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4 Basic Types Of Home Espresso Machine

4 Basic Types Of Home Espresso Machine

After several years of obtaining my daily espresso from a commercial machine at our coffee shop, I never expected to duplicate the same high quality in the comfort of my own home. I was certainly in for a pleasant surprise as I explored the various machines on the market and found that they very closely mimicked their commercial cousins. 

Home espresso machines today come in a variety of styles and the problem most people encounter is which kind is right for their family. Each type of machine has the same basic mechanisms. They each force hot water through tampered coffee grounds under pressure. However, upon researching the issue you would find that there are several different methods that can be employed to achieve this same effect. There are four basic types of espresso machines in current use and each has specific positive traits as well as their own negative features. 

Pump Espresso Machines 

These machines use a powered pump in order to produce the proper amount of water pressure necessary for a good cup of coffee. While they may produce superior results in espresso making you will likely pay higher costs for these machines then you would any other. You will frequently notice that these styles of espresso makers are seen in commercial establishments since they are usually very large and bulky. As with any commercial style units in use the pumps of these machines are prone to being clogged by mineral deposit buildup as a result of the water which is used. 

Lever Espresso Machines 

In this type of machine there is a manual lever and piston that is used to create the needed pressure. The system is activated by the use of an arm to pull which releases the pressure and creates the espresso coffee. These are fairly quiet machines with low maintenance requirements and produce very good espresso quality drinks. 

Steam Powered Espresso Machines 

These are likely the most popular types for home use since they are frequently smaller in design then those previously mentioned. The steam is created from the heated water which produces the necessary pressure to make the coffee. The problem encountered with these machines is that usually the pressure is not of sufficient quantity to create a good cup of espresso. 

Stove Top Pots 

Next I will briefly mention the stove top pots. These are the older but simpler stove-top pots used in some of the European nations today. I personally have about four of these units and find them very enjoyable to use. Water is placed in the bottom of the pot and steam is forced through the ground coffee which moves the final liquid to the top of the pot. These pots produce less pressure then most of the electrical ones do but they are also extremely simple in nature. These are the least expensive of any sort of espresso maker. 

This brief introduction to home espresso machines should serve as a starting point in your investigations for advanced information. Always read up on the potential machine that you are looking to purchase. Pay particular attention to the user’s comments as they have already gone through buying one and using it. These people can enlighten you as to what problems you could expect to encounter with that particular machine.

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