Why Are Cheap Espresso Machines Bad?
When it comes to finding a suitable espresso machine, whether for your home or a business, it’s always better to opt for a high-level unit.
Because while you’ll come across plenty of cheap alternatives, you’ll find that they come with strings attached.
In other words…
The cheaper the price, the cheaper the material.
And with espresso machines, that usually means terrible quality coffee.
And as you keep reading/scanning this article…
You’ll quickly realize why it makes more financial sense to skip buying a low-priced espresso maker and invest in a more expensive model instead.
Before we go any further though…
Does The Quality Of An Espresso Machine Really Matter?
In a nutshell, yes.
The quality of the machine matters because of the many components that make one up.
Think about it this way:
If you’re ordering tap water from a restaurant, you wouldn’t drink a glass that has murky or discolored water, right?
In fact, you probably wouldn’t dine at that restaurant again.
The same goes for your espresso.
Although you can’t see the difference (since the coffee disguises any potential hazards), poor-quality, cheap espresso machines can be bad for you.
For instance, bacteria may accumulate in your machine and thus filter into your coffee.
Also, high pressure and constant use can erode the materials, thus changing the taste of your coffee and even poisoning you if you’re not too careful.
High-end espresso machines, on the other hand, offer better stability, more consistency in temperature, and a wider range of features that help you to pull a great shot of espresso.
Alright, with that said, let’s dive into the meat and potatoes of this post…
Why Are Cheap Espresso Machines Bad?
One of the main reasons why cheap espresso makers should be avoided is that the machine’s functions may not always be consistent.
If you’re looking to make good-quality coffee, you’re definitely going to need consistency, not only in the beans and grind but in the espresso machine itself.
And the results you get with a cheap espresso machine can be very unreliable at best because the temperatures and pressures just aren’t stable.
In order to get an amazing shot from an espresso machine, every time you pull one, both the pressure and the temperature have got to be consistent.
Otherwise, you’ll end up with a shot that’s either too bitter or too light.
Furthermore, inexpensive espresso machines are usually made with basic components and the most basic materials.
Simply put:
They are not built to last, nor are they ideal for constant use.
Even neglecting your espresso machine can affect it.
For example, suppose you use it after a long period of neglect.
In that case, the sudden pressure could corrupt some of the vital elements inside, or the mold that’s built up from leftover coffee grounds in the espresso basket could grow in the machine without you knowing.
Also, compared to their more expensive counterparts, lesser-priced models don’t offer much in the way of convenience.
Due to these reasons, cheap espresso machines are not highly recommended by many baristas or coffee aficionados.
Can You Make Good Espresso With A Cheap Machine?
The general consensus is a big fat NO. You cannot get a good espresso with a cheap machine because the functions in these machines are neither stable nor reliable. This, in turn, results in inconsistent and often times, poor-quality coffee.
Having said that…
You might be able to get a SINGLE good shot…
…IF you experiment a LOT and *meticulously* follow a process that ensures the machine maintains the right temperature + pressure throughout the espresso-making cycle.
Delay a step or miss it altogether and your espresso would either be burnt or weak and watery.
You’ll also need to find good and fresh (emphasis on fresh) beans for your machine.
Even if it cranks out espressos that range from extremely bitter to extremely sour, if you play about with your grinder settings, along with the machine’s settings, you might just be able to get a drinkable shot.
It’ll by no means be the best shot you’ve tasted in your life, and it may not be viable for a neat espresso, but you may eventually find yourself with a good enough shot for a latte or a cappuccino.
My advice?
If you’re keen on getting your daily espresso fix, you’d be better off investing in a better, more expensive option.
In Conclusion – Are Cheap Espresso Machines Worth It Or Are They Just A Waste Of Time?
If you’re new to the world of coffee, a cheap espresso machine can be a good way to familiarize yourself with the art of espresso making.
Also, if you’re only planning on drinking espresso occasionally, it might be worth getting a fairly inexpensive model.
It’ll have you experimenting with the pressure gauges and the temperatures.
What’s more…
It’ll help you understand what it means to have the right grounds, the right beans, and the right water quality, so you’re better prepared to handle things when and if you decide to upgrade to a high-end unit.
On the other hand…
If you consider yourself to be a coffee aficionado or you’re someone that’s serious about coffee and plans on drinking espresso on a daily basis…
…a cheap espresso machine is only going to be a giant waste of time.
You’ll have to spend way too much time experimenting to get great-tasting espresso, and chances are you’ll end up being tired and frustrated.
After all, you just want to pull the best shot you’ve ever had in your life, right?
So why waste valuable hours experimenting with a machine that’ll only grind out barely palatable shots?
But let’s face it:
Not all of us can (or are ready to) splash thousands of dollars on a top-notch unit.
What’s the next best solution then?
Well, a good option in this scenario would be to check out machines that are just above the cheapest price points.
Sure, they may not be made from world-class materials, but they’re more consistent and stable.
And unlike the cheaper stuff, you don’t have to worry about the pressure gauges or the temperature.
You can set your machine once and churn out as many shots as you need without having to monitor whether it still works or not.
