Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines in 2022

Last update: January 8, 2023

Are all espresso machines the same?

No, all espresso machines are not the same. Different espresso machines can have different features, designs, and price points. Additionally, the quality of the espresso machine can vary greatly. Some espresso machines are better than others, and some can produce a better quality espresso.

Do super automatic espresso machines make good espresso?

In short, yes. Super automatic espresso machines make excellent espresso. They are easy to use, produce consistent results, and are relatively inexpensive.

How long do Delonghi espresso machines last?

Delonghi espresso machines are built to last. With proper care and maintenance, your Delonghi espresso machine can last for many years.

How long do Jura espresso machines last?

Jura espresso machines are designed to last for many years with proper care. However, the lifespan of a Jura espresso machine will vary depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. If you use your Jura espresso machine on a daily basis, it is important to descale it regularly and to have it serviced by a professional every few years. With proper care, your Jura espresso machine can last for many years.


Nespresso by De'Longhi EN85BAE Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine, Black Review:


I have been using Nespresso for decades - ever since the machines first debuted in the European market - and have probably owned every Nespresso model made. So yes, I am a devoted Nespresso user.This particular machine is very well made - my experience has been that DeLonghi branded machines are slightly higher quality than Nespresso's own branded machines. While this is made mostly of plastic, it is sturdy and well constructed.I really like the small size - this takes up much less room on a countertop and is easily transported if you want to take it along when visiting family or friends over the holidays.But with that smaller size comes the expected trade off - you will need to refill the water and empty the capsules more often - neither of which is a big deal given the space gained with this unit.The most noticeable trade off comes in that you are limited in the height of the cup or mug you can use without removing the drip base (approx. 4"). (approx. 4"). Only espresso and traditional cappuccino mugs (low but with a wide mouth) will work. None of my regular coffee mugs fit under the dispenser without removing the drip base. It's so close, which makes me wonder why this wasn't designed with another half inch to allow for common coffee mugs to be used with the drip base in place. Not a deal breaker but definitely something to be aware of.Also, there is no on/off switch on this machine. Instead, you hit either the espresso or lungo button on the top of the machine, which then flashes while warming up and stops when ready to brew. Simple but different if you are switching from another Nespresso model.The Aeroccino3 frother works great for both hot or cold milk. It is priced separately at around $100 so if you want/need a frother, this bundle is a great value. The difference between this frother and the previous design is mainly aesthetic - this is taller and narrower, so the inside frothing device is slightly harder to reach. And the previous frother has a handle, which I prefer. But the frother itself works the same and produces great results.Overall I really like this machine - it is well made and brews excellent espresso. The smaller size won't replace my regular Nespresso but it is perfect supplement to an office, RV, party room or guest room or for any location where space is limited.



Nespresso by De'Longhi EN267BAE Original Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother by De'Longhi, Black Review:


I bought the CITIZ DēLonghi Nespresso machine. I did a lot of research before I made my decision to buy either a DēLonghi or a Breville. All of the positive reviews tended to be for the DēLonghi and DēLonghi has been making the machine longer, so…I chose the CITIZ machine because it uses the OriginalLine pods and are a little less expensive than the VertuøLine. (all are recyclable). A prepaid postage plastic bag can be ordered free of charge from Nespresso to return the aluminum pods to a recycling plant. There is a video on the Nespresso website explaining the recycling process. I wouldn’t buy the Keurig coffee maker because their pods are plastic and are not recyclable. So glad I because the creamy foam the CITIZ makes is delicious.The CITIZ makes a wonderful espresso with a rich foamy creme that lasts for the entire latte. I could have bought the milk steamer along with the CITIZ but chose not to and now I regret not purchasing it as I make lattes and the steamed almond milk would really be nice to have. Oh well. There is a small container in the CITIZ that collects the pods which makes it easy to dump the pods into the plastic recycle bag. The container which collects the pods fortunately has about 1/2 “ at the bottom to collect coffee that drips out of the machine. I wouldn’t let more than 6 pods collect as the container might overflow. There have been reviews that this machine is rather noisy but it’s not any noisier than my former Senseo espresso machine. Not that noisy in my opinion. The water heats up in apprx 20-25 secs. I would have a cup underneath the spout when pressing the button to turn on the machine, as one time in the middle of heating the water, it started making the espresso! Don’t know what happened but hasn’t happened since, but I always have a cup under the spout before turning it on.I did buy some 3rd party pods that are advertised as Nespresso compatible, but the pods I bought are plastic, a little smaller and the coffee was inferior compared to Nespresso’s coffee. I think its worth the few extra pennies for the Nespresso pods. I like a milder espresso and have found that for me, the Pure Origin Rosabaya de Columbia is the best tasting for me and the Caramelito, A caramel flavored coffee that is very good. There are also decaffeinated espresso pods.I love this machine and I would and have recommended it wholeheartedly.



Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel Review:


This is my first espresso machine, and I’m very glad with my purchase. With some practice and the help of some online videos, I’m now able to make great-tasting shots in my kitchen. Be advised: you’ll likely need to pick up some accessories that are not included with the machine. I ended up buying a milk jug, metal tamper, leveler, measured shot glass, knock box and digital scale (I prefer to weigh my input and yield) (I prefer to weigh my input and yield). Finally, if you have no experience with making espresso on a semi-automatic and are not willing to do a bit of trial and research regarding factors such as bean selection, grind size and extraction timing, you may want to look for a super automatic.



Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine, BES870XL Review:


Despite some of the unfavorable remarks strewn throughout this review, keep in mind that (1) I am giving this machine 5 stars and that after spending a few weeks getting to know it (intimately), I love it. In fact, I love it so much that I would order another one the same day if a burglar broke into my house and stole the first one. Since then, I have not visited Starbucks. Having said that, you MUST read this review to avoid getting frustrated by your device and to make the most of it. Read on, my friend who enjoys coffee:1. I'm a man who had no prior knowledge about espresso makers. I rarely read instructions because I have a strong mechanical inclination. This was different; you MUST read the directions because the machine is NOT self-explanatory (which are well written, and even include a troubleshooting section). Before/until you have read (all of the) instructions, try not to get frustrated with this computer.2. This is not a "stand-alone" buy; the cost of the machine is roughly $500 (give or take), and you will need to spend an additional $100 to make the most of it, enjoy it to the fullest, and avoid becoming overly frustrated while creating your own lattes and mochas.3. The additional items (all of which are offered on Amazon) that you REALLY should order at the same time are:A. 100-pack of disposable 20-ounce cups with sleeves and lids, priced at $29. I'll bet you want to purchase these. The cost per cup is merely $0.29, and it's much more handy than trying to remove a million soiled coffee cups from your office or car each week. Long-term, these are worth twice what they initially cost. Give your pals a paper cup to take with them instead of "lending" them a fine coffee cup to go that you might never see again when they come around.($5–15 for 25 ounces; $20–30 for 64 ounces) Torani syrups, sauces, and the accompanying pump caps (always sold separately). If, like me, you frequently consume the same beverage—say, a white chocolate peppermint mocha—buy the larger 64 oz. bottle of white chocolate sauce rather than the smaller 25 oz. one.c. A 24-pack of Amazon Basics Cotton Washcloths in the hue grey for $14; the color doesn't matter because it complements the espresso maker. One of them will be used each time you prepare espresso, and by the time it is dirty and needs to be washed, you want to have a neatly folded stack of them next to the machine. We bought two 24-packs because we make so much coffee at my house (there are three people using the machine), and two 24-packs is not an excessive amount (I'm debating purchasing a third pack).c. A set of double-walled espresso shot glasses ($10 for a pair of single shot sizes and $15 for a pair of double shot sizes). Avoid purchasing the rounder ones (such as the Cutehom espresso coffee cups), since they will not pour well and will drip down the side every time, which is quite inconvenient. Instead, invest in a set of JoyJolt Javaah Double Walled Espresso Glasses; you'll be happy you did. Additionally, purchase a set of Dragon Glassware 6 oz Espresso Cups (also double-walled) if you intend to create largely double-shot lattes/mochas so that you won't have to constantly fumble with the single shot cups to keep them in the proper location beneath the coffee dispenser. Double-walled glasses are crucial to purchase for two reasons. In the first place, it keeps the espresso hot while you steam the milk, and in the second, it prevents you from getting espresso on your fingers when you pour it into your coffee cup.Breville BCB100 Barista-Style Coffee Knock Box, priced at $15. You want this right next to your machine because, as I've said before, the coffee grinds will quickly begin to accumulate there and you don't want your portafilter anywhere near a trash can. This is a must.4. Counter space is needed to fit this machine and anything you wish to put with it; at least 34 inches of counter width is needed, but a little more is preferable. You can see from my photo that this 34-inch layout leaves no room for error.Making espresso 5. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid annoyance after reading the instructions:a. To ensure that the beans remain feeding into the grinder as they are grinding, lightly knock on the top of the hopper cover in the manner of banging on a door (sometimes they get hung up - a light knock each time keeps this from happening). After tamping, do not overfill the portafilter; otherwise, coffee grinds will jam into the water outlet and perhaps harm the portafilter or locking guide. The portafilter includes a tool you can use if you accidentally overfill the filter cup, but after a short while, you'll figure out how much to grind each time, so the tool won't be necessary. Once the grounds are tamped down in the filter cup, the silver part of the tamper should be just hidden beneath the rim of the portafilter.b. When brewing espresso, you should ALWAYS pay attention to the pressure gauge. During the brew cycle, it MUST be in the dark grey area of the pressure gauge (and ideally in/near the middle of the grey area), failing which you will get either watered-down espresso (from insufficient pressure) or insufficiently rich espresso (too much pressure). The amount of grounds in the portafilter and the degree of fineness (which is customizable) at which the coffee is ground are the two main factors that determine pressure (also adjustable). Although there is a setting for one or two shots, I have discovered that it works best to conduct two single-shot grinds, tamping the grounds between each one. I have the grind (fineness) setting on either 2 or 3 and the grind (volume) setting on the fourth click setting (play around and see what gives you the best results). If the pressure is too low, the coffee may be ground too coarsely, not tamped down tightly enough, have insufficient coffee grounds in the filter, or a combination of any or all of these issues. If the pressure is too high, the coffee is either too finely ground, the grounds were packed down too firmly, or a combination of the two.c. If two single-shot espresso cups are being used to dispense a double-shot brew, keep an eye on them during the brewing process to ensure they are positioned in the center beneath the espresso (this can be avoided by using a double-shot size collection cup).d. Before adding the steamed milk, properly combine the espresso and syrup in the glass if you're creating a mocha or another syrup/sauce drink.e. It takes skill and science to steam milk; it's not something that just happens. Do yourself a favor and watch a few decent (brief) YouTube videos on how to steam milk properly if you've never worked in a coffee shop and had training in this skill. If you spend five to ten minutes watching a video on YouTube to learn how to properly steam milk, you'll thank yourself (and things to avoid). By comprehending the steaming procedure, you can manage the amount of foam on top and prevent major messes.



Breville BES870BSXL The Barista Express Coffee Machine, Black Sesame Review:


