Using a espresso machine that is automatic is typically a matter of reading the instructions, adjusting settings to individual preferences, adding coffee beans and water, then pushing the start button.

If the automatic machine that is purchased is top quality and has been set up correctly, the only thing that could mess up the espresso would be bad coffee beans or water with too many minerals in it.

The only thing an automatic espresso machine is missing is the atmosphere that comes from watching a skilled barista pull a good shot of espresso, however, the savings in money and the convenience of having it at home make it worthwhile.

Typically, automatic espresso machines can produce an espresso in about 25 seconds. This is slightly longer than it takes a skilled barista but it also includes the time it takes to grind the beans.

Features

Fully automatic espresso makers contain more features than semi-automatic machines because they are able to do every step in the process, short of putting coffee beans in the hopper.

Most all automatic espresso makers grind the coffee beans, dose and tamp the filter basket, and measure and deliver the water before actually brewing the espresso.

Super automatic espresso makers include even more automated features. These machines also froth the milk and empty the grinds into a waste receptacle.

Top of the line automatic espresso machines are programmable, many with several individual settings so that each family member can set their own preferences. Preferences can include strength of brew, size of brew and whether or not to froth milk.

Going Automatic

The decision to go with a fully automatic espresso for home use is one that will pay off in the long run. Everyday stops at the local coffee shop can run from $4 to $6 depending on what is ordered. This can get expensive, $80 to $120 in a month.

An automatic espresso machine will pay for itself in a short period of time, which is a good reason for purchasing a top quality machine that is meant to last. Even if the initial cost is more than intended, in the end, it will still pay for itself.

Home users should take the time to research automatic espresso machines and understand that the simple machine they see in retail stores on the shelf are not as durable as the manufacturers whose main business is espresso machines.

These manufactures are usually only found on the Internet, they don’t put their wares in discount stores to be sold with regular coffee makers, after all a truly rich espresso is not regular coffee, it is a delectable creation to be savored.

Purchasing an automatic espresso machine is something friends and family members alike will be talking about for a long time, especially when they get that first delicious espresso without going to the coffee shop.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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1. Saeco Espresso
2. Espresso Coffee Machines

Saeco Espresso Machine

Households with coffee lovers who stop at the local coffee shop for an espresso or cappuccino on a daily basis should consider investing in an espresso machine and the Saeco espresso machine is one that is worth considering.

One of the most important things that should be considered when looking for an espresso machine is the features that it offers. The Saeco espresso line is one of the best lines available with a complete array of features.

History

Saeco is a world renowned company known for its ability to design innovative espresso makers with products that market wants. Founded in Ital in 1981, Saeco has become a leader in espresso makers in a short time.

In Europe they are known as a leader in the coffee machine market, designing fully automatic espresso machines for both commercial and home use.

Espresso Lines

The Saeco lines of espresso machines include both automatic and manual machines. The manual machines are small, smartly designed machines that put technology to work by providing a quality espresso in a small machine.

The Aroma is Saeco’s manual coffee espresso machines designed for home use. These machines are designed of all metal and built to last. They include milk brothers that work quickly to create the perfect cappuccino and even feature hot water dispensers for making hot tea and other instant beverages.

The Aroma line features the ability to use pre-packaged pods that make espresso an easy to prepare beverage with no measuring and no mess. The Aroma line also has a cup warming surface and an easy to clean removable tray for refilling and easy cleaning.

Individuals who are looking for an automatic line of espresso machine will enjoy Saeco’s many different models. From the Odea to the Spidem Villa and in between, there are models that range from basic to top-of-the line.

The Odea is Saeco’s entry level espresso machine. The Odea Giro is one of the newest line designed by Saeco for their automatic line. They feature a dial interface, a ceramic disc grinder, drip tray with manual Touch Lift technology and Optidose that adjusts the dose of coffee or espresso brewed.

Rapid Steam technology allows the redesigned steam wand to create delicious frothed milk in seconds. The Odea is available in a Orange and black and is the perfect entry level automatic espresso machine.

The Spidem Villa is the top of the line automatic espresso maker that is considered a home staple in Europe. It has all of the features of its predecessors in the automatic line along with a super easy to use interface that allows for one touch brewing.

The automatic features built into this model make preparing an espresso as simple as child’s play. The Spidem Villa can adjust the amount of water used; the amount of coffee grounds used in each espresso and even empties the pucks into a waste area. For those individuals who want the top of the line, the Spidea Villa is the espresso maker to choose.

Saeco is fast becoming the number one name in espresso makers, not only in its home country of Europe but also in the United States.

-Sharon Chapman

Have you used a Saeco Espresso Machine?  If so give us your review below!

