Espresso vs Coffee
Espresso is made from the same beans as normal coffee, however the coffee beans are more finely ground, creating a drink that is far more concentrated.
The term “espresso” means pressed coffee in Italian. While coffee is often enjoyed with milk and sugar, espresso is taken black.
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What Makes the Best Espresso?
Having the best cup of espresso is more than having an amazing espresso machine. Every step of the process needs to be considered.
There are 3 major factors that contribute to a delicious cup of espresso:
1) COFFEE BEANS
Select great-tasting, high quality coffee beans.
2) GRINDING
There are 2 different methods to grinding up coffee beans: a burr grinder or a blade grinder. A burr grinder is best, because it allows you increase or decrease the size of the coffee grinds to your liking.
3) ESPRESSO MACHINE
The most important factors when making espresso are the water temperature, water pressure, the amount of coffee used, and the amount of time it takes for the water to flow through the coffee grounds. In addition to these 4 qualities, having a stainless steel or glass espresso makers that does not have any plastic on the inside of the machine also helps to create the best tasting espresso that is bpa free.
Stainless Steel Electric Espresso Makers
If you are interested in an electric espresso machine, it can be confusing when you first begin researching them. Who knew that espresso could be so technical? Here’s a quick review of the basic machine parts in an espresso maker:
1) PORTAFILTER: This holds coffee grounds
2) TAMPER: This compresses the coffee grounds (it’s a flat disk) in the portafilter
3) GROUP HEAD: Pressurized hot water flows through the group head and into the portafilter
4) BOILER: This heats the water water
5) PUMP: This applies the proper amount of pressure to the coffee grounds
6) DRIP TRAY: This collects water run-off during the making of espresso
Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia espresso machine has a beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior. This is an espresso machine only, it is not a combination machine.
Espresso Machine Features:
- 72 OZ Water Reservoir
- Stainless Steel Exterior
- Brass Portafilters and Grouphead
- 17.5 Bar Pump
- Includes 7 Gram Measuring Scoop
DeLonghi Compact Automatic Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi espresso machine has a gleaming stainless steel exterior.
Espresso Machine Features:
- Built-in Water Filtration (great for tap water)
- Stainless Steel Exterior
- Energy Efficient
Reviews of Stovetop Espresso Makers
Stovetop espresso makers have been around for centuries. If you’re looking for a classic espresso machine then the stovetop option may be for you, however be aware that the clean up is messy, usually hand-wash only, and it can take longer than 10 minutes to brew a cup of coffee. A more manual process is to be expected though – and doing things the old-fashioned way can help to create an enjoyable morning routine.
Cuisinox COF-10R Roma 10-Cup Espresso Coffeemaker
The Cuisinox Roma Espresso maker has a beautiful stainless steel design that will look stunning on your stove top. This espresso maker does not contain ANY plastic which is great news for those who are concerned with plastic coming into contact with hot liquids.
Pros:
- Stainless Steel Construction
- NO Plastic
- Makes 10 two OZ cups (not normal size cups)
- 25 Year Warranty
- Works on Gas, Electric & Induction Stoves
- Easy to Clean
Cons:
- Hand Wash Only
Is there plastic on the interior?
No, the interior is 100% stainless steel and plastic free. Note that there is a silicone seal.
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Bialetti 12 Cup Italian Stovetop
“The Bialetti Moka celebrates more than 80 years of classic design elegance and technological simplicity. From the early 1950s to the present day, Bialetti has manufactured over 200 million coffee makers. In particular, the Moka Express has become iconic and has allowed millions of consumers to enjoy great Italian coffee.”
Note that while this is usually touted as an espresso maker, it doesn’t quite make espresso. It’s a mix between strong coffee and espresso.
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Aluminum Construction
- Velvety Espresso in Less than 5 Minutes
- Makes 12 two OZ cups (not normal size cups)
- Made in Italy
- 2 Year Warranty
- Best on Electric Stovetops
Cons:
- Hand Wash Only
- Not Compatible with Induction Stoves
- Not Compatible with Gas Stoves (at least without buying a metal disk)
Is there plastic on the interior?
No, the interior is 100% aluminum and plastic free.
Primula 6 Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker
The Primula stainless steel stovetop espresso maker is a modern take on the classic Italian espresso makers and can brew up to 6 cups of espresso.
The body of the espresso maker is stainless steel with a cool to the touch silicone handle, that never comes into contact with the espresso.
For the best results, use a 6 to 1 water to coffee ratio and place the espresso maker on the stovetop on low/medium heat.
When the coffee starts bubbling to the top, remove it from the stove and it’s ready to drinks.
Pros:
- Cheap Price
- Stainless Steel Construction
- Cool to the Touch Handles
- No Plastic on the Interior
- Best on Electric Stovetops
- Makes 6 two OZ Cups
Cons:
- Hand Wash Only
- Not Compatible with Induction Stoves
- Not Compatible with Gas Stoves (at least without buying a metal disk)
Is there plastic on the interior?
No, the interior is 100% stainless steel and plastic free.