Bobbi Rose asked:




Bring the romance of Italy home with the rich, full-flavor of espresso coffee. Espresso machines are becoming more popular for home brewing. There are a wide variety of espresso machine styles available for the home consumer. The prices vary depending upon the machine’s features: manual, semi-manual, or automatic.

The brewing system of the espresso machines force hot, pressurized water through coffee which is ground into a fine powder. The result is a steamy, distinct flavor with an enticing aroma and served in 3 ounce shots. Espresso coffee beans are strong and highly caffeinated, yet produce a smooth bodied coffee.

All espresso coffee machines have basically the same working parts:

Water Reservoir – Just like traditional coffee makers, the reservoir contains the water for brewing. Most can be removed for cleaning.

Pump – Draws the water into the chamber that heats the water, producing the high pressure needed to make the coffee. Heating Chamber – Usually made of stainless steel with the coiled heating element at the bottom. It works on the same principle as an electric toaster, heating the water as it passes through the chamber.

Portafilter – This holds the filter basket in which the ground coffee is placed. The hot, pressurized water passes through the filter to produce the espresso.

Steam Wand – Use this for making a latte type of coffee. Pour cold milk under the steam wand which heats the milk. Froth is made by holding the steam nozzle close to the milk.

Controls – Depending upon the espresso machine model, the control panel with have a power switch, indicator lights for strength of brewing, temperature controls, and time controls.

With a little practice, you will have a superb cup of espresso, latte or cappuccino to serve family and friends. Experiment with various espresso beans and find the flavor that appeals most to you; some beans are even chocolate covered.

Richard Davies asked:




Most avid coffee drinkers will concur that an espresso coffee machine is the one and only piece of kit you can purchase that will deliver the perfect cup of coffee. You will be surprised, then, that many of these coffee fans don’t actually own an espresso coffee machine. There are a number of different types of machine. Knowing where to start can be confusing so here is an overview of the main types available on the market.

Espresso Coffee Machine Buying Tips.

In total there are three different types of espresso coffee machine. These are manual, semi automatic and fully automatic. In order to decide which one is best for you, one needs to consider what balance of how easy it is to use versus the degree of control over the coffee making process. Knowing the difference between espresso machines is vitally important in this respect.

Manual Espresso Coffee Machines

This is made up of a pump driven machine for frothing. Some of these are also semi automatic for speeding up the process.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

These are much easier to use than their manual counterparts. Use of these involves starting the pump and then waiting for the extraction process, which literally takes twenty to thirty seconds. This version of the espresso coffee machine is highly popular and a breeze to use compared with the old style machines.

One Touch Systems

This involves pressing a pad to initiate extraction. Once the required volume of espresso has been delivered using this machine, it automatically switches itself back off without the need for manual intervention. This type of machine is often used in commercial outlets such as cafeterias or restaurants.

Super Automatic Espresso Machines.

These machines are very quick and integrate both water and coffee grinders into the process that are activated with the press of a button. Everything is programmed including the amount of coffee required/delivered. This type of machine is very popular and has many obvious advantages over the others outlined above.

Nat Williams asked:




In order to produce a create coffee drink of espresso – one requires a dedicated machine that delivers a highly pressurized stream of hot water necessary for processing this particular kind of fine, powder-like ground coffee. With a thicker consistency than drip coffee, little amounts of espresso are usually served – often as a shot. However, it is very common to see espresso mixed with other beverages, such as cappuccino and lattes, in an attempt to lessen the strong taste and level of caffeine.

With a history that dates back to the early 20th century in Milan, Italy – espresso has become a famous drink amongst coffee lovers. This trend has prompted an increasing number of people to purchase their own espresso coffee machines in order to bring home the taste they deeply enjoy.

Before you attempt to use your espresso machine (depending on your model), you will probably need to get an espresso grinder and espresso beans, demitasse cups, and water. When approaching the topic of water in regards to using your espresso machine, it is suggested to keep in mind that bottled spring water is not the premium choice for your machine. The amount of minerals found in spring water will spoil your espresso machine. Alternatively, it is preferable to use water that has gone through a process of filtration.

To get an overview of how to use an espresso machine, an example of instructions is posted below:

1) First, you will pour clear, cold water into the water enclosure of your machine. The boiler cap on your unit should be closed. In order to create one shot of espresso – one ounce of water is needed. A double shot requires two ounces. Depending on your espresso machine, you may be able to produce up to four shots at one time.

2) Position the coffee basket in the filter holder, followed by lightly packing in the ground coffee. Most filters will provide a way to measure how much espresso you are creating.

3) Next, you will remove any grounds found on the sides and top of the filter. The filter holder is then placed in the espresso machine.

4) If your machine comes with a glass carafe, this is the time where you position the carafe under the spout. When no carafe is available, a cup is enough. Turn on the machine and in due time – the water is heated to the appropriate temperature and then forced through the coffee grounds.

5) The ideal espresso shot delivers brown foam (referred to as “crema”) to the top of the coffee as it begins to flow into your container. When the foam starts to turn white, this is an indication that the liquid with the best taste is no longer exiting the machine. Quickly remove your cup or carafe.

When looking for the proper beans to use with your espresso machine, you should know that specially selected and roasted options are found at major supermarket chains or coffee specialty shops. Serious espresso drinkers normally purchase an espresso grinder and produce their own ground coffee before brewing.