An espresso machine is the cornerstone of any coffee lover’s kitchen who enjoys rich, concentrated shots of coffee. These machines work by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, typically 9 bars or more. This process extracts the robust flavors and oils from the coffee, producing a thick, flavorful shot known as espresso. There are various types of espresso machines, ranging from manual to semi-automatic and fully automatic. Manual machines give coffee enthusiasts full control over the brewing process, while automatic machines simplify the process by controlling grind size, water temperature, and brewing time. Popular espresso machines like the Breville Barista Express or the Rancilio Silvia allow for customizations such as steam wands for frothing milk, making them ideal for preparing drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.