Buying An Espresso Machine: What To Look For When

Standard commercial size is 58mm . If you buy a machine with this size, it’s much easier to find upgraded baskets and accessories later. 4. The Milk Steamer If you love lattes or cappuccinos, look at the steam wand .

Heats water on demand (like a tankless water heater). It’s fast and found in cheaper machines, but can be less temperature-consistent. 3. Key Technical Features

(plastic sleeves) do the work for you but create a soap-bubbly foam that isn't ideal for art. 5. Practicality & Maintenance what to look for when buying an espresso machine

Some machines (like the Breville Barista Express) have grinders built-in. This saves space, but if the grinder breaks, the whole machine is out of commission.

Essential for semi-automatics to see if you’ve ground your coffee correctly (look for the "9 bar" sweet spot). Standard commercial size is 58mm

The gold standard. Separate boilers for brewing and steaming for maximum temperature stability and speed.

The most popular choice. The machine handles the water pressure, but you grind the beans, tamp the puck, and time the shot. The Milk Steamer If you love lattes or

Allows you to brew and steam simultaneously by running a tube through the steam boiler.