Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

How to Pick the Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Buyer’s Guide

One of the most efficient ways to shop for a new semi-automatic espresso machine is by doing your research beforehand. Consider the most important aspects, and you will easily narrow down the list of options to the most suitable ones:

• Size. Clearly, this aspect will depend on your counter space. Luckily, semi-automatic brewers come in different sizes, and there’s a suitable model for any kitchen. Keep in mind that smaller machines would have smaller water tanks, which means frequent refills. Also, consider the height of your desired coffee maker. Many of them emit steam when brewing (and even more when frothing milk), so you might not be able to use one of them under wooden cabinets.
• Bars of pressure. For proper espressos, you need at least 9 bars of pressure. However, there are many models on the market that allow for up to 15 bars.
• Grinder. Now, this isn’t a necessity, but some models come with an integrated grinder. The best part is that most of them use burr grinders, which are much more functional when it comes to espressos. However, such models are more expensive. If you decide to buy a grinder separately, try to steer away from blade ones. Yes, they are much cheaper, but it’s hard to achieve a uniform coarseness with such type. Plus, they don’t really allow for coarseness adjustments. A good burr grinder will allow you to pick an appropriate coarseness for espressos, plus it will make consistently uniform grounds.
• Steam wand. A steam wand is a must if you love lattes or cappuccinos. Most of them are controlled manually (if we’re talking about semi-automatic espresso machines) and can guarantee great results once you get the hang of it. A good range of motion and swiveling would be ideal, as such a design would allow for precise frothing. And finally, pay attention to the steam holes. There should be at least 2 of them (but 3 or 4 are more preferable).
• Price. Good espresso machines under $200 can brew a decent beverage, but they usually have limited functionality, and the espresso quality is not ideal (according to the standards). Therefore, you might want to invest in something slightly more expensive. For home use and great results, anything between $500 and $1,000 would suffice. That’s the category semi-automatic espresso machines typically fall into. Anything higher than $1,000 would probably be either fully automatic or commercial-use.
• Boiler. When it comes to semi-automatic espresso machines, you have two options: single and dual boiler. The former uses one heater for the brewing process and to power the steam wand. The latter, as you have probably guessed, has two separate boilers for these two processes. The main perk of using a double-boiler system is that you can brew espressos and steam milk simultaneously. This can save you some time if you’re in a rush or need to make a few cappuccinos at once. With a single boiler, you will have to pull your espresso first and then steam the milk (and wait for the steam wand to heat up properly). So, if you are a solo user, a single boiler would suffice. However, for a family of coffee lovers, a dual-boiler system would be more suitable (if you plan to make more than just espressos).
• Build quality. This is when you need to pay attention to the materials. Some of the best Italian espresso machines typically use high-grade steel or brass. However, you can find many high-quality models among other manufacturers. Just make sure you stay away from brewers that have way too many plastic parts. Those aren’t likely to be very durable.
• Ease of use. Generally, most semi-automatic espresso machines are relatively easy to use, but many of them require a slight learning curve. Naturally, some may take you longer to get used to, especially if those models involve endless tinkering with the settings. That’s an important aspect to consider if you are new to the world of espresso machines. To save yourself from frustration, you can check other users’ reviews to get a general idea of how much experience your desired brewer requires. You can even learn about any potential complications you might face when learning.
• Water tank. Each espresso machine has its water capacity. Smaller models require more frequent refills and might not be ideal for avid coffee drinkers or large families of coffee lovers. Keep in mind that some espresso machines are compatible with plumbing kits, which means they can be connected to your home water supply. This little trick can save you some time on the refills, but remember that using tap water for espressos isn’t ideal. It can be very harsh in some regions and might alter the taste of your beverages. Additionally, harsh water can lead to calcium build-up inside the machine and affect its performance (and lifespan).
• Maintenance. Automatic descaling is always a huge plus, so keep your eye open for that. Some models also come with removable parts for easier cleaning (and some of those parts might even be dishwasher safe). Again, reading the reviews can help you understand how demanding your desired espresso machine will be in terms of maintenance.
• Pump pressure. Most coffee experts agree that the golden standard for brewing espresso is 8 or 9 bars of pressure, so aim for these numbers. Some coffee machines can reach up to 15 bars, but more pressure won’t always result in a better-tasting cup.
• Materials and design. If you need a durable coffee maker, it’s more advisable to go for devices made of steel and metal. However, an all-metal construction can also feel heavy and bulky, which makes transportation difficult. You can go for the combo of metal and plastic parts or choose aluminum alloys instead of steel if you need to reduce weight.