Some time ago espresso machines with dual boilers only appeared in commercial settings, so I was pretty surprised to see that now even home users are willing to spend over $1000 for a machine that gets their espresso ‘right’.
Exactly what is all the fuss about having one extra boiler for the espresso machine?
Well, the main purpose of having two boilers is to brew and steam at the same time, because it takes time for one boiler to shift from brewing to steaming. Dual boilers mean that one is used to brew while the other to steam, so you save considerable time and serve up quickly.
A dual boiler espresso machine also yields a more stable temperature for the brewing, and this is important to get the perfect taste again and again. That is why good coffee chains use machines with two boilers; for the efficiency and uniformity in taste.
Here’s a dual boiler espresso machine great for both commercial and home use.
Breville BES900XL
Breville BES900XL
If you know exactly what you are doing with your espresso machine, the beans, the temperature, the tamp and even the time of brewing, then this is the perfect machine that you will love.
Total Control
Whoever designed this espresso machine knew exactly what he’s doing and made the most of it by adding a PID and temperature display. Not only can you control the temperature, you also have the best over brewing time and pressure with the shot clock and gauge.
In other words, with this espresso machine you have total control over what comes out into the cup. Even so, don’t panic if you are not so professional in espresso making. There are programmed settings for you to use when you’re not up to fine-tuning everything.
With this espresso machine you only need the perfect grinder to go with it. Many users recommended the Breville BCG800XL, a conical burr grinder that has enough grind settings to please everyone.
Check out this espresso machine and its glowing reviews: Breville BES900XL
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Very often I find someone who asks me, what is a good espresso machine for their office? Some of them want the hows and whys, while others simply want a straightforward recommendation. That’s why I decided to write this article to cater for both types of office espresso machine seeker.
Let’s go into the points of a good espresso machine for an office first; if you want to skip this just scroll down to my recommendations.
An office can make do with any coffee maker but if it wants an espresso machine, it is looking for something that is:
- Not expensive or too high end
- Easy to use
- Mess-free and easy to clean
- Little or no maintenance
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
Most important of all, the espresso machine must make a good strong cup of espresso drink fast, to let the office worker get back to his job without delay and with a boost of new-found energy.
Does any espresso machine fit the bill? You bet! Here are my top pick espresso machines for an office.
Espresso Machine for Office Use
Nespresso CitiZ
This compact and stylish looking espresso machine is something your office must have. Using Nespresso pods (which are easily available online or in stores), the machine makes one serving each time, whenever and only if you need it. Everything is automatic except for filling up the water tank; you just put in the pod, place the cup and press the button for espresso shot or lungo.
For frothed or steamed milk, simply fill up the milk frother to the indicated level and press the button. You can’t go wrong with this machine because everything is such a no-brainer!
Cleaning up only consists of emptying the removable used capsule container for every 11 drinks made; and if you like, running a clear shot without the pod.
See the price on Amazon: Nespresso Citiz
Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza
The Nespresso C100-US-Aero works similarly to the Citiz, the only difference is in the design. The milk frother is separated, allowing more flexibility in storage. Its water tank is smaller though, only about one-third of the size of Citiz’s 1 liter tank.
On the bright side, the C100-US-Aero can keep up to 14 used capsules, and it is cheaper than the Citiz. For a smaller sized staff this could be your choice of espresso machine for the office.
Check out the user reviews here: Nespresso C100-US-Aero Essenza
Our Pick: Nespresso CitiZ
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Are you a beginner in espresso making and looking for your first espresso machine? Here’s where you find it.
Believe me, you don’t want a $600 machine that ranks No.1 in every chart in the espresso machine market. Those high end beauties were made for the more seasoned and experienced users, with enough quirks to confuse and plenty of superior features a beginner won’t appreciate.
You want something that is inexpensive, basic and yet makes good espresso with crema; something that is easy to figure out, and slowly build your passion towards espresso making. Something that isn’t shoddy and lasts until you are ready to upgrade to something more advanced.
I’ve actually got two candidates here, and here they are!
