Best Espresso Machines 2020 Reviews and Buying Guide

Buying the best espresso machine has never been an easy deal. As it is a matter of investment, it is important to conduct diligent research to find the best one. An ideal espresso is the one which can suffice your all requirements and rightly fit your budget.

Which is the best espresso machine?

Steam Driven Espresso Machines: You cannot expect an authentic espresso from the steam-driven machine. For a strong coffee lover, it is bliss. If you have strict budgets ranging between $40 – $60, these machines are an ideal deal to pick.

Pump-Driven Espresso Machines: To enjoy the real crema-topped espresso, choosing a pump-driven espresso is a wise decision. The most common variants in Pump-driven espresso machines are:

1. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines are meant for users who are confident about their coffee brewing skills. All the functions in this machine are manually adjusted and you can brew a customized coffee as per your taste.
2. Super Automatic Espresso Machines: These are pre-programmed machines which are very easy to use. But these hi-tech machines are very expensive with a starting range of $500.

From budgeted manual espresso machines to semi-automatic, super-automatic and commercial espresso machines, there are numerous products introduced by the several manufacturers. Each product comes with its distinguished features and pricing. Hence, it becomes difficult to choose an ideal machine which can deliver an exceptional brewing experience without pinching your pockets.

Best Espresso Machines 2019

Breville the Barista Express – Best Home Espresso Machine  ( our top pick )

An excellent espresso by a trustworthy brand which has over 85 years of experience in the market. It comes with an integrated conical burr grinder which gives maximum ground coffee surface area to ensure maximum espresso flavor. A half-pound bean-hopper is provided for storing and transferring the coffee beans.

Freshly ground espresso is dispensed into a filter with its hand-free grinding to brew a perfect cupof coffee. There is an indicator light which indicates the user to clean the machine. Coffee puck easy disposal is ensured with a dry puck feature.

You can choose single or double filter basket by default with its automatic filter. It comes with Thermocoil heating system. This semi-automatic machine is very easy to use. It has 15-bar pressure which is manufactured in Italy.

It comes with the adjustable temperature control to ensure optimum coffee flavor. It has 360° swivel-action steam made from stainless steel to provide silky milk texturing. The attractive stainless steel design is something you will fall in love with. Breville the Barista Express is certainly the best espresso machine to buy in 2019. At $500 you can also check the best espresso machines under $500

Pros

• The default settings of this machine make it very easy to use
• The high-quality material used makes it highly durable
• You have an option to choose from a variety of colors
• It can brew six types of coffee ( Latte, Espresso, Ristretto, Macchiato, Americano, Cappuccino)
• It comes with all the accessories
• A sturdy and compact machine

Cons

• Higher on the price side
• Water filters are expensive

Gaggia Anima Coffee – Best Commercial Espresso Machine

This super automatic espresso is super affordable which makes it the best commercial espresso machine. It comes with a fancy frother and so compact that it can easily fit even to almost any kitchen counter.  The sliding spouts make it easy to adjust any glass size from latte to espresso easily.

One of the sturdy looking espressos, it comes with a top-notch bean hopper. One-touch access is possible with its responsive buttons and intuitive interface. It is quite easy to maintain with its auto-rinse but the steam wand is recommended to clean manually. A detailed instruction manual is provided o guide you thoroughly.

If you like the idea of manual frother, this automatically milk pouring espresso is an ideal choice which does not pinch your pocket. All you need is the little practice to enjoy excellent milk-drinks from this espresso.  It can brew numerous beverages without the tedium of going and stopping. Overall, it is a top commercial espresso at a great price.

Its low energy usage helps you to save bucks by power saving over its counterparts available in the market. 2-year manufacturer warranty makes it a deal worth exploring.

Pros

• It is very simple to use
• Does not require much maintenance
• Quick one-touch espresso buttons
• It comes with a large 1.7-litre water reservoir
• It comes with built-in bean grinder
• There are 3-temperature settings available
• You can easily program the brewing options

Cons

• No steam tap is provided
• No cup warmer is available

Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch – Best Espresso Machine Under $1000

With a 3-second heat up time, this espresso delivers a barista-quality performance with its compact footprint. A built-in grinder ensures to serve the perfectly right amount of coffee. It has an easy intuitive touch display and automatic milk texturing which mark its distinction from the others in this segment. It allows you to adjust the milk texture, coffee strength and temperature as per your preference. 