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Delonghi espresso makers come in a range of styles with an array of features that range from simple coffee making to a top notch, frothy cappuccino. Coffee lovers can choose the machine that fits their needs.

Modern Features

The Delonghi line of espresso makers are designed with some of the most modern features available. Delonghi is constantly upgrading and advancing their features to meet the expectations of their clients. Their machines are designed with features that are innovative and often ahead of their time.

Filters

Delonghi espresso makers come with their own gold toned permanent filter baskets. These are not the typical permanent filter baskets other makers have; Delonghi designed these for long-life. They are uniquely made to prevent coffee grounds from seeping into the coffee and thus winding up in a coffee mug. Nothing ruins a perfect cup of java than coffee grounds in the cup.

Timers

Delonghi coffee makers come with 24-hour timers that allow them to be programmed to have the coffee hot and ready at a preset time. They also feature an automatic shutoff to help prevent the heating element from burning out due to being accidentally left on.

Water Elements

In order for the best possible coffee or espresso to be made, the coffee grounds must first be thoroughly soaked with water. Delonghi’s unique water spray soaks the coffee grounds which allows for more of the coffee flavors to be extracted.

Another aspect of water that must be taken into consideration to produce good coffee or espresso is the water quality. If the water source has trace amounts of chlorine or other undesired minerals, the resulting coffee can have a less than desired taste.

Delonghi eliminates this by adding advanced filtration systems to their espresso makers. This enhancement produces a better tasting coffee or espresso than machines that use tap water as is out of the faucet.

Want it Now?

Waiting for a full pot to brew is not always convenient, there are times when that cup of coffee is needed and needed now. Delonghi espresso makers are designed with Pause N’ Serve features that allow users to stop the brew cycle momentarily in order to pour a cup of coffee.

Dual Cycle Machines

One of the most innovative features that Delonghi offers is the dual cycle machine. These are coffee makers and espresso brewers both. Individuals that prefer espresso can have prepare an espresso while others wait for the coffee to brew.

Delonghi espresso makers are top of the line coffee makers that offer the finest in espressos and coffees with the most innovative features available. This, combined with stylish good looks and a compact size make the Delonghi espresso maker a must have for coffee lovers.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Many people would be surprised to find that there are more than five different types of espresso makers. The most basic being a stovetop espresso coffee maker and the most sophisticated being a fully automatic espresso coffee machine that steams and froths milk and is programmable for individual users.

Stovetop and steam espresso makers are very similar in nature. Heated water forces steam up through a tube into a second chamber and then to the top of the maker.

Piston driven espresso makers cost hundreds of dollars and are available in brass, copper, chrome or silver. These machines are very decorative in nature even though they are fully functional.

Piston driven machines are responsible for the crema becoming a popular component of the espresso. Prior to the piston driven machine, the crema was thought to be waste.

Technological advances took the piston driven espresso coffee maker to a slightly more automated version known as a pump driven espresso machine. These are much smaller espresso makers and the type typically found in homes and coffee shops.

There are also semi automatic, automatic and super automatic espresso makers for both home and commercial use. Semi automatic espresso coffee machines use a motor-driven pump to do most of the work that manual espresso machines require.

Automatic espresso makers take the automation one step further by delivery a pre-set amount of water to the flow meter at a given time. This allows for single shots or double shots to be programmed and takes the work out of adding the water to the machine.

Super automatic espresso makers are the top of the line in automation. These machines do everything except drink the espresso for the consumer. From the grinding of the beans to the measuring and tamping and even the emptying of the waste, super automatic espresso machines are a home owners dream espresso coffee machine.

With super automatic espresso makers, the only requirement is the ability to read and follow instructions. After that it’s pretty much a matter of filling the coffee bean hopper and the water reservoir then pressing a button. Nothing could be easier.

The diversity in the types of espresso coffee machines available for home or commercial use make it possible for people of every budget and skill level to be able to choose a machine that is right for them.

Commercial coffee shops might prefer to have a barista do most of the work in order to have that special touch be part of their atmosphere.

Busier, faster paced coffee shops might choose a super automatic commercial machine in order to keep up with the clients.

Home users have the option to go either direction as well. Their decision will most likely be based on their budget and how much space they have to work with.

Espresso coffee machines are available in range of styles and prices designed for individual home use or large scale coffee shop use. There are many different websites that offer valuable information on each kind and where to get them.

-Sharon Chapman

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Gourmet coffee drinks are all the rage and range from typical, strong Italian espressos to tall, iced lattes and cappuccinos in a variety of flavors. All of these are variations on traditional coffee, although the process of making each is entirely different.

