I am a huge espresso fan. I also was a former barista at a local internet cafe. I learned a thing or two at my job, including the importance of espresso coffee machines.

Commercial espresso machines can cost thousands of dollars, often reaching $10,000+. Upon learning this from the owner of the internet cafe, I was a bit nervous about tinkering with the machine itself. However, the great aspect about commercial espresso machines was not only the superb quality that it was able to produce, but also it's amazing durability over the years. The owner of the cafe explained that commercial espresso machines were the best he's ever encountered and it was rare to come across automatic espresso machines that matched the quality that commercial espresso machines could produce.

Essentially, an automatic espresso machines do not produce the quality that a high-end espresso machine could produce, much less commercial espresso machines. An automatic espresso machine essentially will return to you what you paid for- a mediocre price for mediocre espresso. Seek out automatic espresso machines from high quality makers and you won't be disappointed.

Here are some tips to finding an espresso machine- either automatic or commercial:
  • Know where it's made. Italy apparently makes high quality espresso machines
  • Read the reviews and do extensive research
  • Don't be afraid to purchase an expensive espresso machine if it's a highly celebrated product