Mother's Day Espresso Machine Choice

The DeLonghi Bar32 is a pretty simple, pump driven espresso machine that might just be a great choice for those first timers who are getting into espresso at home. Unlike the steam driven espresso machines, the pump-driven units create enough pressure to extract the flavor and create the crema that you are used to on your coffeehouse shots. I have been using one of these for a while in my usual rotation and have enjoyed it quite a bit. It works well with both ground espresso and ESE Espresso pods that allow for a quick shot of espresso without all the messy work.

The unit has a fairly large 35-ounce reservoir that fits on the back of the machine, and a decent size drip tray. On the right side, the unit also has a small tamp that will help set the coffee grounds in the portafilter. A tight tamp is not needed in the way that an open bottom portafilter needs it, as there is a small outlet in the bottom of the portafilter that serves to create the backpressure and thus the higher extraction of solids and oils that makes it an espresso. If Mom is really serious about Espresso and wants things a little more upscale and automated, consider the Super-automatic category.

The DeLonghi BAR32 Espresso Machine comes with: