll need to purchase a high-quality espresso machine. There are plenty of options for you to pick from. But not all espresso machines are created equal. Let’s look at how you can find the perfect one for you.
Type of Machine
The first thing that you need to decide is the type of espresso machine you want. This will guide the type of options that you will be looking at. There are a few types of machines that you might want to use. For example, you might want to be able to get a manual device. This will require you to control everything yourself. While this will take more skill, it will also allow you to customize the experience so that the coffee tastes precisely the way you want.
The other option that you might want to consider is a semi-automatic machine. Though you’ll still need to work on some elements, others will be automated. Thirdly, you can get an automatic espresso machine. This will allow you to create a delicious cup of coffee with the push of a button.
You might also need to think about the country of origin. Generally, most people prefer to use an Italian machine. These tend to have the best design, looking the most stylish. Inside, everything has been carefully designed to allow you to produce the highest quality coffee.
Grinder
The next thing that you’ll need to consider is the type of grinder. Some machines will have the grinder built-in. This is most common in automatic machines. In other cases, though the grinder won’t be attached. Because of this, you’ll need to purchase the grinder separately. Thankfully, there are plenty of quality grinders available for you to choose from.
Steam Wand
You might also want to consider whether your machine has a steam wand. This is essential if you want to make milk foam to drizzle over the coffee. Often, these wands will be located to the side of the machine. When looking at the wand, make sure it’s metal. This means that it will be high-quality. To keep it in good condition, wipe down the wand after every use.
Durability
If you’re going to be purchasing a new machine, you want to make sure that it will last for a long time. There are a few ways that you’ll be able to make sure that you’re getting a durable device. First, you’ll need to check that it is using quality parts. Often, you’ll want to see that the espresso machine is made from metal, rather than plastic. It can also be a good idea to check out the reviews. This will let you know if other customers experienced any issues. Finally, you might want to check whether it comes with a warranty.
Size
Espresso machines can often get quite large. The kind of device that they use in a coffee machine might take up the entire bench in a small kitchen. Because of this, you’ll need to pick a machine that will work for your kitchen. The dimensions of the espresso machine will be included in the product specifications. You might want to measure your kitchen, so you know the amount of space that you have available.
Water Storage
It’s also important to think about how large the storage tank on the espresso machine will be. This will determine the number of cups you’ll be able to make at once. Though it’s not as important as some of the other factors on this list, it’s still useful information. In some more expensive machines, you might need to plumb in the espresso machine. This ensures that it will have a constant supply of water.
Easy Cleaning
Like most kitchen appliances, you’ll need to keep your espresso machine clean. If you don’t there’s the risk that it will start to develop mold. Because of this, you’ll need to think about whether or not it will be easy for you to clean out the espresso machine. Often, the parts will be able to get detached. This will make it easy for you to clean them off. Usually, the instruction manual will go into more detail about how often you’ll need to clean the machine.
Price
For many people, there is a limit to the amount that they are prepared to spend on an espresso machine. The price will often depend on the type of device you want to purchase. For example, automatic machines tend to be the cheapest. You might be able to pick up a decent one for under $150. Manual machines are the most expensive. Also, you’ll need to decide between a domestic or commercial machine. When buying from home, get a domestic machine. While the commercial machines might come with more features, they are larger. They also tend to be significantly more expensive.
Design
Finally, if you want to have an espresso machine sitting on your bench you want to make sure that it looks good. Today, there will be plenty of stylish designs for you to choose from. Often, you’ll be able to find a machine that uses a lot of vibrant colors. It’s important to consider the other appliances that you have in the kitchen, this will help the machine blend in. On a more practical note, you want to think about the length of the cord. This will determine where you’ll be able to put it. This is even more important if you have limited bench space.
Conclusion
With the right espresso machine, you’ll be able to create a delicious cup of coffee at home. As we’ve seen, there are a few ways that you can make sure you’re getting a quality device. If you want some more tips, and to see a list of impressive options, check out this Italian espresso machines compilation. So, use this advice to find the perfect machine for you and start brewing coffee today.