How to pick the perfect espresso machine for your home -- with tips from Paul Berthelsen!
By Home & Decor Team -
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You don’t have to be a finance nerd to know that making your own coffee will cost less than S$1 per cup. But is it really worth trying to replicate the cafe experience at home by buying coffee machines in Singapore?
Only a true coffee expert can demystify espresso machines for us casual drinkers, so we sought the help of Paul Berthelsen, Founder of coffee delivery service Perk Coffee. Here’s what you need to know before splurging on a coffee machine – and how to avoid wasting money when you do.
Types of Consumer Espresso Machines in Singapore
Fully Manual Domestic Machines
Semi Automatic Machines
Super Automatic Machines
Semi Commercial Machines
What It Is
Gives you complete control over the entire brewing process
Automates the temperature and extraction. All you need to do is grind the beans and tamp the espresso.
Creates espresso and specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos at the push of a button. Designed for office use rather than home use.
Has built-in water tanks and sophisticated technology to ensure consistency in temperature and pressure. Produces cafe-quality coffee.
Examples
Saeco Via Venzia or Rancilio Silvia
Breville Infuser or DeLonghi machines
Jura or high-end DeLonghi machines
Rocket Giotto or Simonelli Musica
Price
Less than S$1,000
S$500 – S$1,500
S$1,500 – S$3,000
S$3,000 and above
1. Fully Manual Domestic Machines (Less Than S$1,000)
Also known as lever espresso machines, manual machines give you full control over the entire brewing process, from the heating cycle to tamping the espresso. Unlike their automatic or semi-automatic counterparts, manual espresso machines won’t compensate for your mistakes. You need to know what you’re doing and how to control the variables that go into the brewing process.
“These take time to figure out, but if you’re willing to experiment, manual machines can make great espresso at an affordable price,” Paul explains. “Don’t look at anything other than Italian-made for this category as the Italians have mastered it, just like fast cars.”
Examples: Saeco Via Vanezia or the Rancilio Silvia
2. Semi-Automatic Machines (S$500 – S$1,500)
Most espresso machines marketed to Singaporeans fall under the semi-automatic category. While you still need to grind your beans and tamp them, the machine comes with automated temperature controls and an automated pump. During the extraction process, all you need to do is to decide how long it takes by switching the pump on or off. Some Nespresso machines also fall under this category.
“These machines basically produce espresso at a touch of button but milk is manually frothed. But they don’t make very good quality espresso,” Paul says. “If you’re after convenience, speed and a very average espresso, then this might work for you.”
Examples: Breville Infuser or DeLonghi machines
3. Super-Automatic Machines (S$1,500 – S$3,000)
As the name implies, super-automatic machines take care of every single aspect of the brewing process. Many of these machines even automate milk frothing, and can serve cappuccinos and lattes with a touch of the button.
Paul explains that these are designed for office use, not home use. “For the price you pay, the quality of espresso is lousy, and you’re much better off buying a semi-commercial machine like a Rocket.”
Examples: Jura and high-end DeLonghis
4. Semi-Commercial Machines (S$3,000+)
A semi-commercial device, together with a semi-commercial grinder (which costs around S$600 upwards), brings true espresso excellence to your kitchen.
“My favourite is the Rocket – the Lamborghini of the home espresso world,” Paul says. “It’s got built in water tanks (so no plumbing like your commercial cafe types), awesome design and unique technology that ensures consistent water pressure and temperature. This will give you cafe quality espresso with a bit of practise!”
Examples: Rocket Giotto or Simonelli Musica
The verdict? Manual Espresso Machines Deliver the Most Value For Money.
If you’re after an espresso machine for home use, Paul recommends staying away from the semi- or fully-automatic machines.
“While convenient and pretty cheap, these machines don’t match up in terms of quality – considering you’re going through all that trouble to make espresso at home,” Paul explains. “In this case, I think you’re better off sticking to buying your daily cuppa from your local cafe.”
Truly dedicated espresso drinkers will find manual machines worthwhile, especially if they want to learn how to control every facet of the brewing process.
“In my opinion, the Rancilio Silvia is the best value-for-money machine in terms of quality versus price,” Paul says. “Couple it with a good burr grinder (grinders are a whole other story!), this will set you back about S$1,000 including, the grinder. Anything cheaper, and the trade off in espresso quality is drastic. However, if you’ve got the dosh and the desire, then I’d go the full hog and get that Rocket!”
Espresso machines can be found at appliances stores like Courts and Harvey Norman.
The Rocket and Rancilio machines aren’t typically sold at malls, so Paul recommends going to their agents in Singapore, Papa Palheta and Spinelli Coffee.
“As for other coffee equipment, I’m a fan of Hario grinders,” Paul says. “You can get their equipment direct from their distributor, Heap Seng. Perk Coffee is also launching an online Brew Shop where we intend to sell a range of home brew equipment at very affordable and competitive prices.”
Written by Lauren Dado for Singsaver, an online guide to all things finance.