I know budgets are tight these days. I know everyone is trying to rein in their spending but please–please don’t settle for the first espresso machine you come across nor the cheapest! As we all know all things are NOT made equal, espresso machines included.

Go for quality. Make yourself familiar with the manuals of espresso machines. Pay attention to maintenance and pay attention to specifications, such as what kind of blend that the manufacturer recommends for a specific machine model. If the documentation gets too technical, ask an expert or an acquaintance who may know about espresso machines. Not all manufacturers have warranties. For example, BOSCH, has a “non-recoverable” component that cannot be replaced if it gets damaged under any conditions. BOSCH’s espresso machine could arrive at your doorstep damaged and the only thing that could be done with it is toss it in the dustbin.

You’ll do well to buy from reputable espresso machine manufacturers include Lelit and Ransilio. They’re first rate machines. They aren’t the most expensive ones out there but they’re not the cheapest. Both manufacturers have their own unique charm. Second rate espresso machines from manufacturers such as BOSCH, SIEMENS, ROTEL, KRUP and AEG aren’t such good investments. They may be temptingly cheap or expensive lures for the avaricious amongst us who must simply have the most expensive appliance, but the fact is, they’re all very generic. It’s suspected that these machines are assembled in the same factory but the different locations of production discourage this suspicion. The manufacturing of these espresso machines are similar right down to the uninspired logos. That said, the coffee produced with these espresso machines is acceptable–and by acceptable I mean it can be swallowed with a minimum amount of discomfort.

Now with this knowledge I blessed thee, go forth and make great coffee