There are many different ways to make coffee at home, but one of the most popular methods is with an espresso machine. An espresso machine uses pressure and steam to produce a concentrated shot of coffee that has more flavour than regular coffee from a drip maker or French press.
Espresso machines are a popular choice for people who love to have coffee at home. They offer a variety of options and they can be quite expensive. So are they worth it? And which one should a beginner get?
Is It Worth It To Buy an Espresso Machine?
An espresso machine for your home is worth it as it saves money on monthly coffee expenses, and relieves you from commuting to cafes. Getting an espresso machine is really worth your investment if you are a daily coffee consumer. If you are not a regular coffee drinker, it may not be as worth it for you.
Owning your own espresso machine does come with its benefits. The most prevalent advantage is the ability to make a cup of espresso any time you crave one, without the need to leave your house. And minus the cost of the beans, it is virtually free.
What To Consider Before Buying An Espresso Machine For Your Home?
There are many models and brands of espresso machines out there, but some of them can work for you better than others. Before buying an espresso machine, take into consideration what you expect from your machine.
Depending on how much experience you have, and how much time you are willing to put into making your shot of espresso, you can either opt for a semi-automatic or a super-automatic machine. Other factors come into play such as your budget and the space you have available in your kitchen.
The main point is to do as much research as possible before committing to an espresso
machine and compare the many brands and types that are available to you. If you look hard enough, it is more than likely that you will find the perfect espresso machine for you.
What Kind of Espresso Machine Should a Beginner Get?
When it is your first time diving into the espresso world, it can get overwhelming to take all of it in at once. Buying an espresso machine as a beginner can seem more complicated than it really is, but you can simplify it for yourself by deciding what you want from your machine, and looking at which one on the market fit your needs.
You can either opt for a convenient one-button push for a perfectly made espresso shot with a super automatic machine or a more authentic barista-like experience with a manual or a semi-auto machine.
For a complete beginner, it is best to start with an automatic espresso machine. Just to get yourself familiar with the whole coffee-making world. But if you are confident in your barista skills or aim to learn the tricks of espresso making, then you might be better off with a semi-automatic machine.
How Much Should You Spend On an Espresso Machine?
You can find an espresso machine for home use for anywhere between 200 and 1500 dollars. However, you should avoid getting a machine for less than 500 dollars. If you wish to get yourself an espresso machine that will last and provide you with good espresso shots, you need a budget of over 500 dollars.
Thankfully, coffee enthusiasts have a wide selection of espresso machines they can choose from. For most people, convenience is their top priority, they go for an easy-to-use machine that makes a good shot of espresso. Those with some experience tend to use a quality manual espresso machine if they want better control. Or they find a very good super-automatic espresso machine for a good-tasting espresso without the work.
Are Expensive Espresso Machines Worth It?
In most cases, going for a more expensive espresso machine is worth it if you can afford one. However, there are some limits that you should not go over. Going over 3000 dollars for an
espresso machine for your home is not worth the extra money, and you stand to gain next to nothing when it comes to quality and taste.
Do You Save Money When You Buy an Espresso Machine?
In the long term, you will definitely save money when investing in an espresso machine. How long to break even and start saving money entirely depends on how often you drink coffee, and where you got your coffee before buying an espresso machine.
Brewing your own coffee is the easiest way to save up on coffee costs while still enjoying the tasty beverage. Of course, there are some new costs to consider, like the price of coffee beans, sugar, and any other condiments you want to add. Nevertheless, these added costs will not affect your pocket as much as a daily visit to Starbucks.
Can a Cheap Espresso Machine Make Good Espresso?
With good barista skills, you can make the best-tasting espresso from a simple manual espresso machine. However, an espresso machine does play a major role in getting you that perfect shot of espresso. For an automatic or super-auto machine, a cheaper one will not get you your desired cup of coffee.
Cheaper espresso machines usually have less pressure, which does not capture all possible flavours from a coffee bean. However, you can still create a strong shot as long as you use freshly roasted beans and a proper grind.
Should You Get An Espresso Machine Or a Coffee Maker?
The choice between an espresso machine and a coffee maker is completely up to your own personal taste. If you love espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos, going for an espresso machine is your best option. But if you are a black coffee drinker, then a coffee maker will fulfil your needs.
Conclusion:
Espresso machines are a luxury for many people. But if you drink coffee on a regular basis, then it is worth it to invest in an espresso machine. An espresso machine is one of the best kitchen appliances that you can have in your home.
With so many available options and features, it all boils down to one thing: A perfect shot of delicious espresso. You can do that with a high-end espresso maker as well as with a simple manual device, it’s all up to you!
Paul Mason
coffee blogger
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