If you're confused about the question of how to choose an espresso machine, you're in the right place. After all, I'm well aware that more and more of you are considering replacing your current machine or starting out fresh on your home espresso journey.
If you’re confused about the question of how to choose an espresso machine, you’re in the right place. After all, I’m well aware that more and more of you are considering replacing your current machine or starting out fresh on your home espresso journey.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to devote an entire post to the subject of choosing the right espresso maker. You’ll find all the information you need to help you find an espresso machine that’ll work for you. I’ll also throw in some tips for selecting the right espresso accessories to make your home barista setup complete.
And once you’re familiar with what’s out there, feel free to head over to my best home espresso machine guide. That’s where you’ll find the deets on my current favorites.
High-Pressure Situation: How a Home Espresso Machine Works
I’d need half the Internet to really get into the nitty gritty of espresso machine functioning. And you’d need an engineering degree just to understand me. However, none of that is necessary to get a handle on the basics:
Water is heated in a boiler, coil or container, depending on the machine’s design.
A high-quality pump ensures that this water doesn’t simply trickle from the spout, but is instead forced out under pressure.
The key to achieving this is the portafilter basket. Dosed with an exact quantity of perfectly compressed grounds of the right grind size, it creates resistance from below.
According to the Italians, your machine is only one of five factors needed to create a tasty straight espresso. They call it the 5M formula:
Miscela (espresso blend): High-quality espresso beans, preferably with a visible proportion of robusta beans for an extra-stable crema. Dosing matters. About a quarter of an ounce or 7 grams to be precise (and you should be) is combined with just under one fluid ounce (25 milliliters) of water for a single shot.
Macinadosatore (grinder): Producing fine enough and consistent enough grounds not only optimizes extraction but also ensures an ideal contact time of around 25 seconds.
Macchina (espresso machine): The machine should ideally produce 9 bars of pressure to force water at a temperature of 201 degrees Fahrenheit (94 degrees Celsius) through the portafilter basket
Mano dell’operatore (user’s skill): Neat leveling and tamping, keeping the machine clean and perfectly adjusting settings are what turn good espresso into great espresso.
Manutenzione (maintenance): Flushing and cleaning your machine.
Although the formula never changes, you can tweak the variables to suit your taste, shot size, choice of blend and machine characteristics.
So you see, there’s more to mouth-watering espresso than just a machine. An insanely expensive professional machine can still produce a foul brew if you neglect the other aspects or use inferior quality coffee beans.
It’s NOT having the flashiest tools that makes a master barista, but knowing how to use them!
How to Choose an Espresso Machine
The world has changed. It’s the dawning of a new age for home espresso machines. Manufacturers are constantly launching new prosumer, consumer and entry-level espresso machines into the market. The mid-range price segment is also buzzing with activity.
More and more folks are obsessing over the ideal combination of coffee beans, grind size and pressure. And, they’ve realized the hard truth: even with the best will in the world, a super-automatic machine just isn’t up to perfection.
Enter the hybrid machine. This relatively new category of espresso maker aims to fill the gap between super automatic machines and professional espresso makers.
As for the genuine article, there are tons of different options at a range of price points. What about the perfect all-rounder? The bottom line is there’s no such thing. The myriad of different machines operate on different principles and meet different needs. It’s much like buying a car. A soccer mom, for example, is more apt to benefit from an SUV than a pickup truck.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few things to consider when trying to figure out how to choose an espresso machine that’ll fit your needs.
Espresso Machine Budget
It’s likely that your budget will be at the forefront of your mind as you search for the best home espresso machine. Of course, there are those lucky enough to consider money as no object. But, I imagine most folks will have a limit as to what they can spend.
How much you can or should spend will also be determined by how much use your coffee machine will get. I like to think about it in terms of how much you’re dropping at the local cafe each morning. Seriously, that morning cappuccino probably costs around $5, which adds up quickly across the span of a month. It could be that a good espresso machine will pay for itself within a year!
Of course, you’ll be spending money on milk and espresso beans. Plus, you’ll likely need to invest in a good coffee grinder unless you’re buying a hybrid espresso machine. Ultimately, though, a home espresso machine can be a great investment that’ll save you money in the long run.
