Shop Smart With An Automatic Espresso Machine Review
The thought of going shopping for an automatic espresso machine can be a daunting one. Not only do you have to wade through store after store to find the one you like and can actually use, you have to remember the various prices at different stores and also figure out which machine can actually do what it says. Instead of going through this tedious procedure to get an espresso machine you need, why not look for an automatic espresso machine review that will give you all the information you need including the price and the various features.
Read, Review, Research
Uh oh, this sounds tedious! Admittedly, having to research and read an automatic espresso machine review might end up taking you a while but think about how equipped you will be when you go out to buy one! Reading reviews written by automatic espresso machine owners is a good idea but it would be an even better idea if the review you are reading is actually about the machine you want to purchase.
Visiting the website of the manufacturer you are looking to buy from is a good place to look for an automatic espresso machine review. There is a caveat; manufacturers like to post the best reviews written so that when people read about their automatic espresso machines, they are reading the best reviews out there. Make sure to read between the lines.
Don’t let the companies white wash their product; make sure to buy based on your needs and what you are willing to pay, not on what others say about it. Sure, reading reviews can help you make up your mind, but don’t let them be the only thing that you make your decision based upon.
Price, Product, Personal Needs
The trap that many automatic espresso machine buyers fall into is the trap of paying too much for something they don’t need. Sure, it looks pretty on the shelf and it says all these fabulous things about itself but that does not necessarily mean you need it. Reading the automatic espresso machine review will give you the chance to reflect on whether or not the features advertised are actually something you are going to use.
Comparison shopping is important too. You will be amazed at the price differences offered online compared to an actual store. Many online auction sites are cluttered with people trying to offload their automatic espresso machines. There isn’t anything wrong with buying a used machine but once that machine gets to your house you are stuck. If it doesn’t work like advertised, you are stuck with a metallic counter hog.
There are always risks when buying online because you don’t actually get to see the product with your own eyes. So, buying online might be cheaper in the long run, but you might also end up with an automatic espresso machine that doesn’t work.
Automatic espresso machines are to be enjoyed. Buying your own machine should be a joy too. Do your research, read an automatic espresso machine review or two and be a smart shopper so that when you finally brew your first cup of espresso, it like getting a taste of heaven.
Save Time; Add Flavor With Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine
Since the invention of the automatic espresso coffee machine, there has been fewer people queuing up at cafes to buy a cuppa on the way to work. Instead many are flocking to the specialty shops to purchase an automatic espresso machine of their very own. Why for? What is all this hubbub about?
The Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine: The Time Machine of Coffee
What would you do if you have 10 extra minutes every morning? Imagine! You could load the washing machine, set your DVR for the game that night, feed your cat and your dog, write a note to the mailman, take a longer shower, or even sleep a little longer! Whoa, the possibilities are endless! Having an automatic espresso coffee machine in your kitchen saves you time when it has seemed like time had been slipping through your fingers all the while.
When you purchase an automatic espresso machine you are guaranteeing yourself that you will never have to make your own espresso again. Can you hear the angelic choirs singing? Your espresso machine will do everything, the whole espresso making process for you, and all you have to do is set the timer, load the beans, and walk away. That sounds easy doesn’t it?
The Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine: The Great Equalizer
Sure, you’ve got a wonder machine that saves you time in the morning, but what else can it do? Well, how about give you a great tasting cup of coffee each and every time? One of the worst things that can happen in the morning is when you take a sip of your espresso and it tastes more like a diluted concoction of something unidentifiable and nothing like espresso. An automatic espresso machine can save you from your little morning coffee surprise. Because the coffee machine is fully automated, it fills the water reservoir to the same height each and every time. Because this machine is a “machine” it grinds the right amount of coffee 100 times out of 100. Purchasing an automatic espresso machine takes the guess work out of your morning routine and lets you get back to smelling the heady aroma of coffee without wondering what that burning smell is.
An automatic espresso machine isn’t just a machine made by some manufacturer, it is also a time machine and the great equalizer. Never doubt that the quality of espresso you get in each and every cup is the best there can be. Many coffee shops pride themselves on their great tasting coffee. Why not do the same? Invite your friends and family over for dinner, dessert and homemade espresso made right the first time. Your friends and family will ooh and aah over the heady flavor and the delicious taste that pleases their senses.
