Espresso Machines
While espresso machines 
were considered a luxury in the days of old, they no longer have to be. They are a fragrant and delicious way to spice up your kitchen and add flavor to your morning burst of energy. While certain makes can be pricey, there is undoubtebly an espresso machine out there to fit your budget.
Basic Types
Here are some makes of espresso machine that should help simplify your search.
Stovetop Espresso
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- Stovetop machines are an older more traditional way of making espresso.
- Riddled with problems:
- Hard to maintain temperature, so they can burn the coffee.
- Pressure never gets high enough for proper espresso brewing.
- Nevertheless, stovetop-style machines still have their fans. They may not make a great cup of espresso, but some will make espresso good enough for a cappuccino.
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Manual Pump Lever
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- Manual pump machines can make a good espresso.
- The first way of getting pressure high enough to properly extract the coffee.
- Requires considerable finesse to get the timing right (don't want the pull to be too long or too short).
- Once you get it, these machines will produce great espresso.
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Semi-Automatic and Automatics
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- Semi-automatic and automatic machines are fairly similar.
- Use a pump to standardize the pressure through the coffee grounds.
- This standardization is key to consistent espresso.
- Automatic machines also control how much water is used, virtually guaranteeing flawless espresso every time with very little work on your part.
- Still require you to measure and tamp the grounds.
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Super-Automatics
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- Super-automatics are the foolproof way to make perfect espresso every time.
- Instead of requiring you to measure out a scoopful of grounds, you simply add whole beans to the machine.
- When you want a cup of coffee, the machine will grind exactly the right amount for you.
- All you need to do is keep it full of filtered water and beans, clean out the grounds when the machine is full, and occasionally clean the other parts of the machine.
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Important Features
- Steamer
- Like cappuccino and other espresso drinks? Better make sure your espresso machine has a steamer attachment for steaming and foaming milk.
- Durable Components
- Metal or heavy plastic is better than light plastic.
- Boiler systems are better than thermal coils.
- Brass portafilters are better than aluminum -- more durable and retain heat longer.
- When a review says "built like a tank," it's usually meant as a compliment.
- Pump-Driven
- Far better than steam driven, which doesn't always hold heat evenly.
- Also better than piston-lever models, which can be hard to use.
Other Features
- Cup-warming surface.
- Detachable reservoir.
- Removable drip tray.
- Look for features that will assist in easy cleaning, especially removable parts.
Related Products
External Links
CofeeCrew.com Great buying advice for any price range.
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