With the capability to save up to 8 customized cups of coffee, it delivers the micro-foam which makes your coffee barista-style. This espresso is perfect for novice users who want to brew a perfect shot of espresso.

This espresso reaches its maximum temperature within 3 seconds with its thermoJet heating system and quickly brews a perfect espresso for you. To ensure the right temperature, Digital Temperature Control is provided. This espresso is appropriate for beginners. The compact size of this espresso makes it a perfect fit for small spaces.

Pros

• It comes with conical burr grinder to ensure the best extraction from coffee grounds
• Easy touch screen operations
• The auto steam wand is provided
• It enables the user to control the temperature for optimal espresso extraction
• Stainless steel body for extended durability
• Fast heating to cut down the wait time for coffee
• Adjustable setting saver mode to add customization
• Easy navigation among the drink options
• Adjustable grind size along with the dose
• Dual baskets to provide an option to choose between pressurized and non-pressurized

Cons

• A little high on the price side

Keurig B70 Platinum K-Cup Brewing System – Best Espresso Machine under $200

It is a single serve first generation brewer with its ‘classic old school’ approach. One of the classics from Keurig, this model includes a one-touch LED lit control panel and many programmable options. There is a removable drip tray which can be pulled out easily for cleaning and to accommodate taller cups.

Although the default setting of the brewer is at medium, there are 5 settings as extra small, small, medium, large and extra large to choose from. It has a generous water reservoir of 60oz which saves you from the hassles of refilling it again and again.

To optimize your water purity, you can accommodate a filter which needs to be bought additionally. It is very easy to use as most of the operations are executed from the LED window.

It allows you to set your preferred brewing settings for any later date and can be retrieved as and when required. The machine has scored a high-satisfaction review from its customers for its excellent performance. It takes an average brewing time of 1 minute which makes it a speedy machine for your hectic mornings.

It is a great model to consider if you prefer classic function and styling. It comes with long-lasting durable make. It has dishwasher-safe elements, making it easy to maintain. There is a shiny front handle which extends pleasurable grip. Keurig B70 Platinum K-Cup Brewing System is one of the best espresso machines under $200 

Pros

• It comes with 1 year manufacturer warranty
• There are 5 brew sizes to choose accordingly
• It allows adjusting the temperature between 187 to 192 degrees F
• Control panel offers varied programming options
• It has minimal operation noise
• You can easily restart the brewing cycle by intercepting
• You are flexible to use any K-cup pod

Cons

• People find it difficult to locate the on/off button at its back body
• It seems to be a little pricey when compared with its counterparts
• The little brew icon on the display window does not show the size
• It does not include additional accessories like water filters

Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine

A machine capable of brewing a stellar cup of coffee yet fits your budget easily. The classic design of this machine makes it a perfect match for your modular kitchen. Breville has a commendable reputation in the market for its quality espresso range and this machine is not an exception.

The infuser feature of this machine marks its distinction. In this function, the machine evenly coats the ground beans at low-pressure prior to full extraction to ensure the best taste. A single stainless-steel thermocoil boiler is in-built to control the heating and temperature.

You can keep a check on the pressure during extraction with its pressure gauge. Enjoy a delightful Americano by using its hot water dispenser. To comply the highest standards of health safety, all the plastic parts of this machine are BPA-free.

Pro

• It includes pre-infuser which is one of the rare features in an espresso
• Great overall extraction with its Pre-infusion function
• Consistent espresso with its 15 bar pressure pump
• The minimal waiting period between the extraction and steaming
• Descale notification are built-in to remind you periodically
• A powerful espresso with a compact size
• Easy maneuvring for steaming wand
• Temperature stability with internal PID and Thermocoil
• Option to choose from manual  shot volumes and pre-programmed
• To keep a check on under or over extraction a gauge Is provided

Cons

• The water tank is relatively smaller
• No option to control the temperature manually
• A dual boiler is not available

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Best automatic machine

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is the best automatic espresso machine, cappuccino and latte maker. It comes with a 15-bar pump that creates powerful pressure to extract maximum flavor. It’s sleek built allows it to easily fit any kitchen design.

