What to Look For In Home Espresso Machines 

 Choosing from all of the home espresso machines on the market can be difficult. There are so many  different versions that you can get confused rather easily. For this reason, you should know the different kinds of home espresso machines, what they do, and how they work.

The first type of home espresso maker is the pump based machine. The pump of this machine is what will provide a specific amount of water pressure used in the brewing process of the coffee that makes the espresso. While these types of home espresso machines are notorious for providing you with coffee house quality espresso, the are a little on the larger size and cam be a bit noisy. Additionally, if you do not use bottled water or a water filter, the pump can become clogged with deposits from your water.

The second type of home espresso machine is the steam powered version. In this type, there is a heater that creates steam and the steam creates the pressure that is needed for the espresso making process. These espresso makers are smaller and have a more modern design, which is fitting for the busy kitchen. They tend to be quick, but there are cases where the pressure does not build strong enough to make a high quality espresso.

The third type of home espresso machine is the lever or piston version. Instead of using water or steam to create the pressure that is needed, there is a lever and piston mechanism that has to be manually pulled to create pressure. These machines are known for being almost inaudible and require little care other than routine cleaning. These machines are sometimes called manual espresso makers because it takes the user to pull the lever to make the pressure. For this reason, the quality of the espresso that is made can vary, at least until the user becomes familiar with how the espresso machine works.

Finally, moka pots are the final type of home espresso machines. These espresso makers are not really a machine in comparison to the other types, mainly because it is a simple stove-top pot without all the attachments and bells and whistles. These pots hold the water in the bottom half which sends steam into the top half where the coffee is located. They are almost idiot-proof and can be operated by anyone who has a stove. Additionally, these types of espresso makers are the cheapest versions among all of the types of espresso machines.

What toChoosing from the home espresso machines is more about knowing what you want in functionality, design, and whether any are in your particular budget. Most importantly, you need to figure out what it is about espressos that you like, or what type of espressos that you may have a taste for. If you like the actual flavor of the espresso (known as straight espresso), then you are likely going to prefer a pump version. If you like adding other flavors to dull the strength of the espresso, then a simple steam version will work for you.

	Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine List Price: $100.00 Sale Price: $59.95 Used From: $50.00 Average Rating:
	Experience the full taste of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. The Capresso 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine features an exclusive Coffee/Steam Selector that makes it easy to control both brewing and steaming, allowing the user to adjust coffee strength to their personal taste...

	DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker List Price: $140.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $79.99 Average Rating:
	The DeLonghi Espresso Maker has a patented dual-function filter holder for use with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by it's caramel color, the crema is the essence of authentic espresso...

	DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker List Price: $210.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $63.00 Average Rating:
	DeLonghi is proud to present this unique and popular BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker. Just a few of it's features include pump driven, makes coffee in mug-size or smaller cup-sizes, brews standard or with pods...

	Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel List Price: $599.00 Sale Price: $474.95 Average Rating:
	Combining advanced technology with a classic design, this coffee/espresso machine for making hot drinks at home includes all the benefits of a commercial system. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry, the unit uses standard 58 mm filters to provide ample room for brewing rich, full espresso...

	Krups XP1020 750-Watt Steam Espresso Machine with 4-Cup Glass Carafe List Price: $72.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $30.00 Average Rating:
	Inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of performance and quality, krups products have been built with these three key attributes in mind: passion, precision and perfection...