With all the go, go, go in the world, making great espresso isn’t just about the coffee anymore. Now it’s about the time it takes and how great it tastes especially when you don’t have to do it yourself.
Espresso Makers 101
The Perfect Cup
The Espresso machine was originated in Italy, and was originally produced by a large machine run by a person called a barista. But, nowadays, you can purchase your very own espresso maker for your home or office. They come in a variety of styles, but all of them essentially do the same thing – produce a delicious cup of espresso. The stove top espresso maker is most commonly used in Italy. This espresso maker is used without electricity, which makes it more portable for those who like to travel. It produces a dark coffee, compared to some of the electrical espresso makers that produce a much lighter smoother coffee.
Espresso Machine Models
The original pump driven machine is quite popular when it comes to espresso bars. It has special chambers for heating and steaming. It provides a motor pump that powers the machine. The automatic espresso maker is designed to automatically make the perfect cup of coffee. It has a programmed timer that only allows a certain amount of water to pass through the tubes for boiling, making it a fast and efficient way to make a quick cup of espresso. And that leads us to the mother of all espresso makers, the super automatic espresso machine. This machine does everything for you including grinding the coffee, all you have to do is fill it with coffee beans and plenty of water and the work is done for you. A cup of espresso is more than just a cup of Joe! It is a smooth creamy cup that makes the day for you.
The espresso originated in Milan Italy, at the beginning of the 20th century, and has been popular in and out of Italy ever since. Starbucks and Caribou Coffee are just a few of the places that sell espressos around the world, including places like France, Spain, and Australia. Espressos are popular in European countries and even in Asian countries. It can be said that all different cultures and all different parts of the world enjoy the same taste of the espresso.
The History of that Perfect Cup
The first espresso maker was designed in 1901, by Luigi Bezzera, the owner of a manufacturing company. This coffee maker was designed to reduce the amount of time it took to have a coffee break. It did brew faster Luigi’s machine produced coffee that was bitter and did not taste as well as some of the slower machines. After many tests, he came up with the theory that the steam had caused the bitterness, and that brewing at exactly 190 degrees produced the best coffee.
Though the more modern day machines were based on the invention “The Gaggia Crema Caffe Machine” built in 1947 that brewed even faster then Luigi’s model; his machine was still the first big step made toward a faster cup of coffee. After these models, many followed and the popularity grew more.
Since then espresso makers have become a part of the office culture. Espresso makers can be easily bought online, or at your local appliance store. Prices range from two thousand dollars to one hundred dollars, depending on make, model, and grade. But any way you go, the espresso machine is sure to satisfy your need for that perfect cup of espresso.
Set To Brew And Leave It Too With An Automatic Espresso Machine
Ah, the smell of freshly brewed coffee has no equal on earth. What could be better than getting ready for work while the heady aroma of espresso wafts through your house? How about the fact that you did not even have to turn on the coffee machine to get the coffee? What would you do if you got your hands on an automatic espresso machine? Would you whoop and jump with joy? Would you clap your hands in glee at the thought of that quick pick-me-up? No doubt about it!
The Wonders of the Automatic Espresso Machine
Every morning when you wake, your cup of java you must make…or do you? Depending on the type of automatic espresso machine you have, you can actually set it to brew at a specific time everyday. There are some pretty sweet espresso machines on the market but the best ones are fully automatic! The fully automatic machine will grind the whole beans, put the freshly ground beans into a hopper, fill the water tank with water from your home water supply, heat the water to boiling and then bring the water from the tank and pour it through the fresh ground coffee.
This automatic espresso machine makes the perfect mug of java every time. Not only does it make the coffee it will also empty out the used grounds and prepare itself for the next cycle of espresso making. Whew! What a lot of work for such a “delicate” automatic machine. Too bad it can’t do taxes!
The Wallet and the Automatic Espresso Machine
Okay, so purchasing an automatic espresso machine will be more like a lifetime commitment than a Christmas present. Most automatic espresso machines are restaurant quality and are used to guarantee espresso on a quick and consistent basis. The downside to buying an automatic espresso machine is most definitely the price but that may still be a small price to pay for the convenience of being able to have espresso when you want it and how you want it as well as how much you want. Nothing like inviting over all of your friends for coffee and being able to serve them all at once. Just imagine the chat at the water cooler the next day!
