3 Types Of Espresso Machines – Components, Differences And Brands

Whether you are opening a new café or replacing your existing espresso machine, the espresso machine is one of the most important equipment you will buy for your business. There are people who buy espresso machines and get frustrated and replace them.

This can be a huge disadvantage for entrepreneurs who want to do this business with a small budget. To decide on a device size, you need to answer the following three simple questions:

1. How busy will you be
2. , 2. How much space do you have,
3. How much is your budget?

Most industrial espresso machines have 2, 3 or 4 heads. This means that they can produce 4, 6 or 8 drinks at the same time, respectively Espresso is a quick and practical way to brew coffee using pressure. Espresso was used in Italy in 1900. This coffee is the most consumed type of drink in the world.

Manual espresso machine

They are called lever espresso makers, piston groups or lever espresso makers. Today, new generation machines are trying to do it mechanically Manual espresso machines transfer water to coffee under pressure through a spring system installed by arm force.

In new generation devices, this process is done by water pump.

read more: What Tools And Equipment Do I Need To Open A Coffee Shop

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Semi-automatic espresso machines can be offered for sale at more economical prices than fully automatic machines. These devices have an on / off button for each group of heads.

Pressing the button starts the water flow at a constant pressure After pouring coffee into the cup, the device should be turned off by pressing the button.

Fully automatic espresso device

The fully automatic espresso machine has more than one button for each group. These buttons can be programmed to adjust the water volume.

This saves time and helps the order to be delivered quickly.This has been shown to be the most suitable choice for jobs with a large customer capacity.

Important Tips When Buying an Espresso Machine

What should you look for in an espresso machine? How do you know if a espresso machine is good?

• Easy to use: There are many types of espresso machines on the market. Different models have different features and these features are added more for ease of use. Some models have to be adjusted manually, But other models work automatically. At this stage you have to decide what you want. If you do not know much about espresso machines and coffee makers or you do not want to waste a lot of time while making coffee, you can choose from fully automatic espresso machines.
• Easy to clean: Ease of cleaning is an important factor when choosing a coffee machine. Cleaning the machine to increase its life and drinking delicious coffee every time has an important advantage. One of the most important things to keep in mind here is that the more features and components an espresso machine has, the harder it is to clean.
• durability: Most expensive espresso machines have a warranty. Espresso machines, which are mainly made of metal, have a longer lifespan
• Size: Industrial espresso machines can be very large in size. It is very difficult to use them in the kitchen of ordinary houses. For this you have to have a very big place. Home espresso machines come in a variety of sizes and features. If you do not have much space in your kitchen but you need an espresso machine, fully automatic espresso machines will help you a lot.
• After sales technical support: Whether your espresso machine is manual or fully automatic, there may be problems with its parts. This will cause you annoyance. In such cases, technical support provided by the espresso maker brand is discussed.
• Cost : As the variety of brands and models of espresso makers in the market is very diverse, its price range is very wide. Especially with the increase in the quality and durability of materials, prices increase by the same amount.
• water storage: Most espresso machines can hold up to eight cups of water. Industrial espresso machines have a system for connecting to a water source. Consider your needs before you buy, Then order the product you want.
• Frothing Capability: Most espresso machines come with the frother unless you are going for a really low budget machine.

Espresso machine components:

Portafilter: One of the most important parts of an espresso machine is Portafilter. The portafilter is the moving part of the machine in which the coffee powder basket is placed and the coffee powder is poured inside it. Usually, the portafilters have a plastic or wooden handle.Also, to control the espresso machine, a control panel is usually placed on it. This control panel includes on / off switch, pressure indicator, heat controller and so on.

 Head Group:

As mentioned, water enters the coffee at the appropriate temperature and high pressure to make our espresso. The chamber which water enters with pressure and the portafilter is placed inside it, is called the head group. Different devices have different numbers of headgroups. Home appliances usually have one head group, but more advanced devices can have one to seven head groups.

 boiler:

The temperature of the water that enters the coffee by pressure is very important. Because of this all espresso machines have a part called a boiler. It may also be called a decoction elsewhere. Boiler is very important in this type of coffee machine. The boiler’s job is to increase the water temperature and should not produce any extra steam.

