3 best expresso makers

Espresso makers, also known as espresso machines, are kitchen appliances designed to brew espresso, a concentrated coffee beverage that is the base for many popular coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. There are various types of espresso makers available, including semi-automatic espresso machines. Here's what you need to know about espresso makers:

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: Semi-automatic machines are a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts who want more control over the espresso-making process. They offer manual control over key parameters like grind size, coffee dose, water temperature, and extraction time. These machines typically have a pump that forces hot water through a compacted puck of finely-ground coffee, producing a rich and concentrated shot of espresso.
Components: Espresso machines consist of several key components, including:
- Portafilter: This is the handle-like device that holds the coffee grounds and attaches to the machine.
- Boiler: Espresso machines have one or more boilers that heat water to the appropriate temperature for brewing.
- Pump: The pump pressurizes the water and forces it through the coffee grounds at the correct pressure.
- Steam Wand: Many espresso machines have a steam wand for frothing and steaming milk, essential for creating drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Grinder: While not a part of the espresso machine itself, a quality grinder is crucial for getting the best results.Espresso requires a fine and consistent grind, and many enthusiasts prefer burr grinders for this purpose.
Types of Espresso: Espresso machines can produce single or double shots of espresso. A single shot is typically around 1 ounce (30ml), and a double shot is about 2 ounces (60ml).
Maintenance: Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your espresso machine in good working condition. This includes regular descaling to remove mineral buildup, cleaning the portafilter and group head, and ensuring all components are free of coffee residues.
Price Range: Semi-automatic espresso machines vary widely in price, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. The price often reflects the build quality, features, and overall performance of the machine.
Popular Brands: There are several well-known brands that manufacture espresso machines, including Breville, De'Longhi, Rancilio, Gaggia, and La Marzocco, among others.
Drink Variations: With an espresso machine, you can create a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots, Americanos (diluted espresso), lattes (espresso with steamed milk), cappuccinos (espresso with equal parts steamed milk and milk foam), and more.

When choosing an espresso machine, consider your budget, the level of control you desire, and the types of drinks you want to make. A semi-automatic espresso machine can be a great choice for those who want to explore the art of coffee making and have control over the brewing process to create customized, high-quality espresso beverages at home.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best expresso makers on the market

IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker 3-Cup, Silver

Imusa

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This IMUSA Aluminum Coffeemaker has the classic style your looking for in a stove top espresso maker, with the quality of a IMUSA brand product. IMUSA has been producing coffeemakers for over fifty years and is considered one of the top manufacturer of coffeemakers in the world. This coffeemaker makes 3 cups. It brews a traditional Espresso Coffee in minutes. Made for the stove top, it can be used on all gas, ceramic or coil surfaces. The bakelite handle provides for easy handling. Made from durable long lasting aluminum. Recommended hand wash only.

Made with Durable Aluminum that Keeps Coffee Warm
3-Cup Capacity with Cool Touch Handle and Knob for easy handling
It's Small and Portable Design Makes it Easy for Sharing
Designed with a Flip up Top and Side Pour Spout for Easy Serving
Ideal when Making Espresso

User questions & answers

Question:	Will imusa be restocking the 3 cup and 6 cup options
Answer:	Yes, but 3 cups is currently the best option according to market demand.
Question:	How many oz those, this 9 cups greca holds
Answer:	One espresso will be around 1 ounce, which means 9 cups will be around 9 ounces. Thank you!
Question:	What country is it manufactured in
Answer:	Imusa is a colombian company, but I don’t know if this specific product is made in Colombia or another country
Question:	Hi does this bring a filter already
Answer:	Yes. You don't need to buy filters for this. But be aware, if it says it's a "4-cup" coffeemaker, it means 4 espresso cups - about 3 oz. each - not 8 oz. cups.

Product features

Get Charged!

IMUSA stovetop espresso makers allow you to be a barista at home! This stovetop espresso maker brews under a mild pressure, forcing hot water up from the base through ground coffee then into the top carafe in just minutes! The stainless steel exterior will match perfectly with your kitchen decor and will satisfy the need of just about any coffee lover.

Single Serving Capacity

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About IMUSA

IMUSA is an ethnic houseware brand with deep roots in Latin America and the United States that offers hundreds of houseware products including gadgets, cookware, appliances, espresso, and ethnic specialty items. IMUSA quality has been tested and handed down by homemakers who have been cooking for their families for more than 80 years! We invite you to learn about our line of products, try our recipes, and explore the exciting world of ethnic cuisines.

Make it Real… Make it IMUSA.

IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

Imusa

Based on 914 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IMUSA GAU-18202 Electric Espresso Maker allows you to be a barista at home! You can have fresh espresso in minutes or you can create a homemade creamy cappuccino using the milk frothier. This beautifully designed unit allows you to prepare up to 4 cups of espresso at a time, and has a removable drip tray for easy clean up. Also features a permanent removable filter basket for the espresso, and the durable plastic exterior protects you from a hot interior.

