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The Best Espresso Machines of 2023

Phil Johnson
  Sep 21, 2023 5:49 AM

Espresso brings out the most original flavor of coffee that you can hardly find in other types. Yet, choosing the best espresso machine is also not easy whether you are a newbie or a coffee connoisseur.

Gloria NYC has searched, tested, and compiled a list that includes the best espresso machines on the market. All products undergo objective reviews from experts. This article will provide you with helpful info about espresso machines.


Types Of Espresso Machines

Different types of espresso makers will have various features and characteristics.

Manual Machine

The manual espresso machine is for those who want to enjoy the coffee-making process to the fullest. It gives maximum control, and you can adjust the coffee flavor should any hiccups occur. A notable example of this coffee maker type is Flair Espresso Maker.

manual espresso maker

The standout feature of this type of machine is the lever, which can be a spring-loaded piston lever or a direct lever. The design of this unit looks classic but don't underestimate its use.

Semi-automatic Espresso Maker

Compared to its manual brother, this semi-automatic coffee machine is much easier to use, thanks to the electric pump.

It is a well-balanced combination of convenience and controllability. Therefore, this type of machine has high popularity and very often appears on the market.

Prices for semi-automatic devices vary widely, ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars per model. Calphalon Temp iQ is the epitome of a product of excellent quality in priority.

Fully-automatic Coffee Maker

The automatic espresso machine saves your effort by automatically dispensing the volume and water distribution during the coffee-making process. It scores higher than the semi-automatic for convenience but loses points for taking away your control.

One of the most notable fully-automatic espresso machines that you should check out is the Philips 3200 Series.

Super Automatic Machine

This type of device is versatile and offers maximum convenience, just like its name suggests.

The idea of ​​how these templates work is straightforward and fast. All you need to do is put the coffee grounds into the machine and press the button.

Super Espresso Automatic Machine

The super-automatic machine, like De'Longhi Magnifica, is the perfect choice for those who regularly drink espresso or need to make large quantities. Its price range is also highly diverse.


Buying Guide

Many factors influence the choice of the best espresso machine. Let's explore and analyze them to make shopping easier.

Budget

Budget is essential as it affects boilers (1), a fundamental ingredient that helps shape the espresso maker. There are three prices for you to consider. Each price offers a different boiler configuration.

  • Under $1000: Machines in this price range typically have single-boiler and dual-use setups. It uses a single thermostat to control the steam temperature. This type of machine cannot steam or mix milk at the same time. Check out the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine if you are interested.

  • Between $1000 to $2000: You will find single-boiler and heat-exchanger machines. Its primary purpose is to help you make or steam milk at the same time. The water temperature is always 240°F.

  • Above $2000: This price often occurs in dual-boiler machines, like the Quickmill New QM67. They are for serious espresso drinkers.

Flavor

Many factors will directly affect the taste of your espresso. Digging into this topic can be very time-consuming and controversial.

Taste is a personal matter. Everyone will have their own preferences, and no one is alike.

Some people prefer coffee dishes where espresso is just one of many ingredients, like cappuccino or mocha. They usually don't care and can be satisfied with all sorts of different coffee machines.

On the other hand, those interested in the original espresso taste will need more time to decide.

Single-boiler machines are often suitable for those who prefer original Americanos or espresso. Conversely, those who prefer large dairy drinks should consider dual-boiler ones, like the Breville BES920XL.

Coffee Grinder

Freshly ground coffee elevates the flavor of your morning cup of coffee. It would be great if your coffee maker had a built-in grinder because it would save a lot of money and time.

Those who don't want to buy too many devices or have limited space will love this feature. You can check out the Breville Barista Express if you're interested.

Programmable Settings

Intelligent espresso machines will save you time with automatic recipe memory. Everyone in your family can add their favorite flavors to create the perfect shot.

The MEROL Coffee Machine can be programmable with 19-bar pressure. It is perfect for your strong cup of morning espresso.

Water Filter

The overall taste of espresso relies heavily on water quality. Coffee makers with a built-in water filter will ensure any additional water flavors don't affect the overall result.

Frothing Wand

Steamed milk is an indispensable ingredient for creating delicious coffee recipes when paired with espresso. Most coffee makers come with this feature.

Some products that you can refer to include Espresso Works B01LWUI6B8 and Gaggia Brera.


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How To Test

To find the best espresso machine, our team of experts needs to experiment and go through the trials. Many factors affect the quality of a machine.

Water temperature and pressure are the first vital factors. Typically, the ideal water temperature falls around 195°F with a pressure of 9 to 10 bar.

High-quality machines often come with an element called a PID (proportional integral derivative) controller to ensure the consistency of these two factors.  

If you are interested, check out the Ascaso Steel Espresso Machine.

Our second concern is how the wand combines with the mixture and steam to create a velvety smooth texture. Poor quality steaming wands pump air into the milk without incorporating the foam consistently throughout.

Setting up and using an espresso machine can sometimes be a hassle. Often high-end models will need users to spend time learning more.

You should also consider a few factors like the taste of the espresso and the accessories that go with it. Their quality is also an issue that you should be concerned about.


Frequently Ask Questions

This section covers frequently asked questions about espresso makers.

How Many Bars Of Espresso Is Best?

The brewing pressure needs to be 9 bar to make espresso with great flavor.

How Long Will An Espresso Maker Last?

A coffee machine has an average lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Many factors affect the exact life of an appliance, such as brand, frequency of use, or complexity.

We recommend choosing equipment from reputable brands such as Breville, De'Longhi, or Gaggia.

Why Is Your Espresso Not Creamy?

One of the problems that home espresso makers often face is the lack of crema. The reasons for this problem are:

  • Stale coffee grounds.

  • Wrong water pressure.

  • Poor type of coffee beans.


Final Words

Choosing the best espresso machine is not easy. You need to invest time and effort to find out and come up with the most suitable equipment.

To save time, check out the following shortlist of the best coffee makers:

Depending on individual needs and preferences, each person will have a different choice. Choose the best espresso machine today to start your day with confidence. Do not forget to share this article with everyone if you find it useful.


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