The best portafilter machines for beginners
The best portafilter machines for beginners
“Do I have to go to an expensive café for a good espresso or cappuccino?”
The answer is definitely not! Already with inexpensive Entry-level portafilter machines (also called espresso machine) can be acceptable results at home.
Contents |
What is a portafilter machine anyway?
A portafilter machine is a special type of coffee machine that allows you to prepare espresso in a customized way. Unlike traditional coffee machines that use coffee pods or capsules, a portafilter machine gives the user complete control over the brewing process. You fill a special portafilter with freshly ground coffee, attach it to the machine, and brew the espresso using hot water pressure. This allows you to customize the amount of coffee, grind strength, brewing time, and water pressure to create the perfect espresso.
What can be prepared with a portafilter machine?
Which hot drinks can actually be prepared with a portafilter machine?
Espresso : As already mentioned at the beginning, you can of course prepare a strong, concentrated coffee – the espresso – with a portafilter machine
Cappuccino : A cappuccino is a popular coffee beverage consisting of espresso, hot milk, and a layer of creamy milk foam. With a portafilter machine, you can prepare the required espresso and then create the milk foam using the built-in steam wand. Mix the two together, and you're done!
Latte Macchiato : Similar to a cappuccino, you can use a portafilter machine to make an espresso and then froth hot milk. However, a latte macchiato uses more milk and less foam. So, you first pour the hot milk into a glass and then carefully pour the espresso over it for a layered effect.
Lungo : A lungo is an espresso brewed with more water to produce a larger coffee with a milder flavor. You can therefore make a lungo by running more water through the coffee grounds than you would for a regular espresso.
However, these were just a few of the most common examples. The world of coffee specialties is, of course, far more diverse.
Which entry-level portafilter machines are available on the market?
Here you can find a few examples of inexpensive portafilter machines.
| type | Delonghi Dedica EC 685 | Krups Virtuoso XP442C | KOENIC KEM 2320 M | WMF Lumero |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 149 € | 135 € | 120 € | 179 € |
| Performance | 1300 W | 1450 W | 1450 W | 1400 W |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar | 20 bar | 15 bar |
| water tank | 1.1 liters | 1.1 liters | 1.2 liters | 1.4 liters |
| material | stainless steel | plastic | plastic | stainless steel |
| Heated cup rest | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cup capacity | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| steam nozzle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The The Delonghi Dedica EC 685 * is a popular entry-level portafilter machine. With 1300 W of power and 15 bar of pump pressure, it can brew a solid espresso. The water tank holds 1.1 liters, and the heated cup rest is a nice touch. The machine is made of stainless steel and has a 2-cup capacity.
The Krups Virtuoso XP442C * is also an entry-level portafilter machine. It has a power output of 1450 watts and a pump pressure of 15 bar. The water tank holds 1.1 liters, and the machine can brew two cups at once. A heated cup rest and steam wand are also included. Compared to other entry-level portafilter machines, the Krups Virtuoso XP442C is somewhat more affordable, making it an attractive option.
The KOENIC KEM 2320 M is an entry-level portafilter machine offered at a very affordable price. With a power output of 1450 watts and a pump pressure of 20 bar, it is capable of preparing a very strong espresso. The water tank has a capacity of 1.2 liters, and the machine can prepare two cups at once. Unlike other entry-level portafilter machines, the KOENIC KEM 2320 M is made of plastic, but this does not affect its performance.
The WMF Lumero * is an entry-level portafilter machine capable of brewing a solid espresso with 1400 W of power and 15 bar pump pressure. The water tank has a capacity of 1.4 liters, and the machine features a heated cup rest. The WMF Lumero is made of stainless steel and can brew two cups at once, making it a great choice for couples or small families.
*Affiliate link
