Enjoying coffeehouse-style drinks in the comfort of your own home is fun and easy... and it's also much cheaper than a trip to the local Starbucks every time you're jonesing. If you love espressos and latte and want to know how to make them yourself, it's as simple as having the right equipment.
All espresso machines have the same basic mechanisms- a metal filter basket for pulling shots and a steam wand for heating and frothing milk. But aside from those basics, there are multiple types of espresso machines on the market that are designed for home use, and picking the right one is a matter of knowing the differences between them.
Manual Espresso Machines
The most basic type, manual espresso machines are not extremely popular, because you really have to know something about coffee in order to create a good shot. These machines require the user to perform every step of the process, from grinding and measuring the espresso by hand, to tamping it down and locking it into the machine.
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The user must also operate a manual lever (which sometimes requires a certain amount of force) to push the correct amount of water through the machine to create a shot. Manual machines are typically not very easy to clean; however, they are fun to use once you get the hang of it, and if you're willing to learn, you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing a manual rather than an automated machine.
Automatic Espresso Machines
The term "automatic espresso machine" is typically used to distinguish these types of machines from manual ones, which require the user to be in control of every step of the process, and super-automatic machines, which do everything for you. In contrast, an automatic espresso machine requires you to measure and tamp the espresso grounds and lock the filter into the machine, but the machine then measures and pumps the correct amount of water to create good espresso.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
With these common types of espresso machines, the user must manually fill the portafilter with espresso and lock it into the machine; they then must be in control of the amount of water that is pumped through to create the espresso. The term "semi-automatic" is used because the machine does have a pumping mechanism, which forces the water through for you without you having to exert force; however, you are required to turn the water on and off, which means you need a basic knowledge of how long to run it for to pull a good shot.
Super Automatic Espresso Machines
As is probably obvious from the above, super automatic espresso machines take care of every step of the process, from grinding and measuring the coffee to tamping it and pumping the right amount of water through it. These machines are, of course, more expensive than the other alternatives, since they are completely automated; but on the plus side, all you have to do is flip a switch to get a perfect shot of espresso every time.