The Warmth and Not the Automatic Espresso Machine
Believe it or not, there are some that would prefer to make coffee the old fashioned way. No problem. Do what you feel is best. There is no real downside to making it all on your own…except the loading, grinding, cleaning, refilling, pouring and time consuming repeat of making espresso on your own. If you feel that making espresso should be about the warmth of the gesture and not the tick tock of a machine, by all means, make it however you like it.
Automatic espresso machines are only here to make your life easier and your coffee faster. Say goodbye to espresso hassles and hello to espresso heaven!
Wake Up And Smell The Coffee With Your Very Own Espresso Machine
With the ever increasing prices of coffee, that morning espresso you pick up from the café on your way to work might actually cost you more than you really want to pay. What’s more it is often inconvenient to grab a cup every time you feel like it. The solution to this problem? Why not buy your very own espresso machine?
With your very own espresso machine you can literally wake up and smell the coffee every morning. You can have whatever flavor you choose, any time of the day and as many times as you wish without even having to dress up and leave your house.
How to Make Espresso…At Home
Here are a couple of things to look at when making your espresso.
* The kind of water you use: What kind of water are you using in the machine? Naturally, pure, fresh water is the best. If you live in the city and you cannot stand the thought of drinking the tap water, why not pick up a water filter or perhaps purchase a water cooler? Adding clean, fresh, bottled water to the espresso machine will actually improve the taste of the espresso. Why? Because you aren’t actually tasting the water! Tap water tastes like the tap. You don’t want your espresso tasting like copper coffee.
* The kind of coffee beans you use: Another thing to consider when making espresso in the comfort of your own kitchen is what kind of coffee you are using. Are you using pre-package grounds, whole beans or fresh ground coffee from that coffee shop you like so much? Buying pre-packaged coffee is a guaranteed way to get staler coffee (it was ground weeks ago and has been sitting on the shelf since). Buying freshly ground coffee might taste better but once the beans have been ground up, they start to lose their flavor and freshness. The best way to go is to buy whole beans and grind them at home. Can you imagine how amazing that will smell? The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans is guaranteed to make you want to want up and smell the coffee.
Making Decisions
When purchasing an espresso machine for your personal use, keep in mind that you get what you shell out money for. When buying an espresso machine, don’t let the price be the “selling point” of the decision. Make sure that when buying, you look for an espresso machine that can create all the things you liked about your coffee shop espresso. An espresso machine with a built-in grinder can save you a lot of hassle and space in your kitchen. Buying an espresso machine with a steamer, will add frothy yummi-ness to your lattes.
Stale coffee can mess up your mornings like nothing else can. An espresso machine, on the other hand, can make the crummiest of days seem good. Go ahead, make it at home and then make it to work with a homemade espresso in each hand!
Black and Decker’s DCM18S Brew n’ Go Personal Coffeemaker Review
Black and Decker’s DCM18S Brew n’ Go Personal Coffeemaker is the working person’s dream. It’s not only quick and easy to use, but it doesn’t leave you with all that extra coffee still sitting in the pot when you get home waiting to be cleaned out. There are plenty of single cup coffee makers out there though. What makes this one worth your hard earned dollar?
The coffee maker comes with a built in stainless steel travel mug, fifteen ounces or roughly the same as a Grande at Starbucks that it brews directly into. The bottom is tapered to fit most any cup holder your vehicle might have. It is ding proof, and best off all rinses out without a problem.
The Coffeemaker itself is a slick dishwasher safe plastic with a built in permanent filter, meaning no more messy paper filters, and works great for heating hot water up for tea, hot chocolate, a hot breakfast or whatever else you might think of. It brews in seconds, so there’s no more waiting around for the steady drip to start up when you’re in a hurry. And the clean up is almost non-existent. If you don’t have the time one day it’s not going to hurt to wait until tomorrow.
It’s also an inexpensive machine, available on Amazon or similar sites for less than $20 and for that price you’ll save the money on filters alone in a year or so. It’s a perfect fit for students, busy office workers, and anyone on the go. The point is that you only have to brew one cup at a time though, so if you’re a ‘swing back as many as I can before lunch’ type of coffee drinker, stick with your traditional brewing machine.
