Waking up in the morning, one of the first things you want is that perfect cup of coffee, but at-home creations always seem to fall short when compared against the delicious, decadent, and artisanal options your local cafe has on the menu. Producing brews that are either overly watery or way too strong, most basic drip coffee makers aren’t designed to deliver those perfect pumpkin spice lattes or creamy caramel macchiatos, and this is why true connoisseurs have started to make the switch from a low-level coffee pot to a more professional-grade espresso machine. With the ability to deliver cafe-style creations right inside your own kitchen, espresso machines have become synonymous with quality beverages, and if you want to ensure you’re starting each day off right, then this is the purchase you need to be putting at the top of your to-buy list. 

Types of Machines

Before you’re able to transform from a bleary-eyed coffee drinker into a professional barista, the first thing you will need to do is dive deep into the world of espresso machines so you can discover which style is going to be a good fit for you and your kitchen. Far from a one-size-fits-all product, espresso machines are available in a wide range of options, and they offer everything from fully manual models to completely automatic designs. Which you prefer will depend on your experience level, drink preferences, and of course, your budget, and it’s essential that you understand the core differences between them so you can make an informed choice. 

For those who want a truly hands-on experience every morning, manual espresso machines are the ideal choice and they perfectly compliment coffee enthusiasts who love having full control over every aspect of the brewing process. From how hot the temperature is to the fineness of the grind, a manual model grants you the freedom to fine-tune your espresso pull exactly how you want it, and you can end up with that flawless shot that is suited to your exact taste preferences. However, manual machines are not always super beginner friendly, and learning how to operate one correctly takes patience, practice, and can be very time-consuming. If you are already someone who tends to run late in the morning, or who doesn’t enjoy creating a full ritual for each drink they produce, then you may find the intense nature of a manual machine is a bit too overwhelming for your day to day coffee habit, and a different type may be more up your alley. 

A more balanced option for coffee sippers who love the idea of a manual machine but aren’t ready to fully commit to the amount of effort required, the semi-automatic espresso machine provides both control and convenience, allowing you to craft your favorite beverages but in a lot less time. With semi-automatic models, you have the freedom to adjust essential variables like grind size or shot duration, but thanks to the electric pump you don’t have to worry about water pressure or figuring out what temperature is best. The downside to this option though, is that there still is a learning curve associated with perfecting the process, and while it isn’t as steep as a manual machine, it may still feel daunting when all you want is a quick cup in the morning. 

The epitome of convenience and consistency, fully automatic espresso machines are the go-to choice among coffee lovers who want high-quality beverages that don’t require any effort or input from them. With just a touch of a button, these impressive models will do all of the hard work for you, and they can grind, brew, extract, and froth, making it feel like you have a personal barista right inside your own kitchen. One of the best things about these impressive units is that you don’t have to completely give up all control in order to use one, and you’ll still have the ability to pick your preferred coarseness, strength, and milk consistency by making selections on the built-in screen. However, while the fully automatic espresso machine is by far the most convenient, it can also be one of the more expensive options and you also will lose the ability to control water pressure or flow, which will instead be handled by the machine itself. 

Taking the fully automatic machine a step further, pod coffee makers have become one of the most popular options in recent years and you likely already know someone who has this type of unit in their home or office. Prioritizing simplicity and speed, pod machines require little more than popping a premade pod into a slot, and after closing the lid, you simply press a button and wait for your coffee to brew. With no grinding required, and no effort from you, the pod machines do a fantastic job of delivering consistent, dependable cups that are fast, easy, and ideal for a busy lifestyle. Where pod machines fall short, however, is that the quality of the brew isn’t always the greatest, and they almost completely eliminate your ability to customize your drink beyond choosing which pod you prefer. Ultimately, this option is better for anyone who lacks time in the morning and who isn’t exceptionally picky when it comes to the robust taste of their espresso. 

Espresso Machine Features

When choosing an espresso machine, the first thing you need to consider is which type you feel fits best into your budget, lifestyle, and needs, but once you’ve been able to narrow that down, the next step will be learning about all of the features that may be included with your new model. Each of the main features can have a substantial impact on your coffee-making journey and they can alter the convenience, quality, and taste of each drink you create. This is why you will want to understand all of the core components, so you can unlock the full potential of your espresso machine and enjoy coffee that is truly tailored to your taste and your style

One of the fundamental factors that greatly influences the quality of your espresso is brewing pressure, and this refers to the amount of force that is applied to the coffee grounds during the extraction process. The ideal level of pressure for the perfect pull is around 9 bars, which is optimal for extracting the rich flavors and decadent aromas from the coffee. 

