We have all heard of espresso, but what exactly is it? Simply put, it is a method used for brewing coffee. This means you can use any type of coffee bean you desire, and as long as you brew it using the espresso method, you have this type of coffee. It takes 25-30 seconds because of the high pressure of steam and water pushing through the ground coffee beans.
The first steam driven espresso machine was invented in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera., Who came up with idea as a way to speed up the employees' coffee break. Since that time, these machines have gone through changes, slowly becoming more and more compact. The automatic machines in today's market usually takes up about the same space as a regular coffee pot. The steam used to push through the coffee grounds can also be used to steam milk which comes in handy when making cappuccinos, mochas, or a variety of other drinks.
There are four types of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super automatic machines. The two most popular choices are semi-automatic and automatic machines. Semi-automatic machines have automated pumps and temperature control; you control the activation switch and decide when to turn the pump on and off. This basically means you control the water flow and decide when your shot is done. Automatic espresso machines do it all for you with a simple push of a button.
The semi automatic espresso machines are the most popular choice among machines. They do most of the work for you, but you can choose a stronger or lighter coffee shot depending on your particular taste each day. Some popular choices are the Rancilio Silvia, which is an average looking machine that is simple to use without all the bells, whistles, and shiny objects that may distract or overwhelm a person. The Isomac Zaffiro, is a little more fancy looking, with a lever used to open and close the pump. Another popular choice is La Marzocco Linea, which works more like an automatic machine instead of a semi-automatic one. These products tend to run a little bigger and are geared toward those who are making espresso for more than one person. They have a professional quality and look to them, but are still compact and blend in nicely with the other appliances on the counter.
The automatic machines are a popular choice for those who don't want to put much effort into their morning coffee routine. After all, it is morning and most of us aren't awake until after the coffee hits our system. One popular choice is the Delonghi Magnifica automatic espresso machine that grinds the coffee beans and brews the coffee for you. You can control the strength of your coffee with the temperature controls for both coffee and water quantity. The Gaggia Syncrony automatic machine has a commercial quality without the commercial size. It's small and fits nicely on the counter, providing fresh brewed espresso every morning. Saeco Charisma is another great automatic machine and it cleans itself up afterwards, always an added plus. This machine comes with a grinder and gives you the option of switching coffee, even if you have some in the grinder ready to go.
There are a number of great automatic espresso machines in the market place. Depending on what you are looking for, there is a perfect espresso machine out there for everyone. It may require some time and research, reading other consumer reviews can be helpful, but in the long run it will be well worth the investment.