Don’t forget that it’s a simple machine too. There are no programmable options or fancy things you can do with your coffee. It’s straightforward and simple, the way people on the go need it. But, for those that do need it ‘on the go’ you’re not going to find a much better machine to keep you caffeinated. You can simply wake up throw in your coffee and put your mug in the slot, go take a shower, come back and have your hot steaming coffee ready to go, with no leftovers and no mess. Now, if only the drive to work you’re about to commence could be so simple.
You can find many more coffee maker reviews and espresso machine reviews at A1 Coffee Maker Reviews where you can rate the machines yourself!
Buying An Espresso Machine
Buying An Espresso Machine
Those who want to start the day right with a fresh cup of coffee have to go out first and buy the machine. There are certain things to consider before shelling out those hard earned dollars and here are some tips that will help any potential buyer.
1. Household appliances aren’t free. Price is definitely the most important factor. This may depend on the frequency that those in the household can consume on a daily basis that will determine whether to get the kind made of metal or plastic.
2. There are 4 types of espresso machines being offered on the market.
The basic model operates through steam. The second is called the semi-automatic because it has a few settings that will help the user control how long this will be brewed before it goes down from the pot and into the cup.
The third is called the automatic espresso maker. You don’t have to go back and forth to the kitchen to check on it because this can be fixed at a certain time so the only thing to do is get it while it’s still hot.
The last is called the super automatic maker. It is just like the third type. The only difference is that it does other things such as eject the spent puck or pour steam milk out into the cup. This is the most expensive and will cost more than $1,000 and are only used by commercial establishments.
3. Coffee machines also come in various designs. The basic one is rectangular and bulky. But those who want a more modern look can look at the thin models which can be compared to flat screen television sets.
4. The boiler is the only part of the espresso machine that is made out of metal. Many prefer aluminum because they heat up faster compared to the others but brass and copper seem to be more durable in the long term.
5. Another factor that will help convert the coffee grounds into the espresso is the bar pressure. Ideally, machines that guarantee 9 bars is sufficient enough for household consumption even if there are other models that can promise double.
With all this information, it is time to go shopping. You should check out the various brands and compare the prices being offered at one store from the next before making that important decision.
The History of Espresso Coffee Makers
The History of Espresso Coffee Makers
Espresso coffee makers came out of man’s need for a faster cup of coffee. Not only did espresso machines produce more coffee faster, they produced a better cup of coffee. The first machines had a few kinks to be worked out but coffee maker inventors didn’t let little issues deter them.
Who made the first espresso coffee machine? The answer depends on which records you read. According to some records, Louis Bernard Babaut created the first known espresso coffee maker in 1822 with Edward Santais commercializing and marketing the machine in 1843. It debuted at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1855.
Records say the coffee maker produced one thousand cups of espresso in an hour, using steam to push water through coffee held in a filter. New inventions often carry risk and this espresso coffee maker was no exception. It tended to blow up from time to time. It also had a tendency to occasionally burn the coffee.
The original espresso coffee makers weren’t easy to use. Operating them involved some degree of skill and left plenty of room for diversity. The operator controlled the intensity of the heat and the length of time the water valve remained open. Users could put in less coffee grounds and get stronger coffee or use more water and get a diluted result.
Other records credit Luigi Bezzera, a manufacturer, with the invention of Espresso in 1903. Bezzera wanted to make coffee faster. He added pressure to the process and ‘voila’ the birth of the Fast Coffee Machine. The machine made coffee faster and better than other available methods. Bezzera invented a machine that used the pressure of steam to push water through a fixed filter containing coffee.
While skilled in inventing, Bezzera lacked marketing ability to promote his creation. In 1905, the rights to the espresso machine were purchased by Desidero Pavoni and successfully marketed the invention, changing the way everyone drank coffee. Pavoni sold the coffee makers throughout Europe.
Franceso Illy created what some believe to be the first automatic espresso coffee maker . Invented in 1935, the Illeta used compressed air instead of steam for his machine. This solved the problem of exploding espresso coffee makers and resulted in a more stable result.
Achille’s Gaggia invented the espresso coffee maker that bears his name in 1945. His invention used lever action.Modern versions of both Illetta and Gaggia espresso coffee makers are available today.Ernest Valente created an electric rotating pump in 1950. The pump allowed a continuous, even flow of water through the coffee maker.