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
Perfectly suited for your Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
Type of Espresso Machine
Deciding on which type of home espresso machine to buy comes down to a number of factors including budget, convenience and skill level. There’s also the question of how much time and effort you’re willing to put in. For example, you might love the idea of a manual-lever machine, but it takes a lot of trial and error to get good results from something like the Flair Classic Espresso Maker.
Traditional single boiler machines like the Stone Espresso Machine take a long time to heat up and can be difficult to handle. However, once you’ve mastered this machine you’ll get exceptional results. Dual boiler machines offer much more flexibility and are easier to use. Still, you’ll most likely have to spend more money for the convenience.
If you’re willing to spend a little more and want an authentic barista experience, a heat exchanger espresso machine like the Rocket Appartamento or the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II could be the way to go. This type of prosumer espresso machine uses commercial-grade components and will deliver the goods. Plus, you’ll be able to make espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
Of course, you can always consider a semi automatic machine with a built-in grinder. These things have been gaining a lot of ground recently and for good reason. After all, the best espresso machine with grinder will hold your hand if you want, or let you take over and get your barista on. While I’ll always advocate for an espresso machine and a separate espresso grinder, hybrids offer an ideal compromise for a lot of people.
Coffee Machine Design/Build
We all know how beautiful an espresso machine can be. Let’s face it, the Italians just can’t help but create stylish and attractive things, even when they’re just meant to be functional. Anyway, there’s no shortage of home espresso machines that’ll steal the show in your kitchen. With that said, many of the more budget-friendly options are more utilitarian in appearance.
Regular Coffeeness readers will know that I always prefer a coffee maker with plenty of stainless steel in its construction. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely have to settle for more plastic than metal.
One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is the size of the machine you’re interested in. Don’t forget to take measurements before purchasing. Remember, overhead cabinets could impede your ability to easily remove the water tank. Plus, you will need adequate space beside the machine so you can steam milk comfortably.
Espresso Quality
At this point, I should mention that just because you own a $3,000 machine doesn’t mean you’ll get great espresso. There are tons of factors involved in perfect espresso extraction, including grind size consistency, coffee bean quality and skill level. Most budget espresso machines will only take you so far due to their inherent limitations.
A machine with a pre-infusion function is always preferable. Plus, the more temperature stability the machine can manage, the better. As for filter baskets, there’s a lot of debate about whether bigger is better, but I’d say opting for single-wall baskets is more important. I’ll tell you why a little later.
Milk Frothing System
Steaming milk with a steam wand is no cakewalk, which is why I dedicated an entire section to the subject in my article on milk foam. There, you’ll find all the basic pointers on how to perform the decidedly tricky wand procedure to create a pourable microfoam at just the right temperature.
Despite all the milk frothing finesse I’ve learned over the years, I have to admit that the automatic milk wands on many inexpensive espresso machines and semi automatic machines are amazing! Okay, so they do nothing for developing your skill set. And not every automatic wand produces results that a latte artist would be proud of. But producing froth like the Breville Bambino Plus is no mean feat!
Which is to say that professional-style milk wands are a hallmark of very premium espresso machines. Mastering the techniques for using one gives you a lot of status among the barista elite. If the thought of having to make milk based drinks this way is one of the reasons a home espresso maker gives you the heebie-jeebies, fear not. The new generation of consumer machines will come to your rescue. And, they’ll froth milk more hygienically than the integrated system on a super automatic espresso machine.
Home Espresso Machine Features
I already touched on the importance of pre-infusion when it comes to extracting espresso. That initial dampening of the coffee grounds really helps develop aroma and complexity. Depending on the machine, you’ll be able to control the duration of the pre-infusion, which will only give you more control.
Another feature to look out for is PID temperature control. This is starting to show up on even the most affordable espresso machines and ensures temperature stability. Speaking of temperature, achieving the correct temperature for brewing can take quite a long time, which is why a thermoblock can be an attractive feature. Machines with thermoblock heating will usually be ready to roll in under a minute.
