First of all, I want to clarify that here, it is not a question of talking about a coffee machine requiring the use of capsules or coffee pods. It's about being able to choose your traditional espresso machine that invites you to use ground coffee or to grind your own coffee just before use (even better!).
If you are not sure of the type of coffee maker you want to acquire, I invite you to read this article before going any further.
If it is indeed a classic espresso machine that you are looking for, I invite you to continue reading. Here you will find all the information you need to make your choice. Already, we are going to remind you of the advantages of using a coffee maker of this type and why you are right to do so.
Then, we will see the different elements to take into account so as not to make a mistake when choosing your espresso machine . Because yes, I've been there, and I know how complicated it can be to choose from all the models on the market.
If you're good at a coffee machine, that's perfect and you can make your choice quite easily. On the other hand, if you want to acquire your very first machine, you need a little help… And that's what I'm here for!
I will then offer you a list of 5 machines with their advantages and disadvantages.
Why you are right to want an espresso machine
The pleasure of making coffee
The first advantage that I can mention in owning a real espresso machine at home is the pleasure of making your own coffee. Today, many homes have a Nespresso machine which is certainly practical, but which does not really allow you to claim the merits of a successful coffee!
If you have a traditional espresso machine , you can have the pleasure of actually making your coffee. It will not be enough for you to press a button. You will be able to master several elements in order to make a coffee that is as close as possible to your tastes.
You will have the opportunity to manage the grind of your coffee, because I imagine that you will choose to grind your own coffee. Then you can adapt the recommended dose of coffee to your own tastes. You will be in charge of packing your coffee perfectly so that the flow is perfect...
In short, if you get a good coffee, all the credit will go to you and you can be proud of yourself!
The possibility of drinking fresh coffee
Another advantage of having a traditional espresso machine is the ability to enjoy fresh coffee.
This is not really possible with a Nespresso machine for example, unless you use refillable capsules that allow you to choose your coffee. But if not that, the coffee is ground and put into a capsule maybe months or years before it is used. The coffee then loses its aromas and flavor.
It is difficult to find ground coffee for an espresso machine because it must be finer than the grind of filter coffee. The solution is either to grind your coffee at home, or to buy coffee from specialty stores that will grind the coffee in front of you.
The coffee will then always be fresh and you will be able to enjoy all its richness!
The infinite choice of coffees
This advantage is the continuation of the previous one. As you have understood, you will be able to choose your coffee from… all the coffees that exist! You will not be restricted by the types of coffee offered in capsules or ground for the filter, for example.
You will be able to choose any coffee beans . If you like change and, like me, discover new coffees and new aromas, you will not be disappointed.
What criteria should be taken into account?
In order to be able to make the right choice, I suggest that you write down (in your head or on a sheet) the different answers to the questions that we will discuss together throughout this article.
Thus, you will be able to make your choice more easily among the few machines that I will present to you at the bottom of the page.
your budget
It seems obvious that the budget is an integral part of the decision you will make at the end of this article.
Not everyone can afford the latest model from the best brand on the market in all categories! Indeed, the price of an espresso machine can quickly climb.
Fortunately, there are also less expensive and more accessible models. This allows everyone to find their happiness! Everyone is entitled to a good coffee, after all!
What is your maximum budget for the purchase of your espresso machine?
A little further down in this article, we will therefore present different machines for all budgets.
Your tastes
To choose your future espresso machine , you must be able to know what you will be doing with it. And yes, if you only like espressos and you know you will never make milk-based drinks, you probably won't choose the same machine as if you swear by cappuccinos!
It is therefore essential to know what you intend to do with your machine and to ask yourself the right questions:
Will you be required to make cappuccinos or lattes regularly or will you only make espressos or (long) americanos?
Depending on your answer, you will have to turn to a machine that has an interesting steam nozzle system and why not, which can heat up at the same time as the espresso part.
The place you have
An espresso machine can take up quite a bit of space. Depending on the models, it is necessary to be careful in order to be certain of having a space large enough to place the machine.
You have to think about the machine in question, but also about a possible mill that it may be wise to place nearby.
Likewise, will you have space nearby to install your tamping mat in order to tamp the coffee in your filter holder before performing the extraction?
Do you already know where you will have your machine? What are the dimensions of this space?
The frequency of use of the espresso machine
The coffee machines that we see in cafes or restaurants are designed for high flow rates. This is not the case with the majority of espresso machines that can be found in private homes.
