Espresso Machines

Espresso Machines
An espresso machine. Espresso machines make espresso a much simpler beverage to create by controlling the temperature precisely.
There are several different types of espresso machines available, each functioning in a different manner. There are piston-driven espresso machines, semi-automatic machines, and automatic espresso machines.
Bezzera acquired a patent for his machine and in 1903 these first espresso machines were sold in Europe.
These machines were not easy to use. In 1935 Illy invented a coffee maker that used compressed air instead of steam, thus solving the problem of exploding espresso makes. His machine gave a more favorable, stable result.
The lever action espresso machine was invented by Achille's Gaggia in 1945 and still today bears his name. Both the Illeta and Gaggia versions of espresso machines are available on the market today.
Illy continued to expand and simplify his espresso machine by combining the best parts of other makers.
Piston Driven Espresso Machines
Piston-driven espresso machines are more authentic than any other espresso machine. It is the most primitive of the espresso machines. The piston-driven espresso machine uses a lever that is pumped by the operator to force pressure onto hot water, driving it through the coffee grinds. The piston driven espresso is also how the crema came to be a part of espresso.
Espresso drinkers who also value authenticity tend to opt for the piston-driven machine. Advancements in technology that brought the semi-automatic and the automatic espresso machine made the piston-driven machine obsolete.
In addition to the types of espresso machines are the uses for the machine. If the espresso machine is intended for home use then the cost is going to be decreased significantly. Home espresso makers should be purchased with longevity in mind. For occasional use, a home espresso maker will suffice.
Commercial espresso makers can be plumbed to a water source or be manually filled - another cost to consider when looking into espresso makers. The more automated the machine the higher the cost.
Shopping for Commercial Espresso Machines
If you are starting your own coffee shop then you know that your main purchase is going to be your coffee makers and your espresso machines. The espresso machine will get more use than the coffee maker, simply because so many of the drinks you sell will be espresso based. As you are looking into commercial espresso machines you also need to decide if you are going to need a one-group or two-group machine or more.
Types
Semi-automatic machines require the user to shut the steam off manually. This can make producing a consistent shot of espresso difficult.
Automatic espresso machines have a cut-off timer and produce a more consistent espresso.
Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. If offered, buy an extended warranty. Before your purchase the machine, ask about repairs. De-liming a machine is an expensive task.
Buying a commercial espresso machine is a huge investment that should be done with careful consideration to every aspect of the machine and to all the aspects of your business. Choose carefully and wisely for the best espresso bar in town.

The Best Espresso Machines
The Capresso Espresso Pro
Krups
Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.
All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.
Starbuck Barista
While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an excellent choice.
The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines. That could account for why this machine makes such a great espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema. Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all.