Buying a Coffee and Espresso Maker

If you are looking for a big pot of drip coffee or espresso, a coffee and espresso maker is essential to your kitchen. We have a wide range of styles and features at Target to suit your needs.

Espresso machines high pressure pushes water through the ground beans in a matter of seconds. The grounds are then tamped to evenly compact and then interlock.

The following are some examples of

There are a number of things to take into consideration when purchasing an espresso maker and coffee maker. The features determine the machine's functionality and suitability for your requirements. Look for features that offer convenience, enhance the quality of your brew and allow you to customize your drink.

Espresso- and coffee makers aren't difficult to make, such as the traditional Bialetti Moka Express non-electric coffee maker that makes use of the use of a pot to heat the water that drips slowly over ground beans. Certain models come with more advanced features, such as double boilers that let you to make espresso and froth or steaming milk at the simultaneously. Digital displays will also inform you when your water tank requires topping up or when the time is right to clean or clean the grounds bin, and when other maintenance tasks are due.

Most modern espresso makers and coffee makers utilize a similar brewing method that involves pouring hot water over ground or pre-ground beans. Many are designed to stop brewing at the correct time to allow you to enjoy a new cup of coffee each morning. Certain models allow you to select the strength you prefer and some models have adjustable temperature settings to give you the best flavor.

The top model of espresso and coffee machines is the superautomatic, that is specifically designed to allow you to perform everything. They are typically equipped with a built in grinder that allows them to grind and brew coffee using fresh beans. They will also usually have a separate steamer to make cappuccinos and lattes. You might also select from a selection of beverages, including hot chocolate on their menu.

If you live in a smaller kitchen, choose an ultra-compact model to save counter space. If you have several people in the household who have their own coffee preferences Consider getting a multi-cup machine that is able to accommodate different sizes of cups. If you're an espresso enthusiast, search for models that allow you to customize the brew strength and water-to-coffee ratio so that you can make the perfect cup every time.

When you are looking for a new coffee and espresso machine, a long-lasting warranty and a responsive service are important factors to consider. Warranty terms vary from one to three year depending on the manufacturer.

Simple to Use

You require more than a traditional drip-filter coffee maker to create a coffeehouse type beverage at home. For espresso, water that is under pressure is pushed at high speed through finely ground beans. The result is short "shots" of caffeine, with a rich crema on top. Most combination coffee and espresso machines make use of a portafilter steaming arm, and basket to accomplish this, whereas others rely on pre-packaged pods or filters or allow the user to grind and measure beans by hand.

The kind of machine you choose will depend on how spacious and hands-on you want to make it. Manual machines give you the most control however it does require lots of work: You'll have to grind the beans, then hand-tamp the coffee and pull your shots. Semiautomatic models take an extra step or two of the process, like grinding and tamping, but they require more effort than an automated machine. Fully automatic espresso makers and coffee makers can prepare a complete pot of drip coffee or an entire espresso cup with just the push of a single button.

It is also important to think about whether you're brewing for just one or several people. Certain models, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, can produce up to three cups of coffee or espresso at the same time. This is a great option for those who prefer making their own coffee in the morning, but it might not be the best choice if you are serving an entire group.

A coffee and espresso maker with dual boilers allows you to simultaneously steam and brew milk, meaning you don't have to wait for one function to cool before starting the other. This feature is particularly beneficial when you're planning to make cappuccinos or lattes.

It is less likely that a coffee and espresso machine that has removable reservoirs will accumulate mineral deposits. You'll still need to clean the reservoir regularly, but you'll save yourself some time by not having to empty and replace a whole pot of water. The hardness of the water can also cause mineral buildup. A water that is harder will result in more dissolved minerals, which will make your machine require more descaling. Filtered or soft water is less damaging to your machine and will decrease the frequency of descaling.

Ease of Cleaning

A coffee maker or espresso maker is a major purchase for a lot of homeowners and it requires regular care to ensure its performance and durability at the highest levels. Cleaning the carafe and other components that can be removed from an espresso machine or drip coffee maker is an essential aspect of maintenance. Use vinegar or a descaling solution at least once every week to keep your appliance. Some models have sensors that flash when it's cleaning time.

While vinegar is ideal for counters and sinks however, its acidity may damage rubber seals and other components of your espresso and coffee maker which can reduce the life of your machine. Many brands -- including Lavazza and Smeg--recommend not to use vinegar to clean your machine since it could invalidate the warranty.

To clean your espresso maker or coffee maker, take out the portafilter from the group. Using an abrasive or scrubby pad, dislodge any remaining grounds from the portafilter and the basket. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water and then dry them with a clean towel. Next, sanitize the brew group by putting a cleaning tablet into the blind filter and running a backflush program. You can also manually backflush your machine by placing a tablet of cleaning solution inside the portafilter, turning on the brewing program, then pausing for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until you notice an even flow of water. This indicates that the machine has been properly descaled.

The brew group mesh must be soaked by the water as it flows through the espresso machine. When this mesh is dirty, it may be blocked by coffee residue and negatively impact the extraction process. Calatrello suggests that you unscrew the mesh every month and clean it with the aid of a toothbrush. Then, soak it overnight in hot water using a tablet for cleaning.

If you have a fully automated coffee and espresso maker, you can also clean your machine by dismantling the water reservoir and filling it up with fresh water, then adding a cleansing tablet and running a backflush application. You should also wipe down the inside of the water reservoir as well as the pot to remove any stains and residue. Before reassembling the appliance, you'll have to clean and dry the carafe as well as the water reservoir.

Maintenance Ease

If you're looking to brew an espresso quickly or coffee at the go, select an automatic model. It doesn't need any effort from you. These models usually use baskets that contain ground coffee beans and water that has warmed to the ideal temperature and is then released into the grounds before being it is brewed in one shot.


These machines are perfect for those who like the process of making coffee, but don't want to spend long learning the skills and techniques needed to create the best tasting drinks. These machines are easy to operate and are easy to clean. The results are similar to those of a drip coffee maker.

To keep Coffeee in good condition, make sure to remove the grounds used up from the portafilter after each use, and clean the portafilter and the grouphead. Additionally, you'll have to backflush the machine every so often. This is accomplished by locking the portafilter in the grouphead and running the brew cycle a several times until the water runs clear. This is a task that coffeehouses do at the end of each day but that home users can easily do every few days or, alternatively, once a week using detergent to give it an even more thorough clean.

Additionally, you'll need clean the steam wand as well as the milk reservoir on a regular basis, we recommend every month. It's as easy as cleaning all areas of your machine with a vinegar-soapy mixture of water (check the manual before starting because some manufacturers don't recommend vinegar). You should also change your filter frequently, as hard water tends accumulate more mineral residue than soft or filtered. This can cause your coffee and espresso maker to stop working or have a distinct taste. Buy a coffee and espresso maker that has a water-hardness tester to avoid this.