What makes an espresso machine worth the price?

More expensive machines use as little plastic as possible, and include features such as PID, stainless steel housing and internals, as well as copper and brass boilers. If you see a $150 espresso machine, I'd suggest avoiding it. They are typically plastic, and plastic plus extreme heat and pressure don't go together well - it's not healthy.

What is a PID?

PID stands for Proportional Integral Derivative. In an espresso machine, it is what regulates the temperature of the brew and the steam in high-end machines. If the temperature fluctuates during the extraction process, you will get bad, bitter espresso. It is a VERY important feature for consistency and quality of espresso.

What is the significance of the double spout portafilter?

The double spout portafilter allows you to pour shots of espresso into two cups simultaneously.

What are "bars" when looking for an espresso machine?

Bars refer to the power of the pump. With espresso, more bars don’t mean a better drink, as espresso is pulled at a 9 bar. Most machines pumps are around 15. If you see this advertised as a big deal, it most likely isn’t a great machine.

What are the best coffee beans for espressos?

The best beans for espresso really come down to preference! Coffee reaches its peak flavor one to two weeks after being roasted, so some say that buying local is the best way to maximize flavor.

How should I store my coffee beans?

Ideally, you want to store them whole bean. You can grind a few days worth of beans in advance, but make sure it is in an airtight container. The super expensive bean holders don't do anything special. Just make sure the beans are stored airtight.

How important is the grinder?

The grinder is actually more important than the machine! They're so important that they are all individually tested at the factory before they reach their final home (this is called bench testing). You absolutely need to invest in the best possible grinder in your budget if you want anything close to cafe quality. The grinder is always more important than the machine because that's all the machine has to work with to pull the perfect shot. The grinds have to be powdery fine, with zero static and the consistency of table salt!

Should I use a built in grinder?

The best espresso always comes from pairing a commercial grade machine with a separate grinder if it is in your budget. Having a built in grinder offers convenience and saves counter space, though.

What is the maintenance of the machine?

Basically everything that detaches is dishwasher safe. It will run a purging cycle to clean the milk system after every use, and you should clean the steam wand with a wet rag just after you use it each time. Once in a while you want to soak it in water and cleaner. And, you should drop descaling solution in every 90 days or so.

Which espresso machine is best for me?

You may be wondering how to make your way through the many espresso machine options to find the perfect one for you. Let one of the Coffee and Espresso Experts at Curated make the process easy by helping you find your perfect machine.