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What to Look for in a Good Espresso Maker for the
Home
If you're going to make that perfect cup of espresso
coffee, you're going to have to have an espresso maker that is up to the
task. My recommendation is not going to be an expensive
top-of-the-line model, but a modestly priced machine that will enable
you to turn out perfect crema nonetheless. If you are visiting
EspressoCoffeeSnobs, it's probably because you are new to the world of
espresso-making at home, and perhaps not yet so passionate about
espresso coffee that you're willing to drop a cool thousand bucks on a
machine. Don't panic! There are many machines made for the
home that will make perfect espresso and are priced less that $300.
No one machine is going to be without its drawbacks in the $300 range,
let alone the $1,000 range for that matter.
There are some brands that you can basically rely on to get you on your
way to the perfect shot. Over time I have had 2 Krups machines
(German), a Delonghi (Italian), Briel (Portugese), and a Gaggia.
As you can see, it's a trip around the world. There's no point in
going over my entire life-story of espresso machines. I've never
spent over $500 for a machine, yet that is. The Briel was a
monster. Heavy, sturdy semi-commercial machine that had separate
steamer boiler and a built in grinder. I loved it for its weight;
I never had to hold the machine while I loaded the portafilter, and it
made great espresso. I almost thought I was back behind the coffee
bar. The horrible thing though was that if I had the steamer unit
turned on, pressure would build up on the portafilter side to the extent
that when removing the portafilter it would explosively blow the coffee
grinds all over the kitchen walls! Perhaps it had a fault, but I
couldn't be bothered hauling it in to a service shop, and as you'll read
below, the one time I had done that before, I suffered withdrawal
symptoms! I abandon using the steamer as a result of this flaw,
and that's when I discovered I could make just as good milk foam with an
Aerolatte, and it was much easier to clean up as well. (Go
grab yourself an Aerolatte at Amazon.com and don't' forget to come
back and read my write-up on
frothing your milk if you haven't already done so.) Anyhow,
back to the Briel. After about a year or so the grinder gave up
the ghost, and then after about 2 years, so did the pump. It's a
common thing with domestic machines if you use them daily; I have found
they have a life of about two years on average, or perhaps it's just
that I can't be bothered with taking stuff in for servicing. As I
alluded to above, I once tried that with one of my Krups machines when
it needed some servicing. I took it to a listed Krups service
agent, and they had to send out for a part that took months to come! You
know that that just won't do for an espresso coffee snob!
 My
Espresso Coffee Machine Recommendation -
Gaggia Evolution
Right now I have a
Gaggia Evolution, and I like it a lot. It
really pumps out great crema, so you'll be on your way to becoming a pro
with one of these. If you want to use the steamer, that too is
also really up to the task with its separate boiler. The steamer
side can also be used to supply scalding-hot water. The boiler
head is brass so it retains the correct temperature while you're busy
pulling multiple shots.
The things I don't like are that its housing is completely plastic,
so it's very light and I have to hold it down when I am locking the
portafilter in place, and again when removing it. Also, the water
tank is a little on the small side so needs pretty regular topping up,
and also the tank is a little awkward to get in and out when you want to
do so to clean it or fill it from the fridge door. It's really
designed with the intention of sliding the water tank out to the left
and topping it up without completely removing it, so no biggie.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I am very happy with this machine, and
it is my favorite espresso maker so far. It can be relied on to
produce the goods, that all-important crema, provided all your other
ducks are in a row. It also comes in some pretty cool neon colors
if you want to jazz up your kitchen, including a bright red, and a lime
green. You can expect to
pay around $250 at Amazon.com for one, and much less if you're
prepared to buy a reconditioned unit. The next most important piece of
equipment for making perfect espresso is a good burr grinder. Here
is my review and
recommendation for a burr coffee grinder.
Espresso Machine Recommendation for the Home
Burr Coffee
Grinder Review and Recommendation
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