As for the user interface, some of the top espresso machines have little more than a pressure gauge. With that said, I’ve been really impressed by the touchscreen user interfaces on some hybrid machines. These usually offer programmable volumetric control, adjustable brewing temperature, one-touch specialty drinks and much more.
Personally, a gauge that indicates the pressure at the group head is what I always look for. I find this to be the most valuable tool in helping identify issues with espresso extraction.
What Accessories Do I Need for a Home Espresso Machine?
That little word “need” tells you the whole story: investing in brewing espresso unfortunately doesn’t begin and end with the best espresso machine. After all, unlike with super-automatic espresso machines, not all home espresso makers have a built-in coffee grinder. Which means buying a separate one.
Even if you dodge that bullet by getting a hybrid espresso machine with grinder, you’ll notice after a bit of playing around with what comes in the box that something is missing. You haven’t yet reached absolute portafilter nirvana.
Let me help you out with a whistle-stop tour of the most important espresso machine accessories – from the essential to the optional extras:
Or better yet … an exceptional espresso grinder. One of the drawbacks to many entry-level automatic models is that they don’t grind the beans finely enough to ensure sufficient pressure builds up in the portafilter.
Believe it or not, you almost never encounter this problem with good manual espresso grinders like my Comandante (pricey) or the Porlex Mini. But who wants to crank up an arm cramp every time they want a shot of espresso?
Not sure what I mean by an exceptional grinder? Check out these three beauties, all of which feature in my coffee grinder guide. Any of the following grinders are ideal for pairing with a home espresso machine:
- The Eureka Mignon is a flawlessly designed classic
- The Baratza Sette 270Wi has taken the grinding world (and my kitchen) by storm
- The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is an affordable option that produces great results
For the most part, an espresso-worthy grinder will carry a rather hefty price tag. Based on my long-term testing, I can confidently tell you that the grinders I’ve mentioned are practically indestructible. What’s more, you’ll be hard pressed to find a grinder in this price range that produces a more even grind.
And don’t be so quick to dismiss a separate grinder just because you have a hybrid machine. With a standalone grinder, you can save yourself a lot of the hassle of resetting the DeLonghi La Specialista when, for example, you try out new beans. It’s not essential, but worth considering.
Let me be brutally honest. Even some of the best semi-automatic espresso machines I’ve tested for you come with tampers that loos like something out of a Cracker Jack box. Most of them are not ergonomically designed. Plus, they’re too flimsy which is why you can’t generate that all-important surface pressure of about 30 pounds.
No pressure, no properly packed coffee puck. Insufficient resistance means the water passes through the ground coffee too easily. Not only will your espresso be under extracted, you’ll find a sloppy mess inside the portafilter when you remove it. Bottom line: Tamping saves the espresso!
Things usually go better when there’s an assisted tamping station – a common feature of hybrids like the Breville Barista Touch Impress. But it doesn’t always produce the level of compaction you want. Or the mechanism is acting up. You get the picture.
A decent tamper is a convenience that needn’t cost the earth. Check out my espresso tamper guide for more information on how to tamp correctly, as well as inspiration for which tamper to buy.
So far, I haven’t settled on a favorite tamper. What matters to me is that the base is made of a very heavy and smooth alloy. The handle should be shaped so it fits perfectly in my hand, allowing me to apply firm downward pressure properly without pain.
So how do you get a used coffee puck out of the portafilter? Espresso machine manufacturers usually step back from the process at this point and leave it entirely up to you. You could bang your portafilter on the edge of the garbage can – ew! Otherwise, you have to find a suitable receptacle lying around the house or buy a knock box.
For your tabletop waste bin to be a knock box, it needs one special feature – the crossbar that you whack the edge of your portafilter against so that the coffee puck pops out in one go.
Considering the beating it’ll take, your espresso knock box should be sturdy and as heavy as possible. A rubber or similar coating on the crossbar also helps dull the noise.
A dedicated knockbox isn’t just a question of hygiene and rounding out your coffee station. It’s also a form of quality control. Observing how the puck comes out of the portafilter and how well it keeps its shape when it lands in the container tells you a lot about how successfully you pulled your shot.
