What to Know Before Buying an Espresso Machine?

• What is an espresso machine?
• How does the espresso machine work?
• Advantages and fields of application
• What types of espresso machines are there?
  • Espresso machines with pods or capsules
  • Models with grinder
  • Manual models
• Ease of use and design
• Speed
• Coffee quality
• What to pay attention to when buying an espresso machine?
• Alternatives to espresso machines

When purchasing an espresso machine, there are a few things to bear in mind.

What is an espresso machine?

An espresso machine is a device for producing Italian coffee that is distinguished by its robust taste and smaller size compared to traditional coffee. Designed in Turin in 1884, the first espresso machine was the work of Angelo Moriondo.

Operating by steam, it was only industrially produced at the beginning of the 20th century. But it wasn’t until the 1960s, with the pump espresso machine, that this product became a domestic accessory that was gradually becoming more and more popular.

Nowadays, espresso coffee machines have become common consumer goods, but this does not mean that manufacturers skimp on the quality of their products: Quite the contrary. Competition is tough, and every brand is looking to stand out from the competition.

How does the espresso machine work?

An espresso machine works thanks to a pressure system of 9 bars which allows the extraction of coffee. This pressure is obtained with the help of accessories such as vibration, rotary or manual pumps. For the process to be successful, the device must also have some thermal stability.

This is because the water must be at the right temperature when it comes into contact with the ground coffee. Unfortunately, on inferior quality machines, this functionality may deteriorate over time. But don’t panic: if the device is working normally, you will have a small cup of concentrated coffee every morning without any problem.

Just turn on your machine, place a container under the opening and wait for the liquid to pour out. Nothing’s easier.

Advantages and fields of application

The advantage of espresso machines is that they very quickly deliver a particularly dense and concentrated caffeinated coffee. The taste and aroma are incomparably superior to those of a traditional coffee machine.

The brands also invest a lot to offer the widest possible choice of pods to vary the pleasures and intensities according to your wishes and tastes. Blends, arabica, organic or very black coffee: there’s something for everyone.

What types of espresso machines are there?

Espresso machines with pods or capsules

Espresso machines with pods or capsules are the most common on the market. Operating with a percolator, they produce high-quality, concentrated coffee in less than a minute. To do this, pour water into the machine, place a pod in it and turn on the device. Two downsides, however: the pods are not recyclable and are quite expensive for large consumers.

Models with grinder

Espresso machines with grinder grind the beans automatically using a metal or ceramic grinder. Although coffee is often better with these machines, maintenance and cleaning is more difficult than with a pod machine. The purchase price is also higher.

Manual models

Manual espresso machines are recommended for true coffee enthusiasts. Here, no predefined programs: it’s up to you to measure what you want to have in your cup (intensity and quantity).

Enough to personalize your coffee consumption as you wish. More difficult to use and maintain than the other two models, their lifespan is however significantly longer.

Ease of use and design

Espresso machines have become kitchen decorating elements as well as very practical accessories. To know whether a machine is excellent, it must pass the test of design and ergonomics.

Speed

The main strength of espresso machines is their speed to prepare a very fine coffee. To be considered as good, an espresso machine should take a maximum of 30 seconds to make a standard 30 ml espresso, no more.

Coffee quality

An espresso machine must produce a quality beverage. If it does not, it obviously cannot be considered as good.

Other notable (but somewhat less critical) criteria include :

• the noise of the device ;
• tank capacity ;
• functionalities (milk frother, tea preparation…) ;
• ease of maintenance.

What to pay attention to when buying an espresso machine?

When deciding to buy an espresso machine, you must take into account certain criteria to be sure to make the best choice. The first criterion is obviously the capacity of the device.

Indeed, if you are the only one in your household drinking coffee, you don’t need a machine that can make two espressos at the same time or vary the height of the cup holders. Then do you want to consume only coffee or also tea or latte macchiato? If you are in the second case, a general-purpose machine will be more indicated. Finally, before you start, define your priorities.

Alternatives to espresso machines

Sometimes, instead of espresso, you might feel like a long coffee, a mocha or a cappuccino. There are different machines for this purpose. One example is the filter coffee maker, perfect for families and heavy coffee drinkers thanks to its large preparation capacity (about 20 cups at a time). There is also the pod coffee maker, which uses the same system as pod espresso machines but with less pressure. Finally, we can cite the French press and Italian-style coffee makers, which are preferred for those who like strong coffees.

If you wish to buy an espresso machine from Turkey, please do not hesitate to contact us by mail at  [email protected] or to call us at +90 532 361 5149. We can help you to get in direct contact with producers or provide you with everything that you need.