 Water pump in espresso machine:

Espresso is the result of passing water from the pressed coffee powder near the boiling point. To do this, water must be introduced into the coffee container with high pressure. Therefore, having a powerful water pump in an espresso machine is essential. Most devices use an electronic pump to generate such high pressure. Of course, in some devices, other types of pumps, such as manual pumps, can be seen. But it is easier to work with a device that uses an electronic pump.

read more: Specialty vs. Commercial Coffee

 Ways to extend the life of an espresso machine:

First of all, be sure to read the manual and various contents about your espresso machine carefully so you can take the necessary measures when a problem occurs in your machine.

In the event of problems or breakdown, do not attempt to repair them yourself, except in minor cases that do not require a specialist repairman.

Never use mineral water to make coffee in the machine. Mineral water, due to its high salinity, can cause your device to precipitate and break down very quickly. The best water to use is the company’s drinking water, of which the Aquafina brand is one of the best options.

Electrical fluctuations can easily damage your device. Using the right power protector can prevent your device from burning out.

read more: Types Of Specialty Coffee Brewing Equipment

Be sure to remove the portafilter from the headgroup after extraction. Failure to follow this simple point will cause your headgroup gasket to break down after a while and spill out coffee from arounds of protafilter.

After using the heater nozzle, do not forget that you are allowed to drink coffee from the machine, if you completely remove the steam from the espresso machine and cool it.

Is there a difference between espresso machines?

Yes, there are differences between espresso machines. If you want to understand more about their differences, you need to dive a bit more into their mechanism.

Remember: to have espresso as one of the best drinks in your daily diet, espresso machine has to force water, near boiling point, through finely ground coffee.

The process looks to be simple. But, if you look carefully, due to the differences in the shape, size, reservoir, volume, direct connect, and several other characteristics, we have more than 10 varieties of espresso machines.

read more: Espresso Or Filter Coffee

Differences in boilers

Some espresso machines have single boilers. While others have double boilers or heat exchanging mechanisms.

Differences in mechanism

Some machines are steam-driven. Other espresso machines may use pump-driven mechanism.

Also, the level of automation in different products is not the same. So, we have semi-automated and automatic machines.

Some espresso machines are even super automatic, and recently, ultra-automatic products entered the market.

Therefore, a variety of choices are available in the market to buy and use for brewing espresso in the home or in commercial scale.

Finally, there is a difference between pod espresso machines and stovetop ones.

It means to find a suitable product in the market, you need to compare the products from different brands carefully to find out about their main and added features.

How do I choose an espresso machine for my home?

As we mentioned above, there are more than 10 varieties of products in the market. Each of them has its own pros and cons. So, it is not always easy to recommend one type of espresso machine for all the people.

Perhaps, reservoir espresso machines are better for many home uses. For this reason, we can see that many coffee lovers use them in their home to brew their daily drink.

They hold the water in the reservoir. So, you can use them for brewing coffee. If the reservoir is nearly empty, it is time to refill it.

On the other hand, we have direct connect espresso machines that are better for coffee shops.

Is direct connect espresso machine good?

If you want to make espresso frequently, it is not easy to refill reservoir several times a day. So, you need to use a water live to supply the machine. This means direct connect is a better option.

Coffee shops usually use commercial direct connect machines. But, they need installation and it is not easy to move them. So, to brew coffee in the home, reservoir models are better.

Why are expensive espresso machines better?

The materials that have been used for manufacturing of espresso machines have a great impact on the final price of products.

So, expensive espresso machines are better and can be used for years to brew a perfect drink for your daily consumption.

On the other hand, expensive machines may use a pump and added features to provide controllable and much higher pressure for the water.

So during brewing process, they can provide a perfect condition for better extraction of coffee flavor.

Keep in mind: the pressure of the flows in the device is important in extraction of coffee compounds.  Therefore, experts recommend to choose products that have a pump with at least 15 bars of pressure.

How much is a good home espresso machine?

The quality of espresso machines and the materials used in the manufacturing will have a great impact on their final price.

Also, added features may change the price of products in the market. So, it is not easy to say how much a good espresso machine for home uses may cost in the market.

