Novices looking to break into the shot pulling biz, though, will find that buying the proper equipment is an intimidating affair, complicated by ever-escalating price tags and more mechanical nerdery than a bus full of mathletes with erector sets. Rest assured, the right espresso machine for you is out there, and Eliot Ness isn’t going to forcefully confiscate any of these puppies any time soon. Because he’s dead. Follow our guide on buying an espresso machine and you’ll have all the schoolin’ you need to pick an ideal home setup.

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Pick Your Poison

Four main categories of machines — manual, semi auto, full auto, and super automatic — are offered on today’s market, and deciding on one of these types will greatly focus a buyer’s search. If the perfect espresso is one that requires the least effort to produce, the following are, in the broadest of terms, ordered from least to mos desirable:

Manual machines are like a restored car from the early 1900s — a beautiful homage to heritage, but unimaginably complicated compared to today’s most advanced models. There are no crank start mechanisms or chokes to contend with on manual espresso machines, but because they don’t maintain constant water pressure on their own, users must push water through the coffee manually, which can vary the quality of the final product. In short, these machines should be considered by experienced home baristas only.

Semi-Auto espresso makers came to be thanks to Achilles Gaggia’s 1938 patent, which introduced electric pumps into devices, resulting in even, hands-free water pressure. Because operators can decide when to turn the pump on and off (hence “semi” automatic), and because boiler temperature controls are automated on these makers, this is the most popular type of traditional machine in use today.

Fully-Auto machines are very similar to semi-auto machines, but include an electronic nanny to regulate the amount of water passing through the espresso. It is often the case that fully automatics include redundant, semi-automatic controls.

Super Automatic machines have all the bells and whistles, frequently including a built-in grinding apparatus and other related gadgets. Currently, “caffe crema” — essentially espresso-brewed coffee diluted to the strength of regular joe — has come into vogue as a result of the prevalence of super automatic machines.

Buyer’s Guide

Before You Pull Like a Pro, Shop Like One

Before you go shopping ask yourself one very important question: What exactly do you want? Since different machines’ faculties and specialties vary, the first step in your espresso-stential journey is asking what types of drinks you’re looking to make (e.g. straight espresso or cappuccino, both?). Furthermore, depending on how many drinks you want to churn out in one swoop and how often you will be making them, the questions of sustained performance and durability may come more into play. Other will you be able to utilize a direct plumb machine that connects directly to your home’s water pipes? (If not, you’ll simply need to fill the machine’s water reservoir manually.) Because some machines need more juice than others, you’ll also need to determine what kind of power supply you have available.

What can you get for your cash money? Let’s talk boilers. There are three price points to consider, each offering a different boiler configuration with different accompanying mechanicals. It’s common that machines under $1,000 will be single boiler, dual-use setups: because these use a single thermostat to control the water temp (switchable from one boiler to the other at the user’s behest), these machines can’t brew and steam milk simultaneously. Above the $1,000 mark, you’ll come across mostly single boiler, heat exchanger machines, which feature a larger boiler that keeps water at or around 240 degrees Fahrenheit and make it possible to brew and steam simultaneously. Dual boiler machines tend to cost well over $2,000, and feature two separate boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming. While ‘dualies’ seem like the way to go for serious espresso nerds, keep in mind that North American 110V power outlets can’t always handle the needs of these machines (we have to throw Europe a bone every now and then), though North American brands are slowly coming up with new approaches to work in our market.

Dripping Knowledge

We sat down with Enrico Maso, who as senior product manager at DeLonghi, knows a thing or two about espresso for a quick chat about life’s most important questions.

GP: Why is espresso the finest coffee drink?

EM: I think that several factors make espresso the finest coffee drink: the high pressure of the extraction process enhances the aroma and the body of the coffee. The extraction time plays an important role in making a good espresso, as the right timing will prevent an over extracted or under extracted brew. Right Water Temperature is (92C to 96C) is also key factor that affects the taste. So we can say that espresso is the finest drink because it is the harmonious combination of several elements controlled at a perfect level.

GP: What exactly is crema and why is it so important?

EM: Crema is the flavorful thick layer of foam that sits on top of the coffee liquid. When you sip the drink and break this layer, you enjoy all of the different elements and flavors that go into the espresso in one. Why? Because Crema is an emulsion of air, gases, water & coffee that occurs as a result of the pressurized extraction process. It’s one of the most essential elements in espresso to gives the drink an aroma and body.

GP: How often should you clean an espresso machine / and are there any best practices?

EM: You should clean the espresso machine every day to avoid any residue left behind – this residue can easily cause over-extraction or staleness, resulting in a burnt taste. De’Longhi’s home espresso machines are designed to be easy to clean, the Gran Dama Avant for example features a clean button that automatically performs a clean cycle on the milk tank and removes unwanted residue. Many espresso machines also feature easily removable parts, making them easy to wipe down with a cloth. Taking care of your machine is a simple task that will enhance your espresso experience, making it better everyday.

When actually purchasing a machine pay attention to how intricate the machine is, and to how easy it will be to maintain and clean. Check out the max pump pressure, and if it’s self-priming, know what type of boiler setup you’re looking at and if there is a thermostat involved — this will determine how much personal effort you’ll need to put into each drink. Furthermore, is the water tank a good size (indeed, is there a water tank at all?), and do you like the size and design of the machine as a whole? Espresso machines can be large and heavy, and they run the aesthetic gamut.

Finally, allow us to offer some advice, straight up. We can’t stress this bit enough: you mustinvest in a proper, high-quality bean grinder and learn how to use it. If you don’t properly grind, your espresso will be a complete, disappointing, mediocre failure (the exact reason your first high school dance turned out the same way). Also keep in mind that while in a perfect world the most outfitted, option-laden choice is the best and most desirable, there are some optional espresso machine accouterments that can and/or should be avoided all together. Never mind crema enhancers — these damage the espresso instead of bettering it. Machines that have high bar pressure ratings — 15, 16, or 18 — don’t usually deliver those pressures anyway, due to restrictors or overflow valves, so anything claiming over 9 bars doesn’t make a lick of difference. Frothing aids may seem handy, but the technique isn’t all that difficult to master without help, and these aids can reduce the natural sweetness of milk froth because they continuously administer heat (like your drunk frat brother trying to get a date). Steam buttons are a no-go too: they’re binary, on-or-off affairs, whereas a steam knob offers steam power fine tuning.

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to take a shot at offering up solid recommendations. In the interest of easing potential sticker shock, keep in mind that these machines are ultra-specialized, precision made, and crank out super refined stuff when used properly. Depending on your needs and means, you can probably find something that suits you; regardless, these machines are a serious endeavor, and make for an impressive, tasty, high-octane experience. At any rate, now that you’ve practically got a PhD in coffee technology (which is probably still more useful than a Creative Writing MFA), let’s get to it.

Go ther to www.gearpatrol.com for 10 best picks of espresso machines on any taste