Choosing a Home Espresso Machine by Sandy Spencer
This article is meant to be brutally honest to help you narrow down the field, in case you are lost, in choosing the espresso machine that will fit your lifestyle and budget.
If you are just looking for a great coffee maker, and are not primarily interested in espresso:
Then you don't have to spend much time looking. There are two superior brands of coffee makers: the Saeco Renaissance (2 models), and Bunn (5 models). Both Saeco and Bunn have many years of experience designing coffee makers, and all of these machines are built to run all-day, everyday. Bunn is the premier brand known in the US, and is so confident of their quality that they offer a 3-year warrany. Saeco has a similar reputation in Europe, and also offers an extensive line of commercial-quality espresso machines. You will not go wrong with any of these coffee makers - they are much better than what you are likely to find in your local department store. The various models have different features - you will need to read about them to choose the features that best suit you.
Note that the machines mentioned above are just coffee makers. If you also would like to be able to make espresso, but don't want two machines on your counter, many of the espresso centers will make regular American coffee as well as espresso. If you are interested in this capability, you will need to read about the various models to choose the functions that best suit you. Note that if you get an espresso center, a standard feature is a built-in coffee grinder that will grind the beans immediately before brewing, which will give you a much fresher tasting cup of coffee. Expect to pay a lot more for an espresso center than for a coffee maker.
If you want to make espresso, but don't have any money:
Then frankly, you cannot afford a serious espresso machine at this time. That's OK. You can make espresso with stovetop pots for $20-$40, and can buy portable, low-end electric machines for under $100.
If you want a good, no-frills espresso machine on a budget:
The following machines offer a nice choice in the $200-$350 range. They are simple, no-frills machines, and will deliver professional quality espresso at minimal price for your personal (meaning low-volume) espresso brewing. Do not think that just because these are not that expensive, you will not be getting excellent espresso. When we say "on a budget," we mean that these machines don't have all the features of the more expensive machines, and that they are not made to brew espresso in high volume. Nonetheless, these machines will brew espresso for your personal consumption that is quite satisfactory.
You can't go wrong with the following machines:
For about $200: The Bosch Barino, For about $250: The Saeco Gran Crema, For about $300: The Saeco Aroma, For about $350: The Solis SL 70, or the La Pavoni Espresso Si.
If you can't be bothered with complicated machinery, and want something simple and easy:
In this case, you should do one of two things, depending on the setting in which you are likely to make espresso or coffee.
First, for sheer simplicity in making espresso, consider buying an automatic espresso machine that uses pre-packaged "coffee pods." These are pre-measured, self-contained packets that you simply place in the machine, and press a button. There is no measuring, and no mess to clean up. When you are done, simply take the pod out of the machine, and discard it. The La Pavoni Cellini (for $630) uses either pods or ground coffee. The Ascaso DREAM Pod-Only machine ($1000) only takes pods. Several of the Automatic Espresso machines can take either pods or ground coffee; you will need to read the details.
Second, for a fresher espresso taste and more versatility in use, consider buying an "espresso center." Espresso centers are "all-in-one" machines with straightforward automatic push-button operation. In addition to brewing espresso, they contain built-in coffee grinders that will grind the apporopriate amount of beans (e.g., just for one or two cups) "on demand." In this way, exactly the right amount of coffee is ground immediately before brewing, which gives you the freshest possible flavor. All you need to do is to fill the hopper with coffee beans; the machine will do the rest for you. In addition to brewing espresso, most espresso centers will also brew regular coffee.
Expect to pay at least $1000 for a good-quality espresso center. For example, the Bosch B20, the Saeco V'Spresso Automatic, and the Saeco Incanto Classic SBS each sell for $1000. For more functionality, the Bosch B30 and the Saeco Magic Comfort Plus are in the $1200-$1300 range. The highest-end offers the most features and is suitable for catering functions and commercial use. In this range, consider the Saeco Incanto Sirius or the Saeco Royal Professional, each for $1500.
