There comes a time when curious coffee drinkers who have been using a drip coffee maker their whole life become extra curious about espresso. First, it starts with trying a latte or a shot of espresso at a local coffee shop or experimenting with new orders during a Starbucks run. From here, it often develops into “I want more”, driving the need for a home espresso machine. While brewing espresso isn’t difficult, it’s way more complicated than most beginners assume.
Sure, you could buy a Nespresso machine with easy-to-use capsules. But for the coffee/espresso drinker looking to elevate their home-routine even more, there’s a lot of options on the market. If I were to do it all again — here’s what I’d recommend beginners pay attention to when looking to buy a home espresso machine.
Understanding how espresso machines differ
Shopping for an espresso machine can quickly become overwhelming. From a visual aspect, so many of them look the same — yet their operation and features differ quite a bit. For the beginner who wants a truly easy experience, I’d recommend sticking with either a semi-automatic or fully-automatic espresso machine.
These types of espresso makers provide guidance through the tamping process. For example, the Breville Barista Touch Impress (semi-automatic machine) includes a touchscreen interface that guides you through every step of the process. In turn, you get an effortless brew without the stress of learning how to tamp, grind, and more.
Modern espresso machine choices like these help remove intimidation for newbie espresso drinkers. While some advanced coffee lovers and Baristas say options like these “take the fun away” from learning how to brew espresso, they serve a vital role in the lives of busy coffee drinkers who just want the final product (a great shot of espresso) without all the hassle. Plus, espresso machines like the Barista Touch Impress go beyond just brewing a classic shot of espresso. Instead, you can open up a world of new possibilities of coffees you can enjoy at home, such as lattes and cold brew, too.
Space and maintenance
Shopping (especially online) for espresso machines can leave you caught up in the bells and whistles — and rightfully so. But many people also often forget to consider just how much space a massive espresso machine can take up your counter. Always look at the height and width to ensure you’re ready to compromise a hefty chunk of your countertop. While there are slim and space-saving options available, the real good ones definitely take up some space. And remember, an espresso machine isn’t the type of kitchen appliance you’ll want to put away every day like a blender.
As you shop for the best machine, I also recommend considering how much maintenance and cleaning you’re prepared to do. If you’re a daily coffee drinker, switching to an espresso machine will require more time in descaling, cleaning, and maintenance. It’s not a deal breaker — but it may be worth considering before you make the switch. Personally, I find having a machine that has a built-in grinder to be the largest time-saver (and saves a lot of mess).
