Every loyal coffee fan wants, sooner or later, to buy the best manual espresso makers, also known as arm coffee makers. The reason is clear, with dedication you can make espressos with excellent flavor and aroma, controlling every step of the extraction process.
These machines have been and continue to be the queens of the market, and they show no signs of decay. The big drawback, or not, when buying one is that there are countless brands and models available on the market, and there are several aspects that you will have to take into account.
In this article, I present the 4 most representative manual espresso machines on the current scene and I give you the main keys to making the right decision.
What Is The Best Espresso Maker For Home Use?
- Delonghi EC685.M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine | Best Manual Espresso Machine
- KRUPS XP344C51 Professional Coffee Maker | Best Espresso Machine
- Gaggia Carezza De LUXE Espresso Machine | Espresso Machine Manual
- Smeg Espresso Machine | Flair Manual Espresso
1. Delonghi EC685.M DEDICA Pump Espresso Machine
Description
The number one manual espresso machine is the Delonghi Dedica EC685. It stands out for its striking design, in the shape of a tower, and for its narrow dimensions, only 15 cm wide. Its excellent value for money has become one of the best-selling options and better value.
It should be noted its great versatility since it is compatible with ground coffee and ESE single-dose. Among its components, it has an adjustable vaporizer tube to froth the milk, a spoon to measure and press the ground coffee, and in the upper part, a cup warming tray.
The easily removable water tank has a capacity of 1 liter. It uses the Thermoblock system to heat the water, which guarantees that your machine is ready in a few seconds.
- Its value for money.
- Its compact and elegant design.
- Manufacturing materials, stainless steel.
- Be able to use ground coffee and ESE pods.
- The space between the nozzle and the tray could be larger.
- Its small size sometimes creates a feeling of instability.
2. KRUPS XP344C51 Professional Coffee Maker
Description
Now it is the turn of the Krups Calvi Meca XP344C51. It is a mid-range machine, with elegant and refined lines, made of stainless steel materials. In addition, we have to highlight its compact design, it is only 14 cm wide.
This model comes equipped with two steel filters and includes a steam nozzle with which you can prepare a delicious milk foam for your cappuccinos. Another feature is that you have the possibility of regulating the extraction temperature of your coffee with a single control.
The removable water tank has a capacity of 1.1 liters and is located at the rear of the machine. It should be mentioned that it uses the usual Thermoblock system, through which ultra-fast heating of the water is achieved.
- Its small size.
- Finishes in stainless steel.
- Its easy operation.
- Su sistema Thermoblock.
- The water tank is not too big.
- It costs to place two cups on the tray.
3. Gaggia Carezza De LUXE Espresso Machine
Description
Sticking with the list, the Gaggia Carezza is a high-end manual espresso machine. Its look with retro or vintage design will not leave you indifferent. Also, its control panel has an analog dial and a temperature indicator.
With this model of machine, you will be able to indulge yourself in drinking ground coffee or ESE single-dose capsules. The water tank has a capacity of 1.4 liters. This, in turn, includes a water filter, which will help decalcifications to be carried out more and more.
No less relevant is that it has an adjustable vaporizer tube, a tray to preheat the cups, a removable anti-drip tray, and, in addition, it has an automatic descaling alarm.
- The retro or vintage exterior look.
- Compatibility with ground coffee and ESE pods.
- That it has a filter for water.
- Automatic descaling alarm.
- Does not include a presser for ground coffee.
- There are models of similar quality at a lower cost.
4. Smeg Espresso Machine
Description
We continue with a high-end manual espresso machine, the Smeg ECF01. The most remarkable thing is its compact and striking design, with a retro or vintage air, which seems to be inspired by the 50s. In addition, it has a wide variety of colors.
Its body is made of stainless steel. Likewise, it incorporates two filters for ground coffee and a third one for ESE pods. Also, you have the possibility to regulate the temperature in each one of your extractions.
Among its accessories, there is a water tank with a capacity of 1 liter. It also has a professional steamer with which to create milk foam, a drip tray, and a descaling notice.
- Its vintage design and range of colors.
- Compatibility with paper pods.
- The descaling notice.
- The stainless steel body.
- Its price is somewhat high.
- The water tank could be bigger.
How To Use An Arm Coffee Maker?
Do you know how to make coffee with a coffee pot the right way? Using the best manual espresso makers is relatively simple, although it requires some skill, and here we summarize it:
Add the ground coffee:
To prepare a good espresso, the ideal dose of coffee is about 7-8 grams. We recommend you buy coffee beans, naturally roasted and of the 100% Arabica variety. The most suitable grind for espresso should be very fine and consistent. Ideally, you should be the one who grinds it yourself, so if we are talking about grinding, you will need a good grinder.
Coffee press:
They incorporate the classic arm where the coffee is introduced and pressed. Once the ground coffee has been introduced into the filter, you must press it in just the right amount. Watch out! If you press it too much, the water will take time to pass, and you will get a fine cream and a burnt coffee. On the contrary, if you squeeze it slightly, you will get a foamy cream and it will come out watery.
The water should be very hot:
You also have to find the right water temperature, for an espresso, it is usually around 60-65 degrees. Don’t be in a hurry! Wait until the machine has heated the water well in the boiler, to do this, let it heat up for a few minutes.
Keep the cups warm:
Look for a machine that has a cup warmer on top so you can preheat the cups. In this way, you ensure that the coffee does not lose temperature when it comes into contact with the cold walls of your cup.
Extraction:
time: Once the previous steps have been completed, you will have everything ready, you just have to press the button to make the coffee. Remember that the optimal extraction time should last between 25-30 seconds, no more and no less.
How To Clean An Arm Coffee Maker At Home?
This is the question that many users usually ask. But don’t worry, cleaning a manual coffee maker is not as difficult as it sounds. Here we are going to tell you how you should do it:
Clean the filter holder after each use: Never neglect the cleaning of the filter holder, as it is an element that is in direct contact with the ground coffee. The most hygienic thing is to rinse it well after using it, dry it, and keep it apart. Do not leave the arm holder in the machine! In this way, when you want to use it again it will be completely dry and clean.
Clean the boiler: Read the instructions for your machine to find out how to remove the heater or at least access it. When you have achieved it, you will have to clean it with a damp cloth or soak it in hot water for a while. The internal conduits through which all the liquids circulate are very thin, in many cases, it is not enough just to rinse them and you will have to use a pin, needle, or similar.
Descaling the machine: The most common is that every two or three months you descale your coffee maker. To do this, you must add a descaling liquid to the filter holder or the water tank and activate the machine. When you have done this, do the same but this time only with water. Repeat this process several times to ensure that no product remains in the ducts.
-Frequently Asked Questions-
How To Use An Arm Coffee Maker?
Do you know how to make coffee with a coffee pot the right way? Using the best manual espresso makers is relatively simple, although it requires some skill, and here we summarize it.
Where Is It Better To Buy A Manual Espresso Machine?
When we talk about online stores, Amazon is the undisputed giant and is already known throughout the world for the advantages it offers. In Amazon, you will find the largest variety of coffee makers and at the best price and, if you are not satisfied, their return policy is the best. It will also be helpful to review the opinions of users who have already purchased the product, there is no better endorsement than that!
