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Espresso Machines

Espresso machines  are becoming more common in kitchens all across Australia. Once a device found only at restaurants, these domestically-designed machines bring cafe-quality coffee into anyone's home. As with many other kitchen appliances, the selection and price of espresso machines keeps getting better.  Of course the quality of a cup of espresso depends largely on the type of coffee used. See the Coffee Grinders guide for more information about improving the quality of coffee you make.

Types of Espresso Machines

Basically there are three main types of espresso machines:

Manual

  • Means you control the amount of water and coffee grounds each time you make a cup.
  • Hot water is forced through the tightly packed grounds and a steam frothing wand is used to froth the milk.
  • These models can make one single-strength cup, two single-strength cups, or one double strength cup.
  • Success depends on the skill of the operator.
  • Generally $150 - $600.  
  • CHOICE magazine recommends: Breville ESP8B  $200 and Saeco Magic Espresso  $300.

Fully Automatic

  • Select the setting and press the button and these machines will do the rest - grind the beans, measure the coffee and water for the perfect espresso. (Must keep the machine stocked with water and beans)
  • Adjustable controls for strength and size.
  • Expect to pay $700 to $2000 for these models.
  • CHOICE magazine recommends: Saeco Incanto S-class DeLuxe  $1500 and Saeco Magic DeLuxe  $900.

Nespresso

  • Uses single coffee pods (developed by Nestle) to produce a perfect cup of espresso.
  • Convenient, easy to clean and use.
  • Cost of pods can be expensive (60 cents per cup) and may not be available at your local shops.
  • You'll get a choice of coffee blend, but no choice of the brand of coffee you can use.
  • Krups  and DeLonghi  are the major nespresso manufacturers in Australia.
  • Cost $300 -  
  • CHOICE magazine recommends: Krups Nespresso 893  $400 and Krups Nespresso F8964970  $600. 

Important Features

  • Steamer
    • Like cappuccino and other espresso drinks? Better make sure your espresso machine has a steamer attachment for steaming and foaming milk.
  • Durable Components
    • Metal or heavy plastic is better than light plastic.
    • Boiler systems are better than thermal coils.
    • Brass portafilters are better than aluminium -- more durable and retain heat longer.
    • When a review says "built like a tank," it's usually meant as a compliment.
  • Pump-Driven
    • Far better than steam driven, which doesn't always hold heat evenly.
    • Also better than piston-lever models, which can be hard to use.

Other Features

  • Cup-warming surface.
  • Detachable reservoir.
  • Removable drip tray.
  • Look for features that will assist in easy cleaning, especially removable parts.

Other Espresso Options

Stovetop Espresso
  • Stovetop machines  are an older more traditional way of making espresso.
  • Riddled with problems:
    • Hard to maintain temperature, so they can burn the coffee.
    • Pressure never gets high enough for proper espresso brewing.
  • Nevertheless, stovetop-style machines still have their fans. They may not make a great cup of espresso, but some will make espresso good enough for a cappuccino.

Manual Pump Lever
  • Manual pump machines  can make a good espresso.
  • The first way of getting pressure high enough to properly extract the coffee.
  • Requires considerable finesse to get the timing right (don't want the pull to be too long or too short).
  • Once you get it, these machines will produce great espresso.

More Information About Fully Automatics

Gaggia Titanium

The Gaggia Titanium  is a super automatic espresso maker that grinds, tamps and brews espresso beverages automatically. It is available in two finishes - a silver finish ASB and stainless steel. The Titanium costs about $1700 new, more if you want it in stainless steel.  Check out Gadget Guy's review of the Gaggia Titanium espresso machine at: www.gadgetguy.com.au.

Jura Espresso

The Jura espresso machines  are fully automatic and make good coffee -- better than some other fully automatics. These machines are a bit complex, with many buttons and require periodic cleaning. The prices range from $1300 to $3500. These machines are marketed toward both home and office use because they offer great espresso and coffee at the touch of a button.

Saeco Incanto Sirius

The Saeco Incanto Sirius,  along with its sister product the Saeco Incanto Rondo,  are the only espresso machines to feature a ceramic (as opposed to a metal) grinder. Ceramic is inert and won't affect the flavor of your beans.  In addition to the grinder, the Sirius boasts all the important features you'd expect in a $1700 machine. It has many programmable modes, a steamer wand, a cup warmer, heats up fast, looks great and, most importantly, makes great coffee. For home use only; although the parts are excellent, it's simply not large enough for a commercial setting.

Espresso Machine Manufacturers

External Links

  • Crema Magazine: Rates domestic espresso machines.
  • Coffeesnobs.com: A forum for coffee drinkers and makers. Offers news and events for members and guests.