Finding The Best Espresso Machine

Do you ever get tired of spending money each day at your local Starbucks? If so, it may be time to invest in your own espresso machine. The best espresso machines can actually save you money because you will be able to make your own delicious espressos without having to pay somebody to make it for you. The key to a good espresso is learning some techniques and purchasing the best espresso machine you can afford.

The best espresso machines can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. This may be cost prohibitive for most people. However, for around $500 you can buy an excellent machine that makes drinks as good as the ones you can buy in your local, gourmet coffee house.

The less expensive espresso machines usually sell for less than $50. This type of machine is steam-driven and is not usually effective at making quality drinks. To make professional-quality espresso you will need to purchase a pump-driven espresso machine.

The best espresso machines are bigger, heavier and more intricate than the less expensive steam-driven machines. They are pump-driven and use a pump to force the steam through the ground beans. Pump-driven machines make amazing espresso -- just like what you can buy at your favorite restaurant.

How To Make The Best Shot of Espresso

The cost of a top-of-the-line espresso machine, to make espresso at home, can pay for itself within a year with the money you will save by not buying espresso from a coffee shop. Besides, a good espresso machine you will need to buy a quality grinder and good beans. To make sure that you make the best espresso use beans which have been freshly ground and roasted.

If you want to use your espresso maker for latte making you will need to learn how to steam milk. Steaming milk takes some practice but is worth the effort to get a drink with a light, frothy texture (just like the drinks sold at the expensive coffee houses). Tamping the espresso and pulling the espresso shots correctly is also an important part of the process.

Keep in mind that high quality espresso machines compare in quality to the espresso machines used in restaurants and coffee houses. The main difference is the size of the machine and the training that a professional barista has. With practice you can learn the techniques the professional baristas use to make espresso and enjoy delicious, homemade lattes in the comfort of your own kitchen!