I have been using the Brevill BES870BSXL The Barista Express Coffee Machine for a couple of weeks. We have very pure well water, though it is hard since it contains calcium and magnesium. This has no taste, but can affect the clogging of any water heating appliance. I mentioned this because the flavor of the espresso and the function of the machine can be affected.I have used and reviewed several espresso machines through the Amazon Vine program and bought one other, this one I researched specifically for several months and purchased it myself. I have received for review/used mostly the cheaper units of several manufacturers, (Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Capresso, etc) (Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Capresso, etc.) The comparison between this higher priced Breville and the less expensive machines is not entirely fair except on the level of taste.This Breville machine is far beyond the functioning of any that I have had. As I learned about espresso, I mostly drink latte, and my taste has refined, the cheaper machines would not satisfy. This Breville machine makes amazingly great latte and espresso.The biggest difference in using this machine rather than using the less expensive machines is the ability to control the strength, flavor and coffee grind; and the pressure. The flavor of my latte is not only as good as the latte purchased from the better coffee shops, it is consistently better. I had to fight to get a good flavor out of the other machines and work them to the maximum.THE PLUSES OF THE BARISTA EXPRESS:The beans are held in a storage unit on the top of the machine, they can be ground to powder if you desired, but it has multiple grind settings.The water tank holds a lot of water and is easy to remove and fill or fill while attached.The function buttons are easy to see and the functions make sense and are easy to use.The correct amount of ground coffee goes directly into the filter basket automatically. The tamper stored under the machine by a magnet. The amount of coffee has multiple settings for both one and two cups of espresso.The ground coffee basket holder goes into the group head with ease.The pressure gauge lets you know the pressure of the tamped coffee being extracted with an indication of the optimum pressure point. The pressure of your tamping is a learned function by using the gauge. In this way you learn the strength of your tamp for your best espresso.When you are finished, the machine purges itself of stream and hot water in the tray.The streamed milk function works better than any machine I have used. Very small bubbles to big foam can be made easily. You decide what you want.Hot water is also available on the unit.The machine comes with cleaning tablets, tools, tamper, milk frothing cup, extra filter cups, and a place to store them.NEGATIVES:sAs far as I am concerned there aren't any. It is important to clean the milk frothing wand immediately after frothing or the milk gets hard on it from the heat, but I did not find this an issue.Overall:sI really love the way this machine works and the espresso and latte that I can make. It makes the espresso easily and much quicker than any machine I have used. The taste and texture of the lattes are beyond compare. My only regret is that I should have got the red one instead of the black, though the black unit looks really great. I never realized that the price of the espresso machine would make such a huge difference in the quality of the espresso and the latte.



Breville BES840BSXL The Infuser Espresso Machine, Black Sesame, 2.3 Review:


I have been using the Brevill BES870BSXL The Barista Express Coffee Machine for a couple of weeks. We have very pure well water, though it is hard since it contains calcium and magnesium. This has no taste, but can affect the clogging of any water heating appliance. I mentioned this because the flavor of the espresso and the function of the machine can be affected.I have used and reviewed several espresso machines through the Amazon Vine program and bought one other, this one I researched specifically for several months and purchased it myself. I have received for review/used mostly the cheaper units of several manufacturers, (Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Capresso, etc) (Mr. Coffee, DeLonghi, Capresso, etc.) The comparison between this higher priced Breville and the less expensive machines is not entirely fair except on the level of taste.This Breville machine is far beyond the functioning of any that I have had. As I learned about espresso, I mostly drink latte, and my taste has refined, the cheaper machines would not satisfy. This Breville machine makes amazingly great latte and espresso.The biggest difference in using this machine rather than using the less expensive machines is the ability to control the strength, flavor and coffee grind; and the pressure. The flavor of my latte is not only as good as the latte purchased from the better coffee shops, it is consistently better. I had to fight to get a good flavor out of the other machines and work them to the maximum.THE PLUSES OF THE BARISTA EXPRESS:The beans are held in a storage unit on the top of the machine, they can be ground to powder if you desired, but it has multiple grind settings.The water tank holds a lot of water and is easy to remove and fill or fill while attached.The function buttons are easy to see and the functions make sense and are easy to use.The correct amount of ground coffee goes directly into the filter basket automatically. The tamper stored under the machine by a magnet. The amount of coffee has multiple settings for both one and two cups of espresso.The ground coffee basket holder goes into the group head with ease.The pressure gauge lets you know the pressure of the tamped coffee being extracted with an indication of the optimum pressure point. The pressure of your tamping is a learned function by using the gauge. In this way you learn the strength of your tamp for your best espresso.When you are finished, the machine purges itself of stream and hot water in the tray.The streamed milk function works better than any machine I have used. Very small bubbles to big foam can be made easily. You decide what you want.Hot water is also available on the unit.The machine comes with cleaning tablets, tools, tamper, milk frothing cup, extra filter cups, and a place to store them.NEGATIVES:sAs far as I am concerned there aren't any. It is important to clean the milk frothing wand immediately after frothing or the milk gets hard on it from the heat, but I did not find this an issue.Overall:sI really love the way this machine works and the espresso and latte that I can make. It makes the espresso easily and much quicker than any machine I have used. The taste and texture of the lattes are beyond compare. My only regret is that I should have got the red one instead of the black, though the black unit looks really great. I never realized that the price of the espresso machine would make such a huge difference in the quality of the espresso and the latte.



