Selecting an Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker

Selecting Your Espresso Machine or Espresso Coffee Maker

When choosing an espresso machine for your home, ask yourself this: How much control do I want over making my espresso? The three main classes of espresso machines range from Manual, which gives you the most control, to Semi-Automatic, which splits the work between you and the machine, to Superautomatic, which will do everything from grinding and extracting to disposing grounds at the push of a button (but it won't take out the trash!). For the best results, it's important to always use fresh espresso beans. We love Lavazza coffees -- and we're not alone! It's the most popular coffee in Italy and we import it directly from the source. Learn more about espresso beans in our It Starts with Great Coffee article. Read our detailed Espresso Machine Reviews: Compare Superautomatics: [All] Compare Semi-automatics: [All]
Manual Espresso Machines
	This is where it all began! While automation has its perks, Manual espresso machines still give you the most control over every aspect of making your espresso. It's no wonder many purists believe this is the only way to pull: You can finely tune your perfect shot of espresso through temperature, steam pressure, grind, tamp pressure and length of extraction. As elegant as they are capable, Manual machines feature a boiler, steam pressure gauge, portafilter and a manual lever for controlling espresso extractions. We carry models from La Pavoni.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
	Sometimes referred to as Semi Automatic. Semi-Automatic espresso machines give you a little bit of guts and a little bit of glory. Featuring a boiler, manual portafilter and switch or lever for performing the extraction and steaming processes, these machines allow you to still have a hand in how your espresso is made. You'll grind and tamp your espresso (or insert a coffee pod), begin the extraction process via a switch or lever and then steam or froth your milk, if applicable. There are two different types of Semi-Automatic machines: Manual Control: The key feature of a manual Semi-Automatic is that, once you have initiated espresso extraction, you will also need to turn it off again -- giving you some real-time control over the length of your extraction. Programmable Doses: These machines allow you to program the extraction switch to turn off after a specific amount of time. (These machines are sometimes referred to simply as 'Automatics'). We carry several popular Semi-Automatic models from Ascaso, Capresso, Delonghi, Espressione, FrancisFrancis!, Grimac Royal Falcon, La Spaziale, Pasquini, Quick Mill, Rocket Espresso, Rancilio and Saeco. Compare Semi-automatics: [All] Watch Gail discuss our favorite semi-automatic espresso machines in different budget classes.
Superautomatic Espresso Machines
	Sometimes referred to as Super Automatic or Super-Automatic. Superautomatics are the espresso machine version of the proverbial genie in a bottle! These complete coffee centers perform the entire espresso making process at the touch of a button -- from grinding the beans to extracting the espresso to frothing the milk. With one or two boilers, a water tank, a coffee bean hopper, built-in grinders, various levels of programmable features and often a second inlet for using pre-ground beans (such as decaf, if you have the hopper filled with regular espresso beans), making delicious espresso at home has never been so easy! We carry several models of Superautomatics from Bosch, Delonghi, Jura Capresso, and Saeco. Compare Superautomatics: [All]