If you are in the market to purchase an espresso machine you have to do some homework first. You need to learn what a super automatic machine does in contrast to a semi automatic machine. You will have to decide just how much control you would like over your drinks. You also need to think about the learning curve of each machine.
A super automatic espresso maker reminds me of something from the Jetson’s cartoon. Really you only need to push a few buttons and the machine does the rest. This variety of espresso machine is quite easy to master.
You basically tell the machine what type of drink you would like and it literally grinds the beans, tamps the ground espresso, brews the espresso, steams and froths the milk, assembles the drink, and some of the machines will also clean itself.
Super automatic machines will most of the time allow you to change the way that certain buttons are programmed. For instance you can normally program cup sizes which will determine the amount of liquid. You also should be able to change the grind settings on the grinder and the dosage quantity. These settings help to compensate for the loss of control over the brew pressure and tamping pressure.
This type of machine is easy to operate and delivers a very consistent end result; however the price is a bit more than a semi automatic espresso machine such as the Gaggia Baby Twin espresso machine.
The semi auto espresso machine is the machine that is most purchased for the home. The time to learn how to use this type of machine is a bit longer but still quite simple. A machine such as the Gaggia baby twin allows you to tamp the ground coffee as tightly or loosely as you wish to control the flow rate of the water through the grinds to achieve that golden crema.
Another big factor with the semi auto machine is that you will have to learn how to use the steam wand to froth your milk. However don’t worry, frothing aids come with some of these units if you need a bit of help. With just a bit of pratice you will become a mater at frothing milk even without the frothing adapter.
Personally if I was in the market again to purchase a new machine I would look seriously at a quality semi automatic machine like the Gaggia Baby Twin for the simple fact that you can save a ton of cash just by taking a bit of time to learn how to froth milk.
Tags: espresso machine, espresso maker, Gaggia Baby Twin espresso machine, semi automatic espresso machine