November 2011

Automatic Espresso Machine Ratings

For people who need that coffee pick me up in the morning, but want a bit of luxury in their lives, automatic espresso machines are a great way to start your day. Of course, many people say that the automatic espresso machine produces an inferior espresso.

The coffee comes in little plastic cups and hot water is shot through the cups – when were the beans roasted and ground? However, if those people want to mess with espresso bean grinding and clean up, they can. If you’d rather just pop in a cup and press the button, automatic espresso machines were made for you.

Check out our super automatic espresso machine guide

Of course, automatic espresso machine ratings are based not only on the type of coffee your machine will make but on the ease of use and the cost. Super automatic espresso machines will actually grind the beans, tamp the grounds, and produce a pump-drive espresso with crema all without you having to do more than press the button.

This is a lovely way to get an espresso in the morning, easy, fast and high quality, but it will cost you. Super automatic pump-driven espresso machine ratings are very high, as are the prices. Starting at $500 for a cheap one, an automatic espresso machine with ratings that probably don’t compare to the $3000 automatic espresso machines, you may feel coffee is just not worth that in your budget.

The automatic espresso machines with the little cups can also be expensive, but many manufacturers are making highly rated espresso machines for a fairly reasonable price. This is probably because once you buy the machine from them, you are a customer for life.

Each automatic espresso machine that uses those little single serving espresso cups can only be used with their cups. So while you may get a deal on the machine, consider the espresso you will be buying and whether or not you will be happy with that particular type of coffee every morning.

Automatic espresso machine ratings differ dramatically based on a number of variables. The ease of use, quality of espresso produced and longevity of the machine are all considered.

Even if a cheap machine makes great coffee for a little while, if it breaks after just a couple of months you’ll have to pay for a replacement, and maybe buying that more expensive version would have been worthwhile.

Nespresso Aeroccino – Worth Getting?

Nespresso coffee machines are well known for making some of the best easy to use espresso machines available. For a lot of people, espresso is everything and adding milk is not necessary. But for those of us who love a cappuccino or a latte, nothing beats a little warm, frothed milk.

In fact, it may be the milk that makes that coffee turn into such a fun and luxurious morning (and afternoon) treat. So when Nespresso came out with their Aeroccino, many people got very excited. It’s a special milk frothing contraption. The ease of Nespresso in milk frothing!? A lot of us couldn’t wait to try it. The question that people always ask: is it really worth buying the Nespresso Aeroccino?

The answer for those of us who like to make a cappuccino or latte, or who like to impress our friends with our cafe skills, is an unequivocal: yes! The Nespresso Aeroccino makes milk frothing as simple as it can get. I know how to use a milk frother on an espresso machine, and it is not easy until you’ve had a good amount of practice. Getting the bubbles to be the right size, the milk to be the right temperature, and to use the right amount of milk all takes practice.

And with home espresso machines, the milk-frothing tool is not necessarily the best anyway. Lots of problems come from the fact that the steam for those espresso machines comes from a single boiler, so you can’t steam and drip espresso at the same time.

The Nespresso Aeroccino is the answer to home cappuccino lovers. Not only do you simply pour in milk and press the button, but the Aeroccino automatically stops when the milk is hot and frothy enough – and it happens fast. No babysitting this milk frother, and certainly no burnt milk.

There are even two frothing fittings so you can choose which size of bubbles you prefer – cappuccino or latte? Why not.

Many gadgets like this one have come and gone once consumers realize that they just don’t work right. Nespresso has finally broken the chain with the Nespresso Aeroccino, and they are pricing accordingly. But with the Aeroccino, you will make the quickest and easiest cappuccinos and lattes, short of actually getting a professional barista to do it for you. The Aeroccino is the perfect give for milky coffee lovers, or as an addition to your coffee loving kitchen.

Check out today’s Nespresso Aeroccino price

Espresso Machine Reviews Make the Decision Easier

Making espresso is an art, especially if you want that perfect flavor and froth. It takes time to figure out how long to steam the milk or how long to grind the beans. Some of this effort is taken care of if you purchases a quality espresso machine. It also takes time learning how to use it unless it’s a pod machine. The process is made a lot easier if people read espresso machine reviews, especially when looking to buy one.

Learning About the Machines

While making an espresso beverage is an art, so is mastering the machine. This is why espresso machine reviews are so helpful. It helps you learn how to figure out which unit offers the best flavors, consistency, ease of use, and durability. The only way this is done is by trying out the machines or by learning what others say about them. Most people aren’t capable of trying out the different units before a purchase, so it’s important to spend time researching what other consumers and experts say about the products. This can guide you through the process and help you make the right decision.

