The number and variety of espresso machines available today can be a little intimidating but it is helpful to remember that there are really only four major types:

Manual

While the oldest style of espresso machine, the manual machine is also by far the most difficult to master as it involves learning how to consistently work a piston that forces water through the coffee grounds. For those who love the ritual of brewing and claim to be espresso purists, a manual espresso machine promises all you want in a single package but of course with an effort.

Semi-automatic

Typically the least expensive of the four types of machines the semi-automatic is probably the most common home espresso machine. The user manually starts the brewing cycle by the on/off switch and stops the process in the similar way when the extraction completes. Semi-automatic machine gives the user a control over the quality of the espresso but do not usually come with a grinder. To develop good froth for cappuccinos and lattes, you use what is called a steam wand.

Fully-automatic

There is not a great difference between fully and semi-automatic machines except for the fact that with a fully automatic espresso machine the user has no control over the extraction process once they have turned the unit on. There is little difference in espresso quality but of course the benefit is that there is very little in the way of skill necessary to operate a fully-automatic machine.

Super-automatic

As the name suggests these machines pretty much take care of everything for you. Jura Capresso makes a number of very popular super-automatic espresso machines such as the Impressa C5 and Impressa J5. The machine will grind the coffee, tamp the ground beans into the filter and extract the concentration to your preset volume. There are usually several controls available to adjust things such as strength and amount brewed. These machines represent the latest in technology but of course they usually carry a price tag to match. The Jura Impressa Z5 sets the benchmark in ultimate super-automatic espresso machines currently on the market.

If you take the time to figure which type of espresso machine you need you should find the whole buying process much easier.