De'Longhi EC9335M La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel Review:


Written entirely by an espresso-maker novice. I am, however, quite the Starbucks lover. I am married to an ex-barista who is quite the snob about drinking coffee at home. I am not as picky, but I know a good cup of coffee when I have one in front of me. I figured between the two of our tastes and experiences that we could provide a well-rounded review. Setup was fairly simple. After yelling at my husband to read the instructions for the fifth time, it got cleaned



De'Longhi America, Inc. EN750MB Lattissima Pro Original Espresso Machine with Milk Frother by De'Longhi, 10.8" L x 7.6" W x 13" H, Brushed Aluminum Review:


I absolutely don't consider myself a coffee enthusiast. I simply enjoy coffee, whether it be from a coffee shop like Starbucks or from my machine at home. For me, as long as the coffee tastes good, I'm happy. I was able to pick up this machine for $437 during some sale here on Amazon. I still would consider it worthwhile at the current asking price of $585. You buy this machine for three main reasons: convenience, consistency and speed. If you want a coffee quickly before heading to work, you don't even need to read the rest of this review. Buy this machine, you will not be disappointed. For those who are interested in hearing why I bought this machine and what my thoughts are, read on.—Pros—s- FastThis machine is very speedy on startup. I turn it on, grab my milk frother from the fridge, and before I know it the machine is ready to go. Not only that, The frother itself is the fastest I have ever seen on a machine. It instantaneously froths milk as it passes through into the coffee cup.- SimpleAt work we have a $1500 espresso machine that grinds the coffee automatically, has a frothing wand that lowers into the cup and froths your milk automatically for you. I find myself preferring to use my machine before work. Why? Because this crazy machine we have at work sometimes doesn't froth properly, or doesn't grind the coffee properly and you end up with a cup of warm milk. The De'Longhi is amazing in that it is simple, there is so much less that can fail.- QuickNow wait a second Alex, you already said it was fast. Where are you going with this? So what do I mean by quick? The machine is intuitively easy to use. There are six quick and easy presets to choose from. There is no need to go digging through the mass of menus like the crazy machine at work has. The De'Longhi is like the race car of espresso machines. Not only does it start up quickly, the use of this machine is fast and responsive.- Fresh CoffeeThis one is pretty self explanatory. You get the freshness of beans coupled with the convenience of pre-ground coffee with the Nesspresso pods.—Cons—s- Expensive PodsThis is the Achilles heel of this machine. The pods are not cheap. There are off brand pods, however these are not guaranteed to be the same level of quality of those from Nesspresso. Personally, I think this is a compromise that is well worth it.- Difficult to self serviceLike any automatic machine, if this one breaks it will have to be sent back unless you are comfortable opening it up to see what makes it tick.- Not for everyoneI imagine the espresso connoisseur would raise his nose in disgust at this machine. However, this machine is a constant source of delicious coffee and happiness for me. If you simply enjoy coffee for both the taste and as a wake up in the morning, this bad boy is for you.—Conclusion—By no means is this a full review. I consider myself a terrible writer and a very forgetful person. However, I hope this pushes a few people who are on the fence into buying this machine because I promise you you will not be disappointed. I have only owned this machine for a few months, but it has performed flawlessly during that time.Good luck fellow shoppers, let you make the best of decisions.Alex



EspressoWorks 7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set w/Built-In Steamer & Frother (Inc: Coffee Bean Grinder, Milk Frothing Cup, Spoon/Tamper & 2 Cups), Stainless Steel Review:


Having worked in a coffee shop I was familiar with espresso and milk steaming machines. While this product is not intended for commercial use, it is perfect for the home. The machine itself has an amazingly small footprint, and puts out adequate pressure for brewing single/double espresso shots and for properly steaming milk. The inclusion of different sized "inserts" which allow switching depth of the coffee filter attachment is a novel idea and well executed. Bought this item as a gift for my wife who loves it, but I use it myself frequently as well. Keep it clean and it should serve you for an extended period of time. For the price, I don't believe this item can be beat.As for the seller: when the unit was originally delivered the steam wand wasn't performing well. After following the typical trouble-shooting tips and conferring with the seller, we found the unit was simply unable to produce enough pressure to steam or properly brew. Within a week the seller had replaced the unit, and I'm happy to report it works perfectly. No matter the production value there is always a possibility of a defect here or there. The seller standing by the product and immediately replacing it to our satisfaction really sealed the deal for us. I highly recommend both this product and the seller from whom we purchased it.



Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Red - BVMC-ECMP1106 Review:


After a brief explanation of what went wrong and what customer service advised doing that worked, I'll provide some advice.first, a little about me. I'm not a barista now and never have been. I am an average person who likes mochas from the coffee shop, but I live 80 miles from town, so I don't get them very often and wanted to try making them at home. This is my first espresso machine. I researched a lot of blogs and watched internet videos from real baristas offering ideas how to prepare nice espresso drinks at home before getting this. I acquired this thing and things didn't taste good to me, bitter. So I conducted additional research and figured out the problem, it wasn't heating up well. I tested temperature and it was only getting to 157*F on average (too cold) and took 14-15 seconds to make one shot (too quick) (too fast). NOT what the web advise claims you need. Online advise states 170-180*F and 27-30 seconds is approximately right. Before returning it to Amazon, I thus called Mr. Coffee for assistance. GLAD I did.The call: In short, customer assistance informed me to conduct a cleaning cycle following directions from page 16 in the user handbook. Which is 1/2 tank of white vinegar, push the button for double shot. Repeat as many times as you need. Also run a cleaning cycle through the milk dispenser. My thought was, "what the heck, its a new machine! I completed the priming as suggested before usage, how can it be dirty?" But I had to give it a try or send it back. Well I'll be go to heck, it WORKED!While directions suggested you simply need to run it few times. I had the time, so I put the whole 1/2 tank white vinegar through (double shot at at a time) since I needs to throw the vinegar anyhow, so why not properly clean it eh? Anyway, after a couple times pushing the two shot espresso button the temperature increased from steady 157*F to 175-182*F. Wahoo! It appeared to matter how long I let it warm up between shots. Running two times consecutively got the 175-177*, which is just what you desire. Letting it sit and warm up a few minutes before runs got it 180-184*, which is becoming a touch too hot. BTW, I was using a good grade fast, calibrated thermometer that I use for caramel making, which is a pretty meticulous procedure to execute well. So I believed it could precisely measure the espresso before it cooled from air temperature, which by the way is only seconds I found out.NOTE: The higher temperature is NOT for drinking comfort (how hot you like it) it is what the espresso NEEDS to fully extract and not be bitter. You can let it stay a few minutes