COFFEE
Choosing the right espresso machine can be tricky – so here’s our guide to everything you need to consider, including prices, features and quality.
Three design options
There are three main types of domestic espresso machine out there:
Single boiler (SB)
One boiler which provides hot water for brewing espresso and steam for milk – but cannot do both at the same time. As you switch from espresso to steam, the boiler needs to increase in temperature, and vice versa.
Single boiler machines traditionally come with internal water reservoirs, with no mains water connection option. These machines are the cheapest models you can get that are capable of pulling great espresso. The single boiler means that it takes time to learn how to pull the perfect shot. However, if you’re willing to experiment, they can be a great option, with low outlay.
Pros
- Low cost; delivers high quality for less.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Lacks the precision of higher priced machines in terms of temperature.
- Unable to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.
- No automatic boiler refill.
We only offer one single boiler espresso machine, the Rancilio Silvia. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, we know this machine very well and know what it is capable of. It's simple, effective and very well built.
The Silvia (aka Miss Silvia) has a commercial grade 58mm portafilter, which you can change the baskets to precision ones if you like (Strada, VST or IMS), or you can use a bottomless portafilter if you wish, further improving the espresso extraction process.
It also has a very good quality cool to touch steam wand that is powerful and can steam milk to a very high standard (to produce mega flat whites).
Whilst on paper you can't actually brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, in a home environment, you tend not to do this anyway. The way people tend to use this machine is to steam your milk first, then let it rest for 45 seconds while you prepare your espresso. It works very well, and the results are very high in quality.
We hold them in stock in both Silver and Black finishes, priced at £475 & 575.
Heat Exchanger (HX)
One boiler that heats water for brewing espresso and hot water/steam – and do allow you to use both functions simultaneously.
The water in the boiler is superheated to create steam. When a shot of espresso is pulled, that water comes from a coiled HX pipe which sits within the boiler. Additional cold water has been pulled into the pipe so that its temperature is cooler than the main section of the boiler. This design results in two separate temperatures to meet the demands of brewing and steaming at the same time.
Most HX's offer gauges showing boiler and/or pump pressure, and many models offer the ability to adjust these parameters. HX's come with a mix of connection options (model dependent) including internal reservoir, mains water connection or both.
They are more expensive than single boilers, but provide good value due to their higher grade build, quality components (often commercial grade), convenience and most importantly - reliable temperature control.
Pros
- Higher quality piece of equipment.
- Improved temperature stability (quicker to pull a great shot).
- Water source options (Reservoir or mains connection)
- The ability to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
- Automatic boiler refill.
- Perfect if you drink milk-based coffees (latte/cappuccino/flat white).
Cons
- Higher cost than single boiler machines.
- Larger in size.
- Not as accurate as dual boiler machines for temperature control; requires techniques such as ‘cooling flushes’ to get the right brewing temperature – so slightly less convenient than a dual boiler machine.
We offer several HX machines including the Rocket Appartamento & Cronometro
These three options are all traditional (manual) 'Leva' activated machines, where you activate the espresso shot by lifting the chrome arm upwards to open up the valve to allow water to be pushed onto your espresso puck.
They also all offer gauges, showing the pressure of the boiler and group-head, so you can see a visual of how accurate the pressure actually is. 9.0 bar is around the standard for during the actual shot.
They also all offer pre-infusion as standard, but PI is best used when the machine is connected to mains water, as the pressure is required to be very stable and at a higher rate to be fully effective.
The higher spec HX machines (such as the Cronometro) offers additional features such as a shot counter, and the Cronometro 'R' model also houses a rotary pump.
HX machines are priced between £1169-1799.
Dual boiler (DB)
Two boilers - one dedicated to providing hot water for brewing espresso and one for hot water/steam. This means you can prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
Many DB machines also come with a ‘PID’. This is a digital temperature controller that allows you to accurately change the temperature of espresso extraction to suit different coffees.
The build quality of these machines is usually very high, with excellent design and high-grade components. DB's offer ultimate convenience and are feature-rich, leaving the user able to control and adjust as they please. They come with a mix of connection options (model dependent) including internal reservoir, mains water connection or both. They are typically at the top end in terms of price, due to their multiple boilers and high-grade components.
Pros
- High build quality and components.
- Extremely solid temperature stability.
- Water connection options.
- Ability to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously.
- Perfect if you drink milk-based coffees (latte/cappuccino/flat white).
- Easier to use than an HX and Single boiler - they provide maximum control.
Cons
- Higher cost.
- Larger in size than single boiler machines.
We offer a very comprehensive range fo Dual Boilers from Rocket, Expobar and La Marzocco. They range lots in terms of additional features, but they all offer dual boiler technology and have a PID (for controlling the coffee brewing temperature). Just like the HX range, they all offer independant gauges showing boiler and group pressures and offer pre-infusion. But across the range we offer, they do have differences across pump type and the way they actually activate the espresso extraction (manual or automatic).
