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3 tips for buying an espresso machine
Are you the kind of person who loves spending time making the perfect coffee or would you rather just press a button and have your coffee made for you? Depending on your preference, there are 3 types of espresso machines:
There's the manual espresso machine, perfect for those who love to make their own coffee.
With a semi-automatic espresso machine, the water temperature and pressure are automated, and you can use a manual steamer for milk. There's a separate coffee grinder. You choose the amount of water, and have full control over your coffee drink.
And for minimal effort, the fully automatic espresso machine is the way to go. With just the push of a button, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. They often come with a built-in milk system for lattes and cappuccinos, automatic cleaning, and other smart features.
When it comes to espresso machines, size matters. So make sure you have enough space in your kitchen. There are also smaller models available if you're short on space.
Think about the capacity of the machine too. If you go for a machine with a water tank that holds at least 1800 ml, you won't have to refill the tank every 15 minutes.
When it comes to manual espresso machines, you won't find many extra features except maybe a cup warmer. But, semi- and fully automatic models can offer more. Some machines come with automatic descaling, meaning the machine will alert you when it's time to clean it. If you end up with a machine that needs manual descaling, there are helpful videos out there to guide you.
Some machines even have smart apps that let you control your coffee from your phone. So, before you buy, think about what features you want and what will fit your lifestyle.
FAQ
In some espresso makers today, there are filters that filter out the limescale automatically. This means that you do not have to worry about accumulations and should only change the filter when it is old. But if you don't, you have to do it yourself. One of the most common tricks is to use vinegar spirit, which can be found in your local grocery store.
- Empty the tank of remaining water and loose lime
- Pour in 1 part vinegar spirit and 5-6 parts water
- Run through the machine once, like you do when brewing espresso.
- Next, empty the tank and run the machine 2-3 times with normal water so that the taste of the vinegar disappears.
An espresso machine can last for decades if properly maintained. As long as it's made with good quality and you take care of the machine, it's going to last a long time. However, if you do not bother to maintain it, it will last a shorter time, and the same applies if you buy an espresso machine with poor quality.
Espresso machines come in many different shapes and forms, and not least in different price ranges. Which one you buy depends on your budget and preferences. How well the espresso machines work, how easy they are to clean and how long they last are all things that affect the purchase decision. Please check out our large test of espresso machines to find the model that best suits your needs.
An espresso machine is simply a machine that makes espresso. Espresso is, in short, a strong coffee brewing method. It is about 3-4 centilitres of very strong coffee covered in cellulose and fats, and the latter is named crema in Italy, among others.