if you don't like it that hot, personally I don't want a burned tongue, so I wait a bit. Coming out of the machine perfect drinking temperature is NOT a good thing.SECOND NOTE: Running the vinegar through is NOT descaling, it is cleaning. Descaling is something else you do, check the instructions on how. The vinegar clean is NOT priming, it is cleaning. Don't know why you need to clean the new machine in addition to priming, but DO it anyhow. Make careful to rinse the reservoir out, then run some PLAIN water through to remove the vinegar afterwards, do it as many times as it takes to get the stench out, mine needed a full reservoir. Honestly though it's faster shipping it back and waiting for a replacement machine since it doesn't get hot enough, this WORKS.When I originally acquired it, like I indicated it was taking 14-15 seconds to run the shots through. During the cleaning procedure they got longer and longer. Now that it's clean, it's roughly 28-30 seconds. Again, just what you desire. I use my cell phone stop watch feature to be exact.In summary, based on what I've read and how I got it to operate properly, at least for "normal" person standards. This a good computer. Here's my TIPS TO GET IT WORKING RIGHT:1. Learn to grind grounds well. Do NOT buy pre-ground, buy beans and grind them yourself. It has to do with when the oil is release one how well it works. If you are going to the pains to use a machine like this (rather than just plain a coffee machine) you can go to the effort to grind as well, it's just part of the procedure.You can utilize the hand held cone burr grinders for the most exact fine grinding. Or you can spend a bundle on an electric burr grinder. From what I read, you REALLY do need to have a nice one if you go electric. In fact that is almost more significant than the machine they say. Inconsistent size of grounds will create inconsistent shoots. Too fine (Turkish grind, which is like flour) and it clogs the filter making the machine unable to pump all the water through. Too course (standard coffee machine grind) and the water runs through too fast making it bitter. Espresso grind has to be the consistency of table salt.I'm cheap, therefore using the hand grinder does work and I advocate it for other cheap folks. However, in the morning I am irritable and impatient, I'm also lazy, so I've ordered a couple different electric burr grinders to see if that works as well. I plan to return which ever (or both) that don't grind as the espresso NEEDS (good ol Amazon prime and their return policy) (good ol Amazon prime and their return policies). No, I did not accept the internet baristas suggestion and buy a $200 burr grinder (I am cheap after all), but I did spend roughly $50 on a burr grinder and $20 on a blade style. Will post when I have decided what works or not, which I kept or if I end up just doing the hand grind.2. Learn how full to fill the cup. At least to the top of the rim, possibly a little higher. You want the ultimate product around 1/8-1/4" from the top. The amount in the cup DOES matter.3. Learn how to load your grounds to 30lbs of pressure. How to do it, put your bathroom scale on the counter. Use your tamper to push until you get the feel of 30lbs pressure. Repeat several times until you can push it very accurately. This is very crucial. Also, but a metal tamper, the plastic one isn't tough enough for 30 lbs pressure, it bents and packs unevenly. You can acquire metal tampers inexpensively, it's worth it.4. Before you make your cup each morning, warm the machine as specifications advise, but ALSO run a shot of plain water through first. The second trip through will be hotter, and it only takes 30 seconds.Don't debate, just do it.6. You can open the lid and fill the reservoir with it ON the machine with a pitcher if getting it on and off is too hard.NOTE: I did NOT receive this at a discount in exchange for an honest review. This is a good machine for the average espresso based speciality coffee drinker. [...]


