Facts About Home Espresso Machines, Grinders, and More

Definition of Espresso:
Coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans.

The definition of espresso mentioned above is from Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The definition is short and to the point yet extremely lacking in any real concept of espresso, espresso machines, grinders, the importance of quality machines, and cleanup in addition to needed accessories in order to create espresso coffee.

Espresso coffee began in Italy. It is a rich, strong, yet full flavored coffee that when properly created will stay with any espresso lover for many years to come. It is the reason many espresso machine companies are working diligently to create the best home espresso machines. The split in manufacturer designs are the result of consumers desiring the ability to create espresso concoctions such as those created at coffee houses across the country as well as consumers who prefer the quick and simple approach. The latter does provide speed and ease of use yet does little to retain the coffee house flavor. Consumers at odds over espresso generally fall into the category that defines what makes espresso the best. It falls into the classes of equipment, water quality, bean quality, and barista. The answer to this question comes from the Italians; they know coffee the most intimately.

Italians teach us there are four primary resolutions to creating the best espresso cup. The creation of the best espresso comes down to the "4-M's":

La Macchina (The Machine or Espresso-Making Equipment)
La Miscela (The Blend of Coffee)
La Macinadostore (The Grind and Dose)
La Mano (The barista or Coffee-Maker otherwise known as the Operator)