How to Save Money When Purchasing an Espresso Machine

Posted by kathie on Jun 23rd, 2009 | one comment home title

Espresso machines are very cool appliances and they can save you thousands of dollars by allowing you to prepare your own coffee specialty beverages at home or at your office. Anyone can be their own barista if you purchase the right espresso machine. The key is to purchase just enough machine to meet your needs and to get that machine at the best possible price.

Finding an espresso machine at a local retail store is difficult. The machines take up shelve space, require electricity, and lot’s of attention from sales people. They are expensive and there are so many to choose from. Online shopping is usually your best option but it requires research. Let me attempt to make it a little bit easier for you.

Gaggia Platnum Swing, a Mid Price Range Super Automatic Espresso Machine

First decide if you prefer a manual, semi automatic, or super automatic machine. The manual and semi automatics are usually less expensive but they require you to grind your own coffee beans. So always remember to figure in the cost of a quality grinder. Expect to pay at least $200 for a grinder.

MDF Black Grinder

Manual espresso machines are rare to find. Gaggia makes one but I think it is being discontinued. Sometimes manufactures refer to the Semi Automatics as being manual machines.

Gaggia Classic Stainless Semi-Automatic

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines differ in water reservoir capacity, and heating capacity. One other feature that sets one machine aside from another is the three-way valve. The closer you get to commercial grade in heavy duty features, the more expensive the machine. So consider how picky you want to get with customizing the perfect shot of espresso. This will dictate how much you will need to pay.

My personal favorites are the Super Automatic Espresso Machines. They do all the work for you and require little clean up. Now, they are the most costly espresso machines but I feel they are worth the money. Besides, if you follow my advice, you can save some money on these amazing appliances.

Let’s look at the features of the Super Automatic Espresso machines and you decide what features you must have and which features you can live without. All Super Automatics come with water reservoirs, bean hoppers, automatic bean grinders, adjustable cup height, steam frothing wands, brew groups, etc. The key is knowing what extra special options are available and which ones you absolutely must have because each option will increase the price of your espresso machine.

Capacity is an option that costs more and is often worth the cost. The larger water reservoirs, bean hoppers, and dredge drawers mean less fuss to refill and dump.

Adjustable cup clearance is an important feature. Today everyone wants a tall late’ or cappuccino and they often want to make it to go. So, the newer machines come with more cup clearance than the older models. Gaggia Super Automatics also have a button that electronically raises and lowers the cup tray, a very cool option.

Cup Clearance is adjusted using the cup lift button. It moves up and down smoothy. Very cool feature.

When considering frothing options all machines have a steam wand for manual frothing but some manufactures have creatively come up with fail-safe easy devices that do the work for you. Gaggia and Saeco have developed a milk island. Currently Gaggia adds this optional device at no additional charge. Of course, it is the high end Gaggia models that offer the free Milk Island.

Gaggia Milk Island for Automatic Milk Frothing Simplicity

Let’s talk brew groups. The mechanism that does all the tamping and brewing, often resembles a robot and is hidden inside the machine. This very complicated mechanism is the brew group. Machines that have a removable brew group are easy to clean and make machine repairs very inexpensive. Choosing a machine with a removable brew group is an economical decision if you are concerned about maintenance. Gaggia and Saeco have removable brew groups.

Removable Brew Group can be found in Gaggia and Saeco Super Automatic Espresso Machines

Maintenance is always a concern and with the top end machines you want to take extra caution to protect your investment. I suggest using a machine that is equipped with water filters. The water filters cleanse the water if lime scale which can damage your heating element and boiler. Always keep track of maintenance schedules and use cleaning supplies and descaling tablets or descaling solutions at least as often as the manufactures suggest. Always keep cleaning supplies on hand and purchase them in larger quantities to save money. These machines need little maintenance and have few breakdowns if maintained properly. Machines that use filters are Gaggia, Saeco, Jura, Bosch, etc. Now, keep in mind, these machines are pricey but you will save money because you will have less repairs. Also, the high end machines alert you as to when maintenance is necessary.

One last option is the bypass doser. The bypass doser allows you to occasionally brew with decaf or any preground coffee that is different from the usual coffee that is used in the whole bean hopper. Now, this is an expensive option, usually standard in the higher end machines. If you never use decaf, and all you want is a good quality coffee made automatically then go with a low end Super Automatic Espresso machine.

Select a machine with a Bypass Doser if you want to switch between decaf and regular coffee.

If you love bells and whistles and super simplicity the highest end machines come with a touch screen or iPod type of wheel for beverage selection. Expect to pay big bucks for this option, $600 more. I must confess, I am a touch screen lover. It is an awesome option that makes a machine easy to use. If you entertain or hate to read instruction manuals the touch screen is worth paying for.

LCD and Ring Controls for Easy Espresso Beverage Selection

So, now you know which options are absolute necessary for your purchase and now you want to get the best price possible. My advice is to locate an online retailer who will go the extra mile for you. The best espresso machine retail sites can offer a few extras. Perhaps you want to work with a local online retailer because you want to have your machine hand delivered and set up. You might see the machine illegally priced lower at another retailer, be cautions, call and ask another retailer if the price is legitimate, if so, don’t be afraid to ask for a price match. We are happy to price match. Also remember when you need cleaning supplies choose a retailer who can get them to you in three days instead of 10. Make sure the retailer has supplies in stock before you order. Choose a company willing to offer you personal service and price matching.

The high end Gaggia Model

In conclusion, choose an espresso machine that meets your needs, don’t pay for options that are useless to you. Choose a machine that requires less expensive maintenance and is maintenance friendly. Remember to look for a retailer that has something truly valuable to offer such as quick delivery, discounted three day delivery, personal delivery and set up, price matching, and sales associates who really care about helping you. Personal delivery means you are working with legitimate espresso machine dealers who are willing to physically back up the product and will be there for you after you have made the purchase. Beware of anyone advertising a product for less than any other online store; there are rules regulating pricing. Stay away from stores that advertise for less than the others, shady business practices usually mean dishonest deals. Freebies are nice to receive but don’t choose a retailer based on the freebies alone. Freebies such as coffee, entry level frothing pitchers and thermometers are not enough to replace reliable business practices. If you are embarrassed to ask for price matching, send an inquiry and any other request in an email. These seldom talked about tips are guaranteed to save you time, frustration and some money.