3 Responses

1. Jura Capresso makes some very nice espresso machines that are fully automatic. They are very high powered, some models have as much as 18 bars of pressure which is more than most machines will give you. Some models will be more than $1,800 but some will be less, so you should be able to find what you are looking for. Good luck!

2. The best espresso machine for you will depend upon your needs…

   I recommend first deciding which catagory of machine is the best fit for you: Super Automatic, Single Serve (Pod), Steam Espresso, Automatic, Semi Automatic, or Manual Lever.

   The major trade-off is automation vs control. Roughly, from more to less automated:

   1. Single Serve (Pod): Add pod. Press one button. Drink.
   2. Super Automatic: Add whole beans. Press one button. Drink.
   3. Automatic & Steam Espresso: Add ground beans. Tamp. Press one button. Clean portafilter. Drink.
   4. Semi-Automatic: Add ground beans. Tamp. Turn knob to start/stop brew cycle. Clean portafilter. Drink.
   5. Manual (Piston): Add ground beans. Tamp. Use lever to control pressure and time. Clean portafilter. Drink.

   Source: “Which type of espresso machine should I buy?”
   http://www.howtodecide.com/espresso-machine-type/

   A super automatic espresso machine is definitely in your price range. Especially if you regularly enjoy Starbucks or other quality shops’ coffee, you’ll get coffee drinks that are every bit as good, and the savings can soon come to pay for the machine. Super-autos do not tie you to expensive pods from a single source, and they do not require advanced skill or patience to operate. Add whole beans and the machine does the rest.

   Source: “Which is the best super automatic espresso machine?”
   http://www.howtodecide.com/super-automatic-espresso-machine/

   You can save money and gain control by opting instead for an automatic or semi-automatic. Note that manual (piston) machines can actually be more expensive than semi-automatics, however. Note also that while there’s a lot more work in the less automatic approaches, sophisticated users prefer the additional control. In most cases, a skilled barista can produce the best coffee with the manual or even semi-automated machines, but less sophisticated users will get the best results from the super autos or pods.

   Regarding “high-power steam generator,” generally the machine will have to produce approximately 7 to 9 bars of pressure to force water (not steam) through the ground coffee. (Real espresso machine are driven by a pump or a manual lever; cheap electric “moka” style machines selling for under $100 use steam but do not work very well.) A pump rating beyond the target is useful up to 15 bars for quickness and some reserve capacity above the target range, but any more serves no purpose. Most pump-driven machines today have plenty of pressure capacity.

3. Depends if you’re lazy. An automatic will make lower-quality espresso and eventually break.

   A real machine can be all chrome and awesome looking, you have to learn to use it and spend $$ on a grinder too. In the 1000+ plus range you could get a Vibiemme and a Baratza Vario, or a Bezzera. There’s a few machines out there in your range. I highly suggest buying from Chris’ Coffee in NY. Trust me! Notice I didn’t copy and paste any of this…