Choosing The Best Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
When getting their 1st serious espresso machine, most people usually decide on either a semi automatic or automatic model. Before I reveal the things to look for over these espresso machines, let me first tell you what is a semi automatic espresso machine. Semi Automatic Machines make you decide when to turn on and turn off the pump, why is basically why it is semi automatic. Such machine features automated pump, automated temperature controls for the boiler, and activation buttons to activate or deactivate the pump..
The single boiler, dual use Machines; the single boiler, heat exchanger machines; and the dual boiler machines are the three subclasses of semi automatic espresso machines. Each type automates a lot of things for you whilst still providing you ultimate control over exactly how the espresso shot will progress.
Listed below are the things to look for in choosing the best semi automatic espresso machine.
Functionality. Examine the portafilter handle, check out the way it sits in the machine, how far over it has to go in order to lock, whether you have to hold a clasp in place or not in order to keep the filter basket from falling out, etc. Look at the amount of clearance there exist from the spouts to the drip tray. Can it fit the types of mugs you want to brew into? Likewise, look at the cup warming tray and identify whether it’s really usable or simply some fancy aesthetic. Lastly, look at the placement of the switches and whether they appear easy to read and understand intuitively.
Materials. In most instances, I’d choose metal over plastic. Metal drip trays, easy to access bolts for disassembling a machine, well finish touches like good grippy rubber base, stuff that produce a machine better.
Switches. Even though it is rarely to hear about problems with switches that are electronic (say, buttons that electronically switch on an actuator or establish a circuit link) for brewing espresso, it is one more thing which could eventually wear out on a machine. Mechanical switches wear out as well, but generally, replacing a broken switch is going to be a lot cheaper compared to replacing the whole circuit board and machine electronics. Also, there’s just something to be said for the satisfying “clack” of turning on and off the Rancilio Silvia’s brew switch – for example.
Signal Lights. Very visible signal lights are essential, but a lot of machines currently available have lights you can barely see when viewed under a kitchen’s common fluorescent or halogen lighting system. Thankfully, a growing number of machines are fixing this problem – as well as older machines are getting overhauls to put in much better lights or upgrade to bright LEDs.
Always remember the things you should look for and you’re on your way to deciding on the best semi automatic espresso machine, most especially the one that really suits your requirements. You’ll find complete semi automatic espresso machine reviews at http://www.semiautomaticespressomachine.org.
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