Coffee

Regular, traditional coffee is an uncomplicated drink to make. It can be made with automatic coffee makers, on the stovetop with a percolator or even with nothing more than hot water using instant crystals.

There are fancier methods of making coffee like using a French Press or using gourmet, flavored coffee beans for variety. However, the true coffee connoisseur prefers coffee beans that haven’t been altered with flavorings.

Espresso

Espresso is the backbone of coffee shops and coffee beverages. Although it is enjoyed by many people, it is more often used as the main ingredient in coffee based drinks like latte and cappuccino.

Espresso is made in much the same way as coffee except that it is made one serving at a time with a much larger amount of coffee beans per serving. A typical serving of espresso is one to two ounces.

Although it is possible to make faux espresso using the stove and a pot, the end result is not the same as using an espresso maker. Espresso makers have the ability to heat the water to extremely high temperatures and use the resulting steam to force the water through the compressed puck of finely ground coffee to extract the flavor and produce an espresso shot.

Espresso is typically served in tiny, warmed coffee cups known as demitasse cups. It is not typically served with cream or sugar, but that is of course up to the drinker. It is often served with a lemon twist on the edge of the cup.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is an espresso based drink that has become very popular, even among people who don’t drink coffee.

Cappuccino is made using espresso and frothed milk. A shot of espresso, or two if the drinker asks for a double shot, is prepared. While it is being prepared, milk is steamed then frothed using a frothing wand attachment

The frothing process creates thick foam on the top of the milk that is a signature part of cappuccino.

The espresso is poured into a cappuccino mug. Next, the frothed milk is added, using a spoon to hold the foam back in order to spoon it on top of the cappuccino at the end.

Once the foam has been placed on top, it can be sprinkled with cinnamon, chocolate or other flavoring.

So, regardless of whether cappuccino or espresso is preferred, espresso will still be a component of the coffee shop. Cappuccino and espresso are both popular drinks that are very different from each other. Without espresso there would be no cappuccino and the world of coffee would not be the same.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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Technically, any cup can serve as an espresso cup; however, the whole espresso or cappuccino experience would be diminished. It would no longer be an exquisitely prepared espresso; it would simply be a big cup with a small amount of strong coffee, nothing like an espresso served in a warmed demitasse.

The same can be said for serving cappuccino. A regular kitchen coffee mug not only detracts from the experience, in contrast to being too large for an espresso, coffee mugs aren’t big enough for cappuccinos and lattes.

A perfectly brewed cappuccino with its hot, frothed milk deserves to be served in a cappuccino mug to enjoy it to its fullest without having it spill over the sides.

Many espresso and cappuccino enthusiasts are choosing to purchase espresso cups and cappuccino mugs from stores that specialize in accessories for espresso makers.

These shops carry cappuccino mugs that are large enough to accommodate the various ingredients in a cappuccino. Consider that a basic cappuccino has at least a two ounce shot of espresso, several more ounces of steamed milk and is then topped by foamed milk and possibly sprinkles of cinnamon and it is easy to see why a larger mug is necessary.

The choices in cappuccino mugs are a little more varied than what is available for espresso cups. Cappuccino mugs can be tall and fluted which also makes it versatile enough to use for lattes or they can be shaped more like soup mugs.

Both espresso cups and cappuccino mugs should be made of tempered glass so they don’t crack under the heat and should also be easy to hold without burning the hands.

Most but not all espresso cups and cappuccino mugs will come with saucers as well. This is helpful for placing stirring implements and for catching accidental spills. Some don’t have sauces but do have a raised pedestal base to keep the hot cup from touching the table.

Espresso makers and coffee enthusiasts alike know that the best espresso cups, cappuccino mugs and coffee cups are made from glazed pottery that is very resistant to cracking. This keeps the mugs and cups from becoming permanently stained from the coffee seeping into the fractures.

Espresso cups are often included in the purchase of an espresso machine or are designed to fit in the warmer of espresso maker. When purchasing espresso cups it is important to make sure they will fit the warmer if it is going to be used.

Finally, in addition to holding heat well and being durable, when purchasing espresso cups or cappuccino mugs they should also be attractive. Most dinnerware patterns have matching espresso cups and possibly cappuccino mugs. There are many espresso cup manufacturers on the Internet to help make a choice.

-Sharon Chapman

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The money saving comes from not having to stop at the local coffee shop to get a daily shot of espresso or a frothy cappuccino every day. If the numbers are figured up, purchasing a cappuccino every day for a year would average out to over $700.

Purchasing an espresso machine for the home should be a project that is researched and decided on after knowing what to look for. It shouldn’t be a last minute purchase on the spur of the moment. There are some things to look for when deciding on a cappuccino machine.

