| If you know a self proclaimed coffee connoisseur, | | | | possible. A macchiato is created by topping a shot |
| they will be the first to explain the differences | | | | of espresso with a couple tablespoons of |
| between a cup of coffee and a shot of espresso. | | | | steamed milk froth. A latte is created in a similar |
| Espresso is a frothy, much stronger and highly | | | | fashion to the cappuccino, except the froth is |
| concentrated beverage. An espresso coffee | | | | spooned on top to a depth of one quarter inch. |
| maker works by forcing highly pressurized water | | | | The possibilities really are endless for the |
| through small tubes and very finely ground coffee. | | | | wonderful beverages you can make with an |
| This pressure is generated by heating water in a | | | | espresso coffee maker. |
| very small area by either a pump or steam. | | | | The price range of espresso coffee makers |
| Most of the home espresso coffee makers use | | | | covers a very large range. Some simple home |
| steam and most commercial espresso coffee | | | | machines can be purchased for twenty dollars |
| makers use pumps. The commercial grade | | | | when found on sale at a local department store, |
| machines with pumps usually brew a better cup | | | | while high end models that employ a pressure |
| of espresso as they output a more regulated | | | | pump can sell for over one thousand dollars. The |
| pressure at an optimal temperature. | | | | difference between the low end models and the |
| If you want to brew espresso at home, you will | | | | high end models is the different ways of creating |
| need to get an espresso coffee maker. These will | | | | pressure and the extent to which it is created. |
| brew espresso quickly and easily. Because most | | | | The pressure created by an espresso coffee |
| home espresso brewers employ the steam | | | | machine is measured in bars which is the |
| method, they also have a steam release valve | | | | equivalent of a kilogram per square centimeter. |
| that can be used for steaming milk to make a | | | | To create a healthy froth that will maintain |
| variety of coffee related drinks. For example, you | | | | throughout the duration of a beverage, an |
| can mix a shot of espresso with six ounces of | | | | espresso coffee maker must use at least seven |
| steamed milk (froth and all) to create a real, | | | | bars of pressure. Most high end models are |
| authentic cappuccino. This cappuccino, while not | | | | capable of over fifteen bars of pressure! |
| the flavored, sugary version found at gas | | | | If you want to enjoy wonderful espresso and |
| stations, is exactly what the Italians drink in their | | | | steamed milk beverages, you can buy a cheap |
| beautiful coffee shops. | | | | espresso coffee maker at your local department |
| With an espresso maker, any beverage is | | | | store. |