The Best Espresso Machines
By Katya Coen
If you have sat down and added up all the money you spend on coffee, espresso, and coffee based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos you have probably come to the conclusion that it’s time to get your own machine. With so many out there to choose from how do you know which one to buy? To keep you from having to purchase and return several machines, we’ve listed the top sellers for you along with why they are considered the best.
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These machines have been judged using looks, quality of machine (consistency, crema, etc.), convenience, value and price.
The Capresso Espresso Pro
With a cost of around $250 this machine has a striving-for-art deco look, but it missed that mark slightly. On the other hand, it makes a fast espresso shot s without making a huge mess. The frothing wand actually siphons the milk out the tank and into the wand, unlike other machines that send the steam into a pitcher of milk.
Although the machine is small and relatively simple to use, most reviewers report that the espresso is bitter and has a burnt taste.
Krups
Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. It isn’t an art piece to be oohed and ahhed over, but it does make a high grade espresso. Priced at around $180, this machine is not entirely consistent in its production. When it does produce a good espresso, it is really good. Reviewers stated that its consistency is around 66% reliable. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.
Krups service department didn’t fare much better with reviewers. All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.
Starbuck Barista
Priced at $399 this machine is a little on the pricey side, but not near as pricey as some other models. Having the Starbucks name implies that this is going to produce an excellent espresso, and it doesn’t let you down. While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an excellent choice.
The Barista is easy to use, well designed and easy to master. The only drawback reviewers found was the steam wand is on l the left side of the maker. Most people will tend to reach to the right. This is simply a matter of becoming accustomed to reaching to the left. One final plus for the Barista is that Starbucks does have a wonderful customer service.
Gaggia Classic
This espresso maker hasn’t changed in at least 20 years and probably won’t for another 20 to come. The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines. That could account for why this machine makes such a great espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema. And all at around $499.
The Gaggia has simple controls that are easily learned and is also easy to clean and maintain. The only negative aspect reviewers reported was a small cup warmer and the length of time it takes to warm up.
Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all. On the other hand you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality machine. The Gaggia makes a wonderfully thick, rich espresso with a golden crema and doesn’t cost as much as many other models.
Katya Coen provides information on the best espresso machines for Espresso Xpert – your online guide to espresso!
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