How to Buy a Coffeemaker or Espresso Machine

By eHow Food & Drink Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Brewing the perfect cup can start your morning off right, while downing a burned cup can make you walk sideways for hours. What type of machine is right for you depends on how rich you like your coffee, how much kitchen counter space you have and how much you consume.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Consider how much coffee you drink to determine whether you want a 4-cup or as big as a 12-cup machine. The price of coffeemakers varies greatly--anywhere from $75 for a basic model to $1,000 for one that grinds your beans, makes both coffee and espresso, and has a timer.
Step2
Want the best flavor? Go for a Moka pot, which makes black espresso on your stovetop (without foam or froth), or a French press, which makes thick and sometimes grainy coffee by hand. Drip coffeemakers are becoming more refined as well.
Step3
Determine if you have the space and cash for a big, gleaming piston-style espresso machine, or should you buy a compact and economical Krups espresso maker? Espresso machines can run from $100 to $500, and upward of $1,000 for professional and European stainless-steel piston types.

What to Look For:

  • Cup size
  • Timer
  • Two-in-one machine
  • Flavor
  • Pro and basic models
  • Space savers

Tips & Warnings

  • A good cup of coffee or espresso has as much to do with the quality of water, beans and grind, and the fineness of the grind, as it does with the machine. If the espresso is too fine, you won't get a topping of rich, brown "crema" in your cup. How to grind beans depends on the filter's shape and size.

Comments

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triscutie

triscutie said

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on 10/24/2007 lena333 is the owners sister!!

togood

togood said

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on 1/29/2007 Having an old Saeco machine and going to a new Salvatore Machine you are traveling into a whole new realm. Don't get me wrong the Salvatore machine is great machine, and they are a great company. Take this from a daily espresso drinker.

lena333

lena333 said

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on 1/25/2007 I have an old Saeco machine that the miracle working techs at http://www.espressodmilan.com fixed for me and they were awesome but now I'm going to buy a new Salvatore machine from them and I can't wait until arrives!!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/28/2006 If you're looking for an espresso machine, you should consider whether you want a pump or a steam machine.

Pump driven machines tend to be more expensive, but they brew a more consistent espresso.

Steam machines are less expensive and more erratic; brewing espresso with them may require more finesse and artistry.

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eHow Article: How to Buy a Coffeemaker or Espresso Machine

eHow Food & Drink Editor

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Category: Food & Drink

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