This is quite normal since you are probably not going to serve hundreds of coffees a day.
However, depending on your coffee consumption each day, some machines may be more suitable than others for you.
The question you now need to answer is:
On average, how many coffees will you make per day?
The patience you show
Finally, the last aspect to consider when choosing your coffee maker will be the time you are willing to wait for your coffee.
Indeed, espresso machines have different functions with regard to heating. Some are made with a thermoblock, others with a boiler or a double boiler and finally some are made with a heat exchanger.
These four solutions have their advantages and disadvantages.
The thermoblock heats up quickly which allows you to turn on your machine and make your coffee very quickly.
On the other hand, the boilers are slower and require you to wait a few minutes before making your espresso. But after that, they will regulate the temperature wonderfully, which will allow you to have an always impeccable coffee extraction.
Finally, the heat exchanger is probably the best solution on the market to have a coffee quickly (and steam quickly too, for milk), but the price is quickly more expensive too!
Are you ready to wait a few minutes after switching on the machine, to make your coffee?
Espresso machine comparison
Through this comparison, I will introduce you to several coffee machines from the most affordable to the most expensive.
Each time, you will be able to see the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this espresso machine over another. I sincerely hope that you will find your happiness!
Delonghi EC685.M Dedica Style
The first espresso machine that I want to introduce to you is the Delonghi that you can see below.
It is in fact an entry-level machine that still allows you to really enjoy yourself and taste excellent coffees.
Equipped with a thermoblock system, it will heat up quickly and will therefore not need to wait before drinking your morning coffee.
It is really very simple and pleasant to use. Thanks to its two filters, it is possible to make one or two espressos at the same time.
Likewise, you have the option of using ESE pods if you prefer.
Also, the steam nozzle will be ideal for making your first cappuccinos and other lattes.
This machine is particularly compact and does not require a large space to be made available. It is also relatively light compared to other machines.
This is an espresso machine offering excellent value for money. It is perfect for a first acquisition and will allow you to adopt the right gestures to make your coffees a success.
And in addition, it also exists in red!
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Easy to use – Purchase price – Fast heating time – Does not take up much space | – Can sometimes heat up too much which can affect the good extraction – The heat will not always be stable between several coffees made in a row. – Steam nozzle not ideal to use |
The Breville Barista Mini espresso machine
Just like the machine above, the Breville Barista Mini is ideal for a first acquisition .
Very easy to use, just turn the wheel to choose the mode: one or two cup(s), or steam.
Composed of a thermoblock system, it too will heat up quickly. This will allow you to use the nozzle easily to make milk froth drinks.
The nozzle is also more pleasant to use than that of the Delonghi.
Two versions of this machine exist:
- The simple machine
- The machine with integrated grinder
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Ease of use – Purchase price – With or without grinder – Nozzle pleasant to use – Fast heating time | – Can sometimes heat up too much – The temperature will not always be stable if several coffees are made in a row |
Lelit PL042TMD Anita
Here we have an all-in-one and very good quality machine. It will allow you to obtain excellent espresso and have a little more fun with the settings.
This machine is not necessarily recommended for a first acquisition, unless you are ready to really invest yourself and fully understand how it works.
Thus, the Lelit PL042TEMD Anita allows you to grind your coffee thanks to its integrated grinder . You will of course be able to choose coffee that has already been ground, but be aware that you risk losing extraction quality.
In addition, you can make your espresso or milk drinks with great precision and therefore, a cup finish worthy of the biggest coffee shops !
The Lelit has a brass boiler that allows a stable temperature to achieve always perfect extractions .
So here we have an all in one espresso machine . Its price is a little higher than other machines, but you won't have to allocate a budget to a mill since it is well integrated.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| – Built -in grinder – Professional quality – Stable temperature even when making several coffees in a row | – Heating time between 5 and 8 minutes – Takes up space – Price (but quality materials and integrated grinder) |
Lelit Mara
This machine is only considered for very big coffee lovers . If you like having the ability to pay attention to every detail and know how important all of these details are in achieving an exceptional espresso, this might be the coffee machine for you!
It is a professional machine that will allow you to explore all the richness of the different blends that you will have the opportunity to test.
| Benefits | The inconvenients |
| – Great freedom and possibility of tailor-made settings – Professional quality | – Complex handling for the uninitiated – Price |