Intro

If there’s lore around espresso coffee, there’s more around the espresso machine. Most people wouldn’t even think about getting one because they are expensive. The truth is that a commercial espresso machine can cost in the ten of thousands, just like a car. But the question is, do you need something so high-end?

What you really need is something practical

Just the fact that we can buy something expensive doesn’t mean we should. Why dish out money for something that will lose its value as we use it? That’s why many people, me included, buy stuff in the middle, the best in a price range. The truth is that I really don’t want something to outlast me.  I get bored with certain things. Replacing them is something I like to do. I like shopping around. Products get improved, all the time. So, if a machine under $200 lasts me 5 years, then it wasn’t a bad investment.

All you need, from an espresso machine, is that it does two things: makes espresso and froths milk. If you are a purist, then all you need is a machine that extracts coffee well. The rest is just know-how, practice makes you better.

I know someone who bought a machine for about $800 and hates it. On the other hand, I know someone else who bought the same machine and loves it. Why? The first one expected too much, the other one, got what he needed. My friend is a very practical guy, so he knew what he was getting, not a La Marzocco.

I like to think I’m very practical, my machine costs me about a $100, and it works fine after 5 years.

You can make a well-made espresso drink at home

Do I have to tell you that there are a million recipes and tutorials on YouTube on making espresso drinks?

Like any other recipe, the ingredients used will improve your drink. If you use regular milk, remember it has  more fat content than 2 percent. Yet, it will give you a richer taste but not as many bubbles. I say this because for years I’ve had to deal with customers whose only concern was the bubbles (foam) they got. 

When it comes to espresso, you can find machines that will yield a decent product. You will not be able to make ten in a row, but a couple of them, yes.

Things to be aware before buying a budget machine

Let’s be clear, an expensive espresso machine is expensive for a reason. The materials and electronics will be more robust and replaceable. You won’t  have this luxury with a home budget machine. After a couple of years, your machine will need  replacing. The materials used in these machines are plastic and some thin stainless steel. 

Additionally, professional espresso machines have a whole hydraulic system that ensures your coffee will be hot, minor adjustments can be made if necessary. Not so with a budget machine that comes preset. That’s not so bad, one less thing for you to worry about. If the water is hot enough for steam, then it’s hot enough.

What makes good espresso

Let’s start with the second most important ingredient, your espresso coffee. Use the best you can afford. It’s usually a blend of  arabica and robusta. The more arabica, the milder (sweeter) your espresso would be. More robusta, yields a bolder (bitter) tasting coffee.

That out of the way, let’s concentrate on how fine this coffee needs to be. The grind in this type of machine should be finer than it would normally be because it has a pump preset at 15 bar, and not the standard 9 bar.

This means that your coffee will flow at a faster rate. The only adjustment you can make is the grind. If  you buy already ground espresso, go for the fine or even extra fine type. 

Frothing milk 101

Here comes the part everybody likes. Who doesn’t like milk? (Actually, I don’t).

All those milky drinks you see in every coffee shop, define what people think is good coffee. So, ultimately, the espresso is not the protagonist.

One trick, and this goes for every machine, you should always purge your steam wand. With the type of machines in the reviews, make sure the steam comes out dry.  Frothing milk with wet steam is going to water down the milk and change its consistency. With a little practice, you can come up with great froth milk.

My Suggestions:

De’Longhi ECP 3120 que lo 15 Bar with Advanced Cappuccino System

This is as simple as it gets. It comes from the Delonghi family of appliances. Don’t  let yourselves be turned down by the video in the link. They used the wrong coffee.

We can call this machine an entry level machine, but it may well be the only one you get. Think of the fact that all you probably want  is one or two cappuccinos at a given time. 

Pros

     Affordable

     Compact

Cons

     Basic looking

I’m tempted to buy this one for myself.   It has all the extras that you’ll find in a higher end machine. The thermo block is  really a great way of heating water fast in these types of machines. A PID keeps a consistent water temperature and the pre infusion feature guarantees almost a cafe tasting espresso. 

If you’re entertaining, temperature recovering time between shots, is minimal, a boastful 30 seconds

Mr.Coffee    Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Programmable Coffee Maker with Automatic Milk Frother and 15-Bar Pump, Stainless Steel,Silver

Not bad at all and the side canister is a great addition.It’s not great looking but it does the job.

Pros

      Reliable

Cons

      Basic looking

Nespresso EN80B Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Black

Simple to use. Hard plastic.  This model continues to be a great  buy and is very popular. This one in particular uses  k-cups and does not froth milk.

Gevi Espresso Machine 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Expresso Coffee Machine with Milk Frother Steam Wand

I know is not easy to dish out our hard earn money. But the  options in this article won’t break the bank. Sometimes we make the mistake of over buying things to outlast us one generation. As espresso enthusiast keep tinkering with technology, new machines will be made. Don’t be tempted to invest all your money in something that in 5 years time, most  likely, will be improved. Worst comes to worst, and you get stuck buying a Moka pot.  What’s wrong with that?

You don’t usually get a bargain like this. Sure, there are models with built in grinders.  The grinder, in this scenario,  will give you more control over your shot. Just be mindful that your pump is at 15 bar. If you make the grind too coarse, it’ ll flow too fast. Aim at extracting 3 to 5 seconds after you press the portion button.

Pros

     Bang for your buck

     Control over your shot

      Thermo block

Cons

     Maybe too good to be true

Nothing lasts for ever

The truth is that as long as people tinker with tecnology, products will be improved. If you get 5 years from a coffee machine, consider yourself lucky.  Any machine’s worst enemy is the water you use. Consider using filtered or spring water. This alone will solve most of the major problems that come up with time.

Nothing lasts forever, but simplicity helps us do more with what we have, and enjoy the journey longer. Worse comes to worst and you end up with a Moka pot. Just remember, it’s not about the equipment. It’s always about the beans!