Choosing Your First Espresso Machine: Here's What to Look For

For millions of coffee lovers across the globe, drinking espresso has become a beloved tradition. But to make this dark, flavorful, velvety coffee, you'll need a guide on espresso machines to ensure you get the best appliance for your needs and budget.

Several models are available on the market. These range from manual machines that need a barista's skill to automated numbers that favor convenience and ensure consistency. 

In this comprehensive guide, I'll speak to those looking to buy their first espresso machine but don't know where to start. Regardless of your coffee expertise, I’ll go into detail on how to choose the most suitable espresso coffee machine for you. This way, you're sure to use only the best espresso machines to brew delicious espresso coffee. 

What Is An Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine is a specialized coffee machine. It pushes hot, pressurized water at 190 to 196 degrees Fahrenheit through a ground coffee portafilter. This brewing action produces a rich, flavorful, and concentrated coffee known as espresso.

These coffee machines typically come in four styles:

• Manual – operates using a push/pull lever.
• Semi-automatic – automates only the most important aspects of brewing, like pressure and temperature.
• Automatic – prepares an espresso at the press of a button but lacks some customization options.
• Super-automatic – a fully automated machine that grinds coffee, tamps, and brews at the touch of a button.

Furthermore, these coffee machines may be steam, air, pump, or piston-powered. 

Most espresso machines share basic elements. The most common are group heads for dispensing hot, pressurized water and portafilters for brewing and coffee extraction. Some even have attached steam wands for frothing milk for espresso-based drinks. Others feature built-in coffee grinders for grinding whole coffee beans.

What To Look For When Choosing Your First Espresso Machine

So, what’s the deal with choosing an espresso machine? What should you look for to help you pick the best one? To make your choice, these are the core factors you should consider:

Machine Type

There are many types of espresso machines in the market. As mentioned above, you can opt for a manual, semi-automatic, automatic or super-automatic machine. Each type provides different degrees of convenience and control.

While super-autos are the obvious choice for beginners, they can be hard to maintain due to their many moving parts. In contrast, manual espresso machines need a level of barista skill to operate but are easy to maintain.

Aesthetics

Remember, whatever your choice, pick a machine that compliments your kitchen décor and personal style.

Are you into the classics or a more modern style? Would you prefer a more eye-catching espresso machine to grace your kitchen counter or an industrial, functional one? There's no point in getting an espresso machine you won't admire while using it daily.

Functionality

Espresso machines use various pump systems to function. Some of these include single-boiler, dual-boiler, thermocouple and heat exchange systems. 

Each has its pros and cons on efficiency and temperature stability. Do your research to determine which pump system suits your needs. 

Budget

How much money do you have to invest in a quality espresso machine? Prices differ greatly. You could find yourself paying anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Knowing what you can afford will help you dial in on a machine that meets your preferences and needs while giving you the best value for money. 

Space

Another critical factor to consider when choosing your first espresso machine is how much space you have in your kitchen. These beauties come in various sizes and builds. 

Take your measurements and then double-check your potential machine's dimensions. This ensures you pick an espresso machine that fits on your countertop without crowding it.

Extras and Accessories

Some espresso machines come with extras. Top accessories include steam wands for frothing milk and an espresso tamper with a mat. Built-in coffee grinders and knock boxes for spent coffee grounds are other extras. Some machines even have advanced features like programmable settings and PID controls for monitoring brewing temperatures.

As an espresso beginner, you may not know how (or need) to use all these. So, consider which accessories and extra features are the best match for your individual brewing expertise.

Brands and Reliability

Research which brands have a solid track record for quality and dependability when it comes to espresso machines.

Breville, Jura, Rocket De'Longhi and Rancilio are regularly featured in guides on modern espresso machines. If you are nostalgic for those old Italian espresso machines, consider Gaggia, La Marzocco, Lavazza and La Spaziale. 

Ultimately, which brand you go for, classic or modern, will depend on your level of expertise and how you'd like to brew your coffee. 

Your Skill Level and Long-Term Coffee Goals

When consulting any guide on espresso machines, it matters how good of a barista you are! A user-friendly, one-touch-brewing machine may be more appropriate if you're getting started. A coffee machine that offers more manual control is likely more suited to a skilled barista. Only they know how to use these machines to bring out the taste of good coffee!

Also, consider your long-term interest in espresso brewing. You may get a starter machine for now, but upgrade to a more intricate machine as your interest in making espresso grows.

Warranty and Customer Support

Verify the warranty, customer service and after-sales service options before purchasing. A solid after-sales service and warranty are vital for your peace of mind. After all, it's your money! So why not make sure it's going to good use? 

Guide on Espresso Machines: The Final Word on Choosing the Best Machine

That's it! There's not much to consider when choosing your first espresso machine, but the few factors I've mentioned are super important. 

Any guide on espresso machines worth its salt will tell you to focus on the level of involvement you would like in the coffee-making process. You should also consider the available space in your kitchen. 

Since there are a range of models that suit a range of budgets, do your best to invest in a high-quality machine, but be realistic about what you can afford. Remember to explore the world of extras. Milk frothers and coffee grinders can help elevate your home coffee experience.

Take your time to choose an espresso machine that meets your preferences and needs, as this will impact your daily coffee experience. Consult the experts and do your research by reading the best informative guides on espresso machines. This is very important to help you make an informed decision.

In the end, the journey of selecting your first espresso appliance is a very personal one. Once you know your coffee personality, settling on the right machine will be a breeze. Happy brewing!

A little on the author:

Arne Preuß is the founder and CEO of Coffeeness. He’s an accomplished coffee expert and former barista. To debunk common misconceptions about coffee and brewing, he founded Coffeeness in 2008.

Coffeeness has grown to be one of the most popular coffee blogs on the planet. It has become a well-loved web hub for anything coffee-related.

When he's not testing out super-automatic espresso machines or other coffee makers, or evaluating a fresh crop of specialty coffee beans, Arne loves spending time with his cat and attending coffee-related events. Simply put, Arne knows coffee!