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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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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