Espresso Articles

While espresso is pure coffee and water, cappuccino can be best described as one-third steamed or frothed milk and espresso. Cappuccino is prepared using milk and espresso. Like espresso, it is an Italian beverage.

One of the most important elements while preparing cappuccino is the temperature and texture of the milk. One of the best ways to create cappuccino is to create microfoam. Microfoam is created by introducing thin air bubbles into the milk.

Most machines which prepare espresso can prepare cappuccino too. Like espresso, cappuccino requires a pressure of at least 9 bars of pressure. The pressure is created by a pump. Cappuccino making machines also either have a thermo block or a heater/boiler.

Some cappuccino makers also have a specialized milk frother. This separate milk boiler is accompanied by a frothing wand, which makes the switch from an espresso maker to a cappuccino making machine complete. The thermo block is a heating element. Water is passed through the thermo block while on its way to the pump.

Usually, boiler machines are much more expensive and take a longer time to heat up, and also take up a lot more maintenance, as compared to machines with a thermo block.

Cappuccino making machines are made up of stainless-steel boilers, two thermostats, water reservoirs and two nozzles. The water reservoirs can be up to 40 ounces. Self priming cappuccino machines can prepare single or double shots of cappuccino within minutes.

The right temperature and pressure are the most important factors while making espresso or cappuccino.

Some machines available in the market with the thermo block pump, which is very important for creating cappuccino, are the Krups 968-41 Novo 2300 Plus Automatic Cappuccino Machine; the Delonghi EC140B Pump Driven Cappuccino/Espresso Maker; and Gaggia Coffee.

While there are a host of espresso machines catering to various needs and budgets in the market today, the espresso machines listed below have stood the test of time and are known for their quality and excellent espresso making ability. One can choose from a range of automatic, super-automatic and home espresso makers.

It should however be noted that making espresso depends entirely on the espresso maker, or barista, and the espresso machine is just a machine the maker uses. Espresso makers are available from $80 to $900 and above. The cost of an espresso machine usually depends on the features one wishes to have along with it.

Among the automatic versions of espresso machines, the Delonghi Magnificia Automatic Espresso machine is known for its ease of use and excellent quality in general. The Magnificia is a super automatic machine. It can prepare a variety of beverages like espresso, cappuccino, and latte. The Delonghi Magnificia uses CRF technology which makes it compact.

Making cappuccino is very easy using this machine, due to the separate milk boiling chamber and the frothing wand. The machine features separate controls for milk and water quantity, which makes it possible for one to customize the strength of the shots.

The Magnificia also has an integrated burr grinder, which grinds the coffee beans within the machine. It also has a removable boiler and a self-cleaning system which works automatically.

The Gaggia Synchrony Compact Espresso Machine is one of the most compact espresso machines available in the market. This machine combines the quality of Gaggia with the stylish finishing of an ABS plastic finishing. The machine has an ABS plastic finishing over a steel frame.

The machine has a 44 ounce tank and offers adjustable dosing. It features a top-filling removable water tank and a removable brew group. One of the most useful features of this super-automatic machine are the digital controls, which gives the barista complete control over the quantity and quality of the espresso they wish to make.

The Gaggia is super-compact, and therefore it doesn’t clutter space. It is perfect for office, commercial or even home use for the true espresso enthusiast.

The Krups Duomo Espresso Machine is perfect for the espresso enthusiasts who don’t want the various features of the auto and semi-automatic espresso machines. The machine is available for under a hundred dollars.

The Krups Duomo can prepare four cups of espresso coffee using the steam pressure at one go. The Duomo offers a complete package to the home users, with its steam wand and can be used to prepare coffee, espresso or cappuccino.

It features the exclusive ‘deep brew’ technology which works wonders for the flavor and taste of the coffee. Switching from making cappuccino to espresso is very easy, thanks to the ease of use of this made-for-home espresso machine.

The DeLonghi Black Espresso/Coffee Maker is another machine acclaimed for its espresso quality and general ease of use. The DeLonghi Black is a steam driven espresso machine and has a swivel jet frother which produces thick milk froth. Therefore the machine is perfect to make espresso, cappuccino or latte.

For new espresso makers, the machine has a patented safety cap and a highly durable heat resistant glass flask. The removable drip tray and on/off indicator makes this the perfect machine for home use.