Why You Should Own an Espresso Machine

Owning a Keurig machine doesn’t make you a bad person. Let’s start there.

It just makes you, I don’t know, simple? A Keurig is to coffee what a pop-tart is to breakfast. At some point, you’ve gotta be an adult and make yourself some scrambled eggs or something. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with popping in a pod in the morning and drinking whatever comes out, there’s a time in life when your palette wants to become refined.

There’s a time when the pods don’t cut it and the giant pot of watered down coffee in the breakroom exists more as a thing to keep you occupied and less as a beverage you enjoy.

Enter espresso. Whether you’ve been drinking coffee your whole life, or if you’re just dipping your toe into the wonderful world of ground beans, you should (at the very least) know the values of espresso.

And even, if you’re brave enough, you might consider owning an espresso machine yourself.

Espresso is stronger

First, the basics. Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. No pressure, no diamonds, as they say.

This method of brewing extracts flavors more intensely than traditional drip coffee, making espresso a more robust and full-bodied drink. The higher flavor concentration is what keeps people coming back for more. It’s kind of like having Blue Bell Ice Cream for the first time after only eating frozen yogurt for your whole life.

Espresso is the drink coffee enthusiasts go to for nuanced and complex notes of coffee beans. And even if you have no interest in becoming a coffee sommelier, which is a real thing (https://blog.wmf-coffeemachines.uk.com/what-is-a-coffee-sommelier-and-what-do-they-do), it’s tough to beat how quick an easy espresso is in the morning.

Espresso is simpler

It takes about 25 to 30 seconds to pull a shot of espresso. No more exchanging paper filters and waiting for the pot to get warm. No more letting the French press sit and brew. Espresso is the simplest and most convenient choice for people with busy lifestyles.

You still get the strong flavor and full coffee experience, but in its most simple form. Anyone looking for a go-to option for a fast and efficient caffeine fix should start with espresso. But if you’re someone who enjoys slowing down in the morning and taking your time (respect), there’s another reason espresso can work for you too.

Espresso is more fun

Cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, cortados. All of these are espresso drinks. Meaning if you want to take your time and enjoy something nice, espresso offers plenty of options that regular coffee simply can’t.

Its concentrated nature means it can blend seamlessly with milk or other flavorings, creating a wide range of coffee drinks. So, if you’re a coffee lover who wants to explore different kinds of drinks, espresso-based beverages are the best place to start.

Be warned: once you enter the world of lattes and cortados, you may never come back.

Which espresso machine should I buy?

So, you’re sold. Espresso is the gold standard of coffee. How do you get it into your home? There’s lots of espresso machines out there that vary in cost and required effort. Here’s a breakdown of a few of the best espresso machines to buy and some insights into how to know which espresso machine is right for you.

The Breville Express Pro has a great user-friendly interface and amazing automation capabilities. With a touch screen and customizable settings, it creates a consistent cup of espresso, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate convenience without compromising on quality.

La Marzocco Linea Mini is a semi-automatic machine known for its commercial-grade build and exceptional espresso extraction. It’s the pro’s pro of espresso machines and is primarily for enthusiasts seeking a professional-grade experience at home. Its dual boiler system and temperature stability are apparently really great (but we barely know what that means). But if price is no object, why not get the best?

Rancilio Silvia Pro provides a somewhat more affordable experience while still making a great cup of espresso. For anyone trying to not break the bank, this and the Gaggia Anima are two great affordable at-home espresso machines that give you ease of use and a consistent espresso every morning.

Lastly, if you’re wondering how many cups of espresso powered the writing of this article, the answer is two. And it’s only 9am so who knows what the rest of the day holds. This could be you.