The boiler is the part of your espresso machine that heats up your water and milk to the perfect temperature, and depending on the model you choose, yours may come with either a single or double boiler. For single boilers, the water and milk would need to be heated separately, but with a double boiler model this part of the process is conducted simultaneously, making it a more convenient and less time consuming espresso-making experience.

An essential component of your espresso machine, the grinder is what turns those whole beans into fine ground coffee, and it holds a pivotal role in the quest for a perfect espresso shot. Getting the right consistency is an absolute must when trying to pull an exquisite shot, and most people prefer a burr grinder which can crush your beans precisely to your specifications each and every time.  

If you enjoy milk-based coffee beverages such as lattes or cappuccinos then a built-in milk frother will be a key element that you want to ensure your next model comes fully equipped with. From steam wands to automatic frothers, there are a number of options available to you, and just like with the espresso machine itself, it will come down to how much control you prefer when crafting your drinks.  

Mainly only a factor when looking at automatic machines, programmability refers to how much you are able to customize and automate various aspects of the coffee-making process, and this could include allowing you to select the cup size, the shot volume, the water temperature, or even the pre-infusion time. The more programmable a machine is the more exact you will be able to make your beverages and it can help you to create cafe-level drinks every time you use it. 

Key Considerations

Beyond the types of machines available and all of the impressive features they can include, there are additional considerations you will want to take into account before you settle on that perfect unit for your kitchen. For example, espresso machines aren’t cheap and they aren’t always compact, so if you’re a budget-conscious shopper who lives in an apartment with limited counter space, this is something you will want to be aware of before you begin your search. Likewise, if you aren’t interested in a machine that has a steep learning curve, or one that requires a ton of maintenance between uses, then you need to ensure you’re only browsing easy-to-operate models that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Spending money on a product that isn’t a good fit can be incredibly frustrating, so some of the key considerations you’ll want to ponder will include:

Espresso machines aren’t something that you want to have to put away after every use, and these large, and oftentimes heavy, units are designed so that they can be proudly displayed on your countertop 24/7. If you’re already dealing with cluttered counters and little to no extra space, a bulky manual espresso machine could be a big problem, which is why you may want to consider a smaller option like a mini pod machine. 

Ranging in price from $100 to $2,000+, espresso machines aren’t a particularly cheap appliance to purchase, and the more advanced you go, the more expensive they will get. Before you begin shopping, it’s important that you set a realistic budget in advance and then only browse the available options that aren’t going to drain your life savings. 

Are you someone who loves to read a book while slowly sipping on an exquisite shot of espresso? Or do you love a frothy, milk-forward beverage that is sweet and indulgent? Knowing what you like to drink will help you significantly in picking a machine, with straight espresso drinkers leaning more towards manual or semi-automatic options, and latte lovers finding that the automatic or even pod models are more than sufficient. 

An espresso machine can do a lot for you, but one of the things it isn’t often able to do is clean and maintain itself on its own. Like any home appliance, your unit will require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure its longevity, and depending on the model, this could be as simple as tapping a few buttons every couple of months, or it could require taking things apart to get deep inside. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, keep your eyes open for machines that include a self-cleaning or descaling mode, as these will save you a lot of time and effort. 

The amount of noise an espresso machine makes is a worthwhile consideration, especially if you happen to live with family or roommates who might not appreciate being woken up every morning to the loud sound of your latte being brewed. Models that have built-in grinders will always be significantly louder than those that accept pre-ground pods, so keep this in mind as you browse the options and make sure you choose a machine that realistically suits your living situation.

Bottom Line

When it comes to selecting the ideal espresso machine there are numerous factors that you want to include in your decision-making process, and by looking at the various types, styles, features, and considerations, you can ensure that you end up with the ideal unit for your needs, budget, and preferences. Whether you’re just starting out on your at-home brewing journey, or you’re an experienced barista looking to perfect their skills, there are endless possibilities when it comes to espresso machines, and with a little effort and patience, you can turn your kitchen into a gourmet-style cafe that serves up decadent, handcrafted beverages each and every morning.