Checklist

An espresso machine

If you're thinking of buying an espresso machine, here's what you should consider.

Which type?

Semi-automatic and manual espresso machines work along similar lines: you pack the coffee into the filter basket, which sits in the portafilter. You then twist the portafilter into the machine. The only significant difference is that manual machines require you to judge the amount of water that flows through the filter basket whereas semi-autos cut off the flow once a pre-set amount is poured.

Good points about these machines are:

• You can choose from a wide variety of ground coffee.
• You can easily change the strength of your espresso by adjusting the amount of ground coffee and water used.

But:

• Semi-autos and manuals take time to master.
• Portafilters and filter baskets can be fiddly to use and clean; some portafilters require some effort to twist into place.

Coffee capsules

Capsule machines use hermetically sealed pods of coffee. You drop a capsule in the top, pull a lever and push a switch. The machine pierces the capsule and forces hot water through to make an espresso.

Good points about capsule machines are:

• They’re convenient to use and easy to clean.
• The sealed capsules can keep the coffee fresh for up to nine months.

But:

• These machines use proprietary systems such as Caffitaly or Nespresso. So they tie you to using certain brands of capsule.
• Capsules cost more than ground coffee and result in extra packaging waste.
• You have less control over the strength of your espresso.

Hand-pump machines work on the same principle as manual machines except you use a pump action to push the water through the ground coffee.

Pump or steam?

Several types of machine claim to make espresso-based coffee, but only one really can – the pump type. Pump machines operate at higher pressure than steam machines and employ a thermostat to control the water temperature. The pump both makes the coffee and froths the milk.

Pump machines typically have large, removable water tanks that let you make 10 or more small (demitasse) cups consecutively without having to refill the tank. You can also froth milk for other drinks without making coffee first, as you must with steam machines.

Thermoblock or boiler?

A thermoblock is a metal block through which water passes (and is heated) on the way to the pump. It only holds a little water, so it's supposed to keep a constant water temperature that's not too hot. A boiler, on the other hand, contains a larger body of water. It works in the same way as your hot water tank at home.

Features

• Controls: Good machines have convenient controls.
• Cup warmer: Most machines come with a cup warmer – but some of them can take up to 20 minutes to work. The best way to warm your cup is to pour hot water into it.
• Froth enhancer: Don't worry about these as they force too much air into the milk – machines operate better with the enhancer removed.
• Water container: This should be big, accessible and transparent (so you can easily check the water level).
• Drip tray: Go for big and easy-to-drain.
• Exterior: A groove-less exterior will be easier to keep clean. Stainless-steel and matte finishes look stylish but show up fingerprints and grime.
• Tamper: A tamper turns the loose coffee into a firm, evenly distributed pellet in the filter basket. A good tamper allows you to pack the coffee down evenly. Tampers fixed to the machine are poor substitutes for solid-metal hand-held tampers.

Buying tips

• Ask the salesperson if there's a demonstration model. Get them to make an espresso so you can check the quality before you buy.
• Check the milk-frothing mechanism to make sure you can create good-quality creamy froth without large bubbles.
• Make sure the controls are easy to operate. A digital display is better than indicator lights.