Lever, Semi, and Super Automatic Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are not cheap, but compared to going to Starbuck's every day, it may not take long for a good machine to pay for itself. Espresso machines are more available than ever to the home consumer. Home espresso machines are hot items but there is an enormous range in quality, performance, and price, so you'll want to consider your choices carefully. Espresso machines are more complicated than drip brewing coffee makers. Espresso machines are divided into three genres: manual, emi-automatic, super-automatic. Not all espresso machines are created equal. Features determine which espresso machines are the best. Espresso machines are definitely not cheap, but in the long run you can save a lot of money from all the coffee bought in coffee shops.

Espresso

Espresso machines: A) brew espresso, B) steam milk, and C) dispense hot water. Espresso machines range in price from $100 to thousands of dollars. Espresso is stronger than regular drip coffee and is typically served in single or double shots. Espresso is also the base of many other enjoyable drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and mochas. Espresso is brewed in its own special way. Espresso requires a grind that is about as fine as powdered sugar, hence the need for a good grinder. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through a compacted "puck" of coffee grounds under pressure. Espresso machines usually come with wands to froth milk, but if youâ€™re all about automation, choose a higher-end machine that can froth for you. Espresso cups should be warmed before useâ€"does the machine have a cup warmer. Espresso people talk about BAR, ristrettos, shot times, etc etc, and it gets quite confusing for the newbie. But don't fret, you'll pick it up the more you read, research, and pull shots.

Lever

Lever Espresso Machines are not pump driven espresso machines. Lever espresso machines are harder to operate, but provide greater control over the shot. Lever espresso machines are manual brewing devices that use a lever to push down a piston, which provides the right amount of pressure needed to brew espresso. Lever machines are capable of producing excellent espresso, but the learning curve is very high (especially for espresso newcomers). Instead, like an old-world barista, you "pull the shot" yourself, using a lever, and a little bit of strength. The lever espresso machines are also quite beautiful pieces of art, and are sure to be conversation starters. Many espresso enthusiasts swear that lever espresso machines make the best espresso. In turn, the lever and spring were replaced by electro-mechanical pumps. You, as the operator of the machine, use a lever to compress or "cock" the spring into its starting position. Letting go of the lever lets the spring do the actual work of pushing water through the bed of coffee. Pushing down on the lever cocks the spring, and letting go of the lever lets the spring do its thing.

Semi

Semi-automatic espresso machines compromise on the convenience to achieve excellent espresso as compared to the manual and fully automatic machines. Semi-automatic machine uses electric pump to create consistent pressure on the coffee grounds, rather than relying on your arms strength. Semi-automatic espresso machines automate some of the process. Semi-automatic espresso machines make the process of creating espresso an easy task. A Semi automatic machine lets you add the coffee to the filter basket manually, and the pump starts and stops when the user pushes the brew button. Semi automatic espresso machines are alot cheaper than the super automatic makers. Expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1500 on a home semi-automatic espresso machine. Don't forget to turn off the semi automatic espresso maker when your done.

Super

Super Automatics are the next generation of espresso machines and have created a revolution of their own. Super Automatics are fully automatic machines mated to a built-in grinder and a whole bunch of special features designed to make any choice of coffee drink. When you push the button corresponding to your drink of choice, the super automatic espresso machine grinds the right amount of coffee, automatically tamps it into an internal portafilter, automatically does the extraction, and then automatically dumps the used coffee grounds into an internal knockbox. Of course, super automatic espresso machines are a step up in price. You will quickly produce espresso that is superior to almost any coffee shop in your area, and before long your espresso will have no equal. Unlike all the other espresso machines aforementioned that require taking charge of the espresso extraction the super automatic versions of espresso machines seeks to take control over the entire process all by itself.

Espresso machines arenâ€™t just for coffee shops anymore. Espresso machines are used by many because they are able to get the specialty coffee that they love without spending the prices that are charged at local coffee shops. Some espresso machines are just that, plain espresso machines. Our line up of Semi Commercial Home Espresso Machines are some of the most reviewed and sought after on the market today. The variety of coffee makers and espresso machines are limitless, so you can create your own little coffee bar right at home.

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