It has a very simple user interface with three dedicated buttons for espresso, cappuccino and latte respectively. Once you select your preferred beverage, the machine automatically froths the milk to the selected beverage level.

Because of automization, customization might become compromised but an equal level of comfort is guaranteed. You can get the beverage of your choice by just pressing a button making it one of the best super automatic espresso machine.  Most parts are easy to clean. As these parts are dishwasher safe, they ensure hassle-free cleaning.

As the machine takes less brewing time, it is ideal to quickly brew a refreshing up of coffee in the morning and fit your tight schedules. You need not empty the milk container every time you are left with some milk in it as it is removable. So, if you are left with some, don’t worry store it for your next use.

Pros

• Once installed, it is very easy to use and operate.
• Milk frother comes integrated with the machine which makes frothing a very easy task with an adjustable control knob.
• Removable parts ease the cleaning process.
• The cup holding tray can be adjusted according to the container’s height.
• The machine is easy on pocket while offering all the essential features of a good espresso machine.
• It has less heating time as compared to its competitors.
• The machine also comes with a milk density adjuster.
• Removable milk container lets you store left over milk.

Cons

• This machine comes with a relatively small water reservoir which might make refilling a frequent task.
• Some users may prefer a metal tamper over a plastic one.
• Some users might find the machine a bit noisy.

De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump – Best Espresso machine under $100

If you are looking for the best espresso machine under 100 without burning a hole in your pocket, you should definitely try out the De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump. This semi automatic espresso machine comes with a fused black metal and plastic design which gives it a very stylish and modern look. Its sleek and compact design easily fits into your kitchen without taking too much space.

It comes with a dual function filter holder patented by DeLonghi. This gives you the ease of enjoying your espresso by simply popping a pod for quicker preparation or using your own ground coffee, making it the best espresso machine for home. It also has a dual thermostat control to make sure that the water pressure and steam level are right.

The manual control frother also gives you the freedom to custom style your own foam. Its adjustable control lets you modify your beverage according to your own taste.

It also features a three in one filter holder having space for one espresso shot, holder for two shots and another one for using an espresso pod. You can consider it as the best budget espresso machine

Pros

• Easy to use – With so many user friendly features, the De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump is one of the most user friendly espresso machines available in the market.
• Quick – The De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump can brew your favorite espresso in no more than 30 seconds. Its self priming operation reduces the waiting time sparing the start up preparation.
• Easy to clean –It comes with dishwasher safe parts and the clean up process is made hassle free with its removable water tank and drip tray. Reassembling post cleaning is also quite easy.
• Manual frother gives rich and thick foam as per your choice
• Easy on pocket – one of the best espresso machines available under 100 $.
• Includes cup warmer.
• Durable- The stainless steel parts are durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Cons

• The milk steam arm may be a bit inconvenient to use for first time users.
• In order to prevent lime scale clogging, frequent de scaling may be required.
• You need to use steam dial operation to use the frother which might be tricky for some users.

DeLonghi ECP3420 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine 

DeLonghi is one of the best brands when it comes to Espresso machines and every popular store mentions it as a best-selling brand. The DeLonghi ECP3420 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is visually very appealing and equally robust in functioning.

It comes with a removable drip tray and a 37 ounce water tank letting you brew multiple shots in a hassle free manner. To enjoy an authentic Barista experience at home, it offers a frothing nozzle and wand which lets you manually froth your beverage.

It gives the owner flexibility to brew either a single-shot of espresso or a double shot of espresso.Large quantity water tank does away with the need to constantly change the water tank. The professional grade material offers a lot of durability.

Pros

• Very compact and easy to use.
• Best suited for users who prefer to have their beverages custom made as per their preference.
• Gives upto 15 bar pressure which makes it better than many of its competitors.
• It has the capability of creating self-steamed milk and foam.
• Detachable and removable parts make the cleaning process easier.
• The bottom tray is adjustable and can be removed to fit different size containers.
• For minimal preparation during startup, self priming feature is available.
• Dishwasher safe parts are an added advantage when it comes to cleaning and maintenance

 Cons

• It might be challenging to handle compact espresso grinds.
• It requires frequent cleaning and maintenance for smooth functioning.
• It has a shorter steam time as compared to other machines.

