Want Espresso? Make It With A Real Italian Espresso Machine!
Italy and coffee have a history that goes back centuries. The very popular Italian Espresso had it's origins in Milan, Italy. How would you like to brew espresso in your own home? You can with an Italian espresso machine.
Italian espresso is brewed in a much different fashion then drip brewed coffee. An Italian espresso machine forces very hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. This brewing technique creates a coffee that is thicker than drip coffee. Those who consider themselves espresso aficionados insist that properly made espresso must have three components, the heart, the body, and the foam. Espresso is extremely intense in flavor.
So you want a home Italian espresso machine? There are many different brands to choose from including La Pavoni, Alessi, Gaggia, Vittoria Express, and Saeco. How serious are you about your espresso? Take a look at the range of machines from La Pavoni. La Pavoni has a "Domestic Line" of Italian espresso machines designed for home use. These are beautiful and functional lever and pump models. None of these units is cheap, they run from several hundred dollars upwards to $1300 but they are works of art and made to last.
Another serious brand of Italian espresso makers comes from Elektra. These espresso makers, like the ones offered from La Pavoni are romantic in style and undeniably Italian. They could have come straight out of a small Italian coffee shop. The Elektra Italian espresso makers are also lever models. They are offered in chrome and brass and copper and brass. There are many different styles in their Family Retro collection. They very aptly describe these espresso makers as design object. These stylish Italian espresso coffee makers run from $1000 to around $1600 depending on the model you choose. FrancisFrancis has a range of more modern looking espresso makers. These sleek reliable offerings from FrancisFrancis will run you around $400. The FrancisFrancis brand uses an E.S.E. or Easy Serving Espresso single portion which is roasted coffee compacted between filter paper. The recommend using Illy espresso. The FF! Classic models come in a wide range of "jelly bean" colors of yellow, orange, red, blue, black and white. Another Italian espresso machine maker who offers bright colors and a retro look is Ascaso with their Dream Versatile Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. This machine is actually made in Spain and works with the same E.S.E. coffee pods that the FrancisFrancis does. Other makers of Italian espresso machines are Bennoti, Nespresso and Keurig.
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