What’s involved when it comes to purchasing the best automatic espresso machine for you and your needs (assuming it’s for home use)? Whether you’re a passionate espresso aficionado who discerns the fine nuances from one cup to the next, or a daily coffee drinker who simply appreciates a quick and easy caffeinated beverage, there IS an automatic espresso machine out there with your name on it. At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to the space in your kitchen that you can dedicate to this appliance, the size of your budget, and how much time and effort you’re willing to put into the brewing process.
A quick overview of automatic espresso machine categories reveals that your choices will involve:
Manual: These classic machines have a lever that is pulled to deliver a shot of espresso. While these handsome – and admittedly expensive – appliances will brew unmatched beverages, they also involve a great margin for error, and unless you’re a professional, or ultra-serious coffee connoisseur, you might want to consider other options.
Semiautomatic: This type of coffee machine tends to be the most popular, and brews coffee via an electric pump. Although you’re still in charge of the grinding and tamping, the motor will ensure consistent flow and pressure, and you will control the amount of espresso in your beverage by stopping the extraction process. Some in this category come with steam wands for heating and frothing, and a few offer the built-in grinder option.
Fully Automatic: This machine does all the thinking for you – even the amount of water is determined by the appliance. You’re responsible for adding the beans and pressing a button – and your drink of choice will be brewed, whether it’s an espresso or a latte macchiato. These machines come with a range of customizable features including the grind, temperature, strength and drink size – let’s consider them the Rolls Royce of automatic espresso machines – and for some, they are indeed the best.
Capsule: These appliances offer the ultimate in convenience – we’ve all seen them. If you have a supply of pods and water, you can brew an espresso topped with a layer of crema. And for some, this is as good as it gets.
Quality Coffee Systems – based out of Burnaby BC – is a representative of leading world brands since 1998. We have experienced teams of coffee specialists to help take the guesswork out of a sometimes-overwhelming process. With the involvement of one of our QCS experts, bringing home the best automatic espresso machine for you and your needs can be an event worth celebrating. Here’s to la dolce vita!
Stop by our Burnaby showroom if you’re thinking about upping your coffee game.
