Espresso Machines
Why should I consider an espresso machine?
There's no denying that there is a strong appreciation for coffee in Canada. But you don't have to rely on coffeehouses and cafés for your daily fix. An espresso machine gives you the chance to be the barista and afford your grind the care it deserves. If you're curious about espresso machines, then check out these answers to some commonly asked questions.
If you want something done right you've got to do it yourself. For many of us, a cup of coffee is one of our most enjoyed rituals of the day. Having your own espresso machine gives you the chance to turn those everyday coffee grinds into an aromatic delight from the comfort of your own kitchen. These machines specialize in concentrated coffee that’s far more flavourful and full-bodied than the product of a standard drip coffee maker.
What is the difference between the types of espresso machines?
Deciding on the right espresso machine for you is easier if you know the differences between the types of machines. An automatic espresso machine is fully automated. It can make a range of coffee drinks, have built-in grinders to grind your beans straight into the hopper, and they have built-in milk frothers to create lattes. They are also completely programmable so you can choose the type of beverage you’d like, tap the screen, and the machine will make your drink for you.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are not 100% automated the way an automatic espresso machine is. This type of espresso machine may require you to manually grind and tamp your coffee beans, but they do offer built-in features like strength settings, temperature control, and built-in milk frothers. If you’re shopping by brand, there are quite a few automatic and semi automatic Breville Espresso Machines available.
A manual espresso machine is completely manual. You’ll need to grind the beans, tamp the grinds, and extract the shot. This type of espresso machine requires a certain level of skill to operate, but you get complete control over your brewing process.
A coffee pod machine uses pre-packaged coffee pods to produce a quick cup of espresso or other coffee beverage. A Nespresso Machine is one of the most popular types of coffee pod machine available, and they are perfect for anyone who wants to brew regular coffee and create custom espresso drinks with one machine.
What can I make with an espresso machine?
With an espresso machine of your own, the sky's the limit. You can grind any variety of coffee beans you want to bring out its full flavour. And with a steam wand or milk frother, you can master the fine art of cappuccinos, lattés, macchiatos, and so much more with the finesse of a barista.
What's the best espresso machine for me?
When selecting the espresso machine that's right for you, decide whether you're a beginner barista or a coffee aficionado. Coffee pod machines will make your barista days a breeze but some prefer measuring and tamping down their own grinds to achieve the most flavourful infusion. Traditional espresso machines vary in “bars of pressure” or the amount of pressure used to extract the brew. Ideal for beginners, a steam machine is easy to use, generating enough pressure to produce decent results. However, a pump machine is what's used in professional espresso machines and delivers just the right amount of pressure for the perfect café-style creation.
What are the most popular espresso machine brands?
You’ll find many of your favourite brand's design espresso machines. The Breville Espresso Machine is one of the most popular, with a variety of automatic, semi-automatic, and manual espresso machines. If you’d like an espresso machine that uses pods, the Nespresso Machine is a great choice, with the Nespresso Vertuo offering the best option if you’d like a coffee maker and espresso machine all in one.
There are also other great brands that design espresso machines including De’Longhi, Miele, Philips, Jura, and KitchenAid.