Espresso Coffee Machines

Types of Espresso Machines: Superautomatic Espresso Machines, Semiautomatic Espresso Machines, Single Cup Coffee Brewers and Manual Espresso Machines.

Companies that make espresso machines:  Delonghi, Saeco, Gaggia, Capresso (Jura-Capresso), Solis, Krups, Rocket Espresso, Kitchenaid, Cuisinart, and Nespresso

Many believe that the espresso machine is a new concept, and something that hasn’t been around all that long.  Well that couldn’t be further from the truth.  People have been enjoying the espresso coffee machine  over 100 years now.  Since 1901, when it is believed the first manual machine was designed, the espresso machine has transformed the coffee world.  Over the years there have been huge steps made in developing even better espresso makers, and to this day are 3 main types.

Super Automatic Espresso Machine:  The super automatic may be the most advanced coffee machine on the market.  It has the capability to do it all.  With the press of a button this form of espresso machine will grind, brew, serve and even clean itself.  The only thing a barista may have to do is fill the reservoir with water.  An espresso lovers dream, the super automatic espresso machine is a thing of beauty.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machine:  What makes these machines semi automatic is the way in which water is forced through.  Instead of the barista having to use manual force, the machine uses a pump to force the water through.  These machines will not as easy to use as a super automatic, still make it easy to create a great latte at the office or home.

Manual Espresso Machine:  The simplest and most convenient form of the espresso machine is known as the manual espresso machine.  It uses virtually no electricity, besides the heating component, and all work is done by the user.  In order to allow water towards the coffee you must pull the pump up and then drive it down to force water through the coffee to create the brew.  While not made for everyone the manual espresso machine has a strong following for the on-the-go espresso drinker.

Listed and detailed above are the types of espresso machines.  Below we will break down the different ways in which each type of machine may operate.

Steam Driven:  A steam driven espresso machine is the simplest form of this magnificent machine.  Designed for the coffee lover and its ease-of-use, the steam driven concept was actually the first type of espresso machine.  The concept of the steam driven espresso machine is quite simple.  It uses steam or steam pressure to push water through the finely ground coffee.

Piston Driven:  Another form of the espresso machine is a piston driven form.  The piston driven technique was developed by Achille Gaggia in 1945 who is also the founder of the espresso machine maker Gaggia.  The piston driven system requires the barista, a trained espresso maker, to pump the piston or lever so that pressure begins to build and the hot water is then sent through the coffee grinds.  This is where the term pulling a shot was generated because with the piston drive machine you actually have to pull the lever to produce the shot of espresso.

Pump Driven:  The third form of espresso machine is the pump driven espresso machine.  The pump driven technology comes from the piston driven machine, but instead of the barista manually doing the work, there is a motor-driven pump inside the machine.  This has become the most popular form of espresso machine and can be found in most coffee houses.

At Live Love Coffee we want to be able to provide our readers with as much information on the coffee experience as possible.  Whether it’s through professional articles or consumer reports, you will be able to find all the answers to your coffee questions here.  We also want to inform our readers on the latest and greatest including write ups on other forms of espresso machines including the commercial.  Also, look for ratings and reviews so you can determine for yourself who makes the best espresso machine and what the most affordable espresso machine.