what espresso machine is the best for my home?

The single-serve/pod espresso machines have gotten to be very popular due to their operational simplicity.

Nespresso and Illy make single-serve, real espresso machines that use pre-made pods. Prices range from $ 200 to over $ 700. The Nespresso Essenza ($ 200) is a nice, low-cost unit. If you’d like an integrated mil frother for cappuccinos and lattes, the Nesspresso Citiz with Milk Frother ($ 350) or Gaggia for Illy ($ 300) are good values.

Source: “Which is the best single-serve (pod) espresso machine?”
http://www.howtodecide.com/single-serve-espresso-machine/

Be aware that there are other espresso machine types which vary along an automation vs control dimension:

1. Single Serve (Pod): Add pod. Press one button. Drink.
2. Super Automatic: Add whole beans. Press one button. Drink.
3. Automatic & Steam Espresso: Add ground beans. Tamp. Press one button. Clean portafilter. Drink.
4. Semi-Automatic: Add ground beans. Tamp. Turn knob to start/stop brew cycle. Clean portafilter. Drink.
5. Manual (Piston): Add ground beans. Tamp. Use lever to control pressure and time. Clean portafilter. Drink.

If you like the automation of a single-serve/pod machine but do not want to be tied to expensive pods of limited variety, consider a super-auto espresso machine. Or, you can save money and gain control over a super-auto by opting instead for an automatic or semi-automatic. Note that manual (piston) machines can actually be more expensive than semi-automatics, however. Note also that while there’s a lot more work in the less automatic approaches, sophisticated users prefer the additional control. In most cases, a skilled barista can produce the best coffee with the manual or even semi-automated machines, but less sophisticated users will get the best results from the super autos or pods.

Source: “Which type of espresso machine should I buy?”
http://www.howtodecide.com/espresso-machine-type/

1 COMMENT

Ken May 5, 2013 At 11:31 pm

The single-serve/pod espresso machines have gotten to be very popular due to their operational simplicity.

Nespresso and Illy make single-serve, real espresso machines that use pre-made pods. Prices range from $ 200 to over $ 700. The Nespresso Essenza ($ 200) is a nice, low-cost unit. If you’d like an integrated mil frother for cappuccinos and lattes, the Nesspresso Citiz with Milk Frother ($ 350) or Gaggia for Illy ($ 300) are good values.

Source: “Which is the best single-serve (pod) espresso machine?”
http://www.howtodecide.com/single-serve-espresso-machine/

Be aware that there are other espresso machine types which vary along an automation vs control dimension:

1. Single Serve (Pod): Add pod. Press one button. Drink.
2. Super Automatic: Add whole beans. Press one button. Drink.
3. Automatic & Steam Espresso: Add ground beans. Tamp. Press one button. Clean portafilter. Drink.
4. Semi-Automatic: Add ground beans. Tamp. Turn knob to start/stop brew cycle. Clean portafilter. Drink.
5. Manual (Piston): Add ground beans. Tamp. Use lever to control pressure and time. Clean portafilter. Drink.

If you like the automation of a single-serve/pod machine but do not want to be tied to expensive pods of limited variety, consider a super-auto espresso machine. Or, you can save money and gain control over a super-auto by opting instead for an automatic or semi-automatic. Note that manual (piston) machines can actually be more expensive than semi-automatics, however. Note also that while there’s a lot more work in the less automatic approaches, sophisticated users prefer the additional control. In most cases, a skilled barista can produce the best coffee with the manual or even semi-automated machines, but less sophisticated users will get the best results from the super autos or pods.

Source: “Which type of espresso machine should I buy?”
http://www.howtodecide.com/espresso-machine-type/

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