I am looking to buy an espresso machine and wanted some advice?
Sunday, April 11th, 2010 at
5:51 am
I have never used an espresso machine before so I would like something simple and easy to use, but at the same time, would still like quality drinks.
The following are my two finalists:
http://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-EC155-Espresso-Maker/dp/B000F49XXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1231223350&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-302-01-Espresso-Cappuccino-Machine/dp/B00007B8R6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1231219411&sr=1-6
Any recommendation?
Thanks!
Tagged with: amazon • amp • espresso cappuccino machine • espresso machine • espresso maker • home garden • qid • quality drinks • sr 1
Filed under: Capresso Espresso
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They both look like good machines.
DeLonghi – This machine claims that it makes a crema. This is the frothy caramel fluff on top. Most home espresso machines don’t actually produce a crema, which is supposed to signify a perfect espresso. I would be wary though of whether or not is actually does make it. Having a 1 litre tank of water seems quite excessive for home use. Each espresso is only 2 ounces, and you should always use fresh cold water. That means that you can either use stagnant water that has already released some of its oxygen to make your espresso, or you can refill it each time but I can’t see if you can just open it or if you would actually have to remove it to do so. If does not appear to use a traditional carafe, which can be a good or bad thing. The good side – you don’t have to clean the carafe. The bad side -you don’t have a choice as to whether you want to use (and clean) 2 separate cups or espresso shot glasses if you want to make 2 drinks at once with a proper measurement for each. It doesn’t look like it has an interchangable piece for disbursement, so you will always have to use either one large glass or two small glasses. It looks like it will only do 2 shots worth at a time. It has 2 thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure, which is cool but I believe pretty unnecessary. It looks like the pressure knob is on the top. Most machines have it on the left side, so I’m not sure how awkward it would be to use it on the top. I suppose it’s only a minor thing. Overall it looks like a nice machine.
Capresso – This machine can do 4 shots of espresso at a time, which is pretty standard. It uses the traditional carafe, which will allow you to measure the shots accurately when pouring into glasses and also gives you the steam bar. When the espresso fills to the steam line, that tell you that you can begin using the frothing wand. It’s a handy thing for new users. If you were to release the pressure too soon, the espresso may not have built up enough pressure and it will be a waste. This appears to have the traditional pressure knob too. Located on the left side, the pressure knob allows you to control the pressure balance between the frothing wand and espresso output. You can open and close the frothing wand steam as needed. It also serves as a safety valve. You always need to open the valve to allow the excess pressure to leave the machine before opening the water reservoir or brewing more, or it could literally explode. It’s a good design to have the valve on the opposite side of the frothing wand. This means that if the steam gets out of control, you don’t have the same risk of burning your hand on the steam when you go grab the knob. The picture of the machine with the espresso shows a crema on it. As before, I would be wary of whether or not a home machine would actually create a crema. I own a machine of the same style and I love it. It’s simple and makes a good espresso, I get compliments every time I serve it.
Summary – They both look like good machines. It seems like the differences would be a matter of taste. Carafe or no carafe, 2 cup or 4 cup, knob on the left or job on top. I personally would prefer the Capresso. It doesn’t look aesthetically fancy as the other, but as far as practical use I think it makes more sense.
Don’t forget about the espresso grounds – it’s pretty much impossible to find pre-ground espresso at a grocery store. You can either go to a store with a grinder and choose the espresso setting, or just go to a local coffee house (or starbucks) and ask to buy 1/2 or 1 pound of grounds for an espresso machine. They’ll give you a paper bag of grounds for usually about $8 a pound, which is a good deal for the coffee house quality considering that price would only get you 2 cups of their stuff if they brewed it for you.
I have one like the Capresso, and it is fairly easy. Just follow the directions and you should be fine. Remember to not put more than required of the coffee. It could come out strong.