A pile of wet mud that plops into the container is just as bad as a bone-dry briquette that crumbles into dust on impact. The perfect puck remains largely intact before drying out and disintegrating.
Do you need a milk pitcher that handles like a precision tool? Not unless you want to become a master of latte arts. Everyone else should be fine using the jug that arrives with their machine. If the manufacturer didn’t supply one, hop on Amazon and order this stainless steel milk pitcher. It’ll only set you back $8.99, but it’s more than good enough for a home barista.
Milk pitchers are shaped to facilitate frothing and are totally impervious to heat and steam. Do yourself a favor and stick with the stainless steel variety. Some showoffs like to use glass, but I’d say they’re just asking for trouble.
When your money is burning a hole in your pocket and you’re running out of ideas for what to spend it on, a tamping mat is sure to spark just as much joy as a fancy wooden cleaning brush. Of course, you can also splash out on a drawer base for your coffee pucks. And don’t even let me get started on the most exquisite espresso cups.
But before forking out for toys and accessories, always make sure you’re spending money on choice coffee beans. No supermarket brands, no mass-produced beans of dubious origin. Look for independent roasters who are not only open about their procurement channels and sources of supply but also take pains over the roasting process.
This really is non-negotiable. There’s a good reason that the “miscela” (blend) is what comes first in the 5M formula.
What’s the Hoo-Ha Over Dual-Wall Filter Baskets?
Time and again, you’ve heard me be a bit rude about dual-wall or pressurized filter baskets. Which may have given you the idea that not all baskets are equal. A quick way to tell an entry-level espresso machine from a more professional one is by checking the filter baskets – and sometimes the holders.
All you have to do is flip the baskets upside down and feel them:
If the baskets are double walled and have only a few small holes or a single hole at the bottom, they are crema baskets for beginners.
Baskets with a single wall and a base that looks like a strainer are the professional versions.
As the alternate name “crema strainer” suggests, this is all about producing that hotly debated layer of foam on an espresso. Whether you consider crema important for espresso or not, its presence is a foolproof indicator that your 5M preparation process is gelling nicely.
Achieving the necessary pressure is usually where the wheels come off. To do this, you need to dovetail four of the five aspects: machine performance, puck compression, grind and coffee dosage. Beginner machines and beginner skills often miss the mark on all four.
Which is where double-walled baskets come in. The smaller hole compensates for these shortcomings by creating the necessary resistance to the water. It’s a bit of a cheat to help you pull a drinkable espresso.
Of course, no pro would be seen dead with such things. Proper – perfectly calibrated – machinery and an unfailingly deft touch mean seasoned baristas are aiming for full, even and clean extraction. With a basket that’s up to the task.
Portafilters: Naked or Not?
Real purists go for the “naked” (bottomless) portafilter without the usual spouts. That way, you can watch the espresso extraction process directly. Some professionals even insist that it’s better for the coffee not to come into contact with too much metal or worse – plastic (cheap machines!).
Rationalizations for this thinking range from hygiene issues, through questionable materials, to how contact with metal reduces the temperature. I like naked portafilters, too. But my priority is a quality basket and a handle that fits perfectly in my palm.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned home barista looking to upgrade to a prosumer machine, or a complete newbie, I hope that you now feel more confident about how to choose an espresso machine. If so, now it’s time to check out my guide to the best home espresso machines. I’m confident you’ll find at least one model that’ll end up being your dream machine. Happy hunting!
That’s it for my guide on how to choose an espresso machine. Do you have any other tips to share? I look forward to reading your comments!
How to Choose an Espresso Machine FAQ
Obviously, the higher quality the components in a machine, the better the results. However, you’ll need to consider your budget and skill level as well. Most importantly, look for an espresso machine with consistent temperature and a powerful pump.
There are many criteria to consider, but chief among them is temperature stability. Look for a machine with a PID controller, preferably one that’s adjustable.
While the optimal pressure for making espresso is 9 bar, your machine should be capable of producing at least 15 bar.
