Do you want to buy an espresso machine but are confused by the various parameters? Don't know whether to choose fully automatic or semi-automatic? Please read this guide to choose the right espresso machine for your cafe or home coffee corner.

Factors you should consider

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There are a lot of good coffee machines on the market, but what works for someone else might not be the best choice for you. Before you make any decisions, think about what features you need from your coffee machine and what scenarios you will use it in. Here are the things you need to consider:

• Espresso quality
• Time required to prepare espresso
• Installation location (space size, existing infrastructure)
• Target consumers (yourself, your colleagues, customers)
• Do you need to make latte art or other drinks?
• Personal preferences (design, manufacturer, brand, country of production, etc.)
• Budget

Choosing an espresso machine for your café

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A professional machine will give you maximum control over the treatment of your espresso. There are many factors that affect the flavor, aroma, and quality of your espresso: bean grind, pressure, temperature, extraction time, etc.

Some machines allow for fine-tuning of these parameters so that you can control the final flavor presentation.

Smart machines can reduce human errors, but a barista who understands coffee machines is also crucial to extracting a good espresso.

Some professional machines have touch screen displays that make it easy to precisely control various parameters. But if they break, can you still use the machine? Do you know how to adjust them manually?

Before choosing a machine, consider whether you need to make two or more coffee drinks at the same time.

How many group heads do you need? Do you need more than one steam wand? Having more than two group heads can help you fulfill multiple orders at once, but you'll have more cleanup and maintenance to do. And of course, you'll also need a space large enough to accommodate a large machine.

Ask about the number of boilers in the machine and how quickly the pressure recovers. Stable pressure is important for consistent coffee. A machine with consistent coffee needs at least two boilers so that each espresso is consistent even during peak hours.

You may also want an adjustable pressure coffee machine, as different pressure curves can produce different results. In some cases, adjusting the pressure of the coffee machine can reduce channeling and improve extraction.

Here are some more factors to consider before buying a machine for your cafe:

• Understand how long it takes for the machine to heat up after it is turned on (how long after you open the door each morning should it be ready to work)
• Check that the steam wand is easy to operate (some machines are more precise than others in controlling steam)
• Check energy usage (larger machines require more power, but some models have energy-saving options)
• Some models of coffee machines require a water filter (does the site infrastructure and space support this?)

Choosing an espresso machine for your coffee corner

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If you often drink coffee on your way to work, a home espresso machine might be a good investment. How much time and effort can you put into each cup of coffee? There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a home machine.

All espresso machines require some basic maintenance: removing coffee grounds or empty capsules, cleaning the drip tray, filling the water tank, etc.

Some have removable brew groups that are easy to remove for cleaning or inspection. Others have a built-in brewing system that automatically cleans itself, but can be tricky to fix if something goes wrong.

If you prefer to be hands-on, you can opt for a machine with a removable brewing group; if you prefer your machine to clean itself automatically, you may want to consider another.

As with commercial machines, you should also consider pump pressure. Pressure determines how much flavor the machine can extract from the coffee, and the quality of the coffee.

Semi-automatic household coffee machine

You might think you need a professional-grade machine with a brew group and a steam wand that allows you to prepare espresso drinks like you would at a café, but know if a complex machine is right for you.

When using a professional machine, you need to control the various parameters of espresso like a barista: grinder adjustment, powder dosage, powder pressing, etc., which takes time to learn.

If you enjoy tinkering with these, then go for it and enjoy controlling these parameters yourself; however, if you just want a quick and easy drink every morning, this is clearly not the type of machine for you.

Fully automatic coffee machine

Fully automatic machines do all the work for you. Just make sure you have coffee beans and water, then press a button and it will make you a cup of "espresso."

Capsule coffee machine

Capsule machines almost completely eliminate human error: keep the water tank filled, pop the sealed coffee capsule into the machine, and press a button. It doesn't leave you with a messy cleanup, but disposable items have a big impact on the environment.

Some manufacturers are launching recyclable and biodegradable versions, but do you really need a capsule? It also has a bad reputation in the specialty coffee industry, and some capsule machines only allow you to use certain types of capsules.

Manual espresso machine

Manual coffee machines use a lever to create the pressure needed for extraction. They look great on the outside, but they require a lot of strength on your part to work.

To be honest, there are many factors to consider when buying an espresso machine. After all, it is a considerable expense. You can make the best choice based on your actual situation.

Still confused about which one to buy? Just choose the most expensive one within your budget. Don’t think you can get everything in one go. There will always be more expensive and new machines. If you keep hesitating, your coffee will be cold!