Is a Delonghi espresso machine worth it?

I am a huge fan of Delonghi espresso machines. I have had mine for about 5 years now and it still works great. I would definitely recommend one to anyone looking for a good quality espresso machine.

Is a semi automatic espresso machine worth it?

A semi-automatic espresso machine is a great investment for any coffee lover. With a semi-automatic machine, you have more control over the quality of your espresso. You can also make other coffee drinks with a semi-automatic machine, like cappuccinos and lattes.

Is an automatic espresso machine better?

An automatic espresso machine is going to be the better option for most people. These machines are going to be able to do a lot of the work for you so that you don’t have to worry about it. You also won’t have to worry about making a mistake when you are using one of these machines.

Is breville or DeLonghi better?

There is no clear cut answer when it comes to deciding if Breville or DeLonghi is the better option. It really depends on what you are looking for and what your specific needs are. DeLonghi is a well known and trusted brand, while Breville is a bit newer to the scene but has quickly made a name for itself. Both brands offer high quality products that should last for many years.

Is DeLonghi owned by Nespresso?

No, DeLonghi is not owned by Nespresso. DeLonghi is an Italian company that manufactures a wide range of kitchen appliances, including coffee machines. Nespresso is a Swiss company that specializes in coffee machines and coffee capsules.

Is DeLonghi the same as Breville?

DeLonghi and Breville are both companies that manufacture kitchen appliances. DeLonghi is an Italian company that specializes in coffee makers and other small appliances, while Breville is an Australian company that specializes in juicers and other larger appliances. While they both make quality products, there are some differences between the two brands. For example, DeLonghi coffee makers tend to be more expensive than Breville juicers. Additionally, Breville appliances are often more widely available in stores than DeLonghi appliances.