Coffee, that glorious little bean most of us yearn for first thing in the morning. Then, extract that bean by utilizing different methods, results in that strong, syrupy drink many have come to love as espresso. Whether it be the traditional mug of Morning Joe, or that after dinner espresso, how you prepare it makes all the difference in the world. The grind, in which there are seven distinctive settings intended for the means in which you will be brewing your coffee or espresso, is paramount to your attainment of the perfect cup. Without a quality coffee or espresso machine to brew your perfectly ground, specific beans you have acquired, the condition of the espresso or coffee will be amiss itself as the final product. Your usage amount, needed functions, and size should be your first in the thought process when thinking about your new coffee or espresso machine. The brewing methods, and the temperatures in which the extraction occurs is vital to your buy as well!  

Coffee vs. Espresso: Variance Table

	Espresso	Coffee
Caffeine Content	~64mg	~95mg
Serving Size	Eight Fluid Ounces	One Fluid Ounce
Top Machine Brand	Saeco or Jura (Tie)	Bunn
Brewing Method	Packed, Fine Grind, Under Pressure	Filtered, Medium Grind, Drip, Pressed or Percolated
Place of Origin	Italy	Abyssinia & Aden
Lowest Cost/Cup (Home Brew)	$0.24/Cup	$0.20/Shot

Coffee vs. Espresso: Brewing Method

Brewing coffee is typically performed by four methods: 

1. Drip
2. Percolate
3. Boil
4. Steep

The drip method: Cold or room temperature water is placed in the reservoir which leads to a metal tube with a heating element. Once electricity runs through the heating element, the water heats to around 207℉, in which thermosyphon (a principle of water circulation) occurs. Water is then forced up into the tube to a spray head in which lies a filtered basket below it, full of medium ground coffee beans. Gravity and heat take it from there. The freshly brewed coffee drips through the numerous holes under the bottom of the filter basket into its awaiting carafe. The percolator technique: Dating back to 1819, the percolator works by placing water in the bottom of the percolator which will be heated below via a heat source.  Water then boils, which rushes bubbles to the metal, hollow tube in the middle of the vessel. This forces the boiling water bubbles to trickle atop a perforated screen. Underneath is the perforated filter with the medium-ground coffee inside. This action continues until the total temperature of the coffee within looms close to 212℉. It is then ready to be enjoyed. The boiling style: This one is less technical than all the others. But, many to this day prefer their coffee prepared in this fashion. Simply boil water, and place the water over your more-course ground beans which are inside your Zwilling J.A. Henckels Sorrento Coffee Mug. Let it cool for a bit, then enjoy carefully from the top sips. Many different countries have adapted this style centuries ago and continue to make some of the best cuppas on Earth.  The steep way: We see cold brew now-a-days at many coffee shops beyond Japan, where it was invented. This method is akin to sous-vide of the coffee world. Coarse-ground coffee is placed in regularly room temperature, to sometimes slightly cooled water for up to two days. It is then filtered and ready to be used in a more concentrated form. This method is great for blended coffee drinks, as it has less acidity than brewed coffee.  Brewing espresso has one primary method of extraction (in which three phases of dispersion happen) is through packing and pressurization. Tamping the correct amount of finely ground espresso roasted coffee beans into the filter basket which lies inside the portafilter is the first step. The portafilter locks inside the shower head by means of the group handle. The water is heated via the reservoir like the other methods of brewing, BUT, now the water temp is hotter, and the extraction force through the tiny holes due to pressurization is a number left for the coffee geniuses to calculate.   

Best Espresso Machines of 2020

  We set our sights on staying more awake and being more productive while staying at home. What better way than to do so than to put together our best espresso machines of 2020 list!  

#1: Saeco - 3200 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine With LatteGo

This machine has every bell & whistle you can imagine for the coffee aficionado in your family! Never leave home with making a quick cappuccino with the patented LatteGo system!   

#2 (Tie): JURA - S8 Chrome Espresso Machine

Best in class is the Jura! One touch, and any drink containing espresso will be yours in a moment. The Fine Foam Frother is better than a Barista!  