Here's the key groups and differences:
Firstly, E61 / Leva style OR Paddle manual machines:
- Rocket R58, R60v (Leva activated) & R9 ONE (Paddle activated)
- La Marzocco Mini & GS3 (Paddle activated)
*These machines are geared towards those looking for fully manual control, but at a level that offers fantastic results and precision.
Secondly, more automatic / button activated machines:
- La Marzocco GS3 (Automatic)
- MORE COMING SOON :-)
*These machines are geared towards those looking for more automated control, such as volumetric dosing, making shots of espresso more repeatable and reliable. Less input / more controlled for you.
Features and prices - the facts.
Across all types of machine there are a number of other key features that may contribute to your final decision.
Manual (E61) group heads
These use a lever to allow water to enter the group (offering pre-infusion of the coffee) before activating the pump and delivering your shot as normal. Pre-infusion is where water is in contact with the coffee for a short period of time at a very low pressure before that pressure increases and full extraction starts. It allows subtle flavours to shine through, and also is more forgiving if your tamping isn’t 100% perfect.
Manual (Traditional Lever) group heads
Traditional Lever machines have a large handle protruding from the top of the group head. Pulling down on the lever allows water to fill the group, and releasing it engages a piston which forces that water down through the coffee, delivering your shot as normal. Lever machines offer both pre-infusion and post-infusion. This means a gradual ramp UP in pressure at the beginning of the shot, and a gradual ramp DOWN in pressure towards the end of the shot, allowing different flavours to develop. Shots from a lever often taste very unique.
Semi Auto (ON/OFF Brew switch)
Semi automatic machines have a switch/button on the front panel that starts or stops the extraction process. The Rancilio Silvia is an example of this type of machine.
Automatic (programmed keypad)
Some machines have an automatic extraction process. This means that once you’ve done your perfect tamp, and inserted the portafilter into the group-head, you only need to select the correct preset button to pull the type of shot you want (single or double).
PID Temperature Controller
Shows you the temperature of the boiler and allows you to control that temperature digitally.
Adjustable brewing pressure
Allows you to adjust it to suit your coffee.
Adjustable steam temperature
Allows you to adjust it to suit your milk/steaming technique for good micro-foam.
Boiler pressure gauge
Displays the pressure of the steam boiler.
Brewing pressure gauge
Displays the pressure at which your shot is being extracted.
Pump type
Rotary pumps
Used in commercial and high-end domestic machines such as the Rocket R58. Rotary pumps offer a more stable pressure for extraction. They are quieter and adjustable. They do cost more to replace, but they also have a longer lifespan.
Vibratory (or Vibe) pumps
Commonplace in most low- to mid-range domestic machines. Vibratory pumps are the noisier of the two pump types, but can only be heard when water needs to be pumped into the boiler. They do need replacing more often than rotary pumps, but are reasonably priced (under £40).
Price - what you actually get for your money.
In the world of espresso machines, the more you pay the easier it gets to pull a great shot, because the lower end machines require more of an understanding of temperature surfing techniques.
This seems a little unfair, as those with smaller budgets face a bigger battle / learning curve. However, some people really enjoy learning to get to grips with the less expensive single boiler machines.
Low end
Single boiler machines are the cheapest as they have only one boiler which dramatically lowers the cost of manufacturing. You can buy single boiler machines for as little as £80 in high street department stores (Dualit, Di-Longhi, Morphy Richards etc). If you are looking to make half decent espresso - don’t waste your money as they are not worth the time or investment (they are cheap for a reason). If you have a budget less than £500, we highly recommend buying a filter machine, as you will get far better coffee this way.
These machines are usually not capable of delivering consistent and stable temperature levels, which need to be achieved for great espresso. The lowest cost SB that can actually produce decent espresso (with minimal knowledge) is around £500 (The Rancilio Silvia), with prices going up to around the £1000 mark.
Don't be fooled by other single boiler machines that are fancier than the Rancilio Silvia, as they all offer exactly the same low standard (just in different body types), but they charge you more for extra lights and retro designs.
Middle
HX machines can be bought for between £1100 – £1800, depending on brand, build and additional features. They tend to look more impressive and elegantly designed than single boilers. Many people opt for HX machines, as they offer virtually all that dual boilers provide including better build quality / components, temperature stability, etc - without the higher cost. Ideal for espresso and milk based drinks – but they do not offer quite the level of control over steam and brewing temperature, that the dual boilers do.
High end
Lastly, domestic dual boiler machines cost between £1800 – £5000, depending on brand, build and additional features. DB's are traditionally, beautifully crafted machines designed for those that want ultimate performance and maximum control. They contain a digital system that monitors temperature (PID) and enable complete stability. They are highly convenient – there’s no waiting, no cooling flushes, and they allow you to make coffee to rival that of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh (and there are some very good ones!).