Espresso Machine for Beginners
DeLonghi EC155
This was the espresso machine that I bought for my assignment-filled, sleepless college days. The espresso that it makes is lovely crema-topped stuff, thanks to its 15-bar pump pressure. Pump driven espresso machines always bring out the true flavor in the espresso beans.
This machine has a small footprint, and will sit compactly in a small kitchen with little space to spare. There’s nothing fancy about it; it has all the basics and there is nothing to set or program, so you can focus on the barista skills like getting the tamp right and frothing the milk correctly.
I suggest buying a better tamper to replace the included one, unless you are using pods, which work with this machine too.
You’ll also need shot glasses for this espresso machine, and transfer the espresso into cups for cappuccino or lungo afterwards. It’s a small inconvenience, but for an attractive price under $100, nobody complains too loudly.
Check out the user reviews for DeLonghi EC155.
Gaggia 14101 Classic
If you have more cash to spend, try this beautiful espresso machine. This is a good espresso machine for beginners in terms of user-friendliness, and yet incorporates more quality into its build. I’d say this has the best of both worlds.
The added value is in the stainless steel boiler and exterior, the brass components, and the 17-1/2 bar pump. The machine also heats up fast and prepares shot after shot without having to wait a long time.
The downside is probably the much higher price, which binds you to the machine for longer than you might want to, but having said that, you might not want to replace this machine after all.
See the best price for Gaggia Classic.
Our Pick: DeLonghi EC155
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Which espresso machine is selling like hot cakes out there? Upon my investigation, topping the chart on Amazon is DeLonghi EC155! And here are the top ten best selling espresso machines on Amazon, with my notes for each:
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DeLonghi EC155 – Best Selling Espresso Machine
DeLonghi EC155
A pump espresso machine below $100? You’ve got to be kidding. But then again if it does exist, the price itself is a legitimate reason for it to be the No. 1 bestselling espresso machines of all times. Imagine the money saved; if I paid the same amount towards the piggy bank instead of getting a coffee from the shop, I could have bought about ten EC155s a year.This semi automatic espresso machine is not all perfect, but it makes good enough espresso to satiate the average drinker, is easy enough for beginners to operate, and certainly saves you enough money to upgrade to a higher end machine by the time it expires.
Who would mind to try it out? There’s still free shipping available now: DeLonghi EC155
- DeLonghi EC702
A stainless steel semi automatic for the ordinary people who hasn’t got $500 – $1000 to spend on an espresso machine. If you are looking for value under $200 and a machine that won’t let you down, this is it.
- Mr. Coffee ECM160
I wouldn’t call this an espresso machine. Any steam espresso machine does not deserve that title because none of them makes a proper shot that makes the cut (for me, at least), but if you actually like watered espresso drinks, why not.
- Nespresso CitiZ
An automatic espresso machine that uses Nespresso pods instead of your regular beans, this compact engine with a user-friendly milk frother makes a variety of wonderful-tasting shots and an added value to any office.
- Capresso 303.01
This 4-cup steam espresso maker is just about $20 less than the DeLonghi EC155, and makes strong coffee instead of true espresso shots with crema. I certainly don’t see the point of anyone getting this, unless the convenience of making 4 cups of coffee at once is your priority over taste.
- DeLonghi BAR32
Except for its rounded, retro looks, this DeLonghi espresso machine is similar to the EC155. Amazon sometimes prices this higher than the EC155 though, so the surplus is what you pay for the design.
- Breville BES900XL
This high end espresso machine is not for everyone, especially if not for a beginner or someone who doesn’t know or care about the details of making a perfect shot of espresso. Loaded with a PID, programmable settings, dual boilers and many other advanced commercial-grade features, this beautiful espresso machine can definitely blast you away with the espresso it makes.
- Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie is an even more compact version of the Citiz for really small spaces in the kitchen. The reason that it has such a small footprint is that it doesn’t come with a milk frother, though that can be bought separately.
- Mr. Coffee ECMP50
Another pump espresso machine for less than $100? The espresso maker companies are catching on fast. Mr. Coffee usually makes steam espresso machines, but this attempt at a pump espresso machine seems to bode well with the users, as they praised its ease of use and handy compact size.
