Espresso machines provide us with a lovely dilemma when having to choose one for our homes. Many people favor the semi automatic machines for the extra level of control they allow. For others, the extreme automation of the super automatic models make them worth the huge price tag. Many of us can’t afford them, or wouldn’t want to spend that much money on something that essentially just makes a cup of coffee.
So, let’s say you want a semi automatic machine. Always go for a pump driven machine and not steam. For the bit you pay extra, you will find a lot of value. Pumps simply produce better and more consistent espresso.
Steam espresso machine force the water through the coffee with the power of steam pressure. Now, as you can imagine, this won’t give you consistent results. So, they have largely fallen out of favor, although some cheap brands still use them for lower entry level espresso machines. You have to be prepared to settle for rather watery and inconsistent espresso with one of these. Few things are as frustrating as not knowing whether you’re going to have a good or bad cup of espresso with every pull.
Pump driven machines, like the very affordable DeLonghi EC155 espresso maker though, use a pump to apply consistent pressure, leading to one great cup of espresso after another. They cost a little more than steam machines, but you won’t regret the decision to get one.
