Are mass produced home espresso machines unequal to the task of delivering excellent shots?

by espressoequipment on May 11, 2010

Tagged as: delivering, Espresso, excellent, home, Machines, mass, produced, shots, task, unequal

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Violation Challenged May 11, 2010 at 12:54 am

Are you referring to all the Chinese Junk on the market….
If so, the short answer is NO!!!

Harrison H May 11, 2010 at 1:41 am

there are basicy two classes of the mass markey machines. Steam diven machines (about $80-120) and pump driven models.((250 and up). The steam driven models are completely unequal to the task. The pump driven models do make pretty good espresso. If you drink enough like 3-5 cups a week, I think it’s a good expendature. If you only drink one espresso/cappacino a week, it would be better to get it from your local coffee store.

You may see some advertized as 10, 12 , 15 bar. A 15 bar is not necisarily better than a 12 bar, but all the high bar models are better than the low 2-3 bar units.
Some good brands of PUMP machines are Gaggia, Saecco, Krups, Breville, etc

singletrack65 May 11, 2010 at 2:15 am

Harrison pretty much covered it, steam driven machines are junk. A stove top Moka pot will make a much better espresso.

As far as pump machines, they break down into 2 subcategories; rotary and vibration pumps. I use a Rancillio Silvia which has a vibration pump and is one of the best (imho) consumer models. The lower priced vibra models may make good espresso, but they are finicky and can be difficult to get consistent results.

The really good models have rotary pumps and sometimes dual boilers (one for espresso, one for steam), but can cost thousands of $$$.

If you’re not willing to spend $500-1000+, or put in the effort to find the right “formula” for each roast, get a Moka pot. It’s easier, more forgiving and doesn’t require as high end a grinder.

The cool looking Chinese models aren’t worth the money.

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