Jan 05 2009
Espresso Coffee Machines
Espresso coffee machines are no longer the toys of the rich, as they can be found reasonably priced in nearly any kitchen appliance store.
They run the gamut from inexpensive steam machines, to luxury gadgets with more options than you will know what to do with. Basically, there is something for anyone wanting to get into making their own espresso at home. For the beginner espresso maker, a simple steam-powered espresso machine is probably the best place to start.
A steam-powered espresso machine isn’t actually powered by steam, but rather that’s how it generates the pressure used to force the hot water through the coffee grounds. Hot water creates steam and pressure inside a little boiler. More costly machines have an electrically-powered pump that generates pressure.
Of course, there is a reason the steam machines are cheaper. They produce a lower level of pressure than their pump-driven counterparts. And with less pressure, you do get weaker espresso. The benefit is that they are less costly and usually simpler to operate. Perfect for when you are just learning how to brew espresso yourself. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can upgrade to a better pump espresso machine and get more control over the pressure levels, the water temperature, and the length of the brew cycle.
Which ever type of espresso coffee machine you decide to go with, you should try to use freshly ground beans for the best results. Get what’s called an “espresso grind”, or just ask for a very fine grind. If you already have a drip coffee maker as well, you can always use the regular ground coffee you have for that. You’ll have to see for yourself if the taste difference is worth having two different grinds of coffee on hand.
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