A semi-automatic espresso machine forces hot water through ground coffee under pressure to produce espresso. These semi-automatic espresso machines also produced steam to work with milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos and it also produce hot water. With semi-automatic machines available starting around $250 and ranging into the thousands. What are the real differences?
As with anything in the end you get what you pay for, can you get good espresso out of a $250 machine? Yes you can, and for some that’s fine. But if you want to experience the art of espresso you’ll need to go a little further. And now, let’s take a look at the basic dividing points of features in the range of semi-automatic espresso machines. We’ve got a machine here representing each basic group.
Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
 |  List Price: $1,499.99 Sale Price: $1,149.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine
 |  List Price: $799.99 Sale Price: $465.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Eligible For Free Shipping |
DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless
 |  List Price: $350.00 Sale Price: $98.00 Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days |
Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
 |  List Price: $599.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
Now we currently have more than 70 semi-automatic machines to choose from at www.amazon.com. And there are many coffee geeks do extensive testing and note their reviews on all of them. So we can take all that data and put different espresso machines together to compare. On the Amazon, it has a great filter allowing you to create side-by-side comparisons of more than 30 features and data points for every espresso machine it sells. Of course, I will tell you more about the best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Reviews really makes – well, comparing machines easy. Anyway, here’s a basic breakdown of the types of semi-automatic machines in broad categories.
So as we move down the chart we’re going up in capabilities, features and price right.
For simplicity and low-cost, we begin with a single boiler machine with a pressurized portafilter. Using a pressurized portafilter takes two critical elements of brewing espresso – the grind and tamp, for the most part, out of the equation. This makes it easy to produce espresso as the pressurized portafilter doesn’t allow release of espresso until the proper pressure is reached. For really easy espresso machines like the Saeco Aroma, Gaggia Classic, and Gaggia Baby Twin here come with adapters for pod brewing. Pods aren’t for everyone, but they sure are clean and convenient. Just put a pre-measured pod in the adapted portafilter, brew. And when you’re done, there’s no messy grinds to deal with…just the spent pod. So when you brew in a standard basket it’s the coffee that creates pressure based on your grind and tamp. A pressurized basket simplifies everything. Of course, the tradeoff is the user gives up most of the ability finesse the quality in any way.
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The next step up on our list are single boiler machines with a 3 way solenoid valve. The 3 way valve improves reliability and performance. It’s an electrically operated, positively sealing valve much less likely to leak than spring operated valves on lower cost machines. Yes, a nice thing with these machines is they usually come with both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets. So, the machine can grow with your experience. Be aware when brewing in a standard non-pressurized basket a quality grinder is essential. So with a machine like this Gaggia Classic, You can get into espresso without a good grinder and then move up to really finessing your espresso through variations in grinding and tamping when you’re ready to invest in a quality grinder. On the machines we’ve looked at so far, there’s just one boiler. With these there’s always a wait of about 15 – 30 seconds between brewing and steaming as the boiler gets up to steam temp. You’ll also need to cool down the boiler after steaming before brewing again.
In our next class, dual boiler consumer machines, that waiting goes away while retaining the benefits of a 3 way solenoid valve. And, some machines like the Gaggia Baby Twin come with both pressurized and standard baskets allowing you to grow your skills on one machine. So this class of machine adds a second boiler dedicated to steaming – practically eliminating any waiting between brewing and steaming. It also eliminates cooling down a boiler after steaming before brewing again.
Our next basic class is heat exchange machines.Sometimes referred to as “HX” machines. These machines have a single boiler but with a heat exchange system within the boiler. So inside the steam boiler is a tube in which water for brewing is heated while the boiler is producing steam. With a heat exchange boiler, you can brew and steam at the same time. On machines with heat exchange boilers, we also start to see most of them using the “famed” E61 brew group which is generally a standard throughout all higher end semi-automatic machines. Now the E61 is special because it uses a thermo-siphon which constantly circulates hot water from the boiler through the brew group to keep it hot for better temperature stability. This stability is crucial to the ability of the espresso artist in producing consistently repeatable shots. As we move up through this range of machines other enhancements start to appear under the hood. Now these vary from machine to machine, but in general we find nicer housings or more robust materials inside and more powerful steaming.
Last on our list are dual boiler prosumer machines. These machines employ dedicated boilers for brewing and steaming. They include features allowing the espresso artist to truly perfect their craft with the ability to produce quality espresso repeatedly. Features like PID temperature control allow users to set and maintain extremely accurate brewing temperatures. Many in this category are plumbable to water supplies and drain. You’ll find high quality pumps with adjustable pressures. Components used in these machines are the best. Designed for consistent performance and durability. Bigger valves, better gauges and features ranging from no-burn steam wands to the ability turn off the steam boiler.
So that’s a basic overview of the capabilities and features of semi-automatic espresso machines. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for an easy to use, low cost machine, a machine that can grow along with your experience or one that will allow you to perfect your skill, there’s a machine to fit your needs. Use the filter on the amazon to generate side by side comparisons of the features of our semi-automatic machines. Yeah, it’s a great resource. We can find that the customer does extensive testing on every machine it sells. You’ll find extremely detailed data to help you make an informed purchase decision. If you’d like some help narrowing down the right machine for your needs, just feel free to contact me. Maybe I can help find a machine to perfectly fit your skill level and needs.
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Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine Review
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