The Semi Automatic…Espresso Machine

With all the choices in espresso makers, it is no surprise that espresso makers come in many different shapes and levels of automation. There are the super cool fully automatic espresso makers, and then there are the semi automatic espresso makers. There difference between these two is that the fully automatic espresso maker is just that- fully automatic. The semi-automatic espresso maker actually acts a lot like the typical coffee maker. What is so special about having to make your own coffee? Here are a few reasons.

Getting The Personal Touch with a Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The fully automatic espresso machine takes all the personality out of making a good cup of espresso. Sure, you don’t have to measure out ingredients, fill the water reservoir, grind your own beans or even dump out the used grounds, but what ever happened to the morning routine of actually making your own coffee? The semi-automatic espresso machine still has a built in grinder, but the water tank is larger so you have to fill it less often. To get that morning cup of coffee, all you have to do is measure out and tap down the grounds and manually push the water through the grounds using a hand operated pump. Your morning espresso doesn’t have to be created by a cold hearted machine when it can be made by you-with a little help from your semi-automatic espresso machine.

The Importance of Shopping “Semi” Smart

Many manufacturers are happy giving you half of a machine; meaning it is much cheaper to produce a semi-automatic espresso machine than it is to produce a fully automatic one. When you are looking to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine, keep in mind that all espresso machines aren’t created equal. Semi-automatic espresso machines have built in grinders- the quality of these grinders is based on the price you paid. If you paid a little less for your semi-automatic espresso machine, chances are that the grinder in your unit is low quality. Some consumers are okay with this because they would rather pay for a better grinder than pay the higher price for a better semi-automatic espresso machine.

Controlling the Flavor

Controlling the flavor of your espresso shot is much easier with a semi-automatic espresso machine because some machines come with dual heating chambers. You can heat milk using steam and allow it to mix with your coffee for that perfect espresso or latte. If you want your espresso to have a little bite, you can add some cinnamon to the milk chamber and have an espresso or latte with a spicy flavor.

The semi-automatic espresso machine is a good investment for those that want a personal touch but still want a little help with their morning coffee. Keep in mind that semi-automatic espresso makers aren’t ideal for use in coffee shops, because they take a little more work which means that the time it takes the coffee to get to the customer increases. That is not a good thing.

Use wisely…be “semi” smart!