Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive espresso/cappuccino machine?
I want to make my own cappuccinos at home (I’m an addict – LOL). I’ve done some research on the web, and I’ve found anything from about 0 to well over 00. I’m wondering, can I get a good one for around 0, and if so, what do you recommend? What is the difference between the cheap ones and the more expensive ones? What should I look for?
(Please – don’t just give me a link to Froogle or something similar. I can find that on my own.)
Thanks in advance!
Mary Said,
June 20, 2010 @ 9:50 am
How much of a coffee snob are you? What’s most important – price, convenience or the perfect espresso?
You have a few different options in home espresso machines:
1) Steam Pressure Style – Inexpensive (like the Mr. Coffee one listed above, these are generally under $100). These use the same boiler for espresso and steamed milk. If you want steamed frothy milk and aren’t too picky about your espresso quality, these are an okay bet. However, steam pressure machines really cannot create a good crema (the wonderful, velvety, tan-colored foam that occurrs on a shot of espresso). The other thing that should be in this category are the stove-top espresso makers (see http://www.widerview.com/gg2108.jpg for a picture). These are very inexpensive, but again, don’t make true espresso with a good crema. They are great for a fancy backpacking trip, though! There’s also (obviously) no way to do milk with them. A steam pressure machine won’t make espresso as good as you can get in a classy coffee bar.
2) Pump Style – These are the most common espresso machines, and they range in price from around $150 for an entry level machine to a good midrange machine at around $700 (and up from there). The inexpensive ones generally have a plastic casing and an aluminum boiler, whereas the more expensive ones generally have a metal casing and a brass boiler. The other difference is the size/strength of the boiler. A larger boiler means a more stable temperature, means a better espresso (fluctuating temperature can make a sour or bitter cup). It takes practice to learn, but you should be able to duplicate a good coffee bar espresso with a pump style machine.
3) Fully Automatic machines – I don’t really know much about the pod/disk style machines, but I have friends who love them. You put in the pod, press a button, and get a cup of whatever you like. They are most definitely convenient, but I can’t speak for quality. There are also fully automatic espresso machines – you put in beans and water and press a button and get espresso. They even dispose of the grounds for you. These are cool, but relatively expensive and don’t produce the world’s best espresso (my last job had one). They take no skill to use though, which might be an important feature for you.
4) Piston style machines – Classic, traditional Italian style espresso machines. Worth mentioning, but expensive. (Easier to give you a picture than explain the design – http://www.espressostore.com/images/epg8.gif )
Another factor to consider is the grinder. A good grinder is a must! A bad grind means bad, bitter espresso. Expect to spend at least $65 on a grinder. Do not buy a good espresso machine and then skimp on the grinder!!
I personally use a Rancilio Silvia espresso machine, and I love it. It is a little more expensive than what you’re looking for though (around $500). I think Rancilio makes a new low end machine for around half that price. They’re an excellent brand and highly recommended – it might be worth looking into that. I checked their website and couldn’t find it, though, but you might want to do some research.
Sorry to ramble so much, but I hope that answers your question! I’m a bit obsessed with coffee (as I’m sure you can tell). If you want more information on how to make a good cup of espresso and reviews of some other espresso machines, check out http://www.coffeekid.com/ . He is even more obsessed than I am! LOL!
chelsea_sherry_williams Said,
June 20, 2010 @ 9:50 am
I got a Cappuccino maker for Christmas the model number ecm150 by Mr.Coffee it works great and I know it was under 100 bucks my mother in law would never by me something more than that…but its been dependable and my fave is making cappuccinos too
cinren13 Said,
June 20, 2010 @ 9:50 am
I got a Tassimo ($169) for Christmas and I LOVE IT! It makes the best cappuccino I’ve ever had. The neatest thing about it though is that it also makes regular coffee, espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and instant hot water. It requires special pods (they call them "T-disks") like alot of other machines, but compared to going to Starbucks, it’s worth it. Linens and Things and Bed, Bath and Beyond both carry it and the disks.
scottsdale sweetie Said,
June 20, 2010 @ 9:50 am
i got one for christmas but ended up returning it-it came from target and was about $50.
i wanted to make my own espresso but it was just too complicated for me so i gave up, now i just have my espresso’s at starbucks!