| Choosing an espresso coffee maker isn't just | | | | The semi automatic espresso coffee maker provides |
| determined by price. Many people have rushed in and | | | | a good balance for those who want some manual |
| bought a coffee maker simply because they thought | | | | input in conjuction with some automatic features. |
| that it's price dictated how good or efficient the | | | | Manual operation includes starting the extraction |
| machine was. This can be a costly mistake. Be careful | | | | process with the push of a button and then switching |
| not to over capitalize! | | | | it off once the coffee has been extracted. The milk |
| An espresso maker should basically suit your needs. | | | | frothing process also requires manual input and also |
| That's it. If you are a light coffee drinker then you | | | | some good judgement. The advantage these |
| won't be needing a cafe style machine that can | | | | machines have over the full manual operated makers |
| produce cups of coffee en masse. There are basically | | | | is you can produce cups of coffee more quickly |
| three styles of makers to consider: manual, semi | | | | hence they are suitable for servicing an extra guest |
| automatic and totally automatic. | | | | or two. |
| Manual Coffee Maker | | | | Totally Automatic! |
| The manual espresso coffee maker is designed with | | | | The totally automatic machines work in much the |
| the coffee purist in mind. It's somewhat of a | | | | same way as the semi models with one difference. |
| challenge to use for an inexperienced drinker and | | | | They are a one touch performance maker and once |
| requires a little practice before producing a drink you | | | | they have been activated, any involvement from the |
| are satisfied with. In my case, I went through a little | | | | operator then basically becomes negligible. From |
| trial and error before mastering the process and point | | | | grinding the beans to extraction, and frothing the |
| blank refused to subject any of my house guests to | | | | milk, these machines are the "rolls royce" of makers. |
| any sample until I was confident that I could produce | | | | They are so technologically enhanced that they even |
| a satisfying result. I learnt quickly. I found that | | | | possess self cleaning ability. |
| producing a perfect shot of espresso with these | | | | Before you choose your espresso coffee maker do |
| machines relied on the timing of the pull on the lever | | | | some due diligence. See the machines in operation |
| and after awhile, it became second nature. | | | | first hand. Ask for references from people you know |
| The disadvantage of a manual machine is obviously | | | | who own a machine. You need to decide whether |
| that it's not suitable for entertaining a large group of | | | | you're happy to put in the extra effort and work a |
| people but they are very easy to maintain and clean. | | | | manual machine or whether you want the "grunt" |
| For a one or two a day coffee drinker, they are | | | | work taken out of the equation and are happy to go |
| ideal. | | | | automatic. When you have decided, then price comes |
| Going Semi Automatic | | | | into the equation! |