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Så väljer du espressomaskin - Köpguide 2025 - Barista och Espresso

How to choose an espresso machine - Buying guide 2025

Nov 14, 2025

How to choose an espresso machine for home use

Choosing the right espresso machine can be overwhelming. From compact single-boilers to high-end double-boilers, the range is vast, and so is the price range. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect machine for your needs, skill level, and budget.

Types of espresso machines

The first step is to understand the different types of espresso machines and what sets them apart.

All-in-one machines (with built-in grinder)

These machines have a built-in grinder and are perfect for beginners or those with limited space, giving you everything you need in one compact unit.

Advantages: Compact, convenient, often automated features, good for beginners

Disadvantages: Less flexibility, harder to upgrade, the grinder is often not as good as separate ones grinders

Sage Baristaseries is an option in this category, but for best long-term results we recommend investing in a separate machine and grinder.

Manual espresso machines (requires separate grinder)

These machines focus solely on espresso brewing and require you to have a separate grinder, offering more control and better quality.

Advantages: Better espresso quality, more control, can upgrade the grinder separately, lasts longer

Disadvantages: Requires more space, higher initial cost (machine + mill), steeper learning curve

Boiler system: Single vs double boiler

One of the most important choices is between single and double boiler.

Single boiler

A boiler handles both espresso brewing and steam production. You have to switch between the two functions.

Advantages: More affordable, more compact, easier to maintain

Disadvantages: Must wait between espresso and milk frothing, slower workflow

Recommendations for single-cookers:

Budget level:

Middle class:

Premium single-cooker:

Dual Boiler

Two separate boilers - one for espresso, one for steam. You can brew and froth at the same time.

Advantages: Fast workflow, perfect temperature control, ideal for milk drinks

Disadvantages: More expensive, bigger, more to maintain

Recommendations for double boilers:

Middle class:

Enthusiast level:

Premium level:

Heat Exchanger (HX)

A kettle with a heat exchange system that allows you to brew and froth at the same time, but at a lower cost than double kettles.

Advantages: Can brew and froth at the same time, more affordable than double boilers

Disadvantages: Less precise temperature control than double boilers, requires cooling flush

Recommendations:

Important features to consider

PID temperature control

PID provides precise digital temperature control, which is essential for consistent results. Without PID, temperatures can vary by several degrees, dramatically affecting taste.

Recommendation: About Are you serious about your espresso, choose a machine with PID. Torre Rosalina PID, Profitec Pro 400 and RIDE all have excellent PID control.

Pressure profiling

The ability to adjust the pressure during extraction. This is advanced but gives enormous control over the flavor profile.

Machines that Profitec Pro 800 and some Rocketmodels offer pressure profiling.

E61 group head

The E61 is the classic group head design used in most premium home machines. It is thermally stable, reliable and easy to maintain.

Almost everyone Profitec, Rocket and many Torremachines use E61 group heads.

Rotary pump vs vibration pump

Vibration pump: More common in budget machines like Gaggia Classic Pro Evo, noisier but functional

Rotary pump: Quieter, more stable pressure, longer life - standard in Torre, Profitec and Rocket

Budget guide

Budget level - Entry level

In this price range you will find excellent machines for learning the basics.

Best choices:

  • Gaggia Classic Pro Evo - Legendary machine, perfect for beginners
  • Ascaso Dream One - Compact and stylish with good quality
  • Sage Barista Express - Option with built-in grinder (but separate grinder gives better results)

The middle class

This is where you start to get really good espresso quality with professional features.

Best choices:

Enthusiast level

For the serious home barista who wants professional quality.

Best choices:

Premium level

For those who want the absolute best and are willing to invest.

Best choices:

Why choose Torre?

Torre is an Italian manufacturer that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Their machines are built to last for decades and offer exceptional value. From the entry-level machine Luigino to the commercial Rosalina PID, is there a Torre-machine for each level.

What do you need besides the machine?

Remember, an espresso machine is just part of the equation. You will also need:

  • Coffee grinder: The most important investment! See our guide to coffee grinders
  • Tamper: For even compression of the coffee
  • Milk jug: About you make milk drinks
  • Wave: For precise dosing
  • Cleaning products: To keep the machine in top condition

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying too big a machine: A double boiler is great, but About you only make 1-2 cups About A single-cooker can be enough for the day.

To save on the grinder: Many people buy an expensive machine but a cheap grinder. Do the opposite - the grinder is more important!

Not thinking about space: Measure your countertop! Many machines are larger than you think, and you need space to work.

Ignoring maintenance: Espresso machines require regular cleaning and descaling. Budget time and money for this.

Buying all-in-one for convenience: Also About it seems practical, provides separate machines and grinders much better results and flexibility.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a double boiler?
Not necessarily. About you mainly drink espresso or just make one milk drink at a time, a single boiler is enough Torre Luigino or Gaggia Classic Pro Evo. Double boiler is best About you often make several milk drinks in a row.

What is the difference between Torre and Profitec/Rocket?
All three are premium manufacturers. Torre often offers better value for money with Italian manufacturing, while Profitec (German) and Rocket (Italian) has slightly more established names. The quality is excellent with all three.

How important is PID?
Very important for consistent results, PID provides precise temperature control, which is crucial for extracting the best from your beans. Torre Rosalina PID and Profitec Pro 400 both have excellent PID control.

Is Gaggia Classic Is Pro Evo good for beginners?
Absolutely! It is one of the best machines for learning espresso. It is simple, reliable and has a large community with modification options. About you want to upgrade later.

How often do I need to clean the machine?
Daily cleaning: Wipe and clean group head. Weekly: Backflush with cleaning powder. Monthly: Clean steam wand thoroughly. Every 2-3 months: Descaling.

Summary - How to choose the right one

For beginners: Start with Gaggia Classic Pro Evo or Ascaso Dream OneBoth are affordable, reliable, and perfect for learning the basics.

For enthusiasts who want quality: Torre Luigino or Torre Adele (single-boiler), or Torre Teresina (double boiler) combined with a good separate grinder.

For the serious home barista: Torre Alfredo, Torre Peppina Evo, Rocket Appartamento, or Profitec Drive.

For ultimate control: Torre Rosalina PID, Torre Agnese, or Profitec Pro 800.

Remember: The best espresso machine is the one that fits your needs, your skill level, and your budget. Start where you are, learn the basics, and upgrade when you're ready. And don't forget - invest just as much (or more) in a good grinder!

Ready to start your espresso-travel? Explore our complete range of Torre, Gaggia, Profitec and Rocket and find your perfect machine today.

Udo Machiels

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