Choosing the right home espresso machine
Let’s face it – if you’re reading this, you probably want to make better espresso than the sad cup of instant coffee you’re currently surviving on. No shame, we’ve all been there. Trust me, I spent 6 months researching and contemplating which machine to buy. But fear not – choosing the right espresso machine for your home doesn’t have to be as confronting as trying to order an hot latte with ice. In fact, with a little guidance, you’ll be pulling espresso shots at home like a pro in no time.
Here’s your guide to choosing the best espresso machine for your home, without any unnecessary spills or coffee-induced meltdowns.
1. Assess Your Coffee Skills (AKA “How Fancy Are You Really?”)
Before you start dreaming of that fancy espresso machine on the kitchen counter, take a moment to reflect: are you a "just want caffeine" type of person, or are you a full-on espresso artisan in the making? This is crucial, as there are machines that’ll make you feel like a wizard, and others that will make you feel like you’re still struggling to brew water. Don’t forget, this is also a long term investment. You might think a simple machine would suffice for now. Be warned, that might not be hold true for too long. Most Rocket Machines and the La Marzocco are fairly simple to use and doesn’t take more than a Youtube video for you to get started.
2. Space – Because You’re Not Opening a Café (Probably)
We all wish we had a kitchen that could fit a Synesso S200, but let's be real – most of us are working with limited counter space and a collection of mismatched mugs. Espresso machines come in all sizes, so it’s important to consider how much space you’re willing to give up for your new toy.
Small Spaces: If your counter is already home to a toaster, blender, and that weird bowl of random fruit, look for a compact machine that won’t crowd your life.
Big Kitchen: Feel free to go big or go home (literally). If you’ve got the space, you might as well go for a machine that can make enough espresso to fuel a small party. Just remember – size doesn’t always mean better espresso, though it does mean you’ll need a lot of counter real estate.
3. Ease of Use – Don’t Overcomplicate Your Morning Routine
If you’re like most people, your mornings are already a disaster – spilled coffee, mismatched socks, and your alarm going off one too many times. So, the last thing you need is a complicated espresso machine that needs an engineering degree to operate.
Look for machines that are simple and intuitive, with clear buttons or dials. Some machines even come with pre-programmed settings – so, all you have to do is press a button and feel fancy. Others will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a NASA control room. Don’t worry, though – with a little practice, you’ll feel like you’re conducting an espresso mission to Mars.
4. Grinder or No Grinder? That Is the Question
Here’s the deal: fresh coffee beans are the key to an amazing espresso. So, when choosing an espresso machine, you need to think about how you’ll get those beans to the right grind consistency.
Built-In Grinders: If you want a machine that does everything, a grinder built into your espresso machine is a total win. You can skip the extra step of grinding beans separately, and it’ll save you space. Just be sure the grinder is high-quality. No one wants espresso with the texture of a sand dune.
Separate Grinder: If you’re all about the grind (pun intended), you might opt for a separate grinder. This gives you more control over the grind size, which is essential for the perfect shot. Plus, you'll look super professional when you pull out your shiny grinder, even though you're still figuring out how to use it.
5. The Features – More Than Just a Pretty Face
The espresso machine world is full of features that sound fancy but could be total game-changers in your daily coffee routine.
Milk Frothing: If you enjoy a frothy cappuccino or creamy latte, look for a machine with a steam wand or milk frother. You’ll be able to make Instagram-worthy coffee drinks that’ll make your friends jealous. Or at least, they’ll be impressed by your frothing skills.
Temperature Control: The key to great espresso is the perfect brewing temperature. Look for machines with a reliable heating system, like a PID controller (it sounds complicated, but it’s basically a fancy term for “keeps things at the right temperature”).
Pressure: Espresso needs around 9 bars of pressure to brew properly. Machines with better pressure regulation make sure your coffee isn’t just a watery disaster. So, look for a machine that will give you the right pressure without turning your morning routine into a science experiment.
Timer: Rocket machines are now equipped with a timer for you to make sure you get the right brew ratio in the 30seconds. It is definitely sleeker than using the egg timer on your oven.
6. Budget – Let’s Be Real About Your Coffee Spending
Espresso machines vary in price from "I’ve spent more on coffee beans than this" to "I could buy a small car with that money." If you are reading this, you are ready to splurge.
7. Brand – Trust the Pros
When it comes to espresso machines, a solid brand with great customer service is key. Look for brands like Rocket and La Marzocco with a good reputation and be sure to check reviews. After all, you don’t want your espresso machine breaking down when you need it most like the morning after a long night out.
8. Aesthetics and Design - SKIP AT YOUR OWN RISK
For the married men reading this, ALWAYS seek the approval of your wife when choosing the machine. Everything else might fit your criteria, but if the stainless steel does not fit hers. IT IS NOT THE RIGHT MACHINE FOR YOU. Fortunately, we have other options for you to consider.
Conclusion: Sip, Don’t Stress!
Finding the right espresso machine is a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans: it takes time, a bit of trial and error, and sometimes a little bit of coffee-induced panic. But once you find your match, you’ll be living your best espresso life one shot at a time.
So, whether you want to be the espresso king or queen of your kitchen or you’re just looking for an easier way to get through Monday mornings, take these tips to heart. Choose wisely, brew confidently, and remember – there’s no such thing as too much coffee (or too many espresso machines, right?). Happy brewing! ☕