If you’re looking for the best home espresso machine there are a ton of options to think about. Here are a couple of key points to think about when you start shopping.
It’s important to keep in mind that we’ll be talking about machines that are a little bit higher end than the ones you pick up at the local big box store. Most of the machines we’re talking about here start around $500 and go (way…) up from there depending on a number of things. If you’re looking at a $30 machine from the kitchen appliance store this is probably not the article for you.
I love espresso. I love creating all kinds of espresso drinks and I love tasting how different coffees taste in an espresso. However, I also realize that the espresso rabbit hole goes deep, Deep, DEEP! If you’re considering the machines we’re talking about here, you need to look at espresso as a hobby and not just a way to get your morning fix. And if the home espresso bug really bites you, I can guarantee it’s definitely not less expensive than going to the local cafe every day. If you’re looking to get into espresso to save money, you’re in it for the wrong reason.
There are a lot of home espresso machines on the market. Generally, they’re broken down into a couple of different categories:
In this series of posts, we’re not touching on the super or ultra auto machines. We’re talking to the coffee nerds here who want to craft a great beverage. Not the person who wants life push-button easy.
There are always going to be a ton of bells and whistles. Here are the basics you need to consider: