This section is to help those of you who are seeking the right espresso machine for home or
          office use. Perhaps you already own an espresso machine and you are completely happy with it or
          perhaps you are upgrading to a new model, or maybe you are tired, confused, and don't know what
          espresso machine to buy! If you fall into one of these categories and want to learn more, then read on.

          What this guide will do for you...
          This guide was written with the thought of helping to clear up many misconceptions, mysteries, or
          confusion brought on by all the hype concerning home and office espresso machines.

          We are confident at this point that you have been searching the Internet for the best espresso machine
          and perhaps you may be overwhelmed by the vast number of choices. Since we sell espresso
          machines, it is very important to us to help you better understand the different types of machines and to
          clear up any myths about home or office espresso makers.

          Buying an espresso machine should not taken lightly. Great espresso is an art and takes a lot of
          practice. Once you have learned how to make true espresso (described below), you will probably
          never drink any other coffee again. However, practice alone may not be enough if you aren't using the
          right espresso machine to start with. We offer espresso machines that cost little and a few that cost a
          lot. No matter what the price is, you can be sure you are getting a good espresso machine for the
          money. We have chosen what we feel are some of the best espresso machines on the market and
          placed them here in our web site. If an espresso machine isn't good enough to sell here, we won't sell it
          because we don't want the problems that come with selling poor quality merchandise.

          It is not hard to find a so called "espresso machine" at a department store that costs $39 -$75 dollars.
          Watch out! You are probably not getting a true espresso machine because at that price you are
          probably not going to get the components needed to brew espresso correctly. If you want the kind of
          espresso drinks like those found at the coffee bar, then you need to invest wisely in a quality home
          espresso machine. You need to purchase a pump driven model only... no exceptions! Otherwise you
          are wasting your time and money. Please keep in mind that great espresso cannot be made by a
          "cheap" espresso machine. If you are not using a quality espresso machine, you are only going to have
          bad tasting and bitter coffee! So... lets proceed with some questions and see what this whole espresso
          thing is about.

          Aren't all espresso machines pump driven?
          No, no they are not. Many of the espresso machines commonly found at retail stores are steam
          driven and generally sell for $60.00 or less. Although these machines offer an attractive alternative to
          costly coffee shop visits, they do not provide the same quality of espresso beverages. For some
          reason, many retailers haven't been offering pump driven espresso machines opting instead for the
          lower quality and less expensive steam models. Unfortunately, many consumers have been cheated out
          of knowing that a better espresso machine exists with a pump machine.

          Why should I buy a pump driven espresso machine instead of a steam powered espresso
          machine? Is there a difference?
          Steam driven machines generally exert only 3 atmospheres (bars) of (44 pounds) pressure, which is
          produced by simply heating the water in a boiler. Most steam driven machines produce temperatures
          to hot for quality espresso brewing; the result can be a scalded coffee, a bitter tasting drink and the
          absence of fine crema. While there have been improvements made to steam machines, the espresso
          they make is still not as intense in flavor and aroma as that made by pump machines. Steam driven
          machines also are less convenient because they require the user to pour water into a tank (boiler),
          screw a cap on, and wait for it to heat up. If you need to add more water to the machine, you must
          wait for it to cool down before unscrewing the lid otherwise it may cause serious burns.

          Low cost steam driven "espresso makers" produce bad tasting coffee that has no resemblance to fine
          espresso. It is no wonder they often end up in the appliance graveyard in your kitchen net to the
          vegetmatic.

          Pump driven machines on the other hand produce the café quality espresso consumers are seeking,
          offering a higher brewing pressure, better regulated temperature, instant repeat of a brewing cycle. All
          commercial espresso machines found in your local coffee bar are pump driven. If you have been using
          a steam model and could not reproduce the coffee you were getting from your coffee bar, now you
          know why!

          While 9 bars (127 pounds) of pressure is the minimum amount of pressure desired to produce a
          quality drink, most home pump machines can produce anywhere from 9 to 18 bars (265 pounds) of
          pressure.

          When referring to pump pressure, what is meant by bars, i.e. a 15 bar pump?
          Pressure produced by any pump, including those found inside of pump driven espresso machines, is
          given a value or strength. This value is called a "bar." One bar is equal to .99 atmospheres. One
          atmosphere is equal to 14.72 lbs. per square inch and is the pressure exerted by the earth's
          atmosphere or air around you at sea level. When you are standing at sea level, the pressure of the
          earth's atmosphere is exerting nearly 15 pounds per square inch against your body.

          In order for good espresso to be produced from a pump driven espresso machine, the pump must be
          able to produce at least 9 bars of pressure. 9-10 bars is preferable. So, good espresso is produced by
          forcing boiling water through the portafilter at 9-10 bars or nearly 9-10 atmospheres.

          I see so many espresso machines that advertise that they are able to produce pump
          pressures of 15, 16, 18, and 19 bars. Are they better and will they produce better espresso
          than those of lower pressures?
          The answer is no. As described above, it is only necessary to have about 9-10 bars of pump pressure
          to produce good espresso. In fact, a commercial espresso machine is usually set at 9-10 bars of
          pressure and kept there constantly.

          The fact that many manufactures advertise that their machine is capable of producing high pump
          pressures is not an indication of the quality of the espresso or the strength of their machine. A
          commercial espresso machine uses a rotary or centrifugal pump that spins to produce pressure. Rotary
          pumps can be controlled and their pressures can be maintained.

          Home espresso machines typically have a reciprocating pump. This type of pump has a piston inside
          that moves back and forth (reciprocating), that produces pressure. As the piston moves down, it draws
          water in from the tank. As the piston moves up, it forces water into the boiler and this process repeats
          itself at fast rate giving the pump the characteristic humming noise.

          The pressure ratings on these units pertain to the maximum pressure or bars the espresso machine is
          able to produce, not what it will actually brew the espresso at. Reciprocating pumps produce more
          pressure over time up to their maximum of 15, 16, 18, or 19 bars. The pressure rating in bars is the
          maximum amount the pump is capable producing.

          It isn't that important to buy an espresso machine with the most powerful pump. Nearly all home and
          office pump driven espresso machines provide more than enough pressure to produce fine espresso
          including all of the espresso machines we offer.

          What does the pump inside of an espresso machine do exactly?
          The water pump inside an espresso machine is responsible for taking water from the water tank and
          sending it through the boiler where it is heated, then it is sent through the coffee grounds. The pump
          turns on when the brew switch is activated by you. During the brewing process the pump will draw
          water from the water tank and force it into the boiler where it is rapidly heated. The water enters the
          boiler cold and comes out the other side at near boiling temperatures. Then it passes through the coffee
          grounds into your espresso cup. It will continue this process until you turn off the brew switch thus
          turning off the pump. Water will not flow through the boiler until the brew switch is turned back on.
          When the pump is turned off, the water that was in the boiler stays there for future use. What about
          priming the pump? When the espresso machine is first used, it has to be "primed". Before the pump can
          move water, all of the air that is inside the pump must be removed before it can create a suction in
          order for it to draw water from the tank. Once the pump is primed it should stay primed unless the tank
          is pumped dry (you run out of water in the tank while the pump is running), and air is sucked into the
          pump, or if you haven't used the espresso machine for some time. A pump will sometimes lose its
          "prime" when an air bubble gets sucked into the pump (rare if the tank always has water in it). Our
          espresso machines are either self priming or prime by performing a simple procedure. On most
          machines this simply entails turning on the brew switch which activates the pump. The pump will begin
          to draw water out of the tank. Once the air in the pump has been displaced by water it is then primed
          and ready for brewing.

          Does the amount of pump pressure determine how well the machine will produce milk froth
          (foam) or steamed milk?
          The amount of pump pressure has no affect on how well your espresso/cappuccino machine will
          produce steamed milk or foam. The pump does not operate while you are using the steam wand on the
          espresso machine. In a pump driven espresso machine the steam is produced when water is super
          heated in the boiler producing extremely hot water vapors that collect at the top of the boiler. When the
          steam knob is opened the steam is released.

          Why are pump driven espresso machines more expensive than steam driven
          espresso machines?
          There are more parts, especially in the pump itself. In addition, a pump machine usually features a
          higher performance boiler. These better components are essential for better tasting espresso, but they
          also increase the price. Other items that make pump driven espresso machines more expensive than
          others are larger boilers, metal bodies, cup warming plates, special colors or finishes, electronic flow
          devices for semi-automatic models, additional accessories, and where it is made.

          I want to purchase an espresso machine, but there seems to be several types. What is the
          difference?
          Conventional Espresso Machines. A conventional espresso machine has a tank, pump, boiler, and filter
          holder. These types of machines require the use of pre-ground coffee (unless you use espresso pods),
          place it into the filter holder, tamp it, and then brew your espresso. After that, you must rinse out the
          filter holder and wipe up the mess. Conventional pump driven espresso machines normally cost
          between $99 and $500. Most consumers purchase this type because they are less expensive than
          automatic machines and allow more control over the brewing process. Advantages: lower cost, more
          control over brewing process. Disadvantage: Messy, you may need a coffee bean grinder, lacks
          conveniences of automatic espresso machines.

          What is a portafilter, coffee handle, or filter holder?
          This is the device that the espresso grounds are placed into for brewing. It's used on
          conventional espresso machines and may be better known as a filter holder. The filter
          holder, portafilter, or coffee handle are all the same thing. It is the device that holds
          the filter basket which the actual coffee grounds are placed into.

