Automatic espresso makers are more expensive than many other coffee makers. They are prestigious as well as good makers. They're available in semi-aut...
Automatic espresso makers are more expensive than many other coffee makers. They are prestigious as well as good makers. They're available in semi-automatic,
fully-automatic and super automatic machines. The distinction between semi, fully and super automatic lies in the automation process.
Semi-Automatic Makers are very popular. The electric pump makes for consistently good coffee. Users put coffee and water into the machine. Pulling the electric pump turns the maker on and off.
Semi-Automatic makers automatically:
>tamp down coffee grounds
>brew coffee
>fill coffee cup
>eject used grounds
Semi-automatic makers can be purchased for less than a thousand dollars.
Fully Automatic Makers work like the semi-automatic machines but operate via the simple touch of a button.
Fully automatic makers automatically:
>grind coffee
>fill brewing chamber
>tamp down grounds
>brew
>fill cup
>eject used grounds
Prices for fully automatic makers range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.
Super Automatic Makers are the luxury version of coffee machines. In addition to the fully automated process, the super maker comes with a built-in grinder and other special features. These machines are fast, easy to use and easy to maintain. Most allow the user to brew any number of specialty coffees such as espresso, cappuccino and lattes.
Super automatic makers automatically:
>grind
>fill brewing chamber
>tamp down grounds
>brew
>fill cup
>eject used grounds into waste box
Users of fully automatic makers do not have to deal with grinding beans or hot filters and cleaning sieves. Super machines include either a steam wand or an automatic system to froth milk. Competition between super automatic maker companies is fierce. Each is seeking to create the best loved, most versatile machine.
Some machines now feature automatic cleaning and descaling. Another special feature is the presence of water filters that reduce mineral content and get rid of the taste of chlorine. Adjustable cup spouts and the ability to manually control water volume in a cup are also added features available on select machines.
Prices for super automatic makers run from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.
Features differ among brands and styles of automatic makers. Available features include the following.
Adjustable dosing:
In coffee, dose refers to the number of grams used in brewing a shot. Some espresso makers allow users to adjust both number of grams and amount of water used.
Bean Grinder:
Bean grinders are included on some units to automatically grind the necessary amount of coffee.
Brass Boiler:
Brass boilers offer greater durability and help retain warmth. Machines with brass boilers reheat faster and have less fluctuation in water temperature.
Bypass Doser:
A bypass doser allows users to use a different blend of coffee than what is already in the machine grinder. Emptying the grinder isn't necessary.
Cup Warmer:
Some units feature a cup warmer. Using a pre-warmed cup maintains the heat of the coffee for a longer period of time.
Milk frothing/foaming wand:
Cappuccino and latte drinkers need machines with a milk frothing/foaming wand. These aren't available on all machines. Some of the more expensive maker models feature milk reservoirs.
Pre-brewing pre-moistening:
Coffee is pre-moistened. This may provide for superior taste.
Removable Brew Group:
The brew group refers to where the brewing occurs. If these components can be removed, they're easier to clean. Machines without removable components often have automatic cleaners.
Water Filter:
Some high-end makers have water filters built in to eliminate chlorine, minerals and contaminants that affect taste. If filters are present, they do have to be changed regularly.