- Gaggia 14101 Classic
Forget the cheap 15-bar pump espresso machines; you want something that shows you’re really into espresso making, but $600 doesn’t seem reasonable to you, so a mid range espresso machine like this is perfect! The Gaggia Classic is well-built and makes lovely espressos.
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by Ken on November 2, 2011
If you are a cappuccino or latte lover, take it from me you will absolutely love this machine!
The DeLonghi ESAM3300 is a super automatic espresso machine, meaning you just have to add the beans and water and press some buttons, and it will grind, tamp, and brew your coffee for you.
“This thing makes an absolutely wonderful shot of espresso, and great cappuccinos.”
– D.S. Greenberg, reviewer at Amazon.com.
This was what my uncle had in his home way long ago that made me fell in love with real espresso instead of just strong coffee.
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
Best Cappuccino Machine
Why did I say cappuccino lovers are nuts about this machine? Because the foam from the DeLonghi ESAM3300 is spectacular. With a bit of practice, this machine will give you that oh-so-lovely foam that doesn’t have a visible bubble in it.
I myself am not particular about milk-based coffee, but I must say I am very impressed with the DeLonghi ESAM3300 in this area. Definitely the best unit for it!
DeLonghi ESAM3300 is a gem for frothing milk. The steaming tip did spit water for a few seconds when you turn on the frother, but after that it steams up and you just have to place the tip into the milk to produce the best froth ever.
What You Might Not Like
I remember that the grinding was pretty loud, compared to the other machines I’ve used since, but seeing as most people use espresso machines in the mornings, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Some users have complained that the build wasn’t so durable, but there are plenty of them who claimed that their DeLonghi 3300 lasted years. That reminds me to ask my uncle whether his unit is still working well.
Best Value Super Automatic
Using and cleaning DeLonghi ESAM3300 is a breeze, the tamping is good, and it makes good crema. What more to ask?
I think this is the best value super automatic unit around – currently it’s selling below $800 with free shipping at Amazon – because super automatics usually come with a super price tag as well. Really, if I wasn’t so pleased with my semi-automatic Rancilio, I would rush to catch the near-half-price discount.
If you have the budget, check out the best super automatic espresso machine also. On the other hand, for those with a tight budget, Gaggia Syncrony is the best alternative.
Other tips and guides for espresso machines are available at my Best Espresso Machine site.
Further Information:
by Ken on October 10, 2011
I remember that there was always some internal struggle going on when I was a poor college student and an avid coffee lover. But when I got this DeLonghi EC155, I never thought that my college days could be any better!
DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker – Best Budget Espresso Machine
One Amazon reviewer said, “[This] espresso machine rocks if you consider how cheap it is.” I agree with her one hundred percent. This is the espresso machine to get if you want some good coffee without the luxury of going to Starbucks every morning.
Cheap Yet Pump Driven!
DeLonghi EC155 is pump-driven, much to my initial surprise, because cheaper espresso machines are usually steam driven. Only pump driven machines can draw out the true flavor of espresso!
I can’t say how much I owe to this machine for giving me strong shots every night I stayed up to study for exams. Even the rich aroma is enough to keep me awake!
This is a compact machine, measuring only 7.5 x 9.5 x 11.13 inches, just nice for my small apartment in those days. Just note that you have to use small shot glasses for it.
Luckily I didn’t use the frother much at that time, because it is rather low so only a small froth pitcher will fit. And the frothing wand is short for deep frothing too.
The tamping needs a bit of work, and I would have bought a separate tamper if I had the cash back then. But if you’re using pods then it’s ok because there’s no need to tamp.
There is currently a promotion in Amazon.com for DeLonghi EC155, so the price is below $100! Those who are on a tight budget but still want a decent espresso machine, catch the deal now.
Click here to go directly to the Amazon product review page.
If you have the budget to spare, you might also want to check out my reviews for:
the Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine – Rancilio Silvia; or
the Best Value Semi Automatic Espresso Machine – Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine.