Typically, with around 400 to 700 dollars, you can buy a good espresso machine in the market and brew a fresh and flavorful drink at home.

Remember that the type of machine or features like what we’ve listed below can affect the final price of products:

• Built-in features of the machine
• Heating elements of espresso machine
• PID controller (or other added features)
• …

Lifespan of products

The lifespan of products that are in the market is very different. Some of them may last for more than 10 years. Others may fail to work in the second or third year.

If you want to enjoy a flavorful drink by using a high quality espresso machine, and also to avoid buying a new machine in near future, try to buy espresso machines from well-known brands. They may cost higher. But, the money you pay worth the product.

For example, a more expensive product may cost around 1000 to 1200 dollars. The lifespan of this product is around 8 years.

So, if you divide the numbers, you’ll find out that there is a need to just pay 125 to 150 dollar per year to enjoy a fresh and tasty drink every morning.

Types of home espresso machines

3 main types of machines in the market are:

• super automatic
• automatic
• and semi-automatic products

They offer different features. The differences that are between the design and capacity (or pressure) of each device with others are the main reasons for having a huge variety of products in market. So, each type of products gives a different level of oversight.

For example, volumetric espresso machines control the water flow from the reservoir or water source. They end the brewing process when a specific amount of water runs through the system.

So, having a delicious and tasty espresso by controlling the amount of water in this machines is easier and more affordable.

Volumetric machines are important. Because, the amount of water that is used for brewing has a great impact on the consistency and flavor profile of espresso drinks.

programmability of espresso machines

Keep in mind: different products have different programmability. So, the level of automation in each espresso machine depends on the features of product.

Other important characteristics of espresso machines are as follows:

• Shape and size
• Number of boilers
• Temperature control
• Steam-driven or steam-driven
• Manual or automatic
• Porta filter capacity
• Built in grinder
• …

Types of commercial espresso machines

For commercial uses, an automatic machine creates pressure by using a pump. In this products, the volume of water for brewing espresso is dosed automatically.

In many cases, baristas start the machine. But, they are programmed to work and stop at the end.

Other types of commercial espresso machines may use a different mechanism. Some of them have a dedicated water line that supplies the water for brewing process.

In these applications, it is very important to have constant access to water. With this mechanism, there is no need for refilling the reservoir in commercial espresso machines.

Do commercial machines need installation?

Yes, commercial products need installation and it is not easy to relocate them. The installation may be costly. But, the main advantage is the ability to brew a large volume of espresso.

Does double boiler espresso machines are suitable for commercial use?

Yes, they are great options to be purchased for commercial uses. They have a second boiler that allows you to prepare more shots of espresso.

By having two heat sources, you can use one of them for making espresso and the other boiler for steaming milk.

But, even they are good for commercial applications, the price of double boiler espresso machines is higher and this can be the main reason that some people do not like it for home uses.

Is heat exchanging espresso machine good for commercial use?

These products are great for some espresso lovers. But, for the connoisseurs, who are looking for best commercial espresso machines, heat exchanging espresso machines are not the best options.

Even they are cheaper than double boiler machines, but you’ll have a little control over temperature.

Brands of espresso machines

Nowadays, several famous brands offer their products with different prices to the customers.

Experts’ guidance can help us to choose best products from the best brands in the market. Also, consumer reviews can help coffee lovers to purchase best products from the market.

Breville

This brand is one of the best manufacturers of espresso machines for home brewers.

Digital temperature control and pressure gauge will help you to optimize the process and extract coffee compounds.

The price of product is also acceptable. For example, by a budget under 700 dollars, a semi-automatic infuser from Breville is one of the best options for coffee lovers.

Gaggia

This brand is one the well-known manufacturers of affordable espresso machines in the market.

A rapid heating boiler allows coffee brewers to enjoy their espresso as soon as possible.

It also offers built-in features and has a brass porta filter which is chrome plated.

Is the brand of espresso machine important?

For sure, buying espresso machines from the best brands can ensure you that they will help us to brew espresso with the best flavor profile.

Don’t forget that the quality of materials in the machine and level of automation can have a great impact on the lifespan of the machine.