There's little homework to perform before you rush out and buy the first machine you come across. Your lifestyle plays an important role. Espresso coffee makers now come in three basic models; manual, semi-automatic and fully or super automatic.

What's your taste and level of coffee drinking? This is important in establishing before you buy. A light drinker won't be requiring the talents of a mass producing super automatic while a heavy drinker may eventually get frustrated with using a manual machine all the time. The other factor is budget and not everyone has the spare cash to go out and buy a $4000 super automatic model. Let's take a look at the three levels of espresso coffee maker so you are better equipped to make a choice.

The Different Espresso Coffee Maker Models

I have a close friend who has owned a manually operated espresso coffee maker for ten years and when he first bought the machine, it was a big deal. Now, I almost cringe when he asks me if I want a cup of coffee because to me, it just takes so long. I often remark..."when are you going to join the real world and get a real coffee maker?"

The truth is, my friend is a light drinker of coffee, he likes to be in control of the end product and actually enjoys playing barista and making the coffee. Manual machines are great for just these reasons. Price wise, they can get expensive with some models fetching over a thousand dollars but you don't have to pay that much to get a good machine, generally only a couple of hundred dollars. So in the end, the choice is yours if you are searching for your first machine.

Semi-Automatic

The semi-automatic models give you the best of both worlds combining both user control and automatic features. They vary quite a bit in price ranging from under $100 to well over $1000. Most models require the user to start and finish however, some more advanced machines allow the operator to program the quantiy of espresso required. They are suited to heavier drinkers and for those people who tend to entertain a little although the super automatic machines are better suited to the latter option.

Fully Or Super Automatic

These are the "rolls royce" versions of espresso coffee makers. Be prepared to part with a good deal of the "green stuff" to purchase one but they are worth every cent, particularly if you are the type of person who needs coffee "drip fed" on a regular basis. Prices can start from as low as $300-$400 however, the top machines can set you back anywhere from $3000-$4000.

It's hard to mess up a cup of coffee with the super automatic; it grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, spews out a shot of espresso and even separates the unwanted waste. What more could you ask for. But it doesn't stop there as the features are numerous including digital display, automatic steaming and frothing, programmable buttons allowing you to determine strength, volume, small, medium or large cup and temperature. A coffee lovers dream!

What's Your Taste?

Decide on the level of espresso coffee maker that suits your needs before you go out and buy. It's almost pointless to blow money on a fully automatic model when you don't drink much of the black stuff unless, of course, you entertain regularly.