For coffee-making lovers, there are probably two teams. One is always loyal to the classic manual espresso machine while the other falls in love with modern automation. And each type undoubtedly stands out with its unique advantages.
Delonghi EC680M Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine
Which group do you belong to, or are you still getting confused to choose?
If you have found it challenging to make your shopping decision, don’t hesitate to dive deep into our manual vs automatic espresso machine comparison.
Contents
Comparing manual vs automatic espresso machine
Generally, automatic espresso makers and manual machines are not entirely different. Besides many differences, they still share some characteristics in common. Now, we will learn about each of them.
In terms of similarities, almost two machines possess similar components which in combination will produce perfect espresso cups. Regardless of which types of coffee makers are, their essential parts include a group head, a portafilter, and a boiler.
After you prepare powder, an espresso-making process starts with a boiler. This part does its function of creating steam, which you can see in the group head. Next, it is time for a mechanism to pressurize the steam into water. Finally, this forced water goes through a portafilter, and you have a charming espresso.
The process may vary based on the type of machine. However, the most common and suitable condition for perfect espresso is 195°F and 10 bars of pressure.
Manual vs automatic espresso machines share many things in common in terms of structure and espresso-making process, so what are the differences between the two types of espresso makers?
Quick manual espresso machine review
As the original brewing espresso way, the manual espresso machine comes with a lever. F
or generating the water pressure, you need to pump this lever after grinding and temp coffee beans. Also, with this type, you can control the amount of water for the brewing process.
In the group head of a manual espresso machine, there is a cavity full of brewing water.
Pushing the lever helps to open up a valve between the boiler and the group head. Then, the pressure forces water to move over to the group head. In this stage, you cannot change the initial water volume.
The manual machine is often the priority of coffee experts. The pressure forces water through coffee powder in the handle.
The process can extract the best of granules and give a richer taste. It also means that the traditional machine needs you to prepare lots of skills.
Pros
- Making espresso with the best taste
- Operating without electricity (some models)
- Consistence
- Easy control for the brewing process
- Compact design
Cons
- Skills needed to operate the machine
- Less advanced technologies
Quick automatic espresso machine review
A super-convenient coffee make is another way that we call the automatic espresso machine. With only one touch, you have an excellently delicious espresso cup to enjoy in the morning.
The convenience lies in the on/off mode. When you press this button, the modern equipment will automatically adjust the water level and stop when it completes its production.
Another highlight of these machines is their ability to offer a wide range of drink options, including strong/weak espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. For every one hour, the productivity lets the machine make around 250 espresso cups and 100 cups of other coffee-based drinks.
In the current market, there are three common types of automatic espresso makers.
- Standard automatic machine: It can automatically do everything to produce an espresso cup for you but grinding coffee beans.
- Super-automatic machine: It is at a higher level in comparison with the standard automatic machine. This type can even grind and tamp coffee beans automatically.
- Semi-automatic machine: It is nearly similar to the fully-automatic ones. Yet, the shot pulling will not stop automatically.
Pros
- Convenience
- Easy cleaning
- Fewer skills needed to operate the machine
- Time-saving beverage preparation
Cons
- Expensiveness
Which one is better?
To conclude which machine you should choose, we need to consider some elements such as prices and maintenance. Here we go.
Cost
For both manual and automatic machines, the prices tend to vary widely. So, you need to determine your available budget before choosing.
In comparison, the automatic espresso makers are often more expensive because of automation along with high technologies.
The higher the price machine costs, the more modern and convenient it will be. However, some basic models of the manual ones on the market require you to buy other accessories like grinders.
Maintenance
If your priority is coffee makers with minimal maintenance, a super auto espresso machine will never disappoint your expectation. You only need to push a button, and the rest is for the device to do.
By contrast, the manual maker cannot perform well without regular maintenance. It is a must to take care of the machine carefully before and after using it.
Quality of espresso
The automatic machine can be a winner for affordability and minimal maintenance. However, the story may change when it comes to the quality of the espresso.
So, why can the manual maker produce espresso with better taste?
As we mentioned above, the lever of the manual machine helps to extract the coffee beans at most. Moreover, this type of machine allows you to control the brewing process yourself for the best taste. But you must have skills which not everyone has already had but professional espresso makers.
Conclusion
The manual vs automatic espresso machine comparison gives us a deep insight into two different coffee makers’ common types.
Undoubtedly, everyone loves to enjoy a coffee with the best taste, which a manual machine can help. However, it takes much time for preparation and maintenance. Plus, not all of us are coffee-making masters to control the brewing process perfectly.
For those reasons, a home automatic espresso machine is still the best option for us. And how about yours? Do not forget to share and stay tuned for our updates!
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