Glossary of Different Types of Espresso & Cappuccino Machines

There are many types of espresso and cappuccino machines on the market today, but they (commercial and home models) really fall into a few categories as listed below......

Manual (or Lever or Spring Operated) - Usually a Lever-type machine whereby the operator/barista lifts the lever to allow water into the brewhead and then firmly, with consistent pressure, forces the lever in a downward motion to make espresso. Takes longer to learn and recommended for previous owners of espresso/cappuccino machines.... The Spring operated lever type machines work the opposite... You press the lever downward against the spring and slowly release the pressure of the spring forcing the lever upwards...

Semi-Automatic - An electric operated machine whereby the operator/barista turns on the coffee switch to have water forced through the espresso coffee grind. The operator/barista is responsible to shut off the coffee switch when the desired or proper amount of coffee has filled the cup.

Full Automatic - An electric operated machine whereby the operator/barista presses a switch or button, and the machine automatically doses the proper amount of water forced through the coffee grind.

Super Automatic - An electric operated machine that automatically grinds the espresso beans, tamps it into a puck, doses the proper amount of water, and discards the puck into an internal dump box. On some commercial models, milk is automatically frothed/steamed into the same cup at the same time.

Click Here To View Home Model Espresso Machines by Type

Any of the above type machines, can (but not always) have the following types of steam capabilities...

Steam Wand - This is a straight wand to steam and froth milk for cappuccino

Enhanced Steam Wand - A steam wand enhanced with a pannarello whipper or some type of additional attachment that assists in aerating the milk.

Automatic Frother - A little gizmo that automatically draws milk from a milk container and steams/froths the milk right into the cup. This is not available on all units....