My recommendations for super automatic espresso machines and coffee grinders can be found in my Best Espresso Machine page.
by Ken on September 22, 2011
If you know what is the meaning of Mercedes with cars and Microsoft with computer software, then you know what the meaning of Rancilio Silvia is with espresso machine. Gee, I didn’t know I could also be a great barista, until I bought this lovely machine!
I had some great fun polishing up my coffee-making skills, and it didn’t take me long to produce the best espresso I’ve ever made!
“If you like using a machine that will force you to develop your barista skills, the Silvia is for you.” – Steve Booth, reviewer at Coffeegeek.com.
Rancilio Silvia
Makes Professional Quality Coffee
I’m never going to Starbucks again while I have the Rancilio Silvia; I feel like a Starbucks barista myself now, brewing my own coffee in the mornings, especially when the quality is no less.
“Never really been a hobbyist before. But now that I’ve got a Silvia, I feel like one.” – Ted Sexauer, reviewer at Coffeegeek.com.
I especially love the steamer tip that comes with the machine. I like to have a cup of latte once in a while as a change to espresso shots, and this tip makes milk so snowy and smooth.
At first I thought that it is rather expensive – I bought it at Amazon.com for $899.99 – but a good friend pointed out that the number of shots I can make over the years with the Rancilio will save me a ton I would have splurged in Starbucks.
“We’ve had a Miss Silvia for over 7 years and it just keeps on working.” – Mel Hoppe, reviewer at Amazon.com.
Also nicknamed “Miss Silvia”, the Rancilio is a semi-automatic built with a sleek and shiny shell that made it look so professional in my kitchen.
From Great to Superb with Accessories
Although Rancilio Silvia is a great machine by itself, I’ve found it more satisfactory to have some additions to it.
A good coffee grinder is a MUST if you want all you can get from Miss Silvia. Many serious coffee lovers like me have invested in a Rancilio Rocky. True, the Rocky is rather expensive for amateurs, but you really won’t regret the purchase if you’ve tried the cheap grinders!
You can make Rancilio even better by adding a PID. I’ve found that I can make great coffee every single time after having the PID to control the temperature. I’ve also bought a better tamper and some cleaning brushes.
My Only Grudge with the Rancilio
If there is anything that I find a drawback with Miss Silvia, it’s that she heats up a bit slowly. I’m used to doing other things like making my toast while waiting for her to warm. Not good when I oversleep, ha ha.
Apparently other users thought that Rancilio Silvia espresso machine could do better with a water level indicator too, but it wasn’t a problem for me to add water every time.
Rancilio Silvia is the best espresso machine to have if you’re a SERIOUS coffee lover. I like to buy from Amazon.com because the return policy is cool, though I wouldn’t return the Silvia for anything.
Amazon.com says there’s only one left in stock at this writing, so go get it now!
If you think Miss Silvia is a bit out of your budget, I strongly recommend:
the Best Value Semi Automatic Espresso Machine – Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine; or
the Best Budget Semi Automatic Espresso Machine – DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker.
Other than that, more recommendations can be found in my Best Espresso Machine page.
by Ken on August 18, 2011
What to do when you need an espresso and you’re outdoors or abroad or wherever there is no electric sources and no Starbucks? A Moka Pot is the answer!
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
I never thought of this until I went on a road trip last month, and it wasn’t at all practical to lug along any of my espresso machines (yes, I have a few and none of them fit the bill). So I took along this Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker which I only bought out of interest, and I’m glad I did!
This cute little moka pot is the traditional thing in Italian families, it seems, and it does make espresso, even if it is not the pump-driven machine-made type with rich crema on top. The smaller size moka pot always makes the better espresso, and I have the 3-cup one.
No electricity?
As long as you have a stove, or a camp fire, you can work this little wonder to make an espresso. Fill the lower half with drinking water (never use chlorined tap water) and put the grounds in the filter, then brew it. Use low heat. It takes quite a long time but it’s acceptable since this is not a machine.
Cleaning up is even easier than you think. Rinse with tap water! No washing with soap because that will ruin the pot. Isn’t that even excellent for trips when you really have got to run?
