Are you deciding between different types of espresso machines? With hundreds of coffee makers available in the market, selecting a right espresso maker can be challenging. Today, we are sharing our experiences brewing PERFECT cups of espresso, latte and mocha in different types of espresso makers. We would love an opportunity to present different types of espresso machines to empower you in selecting the best type of espresso machine for you and your needs. By the end of this article, you should have a sense of the ideal choice for you. FAST and EASY.


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Comparison Guide: 3 AMAZING types of espresso machines

Pump espresso machine

  • Can brew delicious espresso

  • Technologically advanced

  • Perfect for any level of experience in espresso brewing

  • Brews espresso by forcefully pushing hot water through coffee grounds

  • Price range: $$$ – $$$$$


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Steam espresso machine

  • Can be very affordable

  • Basic and easy to use

  • Perfect for those who begin their adventure in espresso brewing

  • Brews espresso by exerting pressure with steam

  • Price range: $ – $$$


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Manual espresso machine

  • Can brew the best espresso ever

  • Requires hands-on work

  • Perfect for those with advanced coffee brewing skills

  • Brews espresso by exerting creating pressure from a manually pressed lever

  • Price range: $$ – $$$$$


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Which type of espresso machine is best for me? Pump vs steam vs manual espresso makers debate

There are different types of espresso makers available in the market. Among hundreds and hundreds of choices, there are some types of espresso machines that can most certainly fit you better than the others.

The most critical determinant of the quality of coffee is pressure. Hence, we will break down espresso makers into different types based on how they generate pressure, and how they exert it onto coffee grounds.

  • Pressure pump: Espresso drinkers seem to prefer pressure pump machines. They are easy to use, and they are very precise in creating pressure. Many of the modern pressure pump espresso makers are able to brew coffee at the touch of a button, and in not more than 1-2 minutes.
  • Steam pressure: Steam espresso makers are the most affordable electric espresso machines on the market. Steam pressure is not that strong or efficient as pump pressure. Therefore, espresso is less creamy, somewhat weaker and less flavourful than espresso from a pump machine.
  • Manual pressure: Manual espresso makers are preferred mostly by advanced coffee lovers and espresso connoisseurs who like to brew their coffee in an old fashioned manner. Portable manual espresso makers (they exist!) are a great way to enjoy espresso while on the road. It is important to know that manual espresso makers will require the use of physical force.

#1 Pump espresso machines

How do pump espresso machines work?

Pump espresso machines are the best type of espresso machines. They brew coffee by forcefully pushing hot water through a ‘puck,’ or portafilter, of coffee grounds, with a pressure of around 9 BARs.

As it pushes through the coffee particles, the water becomes infused with oils and flavor compounds. The espresso is then poured through the spout into a cup. The pressure makes it possible for the water to soak all the coffee grounds, leading to an even extraction of the coffee compounds.

The same cannot be said about the steam pressure though, as steam does not have the capacity to fully penetrate the coffee grounds, which may lead to under extraction.

You will find two types of pressure pump espresso machines on the market: semi automatic and super automatic (also referred to as fully automatic).

→ Semi-automatic pump espresso machines

Semi-automatic espresso machines can make you feel like a barista while allowing you to enjoy the perks of modern technology.

These machines require participate in the coffee preparation process in different ways:

  • grinding the coffee beans,
  • choosing the coffee basket,
  • selecting the brewing settings (machines may have controls for brewing temperature, shot volume, extraction times, and other such variables), or
  • frothing milk for latte or cappuccino.

Semi-automatic espresso machines need much more attention, input and participation than other types of pump espresso machines. They require an involvement in the brewing process, but they give flexibility, ownership and responsibility in brewing a perfect cup of espresso.

Can be a perfect fit for:

  • Baristas and coffee connoisseurs
  • Generous budget
  • Travelers (in case of portable models)

PROs

  • Brews delicious coffee
  • Gives control and ownership over the quality
  • Makes you feel like a barista
  • Durable, powerful and high tech

CONs

  • Requires barista knowledge
  • May require extra grinder or other accessories
  • Brewing can be messy

5 examples of the best semi automatic espresso makers:

→ Super-automatic espresso machines

Super-automatic espresso machines, also known as fully automatic espresso machines, are the equivalent of a personal electric barista. These machines can do everything for you, some of them at the touch of a single button:

  • grind coffee beans in their integrated burr grinder right before brewing,
  • fill the filter with coffee grounds,
  • brew the espresso,
  • empty the filter by discharging the used coffee grounds into a designated in-built compartment, or
  • even froth the milk all by themselves.

More advanced models come with different settings for a variety of coffee drinks. Unlike in the case of semi-automatic machines, the mess created by handling coffee grounds goes down to zero. However, super automatic machines take away a lot of your freedom of decision over the brewing, and create standard coffee beverages.

Can be a perfect fit for:

  • Minimal experience in coffee brewing
  • Espresso lovers and coffee connoisseurs
  • Lovers of fast and reliable espresso machines that save time in the morning
  • Generous budget

PROs

  • Very fast and efficient
  • Easy to use with a touch of a button
  • Saves time and energy
  • Can be used by espresso novices who no barista skills or knowledge

CONs

  • More electrical parts can be more vulnerable to outages
  • Some of super automatic espresso machines can be expensive
  • Limited options in the brewing process (many options are pre-programmed)

8 examples of the best semi automatic espresso makers:

#2 Steam espresso machines

How do steam espresso machines work?

