DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
Purchasing any home appliances takes time, energy and patience. A home espresso machine demands just as much research as an oven or electronic device, and possibly even more care. You should have a good idea of what it will be used for, frequency of use, ease of use, and the cost benefit each time it is used. A little research can enlighten any consumer on the basic features of different types of espresso machines, including the process of making espresso, the flavor of the prepared beverage, ease of maintenance, and how well it can be stored without use. The following are some features that will assist you in identifying the most suitable automatic espresso maker for your home.
Level of automation: switches and buttons
All automatic espresso makers, including semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic offer you the flexibility to make any kind of espresso that you wish. However, the amount of effort and ease of use differs. Although it has an on/off button to initiate the water delivery process from the boiler to manage the brewing process, the semi-automatic machine requires a degree of skill to operate. The automatic espresso machine is similar to the semi-automatic machine, but additionally automates the brewing process by stopping the pump and creating the perfect shot of espresso. The process in super automatic machines is completely automated with adjustable grinding, tamping, extracting and dumping of spent grounds. You can also control the temperature, size of drink, and coffee strength.
Automatic espresso machines are the most popular for home use since they offer a significant level of automation, and are yet reasonably priced. While super automatic machines produce consistent results and do not require any skill for operation, they demand heavy initial and maintenance investments, and are mostly found in busy shops with fast moving traffic.
Grinding Capabilities
While the super automatic espresso machines have built-in grinders, you need to allocate some funds to purchasing a coffee grinder if you prefer the semi automatic or automatic machines. The quality of your espresso is largely dependent on having a good grinder, which makes machines with integrated grinders’ ideal for those who appreciate a robust coffee blend, on demand. Some grinders have a canister for hosting unground coffee beans, allowing you to regulate the amount of coffee to be ground for a particular brew. This is a great option for making exceptional espresso shots.
Frothing systems
Milk frothing systems are a vital consideration if you wish to make multiple beverages like macchiatos, cappuccinos and Americanos. You need to ensure that the pressure and temperature of the milk flowing through the frother is correct to make a good beverage. Super automatic systems have automatic frothing systems, though the others require manual operation.
Water storage
Ideally, espresso machines can hold enough water to prepare several cups of espresso. However, differences arise with the size of the spout when adding more water, as well as the technicalities involved. For instance, machines with a small spout may require you to use a funnel when adding water, while some are connected to external water source for self-fill. You should consider the easiest way to add water to your machine, and whether the water lines in your home can be easily rerouted to accommodate self-fill machines.
Capacity
It is important to consider how many cups of espresso the machine can handle in one day, since some machines tend to overheat or break when used for extended periods. You should consider the amount of beans that can be stored in the external grinder and the quantity of water that can be held by the container, and how long it takes to make a single shot of espresso. This can give you an estimate of the number of cups that can be made in each sitting, and whether it is fast enough for you.
Metallic parts
These machines heat water in metal units, and the wrong choice of metal can interfere with the flavor of the espresso. Steel and brass are preferable to aluminum, which tends to leave a metallic taste in your beverage.
Ease of cleaning
All parts that are exposed to moisture must be thoroughly cleaned and dried, including the frothing equipment and water receptacle. It should be easy to disassemble and reassemble the machine, including the water reservoir for easy cleaning.
Visual Appeal
Considering that automatic espresso makers are counter-top appliances, you will probably want to create a homogenous feel and look with other appliances, as well as the kitchen design. The aesthetics of an espresso machine involves multiple factors including the position of the plug, placement of the spout, and color of exterior.
Features of the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica. Click here for more information
To conclude, while it can be tempting to buy an espresso machine that offers a lot of features, it is still wise to take your time to prioritize your needs. After all, not all of these features may be useful. Use the above list as your guide, and select a machine with the features that you consider worthwhile.
Originally posted 2013-12-04 01:44:33.