#3: Omcan - 1330 W Espresso Coffee Machine With 200 G Bean Tank Capacity

If you are looking for max volume, with the utmost quality and consistency, then look no further! A 1.9-liter tank is the biggest in the business. Great for those that entertain large groups or run a catering biz!  

#4: Nespresso - VertuoLine Black Bundle

 For those on the go, this is a must-have! The two cup sizes allow for coffee or espresso to be brewed asap. And the two sizes of capsules permit coffee or espresso pods to be relished at any time.   

#5: Bialetti - Moka 2 Cup Mini Aluminum Stove Top Espresso Maker

This old-school classic is a great housewarming gift. And, it is easy and fun to use! Fill with water and add espresso in the tunnel. Screw into place. Place the Bialetti on the stove. Place your WFE Espresso Cups on the maker. Gently turn the heat to the appropriate temp, and watch the black gold slowly drip into your cups!   

Types of Espresso Machines

As you can see from our list above, there are differences in each companies’ proprietary means of pressurization and extraction. All are techniques utilized to create the finest quality cup of espresso you could drink. From the Bialetti, which has been brewing great espresso since 1919 by old world craftsmanship design and traditions. To the modern Jura and Saeco who’s technology is second to none. So as not to forget the Nespresso, with its’ convenient two-pod capacity for both coffee and espresso, marks this newest type of espresso machine on the market also well worth the purchase.   

Durability & Ease of Cleaning of Espresso Machines

Preserving any machine with cleaning and preventative maintenance adds in the durability of the unit. Espresso machines are no exception. Quality counts, as well as an espresso machine with minimal parts. The durability of the Bialetti is phenomenal due to so few parts are needed to produce fine espresso in easily obtained, inexpensive, yet exceptionally durable aluminum. The durability of the Jura models is unbeatable because they are self-cleaning. As the Saeco models clean with a unique oil remover tablet that scrubs and sanitizes for a clean cup every time!  The ease of cleaning is vital. Who wants to have to scrub dirty grounds each time you want espresso? That is why the Jura unit comes with a CLEARLYL filter. Maintaining the cleanest, mineral-free water facilitates in the help of clean-up as well as taste. Running the self-cleaning feature on the Jura makes this one of the top espresso machines ever built for home use. The Saeco is an easily cleaned machine because all the individual parts remove quickly and effortlessly. The Saeco website has a wonderful tutorial on how to clean the unit the most efficiently. The AquaClean filter helps in lessening of your cleaning efforts, along with the taste of a great cup of espresso! The oil remover tablets and cleaning brushes that come with all Saeco espresso machines provide a daily, weekly, and monthly deep clean to provide you with the best quality espresso beverage around!  

Grinding Capacity & Water Storage of Espresso Machines

With the advancement of technology comes bigger and better things. The beauty of Jura is the size of their Aroma+ Grinder. Depending on the model of espresso or coffee machine you choose from Jura, be ready to be a barista for the group since the grinder can hold 4.4 ounces up to an amazing 9.9 ounces on some models!  The Saeco brand of espresso machine holds an impressive 6.5 ounces up to 10 ounces of that delightful dark roast. Grinding is made simple by a touch of a button. Both Jura and Saeco bring espresso to your home like no other company can! The water storage is a huge factor when purchasing an espresso machine. Depending on how many times you use it, and for how many people will be a factor n your purchase. The Nespresso is easy since it is intended for sole usage per cup. The Saeco brand delivers water reservoirs than can hold up to 12 serving of fresh water for that characteristic demitasse you deserve daily! The Jura comes with a large 37-ounce tank; enough to keep you and your new home office going for days on end!    

Best Espresso Brands: Saeco vs Jura

By now you can see our affinity towards the Jura and Saeco brands of espresso machines. Both are top rated machines by extraordinarily talented companies. To decide between which one might be a better fit in your home or office is purely up to your needs and wants. We compared and pondered a bit to put together these details regarding each espresso machine to help ease your decision.  

