How to Find a Discount Espresso Machine

Until recent years, espresso machines were only seen in coffee shops and cafes. Today, the espresso machine is a common item in many kitchens worldwide. Many new models of low-priced home espresso machines have been developed to meet an increased consumer demand for espresso. Before you go out and purchase a discount espresso machine, here are a few tips to ensure you get one that best meets your needs.

Water Supply

Look for a discount espresso machine that come with its own water reservoir, or tank. Having a built in water reservoir eliminates the need to connect your espresso machine to a water line. This can be a major undertaking likely requiring the services of a plumber. To avoid this extra work, look for a machine that can hold at least 32 ounces of water, so you do not need to constantly refill it.

Number of Cups

Think about how many cups of espresso you plan on making at one time with your discount espresso machine. Many newer models of home espresso machines are designed to make only cup of espresso at a time. These machines are commonly referred to as one cup espresso makers or single cup espresso makers. If you plan on serving espresso to more than one person at a time, you will need to purchase an espresso machine that is capable of this. Keep in mind that the price of espresso machines tend to go up depending on the number of cups it is capable of making.

Warm Up Time

The amount of time it takes for a home espresso machine to warm up can vary quite a bit. Look for a discount espresso machine that only takes a few minutes to warm up. You may think the machine is warmed up because the ready light is on, but this does not indicate that its internal parts are warmed up sufficiently to produce great espresso.

Steaming Methods

The steaming method of a discount espresso machine can vary greatly from one machine to another. Look for a home espresso machine that does not require you to add water into the milk while it is steaming. Try to find a machine that has a dry steamer in order to eliminate this step. This will result in a much higher quality of espresso, as it will not be watered down by any added water.

If you are looking to buy a discount espresso machine, a great place to look is online. There are a number of sites that offer a selection of espresso machines at prices that you just cannot find in your local store or shopping mall. eBay in particular is a great place to find discounted espresso machines that are often priced hundreds of dollars below retail prices.