Espresso Machine Buying Guide

Kauf-Ratgeber Espressomaschine

Intense, strong, and with a typical, robust aroma: espresso is not only considered a special delicacy by coffee connoisseurs, awakening new energy, pleasantly waking you up, and tasting exceptionally delicious.

The Italian coffee variation is usually prepared using espresso machines. However, the selection and variety of different machines are enormous. From simple, inexpensive espresso makers to high-quality professional machines, the differences are vast. Anyone who wants to buy a special machine should ideally inform themselves in advance so that the device perfectly matches their personal preferences, demands, and drinking habits. But what do coffee experts look for when it comes to finding the perfect machine for their favorite coffee?

The Differences to Filter Coffee

At first glance, an espresso can be visually distinguished from regular filter coffee. Espresso is usually served in a significantly smaller cup, so the amount of a typical espresso is much less than, for example, a filter coffee or a cappuccino.
A good espresso can also be recognized by its slightly frothy crema, which adorns the top of the liquid in a delicate brown to beige. The crema, which is now considered a typical characteristic of espresso, is created by the way the coffee is prepared. This is because in espresso machines, water is forced through the grounds with a pressure of around nine bar. This high pump pressure creates the delicate crema typical of the Italian coffee specialty. Unlike filter coffee, the water does not slowly pass through the filter filled with grounds, but is pressed through the coffee grounds at high speed and, above all, with a lot of pressure.
Nevertheless, there have been slightly different preparation methods since the invention of the espresso machine about 200 years ago. For example, devices with different types of pumps, boilers, and brew groups are available. While some espresso fans swear by fully automatic machines, other coffee lovers prefer devices that are partially operated manually.
Therefore, there can be no general recommendation for the best model. Which device is right must be determined individually.

Finding the Ideal Pump

When preparing the highly caffeinated beverage, a large pressure builds up within the brewing chamber of the machine. Among other things, the coffee is then guided into the cup with the help of the pump. Espresso makers are available with both electric pumps and as lever machines, where the espresso is pressed manually through a portafilter.
Especially for private use, the recommendation is usually to choose a machine with an electric pump. This type of espresso preparation is easier, especially for beginners, and requires significantly less practice.

Electric pumps are usually offered as vibration pumps or as rotary pumps. Espresso lovers who want to prepare the drink in their own home are usually better off with a vibration pump. This variant is not only smaller and thus easier to store in the kitchen cabinet, but also usually cheaper. Rotary pumps, on the other hand, are considered more robust, more reliable in the long term, and can produce more coffee in a much shorter time if needed. Professional baristas or cafés and bars that sell espresso to their customers therefore usually make the better choice with a rotary pump.

Whether with vibration or rotation: With electric pumps, you basically only have to press a few buttons when preparing espresso before the deliciously fragrant hot beverage finds its way into the cup. With portafilter machines or lever machines, however, a little muscle power is also required. Here, the brewing sieve is attached to the portafilter. The portafilter can in turn be attached to or detached from the brew group with a quick-release fastener (the so-called "bayonet lock"). The freshly prepared espresso is guided into the cup through the portafilter. Real professionals sometimes also use machines that work with a bottomless portafilter. Then the coffee flows directly into the cup without first passing through the spout.
But it's not just the fact that the lever on manual machines has to be operated by hand that is often an argument for private customers to choose a fully automatic espresso machine. In addition, operating a lever machine requires a lot of experience to fully exploit all its possibilities and taste variations. Even experienced baristas need a lot of skill and expertise for all the aromas of the espresso beans to develop properly after processing and for the espresso to offer an optimal taste experience in the end.

Single Boiler, Heat Exchanger, or Dual Boiler: Finding the Right Boiler

In addition to the pump, the boiler also plays an important role in the purchasing decision. This is where both the water for the espresso and the steam needed to froth milk are heated. Espresso machines are offered with three different types of boilers: the single boiler, the heat exchanger, and the dual boiler. In machines with a single boiler, only one boiler is responsible for heating the water and steam. This variant is simpler and often cheaper. However, a single boiler can be a disadvantage if the machine is not exclusively used for espresso, but for example also for preparing cappuccino or other milk drinks. This is because different temperatures are needed for the milk and the water. Especially the production of several different drinks in a row can then take a little longer.
Heat exchangers, on the other hand, have two different water circuits, which eliminates longer waiting times. So, for example, if you know that you will frequently use the machine to prepare various delicious coffee specialties for yourself and your friends, you should opt for a heat exchanger with a heat exchange function.
Even more practical is the dual boiler with two different boilers. With this system, milk drinks are also prepared quickly and easily. In addition, (hobby) baristas have many individual setting options.

What Do Espresso Experts Look For in the Brew Group?

The choice of the right brew group also plays an important role in the purchase. With automatic brew groups, the machine takes over almost all steps. Manual brew groups, on the other hand, allow you to regulate the pressure and hot water supply independently. While this is significantly more elaborate, the result can be worthwhile if the barista has the necessary experience.

The Right Espresso Machine for Every Need

Which model is right therefore depends, among other things, on what exactly the machine is mainly to be used for. Anyone who wants a good espresso simply, quickly, and reliably will choose a different espresso machine than someone who enjoys experimenting and wants to learn the preparation precisely. In addition, the price is, of course, not unimportant. Simple automatic machines are already quite inexpensive, while a considerable investment is sometimes required for professional high-performance machines.