Steve Turley asked:




The Ascaso company, started in Barcelona in 1962, was originally the manufacturer of replacement components for espresso makers. Today, Ascaso has its own line of espresso machines. While sometimes these machines focus a little too heavily on aesthetics and not enough on features, an Ascaso espresso machine can be a great piece of equipment for an espresso-making beginner.

The showiest Ascaso espresso machine is the Ascaso Dream, which is offered in a wide variety of colors; nearly all the colors of the rainbow are represented, and there are even a view polka dotted patterns to choose from. The retro design of the Dream also makes it an eclectic machine. Despite the Dream’s unique design, its price (generally found between $750 and $800) may not be justified by some consumers, due to its lack of high-tech features. The Dream features a cup warmer and removable water tank, but in terms of unique or special features and functions, it is lacking. This is good for beginners, but for espresso-making experts looking for more than just a pretty appliance for their countertop may want to search elsewhere. The Ascaso Dream, like other Ascaso espresso machines, comes in three different varieties: one machine that uses solely coffee grounds, another that accepts exclusively espresso pods, and another that can use both grounds and pods.

The Ascaso Elipse has the same basic features as the Dream, including being offered in three varieties and including a removable water chamber, but it is much less focused on aesthetics. The Elipse can be purchased in either black or gray and its lack of style keeps its price lower than that of the Dream to about $400.

Two other Ascaso espresso makers have very utilitarian designs and are great beginning espresso machines. The Ascaso Basic and the Ascaso Arc look and operate similarly; both require only three buttons to operate: a power button, a steam button, and a button to control the flow of espresso. Both machines have a cup warmer, but the Arc’s cup warmer has a small rail that goes around it. Also, the Arc is also produced in an Arc Fun model, whose product line boasts bright colors similar to the Dream’s. The Arc or the Basic are probably going to be the best Ascaso espresso machines to consider if you are looking for a simple espresso maker and do not need a kitchen appliance that will jazz up your countertop.

Steve Turley asked:




Some people enjoy espresso makers that have every special feature and setting imaginable, while others look for simplicity. Briel espresso machines are perfect for those wanting to create a shot of espresso as easily as possible and are ideal machines for a beginning espresso maker. Briel is a Portugese company that originated in 1978. In 1982, the company created its first espresso machine, and today there are several models on the market that will aid the at-home espresso maker in creating a perfect shot every time.

If you have never made espresso at home before but want to get started, the Briel Lido is a wonderful option. It is a small, basic, and inexpensive machine (it can be purchased online for under $200). The simple features will not overwhelm a beginner, but the lack of “bells and whistles” does not compromise the quality of the espresso it produces. If you enjoy using ESE, or easy serving espresso pods, the Lido can accommodate them, as well as traditional coffee grounds. The Briel Lido’s Crema Master filter is a patented feature that enhances the crema that is produced so that you can create great crema even when you are learning how to become an expert espresso maker.

More advanced users will appreciate the affordability and features of the Briel Chamonix espresso machine. The Chamonix is also small (making it easy to store on a countertop), ESE compatible, and affordable (while the regular retail price is typically set at $250, many online retailers sell the Chamonix at a reduced price). A frothing attachment allows you to use the Chamonix for creating latte and cappuccino in addition to espresso. The Chamonix features an intuitive micro-chip that allows the user to regulate the amount of espresso that is brewed, so you can easily pick a volume between 2 and 8 ounces to suit your needs.

It is apparent why the Briel Lido and Briel Chamonix espresso machine are appealing to a beginning espresso brewer. As stated previously, both machines are available for purchase online.