Figuring Out What You Want

It will help to know what you want from a machine, because this also provides focus. Maybe you want a specific frothing wand or the ability to add a pod. Others prefer a cup warmer or specific espresso technology. Once you know the features you desire from a product you can narrow down your choices. It allows you to glean specific words from the reviews so machines can be eliminated or added to the list.

Check the Price

It helps to know the price of the unit before purchasing it. This price should be compared against other options as well as against other bestsellers. This is where espresso machine reviews can help you make the right decision. Read our guide to choosing your espresso machine or if you have deep pockets check out our super automatic espresso machine guide.

Best Espresso Machine For The Home

Espresso is important to your life. Even if you already have a coffee maker, it doesn’t have the same taste and flavor of an espresso beverage. The problem is figuring out the technical terms and features so you can buy the best home espresso machine to suit your needs.

Considering Espresso Machines With Electric Pumps

The electric pump is a nice feature to have on an espresso machine, as it generates high pressure. It makes sure the pressure is correct for the specific drink. Other options of machines are the piston or level machine, stove top, or the steam machine. (Don’t bother buying a steam machine if you’re serious about espresso.)

The difference between these options is they often require more effort or skill to produce the appropriate drink. This is often too difficult for the novice. The electric pump is considered more effortless, which is a factor many consider when choosing the best home espresso machine.

Having said that I recently stayed in a hotel where they had a Nespresso capsule machine in the room and I could not get the darn thing to work at all. I’ll stick with my Delonghi thanks.

(NOTE: I’m very happy with my Delonghi EC702 at the moment. It’s under $200 and works quickly. Eventually I’d like a Jura Capresso but my budget doesn’t stretch that far at the moment)

Three Categories Offered

These electric pump espresso machines are broken up into three categories, which are semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. The semi-automatic option is the most basic, as everything is completed manually except for the steam pressure. This includes grinding the beans and filling the basket. This is the cheapest and simplest way to introduce espresso into the home. I usually just buy ready ground coffee rather than grinding beans myself.

The automatic option is a step up. The machine lets you select volume and strength of espresso. The unit will also automatically control and generate the amount of water and steam to produce the desired power. Super automatic espresso machines are considered the best option for anyone who has the money and wants all the features. It can do everything for a person with just the touch of a button.

Everyone’s Different

The best home espresso machine can easily be different for each person. This is why it’s important to know how much you want to be automatic so you can make the appropriate selection.

If you look online, it is very easy to determine what the most popular espresso machines are. They are made by DeLonghi, Krups, Breville, Cuisinart, and even Mr. Coffee! But the most popular doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best home espresso machine for you and your home. There are some features that you just shouldn’t have to do without and some features that might just not be worth the money, so understanding what an espresso machine can offer is important before you make the purchase.

Do You Need a Grinder?

One thing that most people really like having on their espresso machine is a coffee grinder. Grinding your coffee in this manner is quieter, cleaner and, depending on the model that you buy, much easier for you to dispose of the grinds. Buying beans instead of grinds is easier, too, and sometimes it is more affordable.

What About the Water Tank?

A good quality water filtration system with a large tank is another feature that can really make or break even the best home espresso machine. Although the larger the tank, the larger the machine, you will also appreciate the fact that a large tank means that you won’t have to fill up your coffee maker every single morning.

Personalize the Espresso That You Make

Another feature that is essential for people who really enjoy good coffee is the ability to adjust the strength, flavor, and temperature of the espresso that comes out. There are always those people who love their espresso particularly thick and hot, while others want something that is a little more drinkable, and a good machine will allow you to make those adjustments without changing beans. When you are trying to find the best home espresso machine, it is important to keep all of these features in mind.

Want more? Check out our Best Home Epsresso Machine 2011 article.

Best Home Espresso Machine 2011

This year we’ve seen some interesting new design concepts into the espresso machine market. But the tried and tested stalwarts are still the most popular. So if you’re looking for the best home espresso machine 2011 here’s what we think are the best value.

(NOTE: You can check out today’s best sellers at Amazon by clicking here. But remember I don’t recommend a steam machine)

Best Espresso Machine Under 1000

You can actually get a good automatic machine for under 1000. Is the Delonghi Magnifica super-automatic? Well pretty much yes but you can read more in our Delonghi Magnifica review

For more on super-automatics check out our Super Automatic Espresso Machine Guide

Best Espresso Machine Under 500

Breville still make some of the most stylish machines around. The fantastic Barista Express is usually over $500 (prices fluctuate especially at places like Amazon.com) but it’s little sister the Cafe Roma is just over 300. Good, sturdy, stylish machines from Breville.

Best Espresso Machine Under 200

DeLonghi have been in this game for more years than most and I personally have the EC702 in my kitchen. The best thing about it? It heats up really quickly and you have espresso within a few minutes. The worst thing? I can’t get my big mug under the portafilter. I have to use little espresso cups.

For a more in-depth analyis read our Delonghi EC702 review