If you’re a coffee lover finally looking to make the leap and purchase your first espresso machine. Chances are, you’re a little intimidated. This is understandable as they appear to be these large, chrome machines with several handles, knobs, and buttons on them. Espresso machines appear a lot more difficult to use than they really are. If you’re stalling on your purchase, perhaps some of your apprehension is coming from the price of most espresso machines. They surely are a significant investment but for any coffee enthusiast, when you find out how to select a high-quality, long-lasting espresso machine, the price is worth it. So, how can you identify an espresso machine that will serve you for many years while maintaining the ability to produce consistently excellent results? Consider these tips.
Be Aware of the Different Espresso Machine Types
Quality is likely the biggest determining factor for the longevity of an espresso machine; however, it isn’t the only one. In addition to being durable and long-lasting, in order to ensure that you get the best value for your money, it’s important to be aware of the different types of espresso machines available and purchase the right one for your specific needs. Buying a product that suits your lifestyle and home is a good way to make sure that you’ll even want to continue using it on a long-term basis.
There are three main types of espresso machines. These are steam-driven machines, lever-driven machines, and pump-driven machines. Steam-driven machines are compact and easy to use making them an excellent choice for beginners. They utilize an air-tight tank where water is brought to a boil which creates steam and pressure thus driving water into the coffee. The drawback with these espresso machines is that they only tend to produce about 1.5 bars of pressure when the ideal for a shot of espresso is 9.
Lever-driven machines require physical strength to pull a shot of espresso. They are either manual or spring-loaded. They provide lots of control for the barista which can be great for experimenting. That being said, can also mean inconsistency due to human error. Pump-driven machines are the most popular as they strike the balance between human control and mechanical consistency. They can be divided into three sub-categories: semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. When deciding between those three types, consider what sort of machine you’d like to see in your home, what level of ease you’d like, how much control you need over the results, and the level of consistency you’re after.
Consider Durability for a Long-Lasting Espresso Machine
A quality espresso machine will be able to work all day without malfunctioning and be able to take the occasional bump. Watch out for an espresso machine that overheats with use, is made from weak materials, or has a meager capacity. Don’t simply buy the cheapest machine but try your best to evaluate the quality. Try asking a professional barista or espresso expert how to evaluate quality.
Consider Ease of Cleaning
Over-time grime and oil can destroy your espresso machine over time. If you purchase a machine that's difficult or extremely inconvenient to clean, you could end up needing to replace your product far too soon. Look for a machine that’s easily disassembled and reassembled. No matter what espresso machine you choose, remember that cleaning is crucial to the machine’s overall performance. Make sure to clean the frothing equipment, the water receptacle, and the cups in particular.
Do you still need some clarity on how you can choose a long-lasting espresso machine? Visit us at our showroom or contact us anytime.
Follow me!
