Espresso Machines Serve up More Than Just a Cup of Joe

So you've decided to take the plunge into the world of Espresso.

You've carefully gathered together your best recipes, various cups
and pots, and your beans are sitting there on the counter, ready for
roasting. You even grabbed a book or video on how to make Espresso the
proper way. So what's missing?

The Espresso Coffee Machine, of course!

Before you can dip into the beautiful brown waters of Espresso
coffee making, you need to use one of the perfect Espresso
Machines. But if this is your first time as a specialty coffee maker, you may
be completely overwhelmed when you go to the kitchen appliance section
of your local store.

No problem!

We've consulted with some coffee and Espresso fanatics and put
together an article that's sure to steady your coffee-hungry nerves. You can
enjoy this article either as a shot with some milk, or take a steaming
cup of it over to your favorite window ledge and enjoy.

The Basics

There are two main types of coffee makers: the drip system that most
tabletop and industrial coffee machines utilize and the pressure system
most commonly associated with Espresso.

Both systems have several advantages over the other. However, since

we are focusing on the perfect Espresso machine for your home or
restaurant, we won't spend a lot of time on the drip system.

Let's say that the standard countertop drip coffee maker is a lot

easier to use than the pressure system. You throw in some coffee grounds,
add water to the reservoir, and turn it on. The water is boiled and
splashed into the filter holding the grounds, which then drops into your
pot. You job is over as soon as you hit the start button, and within
minutes you have a freshly brewed pot of coffee.

But you don't want just any plain old coffee, do you? Of course you

don't. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading this article.

You want Espresso!

If you ask any Espresso Elitist who's worth his coffee grounds what
kind of machine he (or she!) uses to make their tiny cups of brown
Heaven and they'll tell you a pressure machine is the only way to go.

The pressure system is far more complicated. It forces hot steam
through the coffee grounds, thus brewing to perfection. Coffee experts
agree that this is the only way to get Espresso just right.

These machines can cost you as little as $50 for a countertop
Espresso machine to upwards of $1500 for a fancy, restaurant-size all-in-one
unit. Obviously, before deciding on a price you should figure out
whether you're going to be making Espresso for you and your friends on a
countertop Espresso coffee maker or providing the tasty drink for sale at
your restaurant with a commercial espresso machine.

Some Common Features

Basically, all Espresso coffee makers do one thing-they all make
espresso. However, depending on your tastes and the size of your
pocketbook, you may want more than just the basics. If you're going to be making
Espresso with Commercial Espresso machines, then you're definitely going
to need some extra features.

With the advent of push button technology, espresso machines have
become even easier to operate. In fact, some are so advanced that they
could rival even the simplest drip-coffee makers!

Some of these push buttons machines even have auto timers you can
use that will properly measure the amount of time needed to steam the
coffee grounds and make a great Espresso shot. If you are interested in
this hands free approach, make sure that the timer is adjustable. Your
idea of a great Espresso shot may be far different than the default
settings on the machine would allow.

Another great feature on many commercial espresso machines and home
counter top coffee machines is the adjustable volume option. In this way,
you set the volume, add the right amount of water, and never have to
worry about extra mess or cleanup afterward. Why use two cups of water
when all you need is enough for a few shots of Espresso?

Additionally, why would you want to stand around and make single
shot after single shot of Espresso when what you really want is a full
sized Crema Coffee?

A feature considered by many to be a luxury with the Espresso and
specialty coffee crowd is the addition of heating platforms to Automatic Espresso
Machines. Often, commercial coffee makers come with heating platforms
for pots of coffee to sit for a while at a steady temperature, but you
should be prepared to pay a little extra if you want one designed to heat
the serving cups.

A cold cup will reduce the temperature of a shot of Espresso, and
thus will reduce the aroma and flavour at the same time. Getting your
Espresso in a paper cup from Starbucks is one thing, but in order to
properly serve it your cups should be preheated for the full effect.

If you are looking to sell Espresso or other specialty coffees in
your caf� or restaurant, than another feature you should seriously look
at is a hot water and frothy milk dispenser. You've probably seen these
before at your local convenience store where coffee is sold. With a hot
water dispenser you can make teas and ciders in seconds because you
always have a supply of scalding water on tap. Additionally, a frothy milk
dispenser will keep your milk hot and bubbly, perfect for serving hot
chocolate or other frothy drinks.

Considering the amount of variation that coffee drinks allow for and
the many varied ways in which their prepared, the possibilities are
practically limitless. As such, there really is an Espresso machine out
there for every taste, preference, and occasion.

Don't be afraid to ask questions before you buy your
coffee or
espresso machine, and do some homework. Remember that just about every
Espresso machine out there will make a decent cup of Espresso, but if you
want a really great drink it's up to you to find the right ingredients
and use the right machine for you.

Anything less and you've got just another cup of Joe.

Bill Schnarr is a successful freelance business copywriter,
one of experience and diversity. His numerous articles offer valuable
insight and cost-saving information to consumers on a variety of
subjects.

This article was written for http://www.coffee-espresso-machines.com and may only be reproduced with the webmasters permission. Permission has been granted to Gilkatho Pty Ltd.