Is An Espresso Machine Worth It?

When you boil things down (pun intended), whether or not an espresso machine is worthwhile depends on you. 

Some view coffee as a rare treat, drinking it once or twice a month. For others it's a lifestyle and a morning (or evening) ritual. Espresso machines have a slew of wonderful benefits that could soon become addicting, especially if you want to become a homebrewer. 

Is An Espresso Machine Worth It?

Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick answer to your question:

A home espresso machine is worth it if you want to save money on monthly coffee, are tired of commuting to cafes, or want to sharpen your barista skills. Making coffee at home is also a very relaxing endeavor! 

A home espresso machine is not an ideal investment if you’re on a tight budget or drink coffee occasionally. 

Continue reading below to learn the positives and negatives of investing in an espresso machine for your home. 

Does An Espresso Machine Save You Money?

This is a popular reason to buy an espresso machine. If you find yourself regularly visiting cafes for your morning (and afternoon) latte, you’ve felt the sting of a high coffee budget.

Whether or not you’ll save money with your espresso machine depends on two factors: the price of the machine and how much you spend on coffee per month. For example, let’s say your espresso machine costs $500. If you purchase $50 worth of coffee per month and another $10 for milk and sugar, that would add up to $560. 

If you spend $40 per week on cafe drinks, that adds up to around $160 per month. It would then take you three and a half months before you’d break even on your spending habits. After that, you’d only spend $60 per month on your coffee habits. Not bad, right? 

Obviously this will differ from person-to-person, but it’s perfectly reasonable to seek out an espresso machine to save money (and time) in the long-term. 

Read Next: Best Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

What Are The Benefits Of An Espresso Machine?

There are a slew of reasons to buy a home espresso machine, due in no small part to their convenience. No more shoving yourself into a crowded line for a latte: just brew from your kitchen! 

Access to Espresso-Based Drinks Anytime

Don’t wait until your cafe is open to enjoy a creamy latte or fluffy cappuccino. An espresso machine on your kitchen counter is easily accessible.

Homebrewing Is Relaxing And Fulfilling

Part of what makes coffee so enjoyable is the process of making it. A single cup of coffee could involve pouring, grinding, tamping, brewing, and steaming. It’s an art form and one that many homebrewers find very relaxing.

Improve Your Brewing Skills

Do you want to see just how complex coffee can get? Are you a barista-in-training? Having a home espresso machine on hand frees you up for all kinds of experimentation. 

What Are The Downsides To An Espresso Machine?

If only there was a flawless way to make coffee! Even the best espresso machine will come with a few caveats. 

Price Point

Espresso machines, on average, are more expensive than other brewing methods. This is due to their complex machinery and ability to provide advanced pressure and steam to your ground coffee. 

Low price points for espresso machines start at a few hundred dollars to just under a thousand, such as the La Pavoni Europiccola Home Single Cup Espresso Machine EPBB-8. A pour over or a French Press, to compare, can range from $30 to $50. 

Also See: Why Do Espresso Machines Have Two Spouts?

More Maintenance

Do you like your coffee to be as hands-off as possible? The espresso machine might not be an attractive prospect. They require a little more maintenance than a coffee maker or a Moka pot.

Espresso machines need to have their gaskets cleared out, steam wands cleaned, and portafilters rinsed. On the plus side, espresso machines today usually come with self-cleaning protocols that are activated with a button press.

Learning Curve

Espresso machines aren’t as straightforward as a pour over. The amount of buttons and gauges can be intimidating for a beginner. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t learn! Espresso machines come with manuals to get you comfortable with its settings. You can also check out our YouTube channel for how-to guides on using espresso machines, latte techniques, and more.

See Next: How Many Oz Are in a Shot of Espresso?

Do You Really Need An Expensive Espresso Machine?

This all comes down to preference. While pricier does not always equal better (just look at name brand cereal), sometimes it is indicative of quality.

More costly espresso machines earn their reputation through higher-grade materials that last a long time. They also tend to come with features that literally squeeze out more flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds. High pressure bars, pre-wetting features, and fast extraction times are just a few of the ways you can transform your coffee into something truly delightful.

Can You Make Good Espresso With a Cheap Machine?

Defining ‘good espresso’ looks different from person-to-person. Some are perfectly happy with a simple latte, while others want a more flavorful and subtle experience.

Cheap espresso machines tend to have less pressure, which doesn’t quite capture all the possible flavor chemicals. However, it is still possible to create a strong cup as long as you use fresh beans and a proper espresso grind.

Should I Get An Espresso Machine Or a Coffee Maker?

What kind of coffee do you like to drink? If you’re in love with lattes and cappuccinos, the espresso machine should be your first pick. If you prefer black coffee or cafe au laits, the coffee maker is well-suited to your needs. 

Wrap Up

A home espresso machine is a hefty investment. For the practicing homebrewer or the passionate barista-in-training, it’s more than worth it.

Not sure which home espresso machine to invest in? Contact us at our live chat or send us a message with your questions and concerns: we’ll get you on the right track!