Are Espresso Machines for The Home Worth It? Definitely!

Espresso drinks regularly purchased over the counter at a trendy local coffee shop will quickly add up, so its no surprise that most people buy their own espresso machines because of how much they can save.

If you spend $5 (or more) on coffee daily, that amounts to $35 you can save every week if you have your own espresso machine.

And what can beat the benefit of having an espresso at home whenever the mood strikes? Keep in mind though that making a regular cup of coffee is entirely different from making espresso.

If you've never made espresso before, you might need to practice a bit to get the kind of flavor you would expect from a skilled barista. Nevertheless, the time and effort will be worth it, especially if you enjoy the process.

You won't be limited by your local cafe's brand of coffee when you make your own espresso at home. You can experiment and play with interesting blends until you find one you really like. It can be a unique experience in itself!

The kind of coffee you make, how strong it is, how it tastes, and how much you spend is entirely up to you. If you like that idea, then getting your own espresso machine to use at home will definitely be worth it.

How much should I spend on an espresso machine?

If you're just starting out, it might be good to try out espresso machines at the entry-level. A good entry-level espresso machine will only cost you around $200 or less.

If your coffee-making skills and taste are a little more advanced, an espresso machine that meets your needs would likely cost you between $400 and $700. These machines can brew excellent espresso with minimal effort.

The more costly tiers, such as semi-automatic machines, will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Espresso machines in this range usually feature hoppers, frothers, and built-in grinders. However, there are really high end super automatic espresso machines for under $1000.

In this price range, you'll get a better steam wand and you can take your milk-steaming abilities to the next level. If you're into latte art, you can create your own with these features.

This isn't something you'd expect from a low-cost espresso machine.

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The Reason You Should Invest in an Espresso Machine for Home

It pays to invest a little more to get a well constructed and better coffee. This way, you will have the most enjoyable experience possible while still getting a computer that will last for several years.

Depending on the type of espresso machine you buy, you may need to consider the price of espresso pods or capsules. It's good to factor in the cost of espresso-ground coffee beans as well if your machine doesn't have a built-in grinder.

This is where financial investment can vary. It's a good idea to leave a budget for repairs and regular maintenance.

Your daily $5 cup of coffee will amount to $1500 yearly when you buy it from your local cafe regularly. A fancy coffee machine will pay for itself in around two years, based on the expected annual savings of $900.

The price of espresso machines differs a lot depending on how little or how much effort you want to put into making one cup, and the customization options available.

Although a novice can get a decent espresso machine for under $100, as you improve your coffee-making skills, you may find yourself wanting more options and features.

For an espresso machine that can satisfy your espresso craving, it will probably cost you around $500.

Recommended Article: Why is Espresso Served with Water

Can you make espresso at home without a machine?

That is a tricky question. When hot water is forced through coffee grounds, espresso is produced. So if you manage to force hot water through the coffee grounds very quickly, you can make something similar to espresso.

To achieve this without an espresso machine, you can use a French press, Moka pot, or Aeropress. Lets go over them one by one.

Since it lacks the required pressure to make real espresso, you need to get creative when making one with a French press. In addition, you'll need to use coarse coffee grounds unlike the fine grounds used to make espresso in machines.

However, by simply doubling the amount of coffee grounds, you can achieve a stronger brew comparable to an espresso. The flavor will be just as intense as actual espresso, but it won't have the 'crema' that true espressos have.

The Moka pot is essentially a stovetop espresso maker. It's a quick and cheap way to make espresso-style coffee at home. Over-extraction and burnt-tasting coffee are the two most common problems with a Moka pot.

It will take some practice to achieve the perfect brew.

It takes longer to brew an espresso using a Moka pot, but it's worth the wait. It can produce the same strong flavor as an espresso shot, but again, it won't have that 'crema'.

Finally, the Aeropress is similar to an espresso machine in how it extracts flavor from coffee grounds - through air pressure. But unlike a clunky espresso machine, the Aeropress is lightweight, compact, and doesn't need electricity. 

Similar to the other methods though, it cant produce the same pressure you can get from espresso machines, but it can produce a strong espresso-like brew.

It's a little gadget, initially made for backpackers, that's ideal for making just the right amount of coffee when you're on your own.

Take some time to experiment with varying brew times and coffee beans. With enough practice, you can achieve that perfect (or almost perfect) shot of espresso using just these three basic methods.

What is the difference between espresso and coffee?

Hot water is poured slowly (or dripped) over coffee grounds to make regular drip coffee. Usually, a paper filter is used to separate the grounds from the coffee. Espresso, on the other hand, involves a more sophisticated brewing procedure.

Instead of simply pouring hot water over the coffee grounds, hot water must be pushed through the grounds quickly and under high pressure. To make one successfully, it takes skill and the right equipment.

Regardless of the method, they both require the same brewing temperature. For any coffee, the optimal brewing temperature is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 93 degrees Celsius.

Keep in mind that it's just below boiling point. Any lower than that and you'll get something that tastes bland and similar to coffee-stained water. Any higher, however, and you'll get burnt-tasting coffee.

Espresso has a strong, full-bodied flavor that's bolder and more intense than regular coffee. Some people might say it's too strong for them. Sometimes people claim a bitterness to espresso, but that is usually from how it is brewed.

It contains more concentrated caffeine, but since an espresso is usually just a couple of ounces, it contains less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee.

Espresso grinds are typically finer in texture than other coffee grinds. Since the coffee grounds come into contact with the water really quickly, the coffee must be ground finely, almost like powder.

Generally, the beans used for espresso grounds are roasted longer to produce a stronger taste and a darker color compared to regular coffee. But you can definitely use espresso coffee grounds in your standard drip coffee maker.

Final thoughts  - Are Espresso Machines for the Home Worth it?

Consider how much money you could save if you made your own espresso at home. A pricey espresso machine, around $1200, will cost you just $150 per year over the course of its eight-year lifetime.

Being able to make your own espresso at home will still be cheaper than your regular coffee shop habit even when you consider the cost of coffee beans and milk.

Nothing could probably compare to the convenience of having an espresso at home whenever you feel like it.

But if you've never made espresso before, it might take some practice but eventually you'll be able to make great-tasting espressos similar (or maybe even better) than your local cafe.

All in all, having your own espresso machine is a good investment, especially if you can't go a day without your regular shot of espresso.

In addition to the savings, making your very own espresso concoctions can be a wonderful hobby to share with your friends.