Where Art & Function Meet

I am looking to buy an espresso machine and wanted some advice?

I have never used an espresso machine before so I would like something simple and easy to use, but at the same time, would still like quality drinks.

They both look like good machines.

DeLonghi – This machine claims that it makes a crema. This is the frothy caramel fluff on top. Most home espresso machines don’t actually produce a crema, which is supposed to signify a perfect espresso. I would be wary though of whether or not is actually does make it. Having a 1 litre tank of water seems quite excessive for home use. Each espresso is only 2 ounces, and you should always use fresh cold water. That means that you can either use stagnant water that has already released some of its oxygen to make your espresso, or you can refill it each time but I can’t see if you can just open it or if you would actually have to remove it to do so. If does not appear to use a traditional carafe, which can be a good or bad thing. The good side – you don’t have to clean the carafe. The bad side -you don’t have a choice as to whether you want to use (and clean) 2 separate cups or espresso shot glasses if you want to make 2 drinks at once with a proper measurement for each. It doesn’t look like it has an interchangable piece for disbursement, so you will always have to use either one large glass or two small glasses. It looks like it will only do 2 shots worth at a time. It has 2 thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure, which is cool but I believe pretty unnecessary. It looks like the pressure knob is on the top. Most machines have it on the left side, so I’m not sure how awkward it would be to use it on the top. I suppose it’s only a minor thing. Overall it looks like a nice machine.

Capresso – This machine can do 4 shots of espresso at a time, which is pretty standard. It uses the traditional carafe, which will allow you to measure the shots accurately when pouring into glasses and also gives you the steam bar. When the espresso fills to the steam line, that tell you that you can begin using the frothing wand. It’s a handy thing for new users. If you were to release the pressure too soon, the espresso may not have built up enough pressure and it will be a waste. This appears to have the traditional pressure knob too. Located on the left side, the pressure knob allows you to control the pressure balance between the frothing wand and espresso output. You can open and close the frothing wand steam as needed. It also serves as a safety valve. You always need to open the valve to allow the excess pressure to leave the machine before opening the water reservoir or brewing more, or it could literally explode. It’s a good design to have the valve on the opposite side of the frothing wand. This means that if the steam gets out of control, you don’t have the same risk of burning your hand on the steam when you go grab the knob. The picture of the machine with the espresso shows a crema on it. As before, I would be wary of whether or not a home machine would actually create a crema. I own a machine of the same style and I love it. It’s simple and makes a good espresso, I get compliments every time I serve it.

Summary – They both look like good machines. It seems like the differences would be a matter of taste. Carafe or no carafe, 2 cup or 4 cup, knob on the left or job on top. I personally would prefer the Capresso. It doesn’t look aesthetically fancy as the other, but as far as practical use I think it makes more sense.

Don’t forget about the espresso grounds – it’s pretty much impossible to find pre-ground espresso at a grocery store. You can either go to a store with a grinder and choose the espresso setting, or just go to a local coffee house (or starbucks) and ask to buy 1/2 or 1 pound of grounds for an espresso machine. They’ll give you a paper bag of grounds for usually about $8 a pound, which is a good deal for the coffee house quality considering that price would only get you 2 cups of their stuff if they brewed it for you.

Jura 64553 Clearyl Water Care Water-Filter Cartridge $24.00 An important part of the cleaning process, this Clearyl water filter cartridge for Capresso coffee machines helps ensure better-tasting coffee. The Clearyl system reduces water hardness up to 75 percent, as well as removes large percentages of chlorine, lead, copper, and aluminum if present in the water. In addition, a special organic additive removes almost all carbon and practically eliminates d…

Durgol Swiss Espresso Special Decalcifier, 2-Pack 4.2 fluid ounce Bottles $12.44 Includes 2 single-portion bottles for 2 perfect decalcifications (125ml/each) and information brochure w/ instructions for use.For quality espresso machines of all brands, including fully automatic machines, half automatic machines, manual mahines, and “coffee pod” machines. Filter machines, electric water heaters, and tea kettles can also be decalcified. Easy and safe to use and is guaranteed to …

Jura Cleaning Tablets for all Capresso and Jura-Capresso Automatic Coffee Centers, Pack of 6 $19.00 Designed for use with all Capresso and Jura-Capresso automatic coffee centers, this pack of six specially formulated cleaning tablets removes inner oil build-up. The machine’s display will indicate when it’s time to run a cleaning cycle (after every 200 cups of coffee), and it only requires one tablet each time. Simply drop a tablet into the bypass doser and run the cleaning cycle. Using the table…

Hario VCF-02-100W White Paper Filter Bundle of 3 for 02 Dripper $24.99 Hario VCF-02-100W White Paper Filter Bundle of 3 for 02 Dripper. - Cone shaped white paper filter for Hario’s V60 size 02 pour-over brewers. - Each filter brews one to three cups at a time. - Contains 100 disposable white size 02 paper filters. - These paper filters produce a clean, flavorful, sediment-free cup. - Hario’s paper filters make for convenient brewing and cleanup….

Capresso JURA Auto-Cappuccino Cleaner $15.64 Jura Auto Cappuccino Cleaner…

Hario VDC-02W Dripper V60 Size 02 Ceramic Coffee Funnel & Filter Bundle $41.99 Hario VDC-02W Dripper V60 Size 02 White Ceramic Funnel. - Designed For Manual, Pour-Over Style Coffee Brewing. - Brews One To Three Cups At A Time. - Works Well With V60 Size 02 Paper Or Cloth Filters. - Very Hands-On Brewing, Allowing You, The User, To Control Brewing Time And Temperature. - Ceramic Body Is Durable And Helps Prevent Heat Loss During The Brewing Cycle. Bundle Also Includes : 2 Pa…

Pure Kona Coffee Blend Espresso Pods, ESE Pods for Home Espresso Machines, 36 ESE Pods $67.95 Only $1.80 per cup for the best Espresso you’ll ever brew with your home espresso machine! Our ESE Single Shot Espresso Pods are perfect for home espresso machines. Don’t tolerate espresso that isn’t smooth, rich and delicious! Each ESE Pod gives you a rich, full-bodied espresso with a beautiful crema. 45mm 7gr Pods fit home espresso machines for that ‘coffee bar’ experience. We carefully blend…

Gaggia Espresso Machine – The Manual $9.77 How to extract a (double) shot of espresso.Simple page viewing!…