Wacaco MiniPresso GR – Best Budget Espresso Machine

This manual espresso is highly portable which gives full control to the coffee lovers to brew their coffee as per their preference. The coffee lovers find the satisfaction of excellent shot by pulling a lever machine as amazing

It is a small espresso machine which has the potential to challenge barista coffee with their freshly brewed espresso. It is a 5-star espresso maker which allows you to make a shot of espresso on demand. It is one of the best affordable espresso macchine which justify the basic functioning of this espresso. With your skills, you can create a customized espresso every time by adjusting its setting differently as per your preference. 6 plastic pieces in this are interlocked together to make this large-pill shaped espresso.

It comes with a little scooper which helps you to put in the right amount of coffee. An easy see-through line at water chamber facilitates to fill the right quantity of water in it. The high-quality material used in the construction ensures extended durability.

No matter where you are, this machine ensures a perfect shot of espresso whenever and wherever you want. This is an ideal pick if you are dealing with the finely grinded coffee. You can also use Nespresso capsules for enhanced convenience.

It comes with an instruction manual which guides you through completely for its first use.

Pros

• Beautiful design to amplify your kitchen décor
• It is a completely manual machine which gives you 100% control
• The compact size of this machine makes it ideal for a small kitchen
• One little scooper is included
• It is ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities
• It never gets out of charge or does not inflate your energy bills

Cons

• It does not heat water
• It is very easy to spill

DeLonghi EC680M DEDICA – Best small espresso

For a small kitchen, it is important to choose an espresso strategically which can ideally match your kitchen décor with its compact size. If you are underestimating the features of small espresso, let us remind you that often the ‘big things come in small packages’

A powerful semi-automatic espresso which is compact fit to any kitchen size. You can expect the decent shots of espresso with this machine which is priced reasonable to fit the stringent budgets. The clever design of this machine avoids much of the counter space.

This machine is meant for the coffee-lovers who are confident with their brewing skills and love to adjust the settings manually to extract the customized coffee. You can expect an aromatic, frothy and rich espresso, cappuccino and lattes with it.

If not used for a certain period, it automatically shifts to the stand-by mode and saves on to your energy bills. The thermoblock boiler prevents the overheating. If you want to customize your cup of coffee with manual pulls, it easily allows you to do so.

It is very easy to use even if you are a novice user. With easy descaling, the cleaning and maintenance of this machine are hassle-free. Overall, it is a versatile machine which comes with some meaningful features.

It has a manually controlled steam nozzle to ensure creamy cappuccino or latte. It merely takes 40 seconds to heat up the water to boiling temperatures. Enjoy a ready-to-make coffee with its self-priming feature.

Pros

• The strategic design makes it fit anywhere
• It is flexible with pods or grounds
• With its fast heating, it cut down the brewing time significantly
• It is easy to use and maintain
• There is a scoop included with this machine purchase
• Intensified taste of coffee with 15 bar pump makes it ideal espresso machinest
• Durable with its sturdy stainless steel construction

Cons

• No built-in grinder is available, so you have to buy a one additionally
• Even tamper is not included

Breville BEC120 Inissia

Looking for a quick espresso that can be brew with minimal effort? This espresso machine from Breville is an ideal deal to explore. Breville has a great reputation in the market for its quality products. A wide range of flavors and roasts are available with this popular Nespresso coffee pod format.

It gives you the flexibility to choose the size of espresso you want. All you need is to pop in a pod, push the button and your coffee is ready to blow your mind with its exceptional taste. The water in this espresso machine reaches the required temperature just within 25 seconds ensuring to brew a quick cup of coffee for you. One touch button enables to brew the two different cups of coffee with different sizes.

Your machine automatically switches off when not in use for 9 minutes, making it an energy efficient machine. There are two programmable lungo and espresso buttons which allow adjusting the cup sizes conveniently. The folding drip tray allow large single serve cups

With a range of 16 capsules delivering unique aromas, this machine comes with a Nespresso Original welcome kit. It comes with a detailed manual user which assists you for troubleshooting step-by-step. This espresso makes excellent crema layer. Perfect steaming and foaming milk are ensured with aeroccino. The detachable water reservoir makes it easy to maintain.