What Type Espresso

There are espresso machines that make simple shots of espresso and there are high tech espresso machines that have milk frothers, regular coffee drips and more.

The price paid for the machine will be largely based on how many functions it has and what it can do. Unless espresso is the only coffee based drink ever ordered, it is a good idea to at least purchase an espresso machine that has a frothing wand or attachment.

Frothed or steamed milk make up a large portion of most espresso based drinks. If cappuccino and lattes are going to be the mainstay, the frother or steamer should be closely considered.

There are espresso machines that also function as regular coffee makers. These usually have dual burners so that regular coffee can be made on one side and espresso shots pulled on the other side.

Cost of Machine

An important decision to make when purchasing a home espresso machine is how much to budget for it. The price range varies from one extreme to the other.

There are bargain priced espresso makers that can be purchased at local retail stores and there are high end espresso makers that are ordered from manufacturers.

How much to spend depends on how many features the machine is going to have and how long the machine is expected to last. If it is going to be used often, it is better to spend more money on a machine that is going stand up to heavy use than it is to have to keep replacing machines.

An average home espresso maker with some nice features, good construction for fairly heavy use, and a good warranty will average two or three hundred dollars. There are many models higher priced and many that are lower priced, but that price range is a good median point to start with.

Espresso makers are a nice addition to the household kitchen that can actually be a money saving appliance. Sipping a piping hot latte while still wearing pajamas is a treat any coffee lover will appreciate.

-Sharon Chapman

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Unlike most independent coffee places, they have a handy drive-through as well. They open early, but close fairly early as well. During the week, they open at 6am and close at 5. Their hours are more reduced on the weekends.

So what can you get at Waverly’s Coffee and Espresso? Obviously, all your favourite coffee and espresso drinks. They even have a popular drink of White Espresso, though you’ll have to try it to know what’s in it. Apparently, more caffeine than regular coffee, for one thing. They blend their own beans, too. Along with the espresso, cappuccino, latte and machiatto, they also serve chai tea, smoothies, ice cream, and hot chocolate. A whole range of beverage choices.

And you can get a bite to eat while you’re there too. Muffins and bagels are on the menu too, along with other freshly baked pastries.

Waverly’s also has a wholesale coffee roasting business, so if you want to serve their custom blends at your own coffee shop or restaurant, they are happy to oblige.

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Even with the best espresso makers, there are always a few extra tips you can learn to improve your brewing technique.

The most important tip would be to get a good machine in the first place. Don’t skimp and buy one of the super cheap steam machines. They will make an acceptable espresso, but it won’t be fantastic. If you are aiming for excellence, spend a little more for a pump machine. They are no longer all that expensive, and can sometimes be found at roughly the same price as the steam versions. They start at around $100, but can easily run up ten times that.

After getting a good machine, start with good coffee. Get some roasted whole bean coffee and grind your own right before you fire up the espresso machine. A fine grind is best. Having freshly ground coffee will make a huge difference in your final cup. The taste will be much stronger, bolder and rich.

Along with grinding your coffee beans before use, another thing to consider with your beans is the roast. Since espresso is supposed to be a very strong drink, you should get your beans roasted quite dark. Not on the verge of being burned, but definitely dark. If you get your beans roasted at a coffee house, ask for an Italian or espresso roast. They’ll know what you need. If they don’t, then find another coffee house.

A smaller tip would be to get the tamp just right. When you fill the portafilter with ground coffee, you need to press it down slightly. This will take some experimenting. Too much tamping, and the water won’t flow through the grounds. Too little, and it will pass through without drawing any flavour out.

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Of course, you can’t actually get imported espresso since it’s something you make fresh. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little Italy into your home espresso brewing. Specialty grocery stores often carry imported espresso beans, and many good roasters offer online ordering from their websites.

Be aware that roasted coffee beans only stay fresh for about 2 weeks (even less if they are already ground). Whether you are buying at a gourmet supermarket or directly from the roaster, check the roasting date. If the beans sat on a boat for a week before you even see them, you will need to brew up your espresso as soon as possible or they will soon be stale. You should also have the option to order unroasted or “green” beans, which would stay fresh during their travels. You’d have to roast them yourselves, and that would sort of defeat the purpose of getting them from Italy since you’d be doing all the work yourself.

A couple of well-known Italian coffee bean roasters are Segafredo and Illy, both of which can be purchased online from their websites. Illy is even found in some major supermarket chains.

When it comes to imported espresso machines, there are a number of excellent Italian manufacturers that you can count on for quality.  Saeco, Gaggia and La Pavoni are some names you should look for.  These won’t be cheap machines, and many of their models could be considered “professional”.

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