Steam espresso makers are among my least favorite types of espresso machines. Just as in the case of pump pressure machines, steam espresso makers brew by applying pressure on the coffee grounds. However, in this case, the pressure is created with steam, which is released inside the filter.

Coffee aficionados prefer investing in slightly more expensive pump espresso machines or even a manual machines, because they pull better espresso shots than steam machines can do.

The steam simply does not have the same power pressure pumps have to infuse the coffee grounds completely and efficiently, which leads to weaker shots and under extracted coffee.

However, steam espresso machines are among the most affordable espresso makers available in the market.

Can be a perfect fit for:

  • Extremely affordable
  • Easy and quick
  • Espresso novices

PROs

  • Extremely affordable
  • Many coffee makers can accommodate any pocket
  • Easy and convenient
  • Can be used by espresso novices who no barista skills or knowledge

CONs

  • Coffee may come out weaker than in pump espresso machines
  • Some machines may be vulnerable to breaking

4 examples of the best steam espresso makers:

#3 Manual espresso machines

How do manual espresso machines work?

Manual espresso makers can be stunning on kitchen countertops. They can also pull a great shot of espresso.

But, there is a catch: you are fully in charge of the process.

What that means is that manual espresso machines require proficiency and familiarity with coffee brewing process. Understanding what goes into pulling good espresso will be incredibly helpful.

Unlike pump or steam espresso machines, which create pressure by themselves, manual espresso machines require users to create pressure. How? By using manual strength to pull water through coffee grounds.

Manual espresso makers for home typically come with an attractive design that features a lever. When pressed down, the lever should create pressure needed to brew a shot of espresso.

Can be a perfect fit for:

  • Baristas and coffee connoisseurs
  • Can fit most budgets
  • Coffee aficionados
  • Experienced coffee lovers

PROs

  • Can be very affordable
  • Attractive and interesting design
  • Can pull a perfect cup of espresso
  • Gives maximum control in the brewing process

CONs

  • Needs medium-to-advanced experience in baristing
  • Can pull a very bad cup of espresso if not used properly
  • Requires hands-on brewing

5 examples of the best manual espresso makers:

How did we evaluate different types of espresso makers?

Before paying for that shiny new espresso machine, make sure that the machine is worth the money. You do not want to overspend on a poor quality espresso machine. A solid espresso machine should be evaluated and measured based on the following features:

→ Water heating system

Temperature is important when brewing coffee. A cup of delicious coffee needs a brewing temperature that falls between 195 and 205 degrees F. Such temperature is obtained with a good heating system.

We have covered some great tips on a perfect temperature to brew coffee and water heating systems earlier. Here’s a short recap of the types of heating systems that are most commonly found in espresso machines:

  • A boiler-based heating system is the best in class. 🏆 It efficiently heats large quantities of water at a time, which it then stores for later usage. The best and most expensive electric espresso machines come with dual boilers (a boiler for brewing coffee and one for steaming the milk), which shortens the time between brews considerably.
  • A thermocoil-based espresso machine heats water on demand. It allows to brew espresso at consistent temperatures. However, espresso machines that use thermocoils cannot pull one shot after another. The thermocoil needs time to heat the water. Further, unlike a thermoblock, a thermocoil is typically made with a whole block of metal. It reduces the risk of leakage.
  • A thermoblock is the least efficient heating system. It’s fairly slow, and is made with multiple parts. Thermoblock-based espresso machine tend to be less expensive then espresso machines with thermocoil.

→ Pressure pump

We have found that BAR pressure can be extremely important in selecting the right type of espresso machine.

It is advisable to invest in an espresso machine that can create a pressure of at least 9 BARs. Many espresso machines on the market come with pressure pumps of 15 BARs, 17 BARs and even 20 BARs, and manufacturers use this as a reason to set a higher price.

However, coffee experts agre that investing in a machine with more than 15 BARs is unnecessary. It costs significantly more, but it may not help the quality of espresso in meaningful ways.

→ Extras (milk frothing wand, grinder, tamper)

It might be worth looking into some EXTRA features and add-ons that come with an espresso machine. To brew delicious espresso, latte or cappuccino using just one machine, it might be helpful for an espresso maker to include the following:

  • a milk frothing wand,
  • an integrated burr grinder,
  • accessories ( some machines come with a tamper, a frothing mug and measuring scoops), or
  • different brewing settings to make different types of beverages automatically.

Obviously, some robust features may increase the price of an espresso machine.

→ Durability

Last but not least, the materials, design and structure are critical in ensuring the durability of an espresso machine. We wholeheartedly recommend stainless steel, but these will always be pricier than plastic ones.

Owly wisdom

Because we live in a world where espresso machines have changed and evolved, you need to be aware of what is available so that you could make a choice that will fit your needs. Make sure that you know exactly what types of espresso machines fit your knowledge, skills and expectations, and your money will, for sure, be well spent.

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