Why are espresso machines so expensive? Where can I get a cool antique one?
Does anyone have an espresso machine? is it worth the money? thanks:)
The bare minimum that can be called an espresso machine is a commericial pump espresso machine. This will cost about US250 new.
Espresso is the process as much as the drink. Espresso is defined as hot water, below boiling, PUMPED at about 8~9 bars pressure, through finely ground coffee, for about 25-32 seconds.
So you need a PUMP espresso machine.
There are moka pots and so-called espresso machines that uses hot-water pressure, about 1.5 bars, to force water through the coffee. There is no pump. Therefore, they are much cheaper. But you get what you pay for.
I have a Krups commercial pump espresso machine. I use it about 10 times a week. It is pretty decent. But since I really do use an espresso machine quite often, I plan to upgrade to something like a Rancilio soon.
So to answer, a good espresso machine is worth the money only if you use it and can tell good coffee from bad coffee, and care.
You CAN buy antique espresso machines and replicas that uses manual hydraulic levers. But as the pressure exerted is now controlled by your arm muscles as opposed to an electric pump, you need to be very skilled to produce good espresso consistently. I would not recommend it to a newbie.
steaming milk on a la pavoni espresso machine for latte art
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