If I buy a $30-$40 espresso machine, will I be compromising on quality?
I want to buy one of my good friends an espresso machine for Christmas, but I don’t have a whole lot of money to spend. If I buy a $30-$40 model, will I be severely compromising on quality? How good are these machines? Here’s some of the machines I’m looking at:
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-ECM20-Steam-Espresso/dp/B0002L34KK
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Kalorik-Black-4-cup-Espresso-Maker/3476774/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11544752
http://www.edigitalelectronics.com/product_info.php?products_id=23747
http://www.electotronics.com/delonghiec5steamdrivenespressocappuccinomaker.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/Farberware-FES15B-Pump-Driven-Espresso-Machine/dp/B000PKYK4W
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Kalorik-Black-4-cup-Espresso-Maker/3476774/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11544752
Well, they might (emphasis on ‘might’) produce decent coffee, but they won’t make espresso.
If you’re on a budget (who isn’t) get one of these to make real espresso with the signature crema:
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Brikka-Stove-Espresso-Maker/dp/B00066N8E8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057595&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Brikka-Stovetop-Espresso-Maker/dp/B000HCNRVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057688&sr=8-3
Or, if you really have to stay under $40, this one makes a good espresso, but without crema:
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Express-6-Cup-Stovetop-Percolator/dp/B000CNY6UK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057778&sr=8-4
From the descriptions on your links, these three will probably produce more pressure than any machine in your budget. I use a moka pot almost daily & it’s delicious.
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De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker $69.00 The DeLonghi Espresso Maker has a patented dual-function filter holder for use with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by it’s caramel color, the crema is the essence of authentic espresso. The filter also accommodates E.S.E pods. This great Espresso machine offers a swivel jet frother that makes cappucccino, latte or an… |
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DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless $148.95 The DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino Maker features a dual-function filter holder which accommodates two separate attachments. The patented sempre crema filter enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. The Easy Serving Espresso filter makes espresso preparation simple and convenient. The adjustable cappuccino system frother includes a special chamber that mixes … |
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De’Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker $210.00 This compact machine is big on features. It self-primes, so there’s no waiting, plus it’s espresso-pod compatible and large enough to use with full-sized coffee mugs. Total control with two separate water/steam thermostats, an exclusive anti-drip design, a swivel-jet frother, adjustable steam with a pressure safety valve, stainless steel boiler, removable drip tray, and a 35-ounce water tank. Semp… |
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Fifteen Bar Pump Driven Espresso Maker EC702 The Delonghi 15-Bar Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino Maker features a dual-function filter holder which accommodates two separate attachments. The patented sempre crema filter enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. The Easy Serving Espresso filter makes espresso preparation simple and convenient. The adjustable cappuccino system frother includes a special chamber that mixe… |