Pros

• It has a pressure up to 19 bars
• Patented extraction system with automatic operation
• It eliminates the wait time and brews your coffee quickly
• Smart energy saving mode to cut down energy bills
• Complimentary welcome kit
• The sturdy design accentuate the interior of your kitchen
• Light-weight and compact machine
• Full palette colors available
• It is very simple to use

Cons

• It is a single serve espresso machine which serves one cup at one time

Francis for Illy Y5 Milk and Espresso Machine

It is a sleek coffee machine which is remarkably small to fit the smallest kitchen conveniently. Available in satin silver metal and matte black colors, it comes with a drip tray, hopper handle and espresso cup shelf.

Using the espresso shelf, you can easily bring the smaller cups close to the nozzle to avoid stains. It is a simple and accessible machine with a lift-up compartment which allows you to insert the coffee pods easily. There are two touch-sensitive glowing buttons at the top of the machine for brewing your coffee manually.

The Iperespresso capsules are smaller yet denser than Nescafe’s or Keurig. There is a free MyIIIy App for iOS and Android which allow pairing the machine using Bluetooth for brewing and other functions. From scheduling your brewing to change settings, this app lets you operate your espresso easily with its seamless pairing

Made from quality material, it is considered to be one of the best looking pod coffee espresso machines. It comes with Amazon’s Dash Replenishment System which does not let you run out of coffee. It automatically reorders capsules from Amazon when you are running low on them. All you need is to sign up once for its DRS and it will manage your capsule subscription perfectly.

It boasts a minimalistic design and elegant style. It comes with a milk frother and overall it is a worthy deal justifying its pricing with its distinguished features.

Pros

• This machine comes with programmable scheduling
• Very compact in size
• It has adjustable coffee settings
• Sturdy with its contemporary design
• Functional control app for customization and operation
• Excellent coffee using Illy Iperespresso capsules
• It has a high intuitive usability
• It uses 19 bars pressure to brew excellent coffee

Cons

• It needs some time to wake up
• Limited coffee adjustments are available
• Being expensive, it does not fit every one’s budget

What are the basic terms/ components used for any espresso machine?

Here are some of the terminologies which any espresso user must know to acquire the basic knowledge about espresso machine.

• Espresso Shot and Double Shot

The volume of espresso you wish to pull from your machine is described as the espresso shot. With the selection of filter baskets, one of the baskets contains enough grinds to pull a single espresso shot and the other basket has enough to pull double shot.

To acquire a real shot, the minimum pressure level is required.

• Portafilter

Before pulling a shot, you need to lock the portafilter which typically holds the filter basket. There are various sizes of portafilter available ranging from 40 to 60 mm. The size of any portafilter is considered when you buy a spare filter basket.

• Filter basket

It holds the ground coffee inside the filter basket. Espresso machines have different sizes of filter basket which can be interchanged depending upon the size of espresso shots. Few machines also have filter baskets to hold ESE pod.

• Heating System

The part of the machine which heat water and steam milk constitute the heating system. The design and the wattage of espresso describe how quickly a machine can brew a coffee for you. The consistency of temperature also depends on this heating system.

• Drip tray

It is the place when you rest your cups for pulling the shots. Any drips left after removing the cups is catch by drip tray. This tray is detachable and you can clean them easily in the sink after every brew by removing them from the espresso machine. Few espressos facilitate to remove the drip tray to accommodate taller cups under portafilter.

• Water reservoir

This is the container which holds the water which is used to make the coffee. It also generates the steam for a milk frother. It is always recommended to count upon a large water reservoir when you want to pull more espresso shots in one go.

• Single-boiler

When a single boiler is used in the heating system, it is known as an espresso with single-boiler. Most of the manual espresso use single boiler where you need to pull the espresso shot and thereafter steam the milk. Most of the semi-automatic and super automatic machines come with dual-boiler which leads to simultaneous shot pulling and milk steaming from separate boilers.

• Steam Wand

It is the part in espresso which is used to stem the milk for latte and cappuccino. Some espresso has automatic stem wands while in some you are provided with a knob which let you control the volume of steam.

What are the various accessories associated with the best espresso machine?

Most of the high-end models come with advanced accessories. However, if you are settling with a basic espresso machine or mid-range machine, you might need to buy the following accessories additionally to brew a barista-like coffee:

• A Coffee Grinder

If you are looking for a consistent taste and high-quality coffee, a bur grinder is the most recommended choice. It ensures the quality of grinds. For using a grinder along with an espresso, it is important that it should produce extremely fine grinds.