Like I said, this Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker is the best travel espresso maker. It’s cheap, won’t break your wallet even if you just use it on that one trip in a year. If you buy that handheld, battery-powered milk frother together with this, you can make a great cappuccino too!
Not looking for a travel espresso machine? Check out my other reviews:
Or go to my Best Espresso Machine main page for more recommendations!
by Ken on August 17, 2011
If you are the kind of person who truly cares about making a bloody good cup of espresso, and cares about controlling everything that makes a good cup of espresso, the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine is the pick.
La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine
There’s no doubt that this espresso machine can make a great espresso, but can you make a great espresso with this machine? With the La Pavoni Europiccola, you have to grind, tamp, and pull your own shot. Some people even go as far as to roast their own beans, but that is not strictly required.
Quality Machine
This beautiful espresso machine in chrome is heavy and you can feel the quality of the parts when you pull. It is a machine only for the perfectionists because you won’t get superb espresso at the first shot. It takes some learning to get the pressure and timing precisely correct so that you get that lovely crema-topped espresso that tastes just right.
However, once you’ve learned the ways of the La Pavoni Europiccola, you’ll enjoy making espressos every day and serving awestruck guests as they come around.
Only for the Enthusiasts
Be warned, only buy this espresso machine if you will enjoy the whole process of the espresso making. If you think you can live with grinding and tamping, but not learning how to pull a perfect shot every time, get a semi automatic. If you want to press a button and get great espresso, get an automatic or super automatic.
The best thing about the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine is that it has no flimsy breakable parts. No electronics to fail you at any time either. Parts like seals are easily replaceable. Find out more by following the link.
If this is not for you, I have other reviews as well:
Or go to my Best Espresso Machine main page for more recommendations!
by Ken on August 16, 2011
I think the Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza is one of the automatic single serve espresso machines that gives the best value. In fact, if you like to have cappuccino or espresso drinks at home everyday without going into all the trouble of hand pulling your own shot or washing up the machine each time afterward, get an automatic espresso machine like this one.
Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Machine
No Worries, Taste is Great
I’ve had my doubts when it comes to automatic single serve espresso machines at first, just like everyone else. For one thing, they use pods instead of ground beans, would the taste be rich enough? And the pods can only be bought with the company making the machine, so if you don’t like their pods, the machine will become an ornament in the kitchen.
The first time I tasted an espresso made from Nespresso pods, all the doubts cleared away. There was no doubt that they can make good espresso, even if in pods, and there are many flavors to choose from, so anyone can find their favorite taste.
Way Easier to Use and Clean
Everything is so easy with the Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza! Just fill the water dispenser, pop in a pod, wait for the lights to stop blinking, then press the button. Voila! You get your rich smell of espresso before it comes out into the cup.
“The thought that I could enjoy coffee of that quality in my own home, at a whim in less than five minutes, blew my mind. And it was so easy! I ordered a C-100 as soon as I got home and have never been sorry.” – Robert Finklestein, at Amazon.com
Pour milk into the included Aeroccino froth maker until the bottom line (take care not to overfill or it’ll froth out of the container), put on the lid and press button. You can make hot milk, light froth or heavy froth with this for lattes and cappuccinos.
Tip: If you like hotter coffee, heat up the machine by running it once without the pod first.
Cleaning up is even easier! Just run the machine once with water, and clean the base by pulling it out, discarding the used pods and rinsing it.
This automatic espresso machine is so convenient that I bought one for my wife to put in her office. It’s very affordable compared to super automatics which cost over $1000, and she’s so pleased that she doesn’t have to waste a lot of time making coffee and cleaning up. She now spends more time finding out what other flavors there are to try instead! 
Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza is less than $300, and the pods cost $.55 each except for a couple of special varieties. The pods can only be bought at Nespresso online store, but a commenter found out that the patent will expire in 2012, so it will be more widely available soon.
Get the Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Machine here, and choose the Titanium color for discounts and free shipping.
If you prefer to pull your own shot and be your own barista, check out the semi automatic espresso machines:
My Best Espresso Machine main page has more tips and guides for choosing the best espresso machine.
