Espresso Machine Review

Continuing our machine reviews from PODcast Issue #24, we have a couple more machines to talk about. As before, I cannot claim experience with all of the machines listed here. Some of them I have used and owned, and others I mention based on design, and some on second-hand information. Some brands will have much better support and service if something should go wrong or wear out. Be sure to enquire about warranty period and coverage, parts availability, and labor support. I do not recommend purchasing espresso machines from companies that sell a wide variety of products or don't know all about the machines they are selling. Caveat emptor!

I classify machines into three categories: pod-only, pod-ready, and pod-capable. Pod-only machines are in general the best, as they are fully optimized for pod use. There is little to go wrong here. If you never plan to go the traditional grind-and-tamp route, these are your best bet for making espresso from pods. Pod-ready machines can also use ground coffee but the machine has been designed or factory-adapted for use with pods. These have the potential of making excellent pod-espresso, but by definition are not fully optimized for pod use. Pod-capable machines are pretty much everything else — You can put an espresso pod in any espresso machine that I am aware of, but the results may vary dramatically. Sometimes the single-shot filter basket will work well, but more often you need a special filter basket to properly hold the pod, and even then, one often gets poor results. The main problem is leakage around the pod, resulting in watery espresso. Perhaps it goes without saying, but I will not be recommending or listing any pod-capable machines.
 

Alma Hi-Tech
Pointed out by one of our customers, the Hi-Tech Espresso Machine by Alma is an unusual design. The "portafilter" is on top of the machine and upside down. The water goes through the pod from bottom to top and then out the spout. The pod is placed on the shower screen upside-down. It is a pod-only machine, and as such is optimized for pods. This machine is also sold as the Astoria Prima. Long ago I evaluated the Prima for sale, but decided against selling it as the drip tray was way too small. The Alma addresses this limitation with a much larger drip tray. Otherwise it appears to be the same machine. The body is made of rugged cast aluminum and the machine is quite heavy. It comes with a frothed milk dispenser known as a "cappuccinatore". This device pulls milk up a flexible tube and froths it with the output of the steam boiler. The system works very well. The only drawback is that it must be cleaned daily for health safety reasons. If you buy a machine with a cappuccinatore for the office be sure to have someone assigned to this duty.

Please follow this Google Search for product listings of the Alma Hi-Tech and the Astoria Prima.
 

Nuova Simonelli Jazz
The Jazz, by Nuova Simonelli is another pod-only machine. You open the sliding door on the left side, insert the pod, and slide the door shut. The machine uses pressure from its water pump to hydraulically clamp the pod — you don't have to tighten a handle or pull any lever. It is designed for office environments and can be ordered with a Smart Card that allows only card-holders to use the machine. Jazz is available in two versions: Basic and Plus. The Basic model only makes espresso. The Plus model also has a boiler for steam and hot water. Both models use a thermoblock to heat the water for coffee. You can adjust the brew temperature from 86 to 92 deg C in 2 degree increments on the Basic, and in 1 degree increments on the Plus. Both models have a large 2 liter water tank. I have not used this machine but it is recommended to me by one of our suppliers. It looks like a great machine.

Note: My research on the web showed widely varying prices for this machine. I assume the high price listings are for the Plus and the low priced ones are the Basic, but this isn't clear in the listings. Please be careful of this when shopping for this machine.

Please follow this Google Search for product listings of the Nuova Simonelli Jazz.