September 5, 2008

Espresso Coffee Maker Options

If you count the number of places that serve up coffee and espresso every morning, then it is clear that many people need that caffeinated shot to get going and to get the energy they need to start their day off right. Obviously, with the number of coffee houses around, there are lots of folks who get their espressos there, while others simply choose to make it at home, thanks to an espresso coffee maker that is sitting in their kitchen.

Many of us are currently feeling the pinch and attempting to tighten the belts with cheap recipes, but we also know we need a proper cup of coffee to get going and understand having our own coffee machine will save money in the long run. If you have decided that it is time to bring espresso equipment into your home so that you can start making your own and have it any time that you get a hankering for it, then you will need to get familiar with the types of home espresso machines that are on the market these days. With the popularity of all kinds of coffee drinks, including espresso and cappuccino, it should not be surprising to learn that there is a huge assortment of espresso coffee makers to choose from.

As people begin researching espresso equipment to make a purchase, they are often are surprised to find out that there are eight different kinds of espresso coffee maker models. Not all of these espresso machines are widely available outside of Europe, but it can be helpful to be aware of them, in order to understand the origins of espresso making.

The stovetop espresso maker could be considered to be the original espresso machine. If you travel to Italy, Portugal or Spain, you will most likely find one of these stovetop models in just about every home that you might visit. These stovetop machines have three distinct chambers, each with a different purpose.

The top chamber holds the freshly ground coffee, the middle chamber functions as a filter, and the lower chamber is where the water is heated. As the water heats up in the stovetop espresso machine, the steam is forced to go up a tube to the top chamber and the steam then permeates the grounds, which in turn produces the espresso.

The steam espresso maker is similar to the stovetop model, in that most of these types are also heated up on the stovetop, but the internal workings are somewhat different. Another type of espresso coffee machines is the piston-drive model that is operated by the steam. This type of espresso equipment tends to be much more expensive and therefore, not as widely used. However, it was the piston-drive Italian espresso maker that was responsible for the introduction of cream in the espresso, which has become a standard for many people.

When it comes to an electric espresso coffee maker, there are five different types that you can choose from. There is the fully manual style, the semi-automatic style, the automatic style, the super-automatic style, and the fully automatic style. More and more people are opting for the fully automatic version because it has a water line running to it and with the push of just one button you can quickly and easily be enjoying your morning espresso in no time.

Filed under A Better Cup of Coffee by coffeelover.
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