Are domestic espresso (Italian-style coffee) machines strictly for the free-spending connoisseurs? Some coffeemakers are by no means inexpensive.
But a Consumer Council test, in association with the International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT), has produced some very interesting results that promise to suit both your pocket and taste in order to enjoy gourmet coffee at home.
Included in the test report in CHOICE were nine espresso machines ranging in price from $1,298 to just under $8,900.
Despite the substantial price range, the test showed that the more highly priced models do not necessarily hold a monopoly on best performance.
In fact, the cheapest in the test, at a modest $1,298, was among the best overall score. And so was one other priced at $2,650.
Together they shared the top rating (4 out of a 5-point rating) in overall score with the three automatic models in the high price range of $5,998 to $8,888.
The overall score was based on a stringent combination of factors: time to brew first two cups (5%), coffee temperature (15%), taste evaluation (25%), uneven fill of two cups (5%), milk frothing (5%), ease of use (30%), energy consumption (10%), thermal safety (5%).
In the test, a panel of experts evaluated the quality of the espresso each machine produced. They judged the colour and thickness of the crema (the velvety thick reddish brown froth on the top of the coffee), the aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and aftertaste.
The verdict: they varied quite a bit in taste evaluation ranging in score from 4 to 21/2 point rating. Two samples, one automatic ($5,998) and one basic ($2,650), scored 4 points while four others, all basic (in the $1,500 to $3,000 price range), were rated at 21/2 points.
On ease of use (which included assessment of how easy the tank is to fill and the water level to see, the coffee basket to fill and the milk to froth; also of how easy the machine is to clean and to use), the variations in rating ranged within a margin of 4 to 3 points.
In general, domestic espresso machines are low energy consumption appliances. One model, however, has a standby mode, allowing it to operate all day long ready to serve a cup of coffee in a matter of seconds.
But a word of advice to the energy conscious, this additional function is not energy efficient and, in any case, the preheating time of all samples as measured in this test took merely a minute or two.
To some extent, coffee quality depends as much, if not more, on the beans and brewing skill as on the machine. Included as part of the test report are useful tips in espresso brewing for the reference of consumers.
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