What would be the right machine for you.

The easy way or the hard way.

Well depends on what you like or not a good coffee. To make a good coffee your equipment must be on point. "The easy way" is going with a full automatic coffee but leaves no room for adjustemns, "The hard way" would be you going with a Semi-Automatic, its called semi-automatic because it controls the temperature automaticallyy , fills the boiler. The semi part stands for the fact you have full control on how much coffee you exctract, tamping pressure, temperature can be regulated. I will go in more details below and you decide what is better for you.

Semi-Automatic

As the name suggests, semi-automatic espresso machines do some of the work for you, but not all the work. You still have to let the espresso machine know how strong you want your shot of espresso, how much coffee grounds to tamp in the portafilter (that cup with the handle that hooks into the top of the espresso machine), as well as the amount of water needed to make the perfect shot.

The semi-automatic espresso machine still does take a lot of the guesswork out of making espresso because it heats the water to the correct temperature and allows you to determine when the espresso meets your preferred consistency. If you’re looking for a cheap espresso machine, the semi-automatics are not that expensive, and you can pick up a consumer-level machine for under $200.

Automatic

The difference between semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines is slight. However, the price jump to this class of machine can leave a big dent in your pocket. Sure, automatic-espresso machines have a few more functions and features. Still, the most significant difference between the two is the fact that automatic-espresso makers will measure the correct amount of water for you, and once done, they will then automatically shut off.

This makes automatic home espresso machines perfect for the novice, just venturing into the world of espresso making. You don’t have to guess whether the espresso is ready to serve or if it still needs more water because the machine has taken that element of the guesswork away.

Personally, this is my favorite type of espresso machine, and I own this Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. However, this machine could be classed as a super-automatic espresso machine seeing as it also grinds my beans too.

… and that brings me to the super-automatic variety.

Super-Automatic

If you thought it couldn’t get any better than the automatic espresso machine, think again. Because the super-automatic espresso machine comes with all of the bells and whistles and can even take your dog for a walk, ok maybe not dog walking, but you get my point.

If you have the money to buy the best home espresso maker at the same level as those installed in high-street cafes, then the super-automatic is the way to go.

This class of home espresso machine lets you create a full-bodied espresso completely hands-free; the machine literally does everything for you.

You don’t have to measure the water or know when it’s hot enough, and you don’t even have to grind or measure your coffee beans and get this, you don’t even have to froth your milk!

If you want to be the number one home-barista in your neighborhood, this machine is for you, however, don’t expect much change out of $1000. ​

Coffee Pods or Coffee Beans?

In the past, espresso machines operated without pods, but with the latest trend of using prepackaged coffee pods, most modern espresso machines manufacturers have caught on. Now, you can find a host of espresso makers that take both pods as well as regular finely ground coffee.

There isn’t much of a price difference between a machine that takes pods and one that doesn’t. However, with that being said, if you drink regular cups of coffee brewed with those prepackaged coffee pods, the cost of making your cup of Joe will soon add up.

In the long run, grinding your beans not only tastes better, in my opinion, but will cost a lot less per cup versus the coffee pods.

With the prepackaged coffee pods, you’re paying for convenience; I don’t like them, but opting for an espresso maker that uses pods comes down to your personal preference.