I have owned a couple of manual espresso machines like the Krups and Saeco. The Krups still works but the Saeco broke after eight months of use. As I drink more espresso, about 10-15 cups a day, I wanted a better semi professional single serve machine that could easily make great espresso shot after shot with no waiting. I like semi automatic espresso makers because it is easier to customize how strong I want the espresso. I don’t need a built in coffee grinder or grind dispenser and I don’t use espresso pods. I grind and blend the espresso beans in a separate burr mill grinder. This gives me more control to create a custom blend of grinds that suits my taste or anyone I serve. If you love espresso and are very particular about the taste, you will probably agree that you don’t need an automatic machine. If you have many users of the espresso maker than an automatic espresso machine may be better for you.
I compared many brands- Briel, Breville, Jura, Rancilio and La Pavoni before deciding to purchase the Italian made Gaggia Baby Twin espresso machine. Experts rated this one of the best espresso machines for serious coffee lovers. The Baby Twin priced around $600, makes perfect espresso at a fraction of the cost of much higher priced units. The Gaggia features- 15 bar pressure pump, commercial duty, chrome plated solid brass portafilter basket, stylish brushed stainless exterior, quality built, low operating noise and fast heat recycling. Two programmable custom dose settings for single or double shots can be programmed for individual users and is simple to use. Pods can be used or very fine ground espresso.
If you are considering the Gaggia Baby Twin espresso machine realize that making espresso exactly to your taste may take several times of experimenting with different combinations of grinds, brands of coffee and the amount of water used for each brew. You may get it perfect the first time. This is a professional quality machine that makes espresso fast and easy. I use the Baby Twin espresso machine many times a day and love it. It also looks great in our new remodeled kitchen.
Additional features include- pre dose- this disperses a small amount of hot water to wet the grinds to better extract flavor during brew cycle, quick heating recycle, large water reservoir, backlit electronic touch ring controls, four function buttons, six indicator lights, makes your favorite espresso, cappuccino, or latte. The Twin has 2 boilers- one for espresso and one for steam. A three way solenoid valve releases the hot water pressure from the grind cup after brewing so there is no messy dripping of espresso from the portafilter. This lets you quickly refill the basket with fresh espresso grinds to continue to make more shots. The checking of the reviews for the Best Espresso Machine for Home should be done at online search engines. The function at the home will be simple and easy for the person. The preparation of the shots should be done with intelligence and expertise. Different price ranges should be in the notice of the person.
Recommended pre ground espresso- There are many brands and price ranges of ground espresso coffee and the only way to really find what you like is by trying different brands. Lavazza offers a large variety of blends to choose from. I have tried several and right now my favorite is “in Blu” which costs about $7.50 for an 8.8 ounce can and I make this a couple of times a day. I also use Lavazza Espresso Bar Super Crema and Café Espresso. I also use Illy- Cafe Scuro Fine Grind Dark Roast Black Band which is more expensive about $28.00 per pound and is nice for special occasions or entertaining friends.
Acquiring a taste for espresso is similar to drinking fine wines. You enjoy a few brands and flavors and narrow it down to one or two favorites that you serve at special times of the day when you are ready to relax and unwind. After using the Gaggia Baby Twin for a couple of months now I am totally pleased with it. I still experiment with different brands of coffee by mixing and blending to create a unique taste.
Achille Gaggia, from Milan Italy, is one of the originators who improved designs and owned patents of espresso machines after the Second World War. Desiderio Pavoni, from Milan also, experimented with espresso makers in his own shop. His first machine was patented by Luigi Bezzera in 1902.