How to Choose a Cheap Espresso Machine
Making espresso requires water that is at the right temperature and pressure to get the flavor from the ground coffee. A quality espresso machine with these features can cost upwards of $5,000.
Fortunately, it is possible to enjoy espresso on the budget. Here are some suggestions for choosing the best cheap coffee maker.
Cost
A high-quality espresso maker is not an inexpensive purchase for those interested in learning how to make espresso. Depending on the kind of machine you choose you can expect to spend up to $4,000. This includes manual coffee grinders as well as an espresso maker, and coffee beans. Machines that use capsules or pods are the cheapest as semi-automatic and automated espresso makers can cost between $150-$500.
Selecting the best espresso maker requires some research into what you want and need from your coffee-making experience. If you are a complete beginner, consider a manual espresso machine that comes with an easy-to use dial and steam wand. You can experiment with the settings and observe how they impact the taste. Dual boiler models are ideal for espresso drinkers who want to prepare both espresso as well as steam milk simultaneously. This kind of machine is typically more expensive than single boiler models.
When it comes to cost, you should consider how often you will make use of the espresso maker and the kind of drinks you will be making. If you're planning to make several cappuccinos or lattes each day, you might decide to invest in an auto-steamer that warms the water to the right temperature and does the work for you. If you only drink espresso once or twice a week then a manual machine could be a better choice to cut down on time and effort.
While it used to take some serious skill and perseverance to produce cafe-quality espresso at home, the latest machines have made it a much more accessible pastime for everyone except for the most experienced espresso drinkers. For example the Coffee Gator Stilosa offers impressive quality and consistency of brewing for less than $500 which makes it one of our top choices for espresso machines that are affordable.
It's not equipped with the advanced features of our more expensive espresso machine picks like an electronic PID control to regulate the temperature of the water and a top-quality steam wand, however it's an excellent entry-level machine. The Espresso Gator also heats up quickly, meaning you can be enjoying your coffee in just 10 minutes.
Capacity
If you want to brew high-quality espresso at home, it is essential to select an espresso machine that has a powerful steam wand and pump. It should also have a large reservoir for water and a removable water tank. These features will help you save time and effort while making your favourite cup of coffee. You should also consider the frequency of use. For instance, if you only require a quick shot espresso every once or twice per week, a smaller portable model could be adequate. If you plan to use the machine for events or other gatherings, then a larger model might be more suitable.
A high-quality espresso maker will create a strong stream that can steam the milk and create smooth, creamy foam. It should be equipped with an inbuilt thermometer to ensure that the water is the right temperature to brew. This is crucial, particularly when making cappuccinos or lattes that require more hot water.
Some espresso machines that are cheap have a high pressure however, that's not always an excellent thing. Pressure that is too high can cause over-extraction and an unpleasant taste in the espresso. Most espresso machines are designed for 9 bar of pressure and not higher.
The most reliable and affordable espresso machines offer high levels of control, consistency, and long-lasting. These attributes are crucial in a cafe setting, where baristas brew hundreds of drinks each day. Most cheap machines will not be as reliable or stable as more expensive models. However, they can still last a long time if you maintain them properly.
Manual espresso makers are a great choice for those who prefer the classic manual style of making coffee. For instance the Wacaco Picopresso is small, hand-powered device which uses a piston generate the high levels pressure required for a perfect espresso. Picopresso comes in a range of sizes ranging from one up to 18 inches and can be used with almost any stovetop including ceramic and induction. It is also great for camping and travel.
Design
A low-cost espresso maker isn't likely to come with a lot of bells and whistles, but it will be able to create some decent-tasting shots. The primary differences between less expensive and more expensive machines are typically the temperature stability (or consistency) and convenience features.
Many espresso makers make use of a combination of pressure and heat to extract espresso from coffee beans. Most espresso machines are designed to operate at a pressure of 8 and 15 bar. The pressure is generated by the steaming hot water which fills the boiler. The more pressure you have, the more intense the extraction. A high-quality machine must be able to provide this level of pressure consistently.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a cheap espresso machine is how simple it is to operate and maintain. The design of an Espresso machine will determine the ease or difficulty it is to clean and operate. Some machines, for example, have parts that can be easily cleaned in the machine. This can make cleaning simpler than if the whole machine is just one piece espresso machine with milk frother of equipment.
Other machines require more effort to clean and operate. Some machines require manual flushing using hot water to eliminate any the remaining residue. This is especially applicable to older espresso machines. The design of an espresso maker can also impact the ease of refill the reservoir of water and how quickly the machine is heated up.
A good cheap espresso machine should have a user-friendly interface, and features that meet the requirements of the majority customers. It should also be simple to maintain and repair. Many budget espresso machines include an instruction manual to assist users in solving common issues.
When we reviewed our machines we searched for espresso machines that have various features and settings. We were looking for a machine that would be appealing to both people who are experienced and new to the world of espresso. We also looked at the price and if it had an integrated grinder.
We have tested a Lelit prosumer model that is now owned by Breville. This machine is also known as a semi-professional espresso maker and is smaller than the most well-known commercial espresso machines. The Pro X is powerful and elegant, but it's not as precise as the other models we've tested.
Features
There are lots of doodads, nick knacks and thingsamajigs to take into consideration when you are shopping for an espresso machine. Deciding the most important ones can be a challenge, especially when you're investing hundreds of dollars. To make the process more simple begin by thinking about how often you'll be using the machine.
In general machines that are used more often will need to be built with more strength. The reason is that constant coffee making can lead to mineral buildup that can cause the steam wand as well as the water pump to wear faster than they would otherwise. Most budget espresso machines are constructed with lower-quality metal to minimize the chance of problems.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like an automatic or manual machine. The manual machine is more difficult for novices to use. Automatic machines are equipped with dual boilers, which brew and evaporate simultaneously. This is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes. However they can be difficult to operate and could require more maintenance than manual machines.
Manual espresso makers such as the De'Longhi Stilosa are a great option for espresso lovers who are on a tight budget. It includes a pressurized container for pre-ground coffee, and an ordinary one that can be made bottomless. It has a removable portafilter that is easy to clean and a user-friendly interface.
One downside is that it does not include a steam gauge, but if you don't drink enough milk-based drinks to justify the cost of a separate steamer it should not be a problem. It is also a little noisy, but it's nevertheless less expensive than other models in this category.
The Nespresso Mini Essenza is a great espresso machine at a reasonable cost. It's a multi-tasker, capable of producing regular and espresso in sizes from 0.84 to 135 fluid ounces. It is not the most powerful espresso machine however it's a reliable machine that will last a long time. It has a powerful steam wand, however that could be a problem for certain users.