Home Espresso Machines

When you hear espresso, is your mind flooded with the aroma of a deep, dark, bold, almost daunting shot of concentrated coffee with a delicate foam afloat its surface? Espresso is perhaps one of the true connoisseurs favorite items to give them that pick me up on a slow morning, or to enjoy with a nice bagel or donut as a perfect foil. Espresso was developed almost a century ago in Italy, but it-and espresso machines-have come a long way from their lever pulled beginnings. What does it take to make an intense cup of espresso at home? If you think a beautifully vibrant cup of coffee is out of do-it-yourself territory, the home espresso machine would like you to reconsider.

The basic idea behind an espresso machine is forcing piping hot, almost boiling water through extremely fine ground coffee beans. The combination of heat and pressure allows more of the coffee bean flavor, oils, and solids to be extracted into the finished cup of espresso. Long ago, this was achieved by a hand leveraged mechanism which pumped water from a hot water chamber through the awaiting coffee grounds all by the pull of a lever. In our new age of automation, many people still swear by the lever pulled process because it allows one to truly decide how much pressure is being utilized all by hand. Obviously, we are more accustomed to the automated ones which utilize an automatic pump which can control the pressure of the water flow at the press of a button.

As far as home espresso machines go, you get what you pay for. Many home espresso machines that are of the higher quality type are in reality, commercial quality machines, the same as the ones used in small diners and cafes. On the other hand, there are a number of espresso machines which are down sized and down graded for home use. There are four chief espresso maker designs. The first and most commonly used today commercially is the automatic pump espresso machine. It is bulky, noisy and powerful but makes an undeniably delicious cup of espresso. This may be a bit expensive for the casual home economist.

The next type is the lever espresso machine. The lever espresso design hasn’t changed much since its conception in the early 1900’s. It may not be as fancy as the automatic one, but it can undoubtedly turn out a delicious and impressive cup of espresso when utilized properly.

The third type is the steam powered espresso machine. It derives its pressure from the steam pressure of the water itself. It is typically small with a sleek design, but depending on the manufacturers quality, it doesn’t always create enough pressure to make a concentrated cup of espresso.

The final type is called a moka pot. The moka pot is considered by some not to be truly espresso because it works at a very low pressure as steam from the bottom of the pot simply makes its way through the grounds in the top. It typically leads to a lighter version of espresso in taste and texture. It is also the least expensive.

Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you will find a machine that will make an impressive cup of espresso at home. Check out our coffee makers home page and look over the many top quality companies that put out a first rate product. Home espresso machines definitely have made their niche and if you buy one you will know why.