3-way select knob – On/Off/ Steam
4 Cups Easy pour Carafe
Light Indicators
5 bar working pressure for rich coffee tasting coffee
Removable Drip Tray for Easy Cleaning
Milk frother Perfect for Delicious Cappuccinos, Macchiato Coffee or a simple Late
UL Certified

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the steamer supposed to heat your milk? Doesn't stay on long enough yo warm it
Answer:	This is only for tropical fish 🐠. It is intended for gold fish. But gold fish might eat them too.
Question:	porque para comprarla necesito un transformador, que no incluye. Es asi? tengo red a 220 volts. Pero no funciona para electronicos solo electrico
Answer:	Buy them at Walmart if they are less money. My local stores do not carry them
Question:	Where is this made
Answer:	In order to give my fish a balanced diet, I feed them three different types of food, alternating them each day. I had bought the algae discs for my bottom feeders (corys), but it seems that my tetras like them, as well.
Question:	Do I need to buy anything additional to use this machine
Answer:	I think they would. The product is made of shrimp, they scavengers so should eat anything on the bottom.

Product features

Be a Barista at Home

The IMUSA 800 Watts Black Espresso Maker allows you to be a barista at home! You can have fresh espresso in minutes or you can create a homemade creamy cappuccino using the milk frother! The IMUSA Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is the perfect new appliance your kitchen needs.

Make Cappuccinos, Macchiatos and Lattes

Brew up to 4 servings of aromatic fresh espresso directly into the glass carafe, and you are ready to serve. Feel the coffeehouse experience with our variable steam control that allows you to froth milk to create delicious Cappuccinos, Macchiatos and Lattes in the comfort of your own home.

About IMUSA

IMUSA is one of the leading Ethnic houseware brand with deep roots in Latin America and the United States that offers hundreds of houseware products including gadgets, cookware, appliances, espresso, and ethnic specialty items. IMUSA quality has been tested and handed down by homemakers who have been cooking for their families for more than 80 years! We invite you to learn about our line of products, try our recipes, and explore the exciting world of ethnic cuisines.

Make it Real, Make it IMUSA.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Large, Stainless Steel

Breville

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The barista express from bean to espresso in under a minute create great tasting espresso in less than a minute. The barista express allows you to grind the beans right before extraction, and its interchangeable filters and a choice of automatic or manual operation ensure authentic cafe style results in no time at all.

Dose control grinding: Integrated conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of the bean
Precise espresso extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal Espresso extraction
Micro foam milk Texturing: The steam wand performance allows you to hand texture micro foam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art
Grind size dial: Simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you're grinding
Hands free operation: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at home Barista to grind directly into the espresso port filter
Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb.; Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz.
Settings: Single or double shots; Adjustable grind amount & manual overrides;

User questions & answers

Question:	Do I need to buy any other thing besides the coffee beans to use this machine well? For example, "Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher
Answer:	I ran it for longer than 10 minutes. I had no problem.
Question:	What are the significant improvements of the 870 over the 860 Express besides hot water and 1600W
Answer:	Not loud at all. Maybe a bit more than the microwave.
Question:	Will the machine fit on top of this protective mat? I'm not sure of the dimensions. http://amzn.to/2l8g4zZ
Answer:	11 libras
Question:	I'll be using this mainly for long black/americanos. Any tips or downsides to getting the most brewed liquid? I love a big, hearty mug of joe
Answer:	I would say not very well. I have not tried it on pepperoni but I tried to slice a country ham very thin and it ripped it to shreds. It is very difficult to get a thin clean slice.

Product features

The Barista Express by Breville, BES870XL

Create great tasting espresso in less than a minute. The Barista Express allows you to grind the beans right before extraction, and its interchangeable filters and a choice of automatic or manual operation ensure authentic cafe style results in no time at all.

The 4 keys formula for third wave specialty coffee at home:

1. Rich, full flavor

Full-bodied coffee with rich and complex flavors is created using the right dose of 19-22g of freshly ground beans. This dose allows the coffee to fully express the incredible aroma, intense flavors and distinctive character of the coffee, for a true cafe quality result. Anything less than the optimal dose results in a weak and watery taste experience.

2. Perfectly balanced taste

Sweet, delicious and nuanced flavor notes begin with precise control over water temperature. Digital temperature control (PID) technology precisely controls water temperature for a perfectly balanced coffee extraction, giving you the control and consistency for delicious tasting coffee every time.

3. Irresistible body

An opulent, creamy and caramel-colored espresso starts with low pressure pre-infusion that soaks the grinds, allowing water to pass evenly through the coffee during the high pressure (9 bar) extraction process, delivered via our 15 bar Italian pump. This results in a rich, sweet and viscous espresso.

4. Silky, velvety mouthfeel

Savor the silky taste and velvety mouthfeel of true microfoam milk. The milk is steamed with pressure that creates thousands of tiny bubbles, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel, while the temperature brings out the milk’s sweetness, exciting your taste buds, for a harmonious blend of rich, sweet milk and syrupy, golden espresso.

Dose-Control Grinding

Integrated conical burr grinder grinds on-demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean.