Best Espresso Machine Guide

I learned that the DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Style espresso machine in Black is now listed on Google Products. It lists the features such as the fact that it is pump driven with a self-priming pump, it has the ability to froth milk with an adjustable steam wand, has a huge water reservoir that takes 35-ounces and more. You can read our review of the DeLonghi BAR32.

For sale on Amazon.com for $309.99 by clicking here

The single-serve Nespresso CitiZ espresso machine features a unique extraction system designed specifically for coffee-filled capsules, which means perfect espresso every time. It is equipped with an Aeroccino, the integrated milk frothing device for cappuccinos and lattes.

The espresso maker perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while its high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso, ensuring a thick golden crema–the delicious creamy layer on top.

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It is well-designed, easy to use and easy to understand. It makes a fantastic cup of espresso, and for milk coffee drink lovers, it makes great cappucinos etc. Hands-down, no question, superior to the [ubiquitous coffee chain].

Here are some of the outstanding features of the Nespresso D120 CitiZ:

• Single-serve automatic espresso maker for use with coffee-filled capsules
• Used-capsule container; removable drip tray; folding cup support
• Espresso and lungo buttons; 19-bar pump; energy-saving mode; 1-liter removable water tank
• Integrated Aeroccino for creating milk-based coffee drinks at the touch of a button
• Measures 14-3/5 by 9-2/7 by 11 inches

The milk frother deserves praise on its own. It makes froth so thick and firm you can almost stand up a spoon in it. It has the consistency of meringue. And it is easy to clean.

Here is what one of the owners had to say about the Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker:

The Nespresso is so great and it is the real thing. The capsules contain nothing more than espresso coffee grounds. The machine is simply an automated and miniaturized “real” espresso rig. And the results speak for themselves:

- full bodied crema like you get from the best barista
- speedy and HOT cups of espresso
- the espresso produced is crisp and clear, full bodied, and smooth
- my Sicilian wife and her relatives fully approve of the espresso that comes out
- all this in under 30 seconds and within a square foot of counter space.

The frothing unit that comes with the machine is nothing short of black magic, the results will amaze you. And the best part is it’s easy to clean: no sticky milk mess left behind.

D Thiel (Deerfield, MA – USA)
Review Paraphrased for space – view original review here

For sale on Amazon.com for $399.00 here

The Nespresso D290 Concept Automatic Espresso Machine is part of the Concept Line, which features a modern, and practical design. The machine deploys technology essential for preparing an outstanding Espresso, and is exceptionally easy to use. It has an unique extraction system specially adapted to capsules.

The Nespresso controls every vital setting when preparing a perfect espresso; a simple system which perforates the capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, a high pressure pump (19 bars) extracts all the aromas and develops a smooth crema in the cup, and automatic control of the amount of coffee in the cup.

The Nespresso D290 Concept is sold by Amazon.com! Click here now to take advantage of this fantastic deal.

Now you can have cappuccino whenever you want in mere minutes. Turn the machine on, wait for the solid red light to show proper heat/steam, which takes about 30 seconds, pop in a pod, and press the correct cup size for espresso or the larger “lungo.” The coffee is forced through the pod and into the cup below in seconds, with a nice brown crema on top.

Some great features of the Nespresso D290 Espresso Machine are:

• Automatic ejection of used capsules
• Electronic temperature regulation
• Automatic control of the amount of coffee in the cup
• High 19 bars pressure pump
• Includes an assortment of 12 capsules

The Nespresso espresso machine makes very good espresso and the brewing is easy. Ordering the capsules is quick and easy from the web page. Plus it looks cool and the lever and buttons all have a solid feel.

One of the owner reviews has this to say about the Nespresso D290 Concept Espresso Maker:

I have owned this machine for around 3 years now and made mabye 5,000 cups of espresso with this. The machine is sturdy beyond imagination. During these three years the sum total of the maintenance I have done on this machine, about once per 9 months I run the descaler kit.

Yes this machine makes some noise. ALL mechanical espresso machines make noise. To me, this machine makes the most beautiful noise ever. It’s a solid heavy pump sound, not some whimpy whiny noise. It’s also so beautiful because my mind knows what is coming next, a great cup of espresso.

From cold machine to a cup of espresso is roughly 1.5 minutes. Warm up time is around a minute, and brew time for the cup is about 30 seconds. Couldn’t be faster, couldn’t be easier. You will never ever drink a better cup of espresso at any local coffee shop.

Nespresso has solved some of the most critical variables in making espresso, fineness of coffee grind, roast time and temperature, preventing air from interacting with the coffee, pressure and temperature of the water, and brew residence time. Each cup tastes exactly the same one after the other.

I have spent a lot of time in Italy drinking espresso at corner cafes. Nespresso is as good as, if not better than, anything I ever had in Italy. Nespresso has become the gold standard by which I judge espresso when I travel. The crema on these drinks is amazing – thick, rich, and perfect.

Daniel G Debryk
The review was edited for space – view the original here

For sale on Amazon.com for $399.00 here

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine was designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry. Its commercial-grade construction includes stainless-steel housing, a high-power 17-1/2-bar pump with a high-voltage boiler for quick warm-up times, and an independent expansion valve.

For excellent temperature stability, its portafilters and grouphead are made of heavy-duty marine-grade brass with chrome plating. A single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket (this machine works with coffee pods and is designed to deliver two cups at once), coffee tamper, and 7-gram measuring scoop are included.

The 14101 Classic is sold by Amazon.com. Click here now to purchase this fantastic espresso machine.

It is not exactly cheap, but the quality of the espresso you get from the Gaggia 14101 Classic is truly exceptional. It is quick and easy to use and is capable of turning out one cup  after the other continuously. This machine has a higher wattage pump than all the others in this price point.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic has some great features including:

• 17-1/2-bar pump with high-voltage boiler; hot-water dispenser; frothing wand
• Stainless-steel housing; brass portafilters and grouphead for temperature stability
• Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches
• Single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, tamper, and measuring scoop included
• 72-ounce removable water reservoir

This Gaggia espresso machine is very impressive with its sturdy housing, 3 way solenoid valve and crema laden espresso that’s liquid gold. The espresso comes out of one hole in the middle and is then seperated into channels that flow into the 2 cups. It’s easy to use and clean up is also a breeze.

One of the user reviews make these points about the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine:

This machine has a robust build, and high quality parts. Its tank heats the water quickly, and to a proper temperature, and the pump is powerful enough to do the job properly.

This newer design has a more robust looking steam knob that was moved to the side. There is a “ready” light that is integrated into the coffee switch and signals the when the machine has heated up

The machine can be disassembled for cleaning by somebody who is mechanically inclined, but unless you feel comfortable with appliance repair, you are better off avoiding the situation by using filtered water, and/or descaling regularly, especially before any long term storage.

Overall, this is a well built machine that should last you many decades. If you have used cheaper espresso makers, you will appreciate the robustness and quality of this unit. Features such as the three way solenoid controlled valve might be transparent to the user, but the lack of them become clear when you use a cheaper machine. This one just keeps going and going.

Wayne (Union City, CA – USA)
The review was edited for space – click here for the original

For sale on Amazon.com for $69.00

The Mr. Coffee ECMP50 has a 15-bar pump, and that helps this espresso maker to deliver high-quality drinks on a consistent basis and gives you the ability to make coffeehouse quality espressos and cappuccinos in the comfort of you own home.

It also has a thermal block heater that makes brewing faster and a removable water reservoir makes it easier to get started.

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It’s easy to use. The pump has plenty of pressure, and it heats up fast. Steam pressure is good, and the espresso comes out in two golden heavy streams of froth, gradually condensing into a rich, dark liquid with good crema.

Here are some of the great features of the Mr Coffee ECMP50 Espresso Maker:

• Thermal block heating system
• Removable water reservoir
• Powerful milk frother
• Removable drip tray
• Lighting on/off switch

Following the instructions, it’s very easy to use, cleaning is also quick and easy, and the cappuccinos and lattees come out great. It’s a huge plus that it is tall enough so that you can use regular coffee mugs and it is still not bulky or oversized.

Here is what one of the happy owners had to say about the Mr Coffee ECMP50 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine:

I have to say I’m extremely impressed with the design improvements they’ve made with this new model. Overall, this machine is a tremendous value.

You do not have to remove the water container to fill it, you can just fill it from a pitcher. The top tray is very handy to store your espresso cup, tamper, brew basket and espresso pitchers.

It heats up quickly. The design of the filters is very good, smaller holes converge into one hole at the bottom. The single hole in the bottom of the brew basket drips onto a silicone cone in the basket which causes an even drip between two cups of espresso.

There is enough clearance under the brew basket to fit a coffee mug. The drip tray has two larger holes in the middle so that after brewing you can take out the brew basket and place on the tray to drip and cool off.

The frothing wand is really cool and still works well after a year.

K Krueger (Austin, TX – USA)
Review modified for space – read the original here