The Saeco - 2200 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

• 2 Coffee drinks at Once
• Classic Milk Frother
• 12-Step Ceramic Grinder (from course to fine) 20,000 Cups Min Lifetime
• Aroma Extract System Allows for Perfect Crema, Temp, and Aroma Each Cup
• Aroma Seal keeps Beans Fresh and Reduces Noise
• AquaClean Filter produces 5,000 Cups w/o having to Descale
• Automatic Descaling Feature
• Easy Cleaning and Dishwasher Safe Parts
• Intuitive Touch Display/ Strength and Aroma Settings

 

The JURA - E8 Piano Black Espresso Machine

• 2 Coffee drinks at Once
• 6-Level Aroma Grinder (2x faster than most)
• Pulse Extraction Process allows for making Ristretto
• Fine Foam Technology
• Intelligent Water System w/ RFID Technology
• Superior Quick Clean and Descale Features
• CLEARYL Water filtration System

 

Best Coffee Machines of 2020

 

#1: Bunn - Home Coffee Brewer Machine - 10 Cup Coffee Maker

A best buy due to its superior commercial quality manufacturing along with its ridiculously low price point puts this Bunn as #1!  

#2: Cuisinart - Fully Automatic Burr, Grind & Brew Thermal 12 Cup Coffee Maker

The 8oz bean hopper made our day when we used this beauty of a machine!  

#3: Breville - The Grind Control Drip Coffee Maker

The 60oz fill tank along with easy digital display for just one cup makes this coffee machine hard to keep in stock because it’s such a nice unit.  

#4: Espro - P7 Stainless Steel Coffee Press

Even though you don’t plug this machine into the wall, this machine still makes one of the best cups of coffee you will have in your life!  

#5: Bunn - 12 Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer with 2 Warmers

Ever wonder why you see Bunn coffee pots every time you eat out for breakfast? It is due to Bunn brews the best coffee!

Before making that coffee maker purchase, consider these four factors first:

#1: Long Term Cost: When speaking of long-term cost, not only the price of the unit is included, but the filters (both coffee and water), plus the pods or coffee are all part of the equation. Knowing your frequency in coffee consumption will aid you in the correct purchase. Pods at the retail side can get pricey. So too does expensive boutique coffees. Purchasing quality whole beans in bulk is always a cost saver for your coffee needs. #2: Brewing Temperature: The data has come to the exact numbers on this subject. Per The Specialty Coffee Association of America, a coffee machine should reach 197.6℉ within one minute of brewing. But it cannot go over a temperature of 204.8℉, or risk scalding the beans. And water must be on those beans by four minutes of starting the process, and no later than eight!  #3: Special Features: This category is endless depending on what you want to make, how much of it, and how quickly. Some of the most important we believe are:

• Auto Off
• Programmable Clock 
• Strength & Size
• Brew Pause

#4: Ease of Cleaning: As with espresso, coffee beans are coffee beans, they are dirty and messy…An auto-clean function is a great special feature which runs the water at an ultra-hot temp, decontaminating the interior and carafe. Having parts that are easily accessible, and removable are vital to your deep cleaning ease as well!  

Best Coffee Brands: Bunn vs Cuisinart

As with the espresso machines, coffee makers like Bunn and Cuisinart are near and dear to our hearts for many reasons. Differentiating between the two is like choosing between your two kids…Both are wonderful in their own, special ways. And at their own, especially low, price points, consider one for the home and one for the cottage. Here is a brief analogy in the amazing world of both coffee makers.  

The Bunn - Home Coffee Brewer Machine - 10 Cup Coffee Maker

• 800-Watt Heater, Stays at 200℉
• 50-Ounces in 3 Minutes
• Max Flavor Extraction
• Programmable Start Time
• Auto-Warmer Plate
• Drip-Free Carafe

 

The Cuisinart - Black 12 Cup Classic Programmable Coffee Maker

• 12 Cup Capacity
• Charcoal Filter
• 60-Second Reset for proper Brewing
• Brew Pause
• 1 Cup Capability
• 90 Day Limited Warranty

 

So, Will it Be Espresso or Coffee?

Hopefully we have explained coffee and espresso, and the machines that brew their beans a bit more to assist you in purchasing the correct model for your coffee/espresso needs. From the simple donut store tasting coffee( which now comes in pods and beans) to the most luxurious espresso beans one can find in a small town in Italy, choosing your way of extracting these exquisite beans is all up to you. Continue to explore the wonderful world of coffee, espresso and tea until you can not sip anymore. Cheers to all that love and drink coffee & espresso daily like us!