          You sell "espresso pod ready" espresso machines. What is an espresso pod?
          Espresso pods are pre-measured, pre-packaged single servings of ground espresso coffee that are
          placed into a coffee filter instead of using the more traditional regular ground coffee. Commonly known
          as ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods, these single serving units offer convenience, taste, and little or
          no mess. Instead of having to grind your coffee before brewing your espresso, simply place the E.S.E.
          pod into the coffee handle, start the brew process and then remove the pod to discard when finished!
          We
          sell these ESE pods for use in several espresso machines.

          What is meant by "semi-commercial" construction in regards to espresso machines?
          Semi commercial simply means that the machine is ruggedly constructed using components or
          technology commonly found in commercial espresso machines seen at
          your local espresso bar. Common upgrades are the pump, the boiler, and housing (heavy duty ABS
          plastic or metal). "Semi-commercial" does not necessarily mean the
          machine can be used in a coffee bar, it means that the machine will last longer and survive heavier than
          average use at home. A semi-commercial machine would be well suited in a home with many users, an
          office with a moderate number of users (20-30 per day), or the home espresso enthusiast who needs
          the best!

          What is the significance of a cup warming surface?
          It is generally believed that in order to enjoy excellent tasting espresso, one needs to
          serve the espresso in a cup that has been warmed. Since espresso is often sipped and not rapidly
          consumed, it is important to keep it warm longer. Many espresso machines
          now come with a cup warming surface on top of the machine.

          What is the difference between a plastic housing (ABS), and a metal housing on an espresso
          machine? Does it matter?
          Determining what type of housing your espresso machine has is a matter of taste and
          how much money you want to spend. Many machines often use a plastic housing in order to reduce the
          cost. There is nothing wrong with plastic. It's easier to keep clean,
          it won't scratch easily, become dented and it's lighter. Higher cost machines often use metal housing for
          no particular reason other than looks and offering a bit of durability. When metal is used, it is usually
          polished or is made out stainless steel. In heavier machines, metal is required to bare the weight of the
          machine itself where plastic just wouldn't do.

          Some espresso machines use brass brewing components, while others use stainless steel or
          aluminum. Is there a difference?
          What are the brewing components? These are the parts of the machine that actually handle the water
          and coffee during the brewing process. Water is sucked from the water tank into the boiler where it is
          heated for both brewing coffee and for steaming milk. From the boiler it then flows through a tube into
          the doccia (doccia is an Italian word for shower head or brew head) which is held by the filter holder
          (porta-filter).

          The boiler, tubes, and filter holder are referred to as the brew components. Different manufactures use
          several different materials in the construction of these components. The three most popular are brass,
          stainless steel, and aluminum. Each type of material is certainly adequate to do the job.

          Brass components appear to be the most popular among consumers who care what their machine is
          made out of. They are heavy and retain heat well. Stainless steel would probably be the next choice of
          materials followed by aluminum. Stainless steel itself is very durable, resists corrosion, and conducts
          heat well making a good choice for brewing components.

          Most pump driven espresso machines use tubes to connect the pump to the boiler. These components
          often are made of copper or stainless steel.

          Is the wattage important when considering what machine I should buy?
          Wattage is a rating of how much electrical power is produced by the espresso machine's electrical
          (heating coils) power supply. It is generally thought that more wattage means better performance and
          endurance of the machine. This is partly true. Higher wattage may give the boiler more power or speed
          to heat when it comes time to steam milk or brew coffee. But the endurance of the boiler (or its ability
          to produce lots of steam) also depends on its capacity to hold water. More water capacity means
          more hot water for brewing and steaming. This concept also applies to the hot water heater in your
          home. Small hot water heaters have a limited capacity to hold water. Thus your hot shower may be cut
          short because the water starts coming out cold because there is no hot water left. Larger boilers are
          usually found on more expensive espresso machines.

          Steam is produced when the water in the boiler is heated well above boiling. The amount of steam that
          collects in the boiler is dependent on the amount of water the boiler can hold. More water means more
          steam. In this case wattage would have little to do with steam endurance.

          The manufacturer may require more wattage from an espresso machine if it has a built-in grinder or a
          second boiler. In most cases you don't have to be concerned with the wattage because the
          manufacturer will usually install a power supply capable of getting the job done. You should be more
          concerned with the size of the boiler. Again more expensive models will provide better performance because they
          often come with larger boilers.

          What is meant by "recovery time" concerning an espresso machine?
          The recovery time refers to the period of time it takes the espresso machine to reach operating
          temperature after brewing or steaming. Some lower cost espresso machines will not be able to maintain
          "optimum" temperature during brewing and steaming operations. Most espresso machines have an
          indicator light that tells you when the machine is at the correct operating temperature for brewing or
          steaming. When this light goes out, the boiler isn't at the optimum temperature. However, this does not
          mean that your espresso isn't going to taste good. It simply means the temperature of the boiler has
          fallen below the thermostat setting and that the heating element is working to bring the temperature up.
          It is not uncommon to see the temperature light go out or turn red shortly after you begin to brew or
          steam. More expensive machines are capable of almost immediate recovery times (because of large
          boilers) while less expensive models may require up to 45 seconds.