How to Choose a Cheap Espresso Machine
Espresso requires water at the proper temperature and pressure to extract flavor from the ground coffee. But a quality espresso machine that has these features can be expensive and some models costing as much as $5,000.
Fortunately, it is possible to enjoy espresso on an affordable budget. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best cheap espresso machine.
Cost
If you're looking to get started with espresso making, a good quality espresso machine isn't a cheap investment. Depending on the kind of machine you select, you can spend up to $4,000. This includes the price of the manual coffee grinder or espresso maker as well as coffee beans. Pod machines or capsule machines are the cheapest, while semi-automatic espresso makers and automated espresso machines can cost between $150 and $500.
The best espresso machine will require some research into what you're looking for and want from your coffee-making experience. If you're new to the world of coffee, opt for an espresso maker that is manual, with an easy-to-use dial as well as a steam wand. You can play around with the settings and see how they affect the taste. Dual boiler models are ideal for those who love espresso and want to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. However, this type of machine will generally be more expensive than single boiler models.
In terms of price, it's important to consider how often you plan to use the espresso maker and what kinds of drinks you'll be making. If you intend to make lattes or cappuccinos every day, it may be worth investing in an automatic steamer that can bring the water to the proper temperature and do the work for yourself. If you take espresso every other week or less, a manual machine may be the best choice to cut down on time.
It used to take some serious skill and perseverance to make high-quality espresso at home, latest machines have made it a more accessible hobby for all but the most experienced of espresso drinkers. For example, the Coffee Gator Stilosa offers impressive brewing power and consistency for less than $500, making it one of our top choices for espresso machines that are affordable.
The entry-level model is still fantastic although it lacks the features that our more expensive choices have, such as the digital PID that controls the temperature of the water or a premium wand of steam. The Espresso Gator heats up fast, so you can enjoy your coffee in just 10 minutes.
Capacity
If you're planning to make high-quality espresso at home, it is crucial to select a machine that comes with an efficient pump as well as a steam wand. It should also have a large reservoir for water and a movable water tank. These features will save you time and effort while making your favourite cup of coffee. Additionally, you should think about how often you'll use the machine. For instance, if your only require a quick shot of espresso once or twice a week, a smaller portable model could be adequate. If you intend to use the machine for parties and other gatherings then a larger model may be more suitable.
A high-quality espresso machine should provide a powerful stream of hot water that will steam milk to create smooth foam that is creamy. It should also include an integrated thermometer to make sure that the water is at the proper temperature for brewing. This is particularly crucial when you're making lattes or cappuccinos, which require hot water.
Some espresso machines that are cheap offer a high level of pressure, however this isn't necessarily a good thing. Pressure that is too high can cause over-extraction and an unpleasant taste in the espresso. This is the reason why the majority of espresso machines are rated at 9 bar of pressure, not higher.
The most reliable and affordable espresso machines provide high levels of control, consistency and endurance. These features are important in a café setting where baristas prepare hundreds of drinks per day. The most inexpensive machines aren't as reliable or stable as more expensive models, but they will be used for a longer time if you follow the maintenance guidelines.
For those who prefer the traditional, manual method of brewing espresso, a manual espresso maker can be a great option. For example the Wacaco Picopresso is small, hand-powered device that makes use of a piston to generate the high levels pressure needed to make a perfect espresso. The Picopresso is available in one to 18 cup sizes and can be used on almost any stovetop including ceramic or induction cooktops. It is also ideal for camping and travel.
Design
A cheap espresso maker isn't likely to come with many bells and whistles, however it should be able to produce some decent-tasting shots. In most cases the main differences between less expensive machines and more expensive ones come down to temperature stability (or repeatability) and features that make it convenient.
Many espresso makers combine heat and pressure to extract espresso from coffee beans. Most espresso machines are designed to produce a perfect pressure of between 8 and 15 bar. Pressure is generated by steaming hot water filling the boiler. The more pressure you have, the more intense the extraction. A high-end espresso maker must be able to provide this level of pressure.
Another important consideration when choosing a cheap espresso machine is how easy to use and maintain. The design of an espresso machine can influence how simple or complicated it is to operate and clean. For instance certain machines come with removable parts that can be machine-washed. This can make cleaning simpler than if the entire machine is one piece of equipment.
Other machines require more effort to clean and operate. For instance, some machines will require manually flushed with hot water to flush out any remaining residue. This is particularly applicable to older espresso machines. The design of an espresso machine can also impact how easy it is to fill the reservoir with water and how quickly the machine can be heated up.
A good cheap espresso machine should have an easy-to-use interface and sufficient features to meet the requirements of the majority consumers. It should be simple to maintain, and repair. A majority of budget espresso machines come with a manual to help users troubleshoot problems.
During our reviews we searched for espresso machines with various options and settings. We wanted to find a machine that would be appealing to both novice and experienced espresso drinkers. We also considered the amount it cost and whether or not it had an integrated grinder.
We tested a prosumer model from Lelit which is now owned by Breville. This kind of machine is often referred to a semi-professional espresso maker, and is essentially a smaller version of the most sought-after commercial espresso machines. The Pro X is powerful and stylish, but not as precise as the other models we test.
Here are a few examples of
When looking for an espresso maker, there are a myriad of nick-knacks, doodads and thingamajigs that you should consider. Figuring out which ones are most important can be a difficult task particularly when you're investing hundreds of dollars. To make the process more simple start by imagining how often you'll use the machine.
Generally speaking, more frequent use will mean you'll require a machine that has an extra robust design. The reason for this is that continuous drinking can lead to the formation of mineral that can cause the steam wand coffee espresso machine and the water pump to wear faster than they would otherwise. This is why the majority of espresso machines that are priced at a lower price are constructed with a lower-quality metal, to reduce the risk of having these issues.
You should also think about whether you prefer an automatic or manual machine. The manual machine is more difficult for beginners to use. Automatic machines are equipped with two boilers that brew and vaporize at the same time. This is great to make lattes and cappuccinos. However they can be difficult to operate and may require more maintenance than manual machines.
A manual espresso maker, such as the De'Longhi Stilosa, is a great choice for espresso enthusiasts on a budget. It includes a pressurized container for coffee that has been ground prior to use, and an ordinary one that can be made bottomless. It has a removable portafilter that is easy to clean and a easy-to-use interface.
One disadvantage is that it doesn't include the steam gauge, however if you don't drink enough milk-based beverages to justify the cost of a dedicated steamer it isn't a big issue. It is also a little noisy, but it's nevertheless less expensive than other models in this class.
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a solid espresso machine at the price. It is a multi-tasker, capable of producing both regular and espresso in sizes from 0.84 to 135 fluid ounces. It's not the most powerful of espresso machines, however it's a reliable and consistent model that will last for many years. It has a powerful steam wand, but that could also be a problem for some users.