Which type of coffee machine for the home

Hi, I am going to put up some more detailed information about choosing a coffee machine for the home, but here are the very basics and some links to the Best Coffee Beans website and their home espresso machines.


So what is an espresso machine?

An espresso machine is used to produce the traditional concentrated brew we call espresso! The espresso machine will usually also have the ability to make steamed milk which added to the espresso makes cappuccino, latte etc.

Espresso machines are one type of coffee machine, others such as filter coffee makers, french-press, catetieres, coffee brewers don't extract the coffee in the same concentrated way that espresso machines do, its a subtle difference when you are new to coffee machines but these are usually refered to as home coffee makers.


So, back to espresso machines:

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine is a more traditional espresso machine where you have a brew handle which you fill with coffee, tamp (pack down) and then lock the handle in place. They can also be called automatic espresso machines when you can programme the shot (or cup) size. These machines operate in the same way as the machines you see in most good cafe's.

These are the best espresso machines for people who like café quality coffee and want to have more control over the whole espresso making process.


Bean to Cup / Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

These Super-automatic espresso machines are the new breed of coffee machines sometimes referred to as bean-to-cup coffee machines.

With sections for coffee beans and water, the machine will freshly grind your beans, tamp the ground coffee and deliver your espresso into a waiting cup. Used grinds are dispensed into an internal bin. Machines have various levels of programming and drinks options including delivering your steamed milk straight into your cup. Less mess and more convenience.

The commercial versions of these bean to cup machines are becoming a regular in coffee chains who have a high staff turnover and want to keep their customers happy. On the commercial side, one huge advantage is that they can produce a great drink with little training (or care!!).


Manaul Espresso Machines

These manual espresso machines, some basically unchanged since this early espresso machine design, are completely manual except for the heating element.
The pressure to make your espresso is created by a piston which is operated by a lever. These machines are mechanically beautiful but more difficult to use. They produce an excellent espresso but it is all down to your pull of the lever. This is where the expression ‘pulling a shot’ came from.


Pod Coffee Machines

Pod or Capsule espresso machines are easy to use, quick and mess free. They use pods and capsules which are available from supermarkets or the brand’s own websites. Some machines offer programming and milk options. With some brands you are tied into their own pods and where you buy them, so the running costs can be expensive.

Philips bring Gaggia Coffee Machines back to life

In late 2009 Saeco International and its subsidiary brand Gaggia coffee machines (which they purchased in 1999), were struggling. To add to the problems of the Gaggia brand, in the UK, the Gaggia privately owned distributor went bust and for a few months there were no new Gaggia's and you couldn't get your machine fixed. For a few years Gaggia UK had provided poor service according to some.

Philips then purchased the Saeco company and are working hard to re-establish Gaggia as one of the leading home espresso machines in what is now a very competitive (and tough) market. Philips now seem to have reached a point where the supply of Gaggia machines is back on track. We have also just started to see new and updated Gaggia models with the backlog warranty issues under control, so your machine will now get fixed if things do go wrong - Gaggia is back and looks set to be even stronger with Philips and its much higher level of customer care.

I think this is good news for Gaggia and is another milestone in the history of this famous manufacturer, which started in 1947, after they purchased the first commercial espresso machine patent and produced the first espresso machine of its kind. The first gaggia machine is pictured above.

This blog is really about home coffee machines which Gaggia started to produce in 1977 and is now where their strength is. They do produce Gaggia commerical coffee machines but there are lots of well-priced alternatives.

There is no doubt that Gaggia still produce great value machines, which for the price offer exceptional espresso coffee. They combine the heritage of their Milan roots and design, now with high volume production and improved reliability.

The Brera super-automatic is the latest, bean to cup, espresso machine, but they are also still improving their traditional espresso machines. These machines are not intended for the espresso geeks but for the ordinary folk who fancy a great espresso, cappuccino or latte at home.

Well that's what I think!