• A Steaming Pitcher

For espresso which does not have a steam wand, you can buy a steaming pitcher additionally to make delectable latte and cappuccino. The best steaming pitcher comes with tapered sides to restrict the splashes while steaming and the milk frothing.

• A Milk Frother

A milk frother is ideally available with the super or semi automatic machines. But if you buy a budgeted espresso which does not come with a steam wand, a milk frother is required to make froth or steam milk. It is especially required when you are a die-hard fan of cappuccino.

• An Espresso Tamper

To evenly compress the espresso grinds in to the basket, an espresso tamper is required to ensure high-quality espresso shots. While some espresso machines have an in-built tamper while for some, you need to buy a one. If you want to ensure the right load on your coffee grounds, buy a nifty spring-loaded tamper

What makes the best espresso machine?

There are certain features which make any espresso machine impressive. These are the few elements which enhance the overall value of the machine:

• Replaceable Parts

Each and every part of your espresso contributes to brew an exceptional coffee for you. The maintenance plays a vital role in lasting your machine longer. A machine with replaceable parts assures you longer life and justifies the investment you make.

• User-Friendly

An espresso which is easy to operate makes it ideal to operate by anyone. Semi-automatic machines need some brewing skills. Super-automatic machines are pre-programmed and very easy to use. Let everyone around enjoy a special cup of coffee to maximize your ROI.

• Easy to Clean

It is important that the model you are considering is easy to clean to avoid any cleaning hassle. Many hassles associated with your machine hampers the maintenance regime and pose a threat to the life of your espresso.

• Sturdy and Safe design

Espresso machine with a sturdy design amplifies the décor of your kitchen. But it is also important that the design should be safe to use. There should not be sharp edges or any other safety hassle with the machine you choose.

• Heat-up fast

There are machines available in the market which heats up fast to brew an excellent coffee in no time. So, if you are the one who looks for a quick coffee, buy a machine which heats up quickly.

• Adjustable spouts

Love to change the size of your cups? All you need a machine with adjustable spouts which let you fit any size of the cup conveniently.

Best Espresso Machine: Buying Guide

You get a detailed manual instruction which guide you on the installation and usage of the Espresso machine. However, there are some of the common steps which are generally followed for almost every espresso machine to brew your favourite shot of espresso.

It is recommended to use the bottled water as the minerals present in the spring water can spoil your machine. Besides that, spring water also affects the taste of espresso adversely. Here are the steps which you should follow to operate your espresso:

1. Take some filtered water and pour it in the water chamber
2. Secure the boiler cap. For every shot, one ounce of water is needed
3. Locate the filter holder and insert the coffee basket
4. Most of the filters measure the amount of espresso you need to brew a perfect espresso
5. If there are any grounds on the side or top of the filter, clean them gently before placing it in the filter holder
6. Now place your cup under the spout conveniently
7. If you machine has adjustable pouts, you can adjust them according to your cups easily
8. Turn the machine on
9. Once the water heats up at required temperature, it will be forced through the coffee grounds
10. As the ideal espresso contains the brown foam, once the foam turns white, you can remove the cup of espresso

Best espresso machine: Frequently Asked Questions

How should I clean/maintain my espresso machine?

Cleaning regime is one of the important aspects to ensure a longer life for your espresso. Here are some of the steps which you must ensure to clean you semi-automatic espresso machine effectively. if you possess a super-automatic espresso machine, it boast an automatic cleaning function which makes its maintenance easy.

Here are the things which should consider for semi-automatic machines:

• Make sure to clean your machine after every shot of espresso
• Clean your espresso machine daily if you brew 2-3 cups of coffee every day
• You can clean it once a week if you use it 3-4 times a week
• It should be cleaned thoroughly by removing each separable part in every 3-6 months

A regular maintenance regime is the key to a healthy espresso machine. It helps in extending the life span of espresso.

Do I need to clean my espresso machine after every shot?

Yes, it is important to clean your espresso after every shot to ensure a consistent taste.

This easy cleaning process ensures that you enjoy a perfect shot of espresso every time. After every shot of espresso, clean the milk wand using a damp towel thoroughly. Release some steam to remove excess milk present in nozzle hole.

