CoffeeForums Coffee Facts

Is espresso still espresso whether you go to a great coffee shop or make it at home? Yes, pretty much it is. Of course there can be bad espresso, any place, even in the best shops so making your own can give you some control over the process. Coffee is an integral part of our fast paced society where everyone seems to need that morning wake up. Having your own espresso machine in your home can also save you a great deal of time, trouble and, of course, money, over the months that you first own it.

Buying a new or even a used machine can be problematical however. How much coffee do you drink in day? Do you enjoy other brews like latte or cappuccino? Before you run out and spend a lot of money on a machine, think about the following factors.

The very first thing to consider is how well each model performs. Not all espresso machines are created equal and the last thing you need is to spend money for an espresso machine that makes coffee tasting like instant decaf. The next thing to look at is consistency. Does this machine make coffee that tastes consistently the same? If not you may have to rethink your options. Coffee isn't solely about taste or even aroma. Drinking coffee is an experience, much like tasting wine, and the ambience of a cup of coffee should transport you to the Tuscan Hills of Northern Italy.

Next, consider the complexity of the machine. Are there more people using it than just you? If you have a machine that looks like the control panel on the Space Shuttles flight deck, this might not be something for your home. Highly complex machines are also harder to clean. It would be horrid to just finish a wonderful cup of brew and then be faced with an hour or so cleaning the machine. Many of the fully automatics are very easy to clean but are hard on the budget.

Finally consider the dreaded "B" word. Budget. How much money are you willing to spend to enjoy that cup at home and not have to go around the corner to the local shop? Espresso machines can be purchased for as little as $100 and others can easily cost well over $1,000.

Espresso machines that are made for home use are really wonderful but, like anything else, you need to consider all of your options before you spend your hard earned money.