Guides

Shopping Checklist: Espresso machines

• Manual, semi, automatic, fully automatic Determine what automated features the machine has.

• Controls Are the controls easy and simple to understand and use.

• Ground coffee or whole coffee beans Most people agree that coffee grounded just before you make an espresso does taste better. A machine with a built in grinder will take whole beans and grind them. If you buy a machine that uses ground coffee (manual or semi-automatic), consider buying a grinder.

• Automated milk frothing If you are making a lot of coffee or after maximum convenience, choose a machine that froths the milk for you.

• Water reservoir size Make sure the water reservoir is large enough for your requirements.

• Cleaning and maintenance What are the cleaning and maintenance procedures.

• Filters Are single and double shot filters included.

• Portafilter (Group handle) Is the portafilter easy to fill and easy to empty. How hard is it to change between single cup and two-cup filters.

• Adjustable water quantity Can the amount of water per shot be adjusted in semi-automatic, automatic and fully automatic machines.

• Adjustable coffee quantity Can the amount of coffee per shot be adjusted in semi-automatic, automatic and fully automatic machines.

• Dual water heating systems Some systems have two water heating systems: one for making the espresso, the other for steaming milk.
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