If you want to prepare just one shot of espresso, empty the filter basket and rinse it. Before installing it back, always wipe it using dry cloth. Run some water from the spouts to get rid of any remaining stains.

What are the different types of coffee I can make using my espresso machine?

A regular cup of espresso every day does not make a sense after making such a hefty investment in an espresso machine. If you don’t know how many customized espresso variants you can explore with an espresso machine, here we go:

• Café Latte: A steamed milk coffee with a shot of espresso
• Americano: 7oz of hot water boils down to present a refreshing shot of espresso
• Cappuccino: A mouth-watering combination of frothed milk, espresso and steamed milk to give a boost to your energy levels. Add a portion of whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon or chocolate flakes to give it a restaurant look as well as flavor.
• Café Breva:   Replace whole milk of cappuccino with half and half milk and your cafe Breva is ready.
• Frappe: Beat the heat with cold espresso churned from ice and milk.
• Dry Cappuccino: Remove steamed milk and reduce froth from your regular cappuccino to get a delicious dry cappuccino.
• Café Macchiato: A shot of espresso with a ratio of 4:1 for steamed milk
• Mocha: Add chocolate syrup to your café latte or cappuccino

How should I clean my espresso machine every day?

Besides cleaning your espresso after every shot of espresso, if it important to clean your espresso on the daily basis thoroughly, if you brew more cups a day. Here is the simple daily maintenance regime which you should follow to make your espresso machine last longer:

1. Wipe your shower screen on espresso to remove any residue
2. Locate the portafilter and insert the backflush portafilter
3. Run the hot water through the group head to clean them gently
4. Rinse the parts around the group head and around shower screen using the hot water
5. Run water into the group head after tightening the filter handle
6. Let the water pressure to be built up to 15 seconds and release it along the stains
7. This process of backflushing to be repeated at least 5 times until the water gets clear
8. Clean the drip tray and portafilter after removing them
9. Once cleaned reinstall them properly.

Should I clean my espresso using detergent?

Yes, it is important to make it a weekly or monthly regime to clean your espresso machine using detergent as prescribed by the manufacturer.

• Take the detergent and pour it into the backflush portafilter basket
• Install the basket gently through group head and rinse the parts around it
• Now run the water the through the group head
• Execute the process of backflushing and clean the portafilter as well as drip tray

What are the renowned espresso brands in the market?

While there are large number of manufacturers in the market there are few top names who are known for their quality product and services. Some of them are as follows:

• Mr. Coffee

Mr. Coffee in 1972 transformed the morning of every coffee lover by introducing the technology of heated water passing through the coffee grounds once to avoid the problems of over-extraction or over-heating. Mr. Coffee pioneered the automatic coffee maker to bring a revolution in the life of coffee lovers.

• De’Longhi

Originally incorporated as machine-tool maker, De’Longhi bought the rights for Braun household product manufacturing in 2013. They introduced the first fully automatic espresso – ‘Their Magnifica’.

• Gaggia

First steamless espresso was patented in 1938 giving the way to prepare this Italin beverage in a new way. The first espresso was introduced in 1952 by them for the home use. The concept of ‘pulling a shot’ was introduced by the Gaggia machines which earlier run on the principle of lever-action espresso.

• Breville

Renowned for introducing some of the respected kitchen appliances in the market, Breville was established in 1932. It is awarded as the innovative product manufacturer. Their products are of high-quality and absolutely justify their prices.

The company manufactures the espresso for beginner, intermediate as well as for experts. It extends one year limited warranty on most of its products to build trust among its loyal customers. Most of the machines from Breville are easy to use and come with detailed instructions.

• Nespresso

Derived its name from Nestle and espresso, it is known for introducing the coffee-capsule concept in 1986. Their original product line boasts four coffee flavors and two machines. It opened the first LEED-certified manufacturing facility in Switzerland. 

Bottom Line

No espresso machine can be expected to be best when it comes to its pricing and features. A best one always varies from person to person depending on their needs and requirements. Define your budget and shortlist all the machines which fall in that range.

Set out your preferences – if you are looking for a semi-automatic or super automatic. Now evaluate all the machines falling in the specified categories. List out all your preferences and choose a machine which can suffice your requirements largely.

Don’t forget to browse online to check the various customer reviews that have already used the machine and are aware of the hassles and benefits associated with a particular model.