Which features do I need to look for, before buying a new automatic or manual espresso machine?

You should consider:
– the type of drinks you like to make (espresso, americano, milk-based drinks, …)
– your preferred use (frequence of use, for which drinks)
– the customization options (temperature, pre-infusion, grinder settings, …)
– the system to froth milk (pannarello, steam wand, carafe, …)
– the type of interface (digital or analogic)
– the quality of manufacturing

Which is the difference between an automatic and a manual espresso machine?

The approaches and technologies are very different.

The automatic machines have:
– an integrated and adjustable grinder
– an interface with buttons and a display
– an integrated system that grinds, doses, and brews coffee
– a solution to froth milk
– various pre-set beverages

The manual espresso machines have:
– a filter-holder
– filters
– an interface with buttons or toggles

Manual machines require more manual skills than the fully auto ones, as you have to fill the filter-holder with the correct amount of ground coffee (ground correctly), then tamp properly, lock it to the machine and press a button to brew.

How to choose between a filter coffee machine and an espresso machine?

It depends on individual needs and preferences. The filter coffee machine can only prepare filter coffee, while an espresso machine has a technology designed to prepare the authentic espresso. In the case of manual machines, there is also a pannarello or steam wand to brew hot water or steam to froth milk. On the other hand, the automatic machines offer different kinds of coffee-based and milk-based drinks (from espresso to cappuccino, latte macchiato, …)

Which extra features are useful on an automatic coffee machine for home use?

A fully auto machine should give you options to customize drinks (in-cup quantity, temperature, aroma intensity, pre-brewing, option to save the preferred settings, possibility to have user profiles).

It should also have different grinder settings to adjust granulometry; the possibility to brew different pre-set and customizable drinks; a milk solution (pannarello or steam wand, a carafe); a cupwarmer; an interface (digital or analogic); the possibility to remove the brew group to clean it properly.

Is it better to choose an espresso machine with a steam wand, if I would like to prepare cappuccinos?

The steam wand is a great solution to froth milk and to obtain a consistent and velvety microfoam, ideal for latte art.

It is possible to obtain a good result with the pannarello, or with a carafe too, but the milk foam texture will be slightly different.

How much space does an espresso machine take on a kitchen counter?

It depends if it is a manual or an automatic machine. Usually, espresso machines can be around 20-40 cm wide and around 30-40 cm deep. It is important to check the space required to extract/refill the water tank and the coffee beans container, and to remove the drip tray or the coffee pucks.

We suggest checking the precise measurements on an official website, as they could really vary, prior to any purchase.

Which is a reasonable budget for a good espresso coffee machine for home use?

It really depends on the type, the technology, the performance, and the available functions you would like to have. For manual machines, it can range from 150€ to 1500€ and even more. For the automatic machines, prices range from 300‑400€, to 1200€ and more.