Note that by "good quality," we mean that you are getting a commercial-quality machine that is basically idiot-proof, that will meet all of your coffee and espresso brewing needs (with minimal work or cleanup by you), and that is robust enough to be used in small commercial settings, such as restaraunts. There are some less expensive models that will be adequate in the home, for lower volume use. But in the home, note that the down-side to an espresso center is that it will require at least 2 sqaure feet of counter space. In a small kitchen, this may take up more space than you can afford. If this is the case, you should just get an espresso machine, and not a "center."
In an office environment, an espresso center might be the perfect solution - even in a small kitchen. This is because many people might be using the machine. In this environment, you don't want something that requires any special knowledge, skill, or cleanup.
If you want a work of art that looks beautiful as part of your home decor:
There are several different "looks." For a beautiful space-age design by Carlo Gallizi, one of Italy's premier industrial designers, take a look at the La Pavoni Cellini, for about $630. For ultra-modern shapes done in striking "retro" colors (and even color patterns) see the Ascaso DREAM Verstile models, for $750. And for a really classic look, reminiscent of the old-world European coffee shops, you should consider the La Pavoni Lever Espresso machines. These are in the $570-$1200 range, depending on the size and the finish that you choose. A word of caution: Lever machines are not "automatic." They will require some trouble and practice to learn to use them. Once you learn to use them (and an instructional video is enclosed), these machines will make better espresso than any other machine. But if you are looking for simple push-button operation, these are not for you.
If you want the absolute best espresso, and are willing to learn a basic barrista technique:
Then you must get a La Pavoni Lever-Operated Espresso machine. These are in the $570-$1200 range, depending on the size and the finish. You will need to learn to operate these machines, but once you do, they will produce the best results. These machines come with a free instructional video.
If you intend to grind your own coffee beans:
First of all, you will get a much better result, since you will get the best flavor from freshly ground coffee beans. But there are two ways to go here. You can either buy an "Espresso Center," which is a compound machine having a built-in grinder, or you can just buy a coffee grinder to use with any of the models above.
Espresso centers are all-in-one, push-button machines with all the frills. Most of them will make almost any kind of coffee beverage. There are a number of low-end models in the $500 range, but for industrial quality, expect to spend at least $1000, and probably more. Many of the models in this price range are good enough for commercial use, and will certainly meet your needs if you are accustomed to entertaining. Keep in mind, however, that these are large machines, are not easily portable (even if they say so), and will take a lot of counter space. These machines are excellent as part of a bar decor. So if you entertain a lot and have the space, an espresso center might be your best choice.
About Coffee Grinders:
For more versatility and less counter-space than an espresso center, you should probably purchase a separate electric coffee grinder. While there are hand-cranked models, these are not for serious coffee-making, and are more for decoration and decor. There are also some inexpensive electric grinders in the $50 price range. These are for grinding small amounts of coffee for generic use. If you will be grinding larger amounts of coffee, and want a more durable machine, expect to spend over $200. And for really good results, you want a grinder that grinds at low-RPM, so that the beans do not get overly heated. A grinder that heats up the beans will not only give the coffee an unpleasant "burned" taste, but the heat will destroy some of the coffee flavor. Heavy weight is usually an indication of a high quality, low-RPM grinder. This is because it takes a large (hence, heavy) motor to produce enough torque to grind the beans slowly. For some real heavyweights, see the two Rancilio "Rocky" grinders (named after the Italian Stallion himself, because of their durability), and also the two Pasquini grinders. While these are very expensive, they are all industrial-strength, and will not disappoint.
If you intend to make Turkish coffee, your grinder must specifically say that it can do this kind of a fine grind. For durable machines that do low-temperature grinds over all granularities, expect to spend over $300. If you intend to make Turkish coffee, (and you really should try it if you haven't), you should make sure that your grinder leaves you this option. You will also need to purchase Turkish coffee pots, called "ibriks," which are beautiful decor items for your kitchen or dining room, even if you don't use them for brewing anything.
We hope that you can identify which of the categories above best describes you, and that this will help you to narrow the field. If you have any questions, please drop us a note.
About the Author
Sandy is always looking for the newest trends in coffee and espresso machines. Visit her website at www.thecoffeebrewers.com - and please, feel free to send in your comments!