Illy, still producing espresso, went on to simplify the espresso coffee maker process even more in the 1970’s when he introduced a machine that combined the best parts of previous espresso coffee maker methods. His machine used double filters, cost less than other coffee makers and was simple to use.
In the 70’s, super automatic espresso coffee makers were born. They are now the norm in many countries. The machines continue to evolve. Debate over which methods and which machines produce the best espresso will continue as long as people continue to enjoy their cup of Joe.
Leave the coffee preparation to your automatic espresso machine:
Why do you think many prefer automatic espresso machine for preparing their tasty brew? Simple…it does everything automatically, that is, all by itself without any user intervention. Great…how much time is saved? What these automatic espresso machines do? Grinding of coffee beans, putting them in the hopper, filling and heating the necessary amount of water and finally giving you the best coffee each and every time is what these automatic espresso machines do. You need not worry about preparing coffee anymore. You just have to clean the dishes. How easy! Few automatic espresso machines even fill the hopper with coffee powder for you to use the next time.
If you think you will not be able to afford an automatic espresso machine because their prices may be dearer, it’s time you change this opinion. They are fairly priced and in general used in coffee shops. These automatic espresso machines not only pump your brew with great speed but also ensure you with tasty coffee every time you ask for it.
When you add the grounded coffee beans manually, it is not possible to ensure that the amount of powder you add in every time is the same. If there is a variation in the amount of added grounded coffee, taste differs. This problem is resolved in automatic espresso machines. As the amount of ground as well as water does not change, taste of every cup of coffee is going to be same. This way you save a lot of time that you usually spend on measuring the ground and water. Use this time to polish your nails or for trying out a different hair-do.
Preserving the personal touch:
There are some who even with using automatic espresso machines would prefer giving their brew a personal touch. Even though one need not worry about measuring the right quantity of ground and water, which will save a lot of time, there are people who wish to serve the coffee with their personal touch.
If you are an ardent lover of coffee or have people at home who love to drink coffee, owning an automatic espresso machine will make your job simple and easy. Quality of the brew as well as the price of the automatic espresso machine depends on how automatic the machine is. With things like quality of the espresso, the simple process of making it and the time that is saved; ardent lovers of espresso invest on automatic espresso machines. Own your automatic espresso machine and enjoy coffee every day, each day the way you want your espresso to be.
Taste of the brew not good – Stop blaming your Espresso machine:
Do you feel that the taste of the coffee that you drink on your workplace or on the way is different from the one that you prepare using the same Espresso machine? I have seen few friends of mine who have espresso machines at their home and yet don’t use it as the taste of the brew is not good. If you are one among them, this article is just for you. The taste has got nothing to do with the espresso machine. It depends either on the way the brew is prepared or on the shots of the espresso coffee.
What contributes to the taste of the brew that is prepared in the espresso machine? Three things play a vital role and they are water, quality of the beans and finally the grinder quality. If anyone among these three goes wrong, your brew will not taste good. If your brew has to taste well, you will have to use water that is clean and pure. If you are using tap water then definitely taste would differ. Next is the quality of the beans. Almost all espresso coffee makers use fresh beans in their espresso machines for preparing the coffee. If you have the habit of buying beans in large quantity and storing them, leave the habit at once. Beans that are old will not yield you the same taste as that of fresh beans.
Last but not the least is the grinder quality. If the grinder in your espresso machine is not working properly, you may go in for a separate grinder. You can grind your beans in this grinder and can then use it in your espresso machine.
Role of price in buying an espresso machine:
When you decide to buy an espresso machine, what you do? You research on the prices and then finally choose one that would fit your budget, rite? I definitely don’t say this is wrong. What is the difference between the traditional coffee maker and the new espresso machine? First is price, and then come grinder and the pressure handle. Traditional coffee makers will have a milk steamer, which will make your milk turn to foam.
Price plays an important role; however, this does not mean that the espresso machine that is costlier will produce world quality brew and the rest will not do so. If you really wish to have your brew the way you like it daily, the best option is to go in for an espresso machine. If you are the one who occasionally have brew, better stop on your way to your workplace, order for an espresso coffee, and enjoy your drink.