A few of the most common types of espresso machines are manual steam-driven and pump-driven.
Out of these three a pump-driven espresso machine is generally considered to be the best choice for anyone looking for a long life expectancy as well as good quality coffee.
Some other factors that can affect how long an espresso machine lasts include frequency of use the effort put into maintenance and cleaning water purity among others.
Any user who takes care not to abuse their machinery with improper use or treatment will enjoy a longer lifespan from their investment.
Espresso machines vary in price depending on the brand and model that you choose but they should last at least five years if cared for properly.
What is the average lifespan of a pump Espresso Machine?
The average lifespan of a pump espresso machine will vary based on its brand and quality.
However generally it’s between 5 and 15 years depending on how well it is maintained and used.
What’s a pump driven espresso machine?
A pump-driven espresso machine is a more expensive and durable type of coffee maker.
This type of machine uses a piston pump instead of steam or hot water in order to force extremely hot (and highly pressurized) water through the coffee grounds.
Most models use only one boilerplate.
Therefore unlike other machines which can be constantly heating and reheating its water supply the water in a pump-driven espresso machine has already been heated to optimal brewing temperature before it is even sent through the ground beans.
How does a pump espresso machine work?
The pump espresso machine uses a piston pump to push within the water tank.
This force creates pressure within the boiler which will heat up the water to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit as well as distribute it through the coffee grounds as required.
Some machines come equipped with thermoblocks or heating systems that help keep their internal temperature consistent even if they go for long periods of time without use.
Although this does not affect how long your machine lasts it is extremely helpful when you want to make coffee and do not have enough time to wait for it to heat up again before pouring each shot.
Do pump espresso machine make better espresso?
Pump-driven espresso machines are generally considered to be superior to other types of coffee makers because they provide better control over the brewing process.
This means that you get more consistent results with each shot and can easily adjust your recipe settings to find what works best for you.
Ways in which pump-driven espresso machines are superior to steam-driven machines:
- Pump driven machines heat up water quickly creating less wait time
- They do not build up minerals or scale making them significantly easier to clean
- The machine’s temperature is more consistent when it comes to brew quality
- They usually come with a cup warmer on top
- They tend to last longer due to their durability
Are pump espresso machines beginner friendly?
Pump-driven espresso machines are a great option for beginners and avid coffee drinkers alike as they require significantly less hands-on time than other types of machines.
Pump-driven espresso machines also tend to look better aesthetically.
The only noticeable difference between the quality of shots produced by pump-driven vs steam-driven machines is that steam-driven models produce crema which tends to enhance the taste slightly.
However this type of crema is extremely easy to make manually (with or without an espresso machine) if you like having it on your shots!
Are pump espresso machines considered automatic or manual?
In most cases pump espresso machines are considered to be automatic only because they do most of the work for you.
That said a pump-driven machine is still a type of semi-automatic machine because you have to regulate the pressure and temperature in order to find what works best for your unique palate.
If you ever attend a Barista competition or would like to become an expert at making coffee on your own then learning how to use this type of espresso machine will be helpful.
What kind of water should I use with my pump Espresso Machine?
Since pump-driven machines heat up highly pressurized water on their own using mineral-rich tap water might reduce the lifespan of your machinery due to mineral buildup inside it.
This is why it is best to use filtered or distilled water.
If you decide to use other forms of water the machine should come with instructions on how often you need to descale or flush out any residue from your boilerplate/thermoblock.
If you do not own a pump-driven espresso machine and would like to purchase one make sure to look for an espresso machine that comes with a cup warmer as well as a removable/replaceable water reservoir.
What’s the best pump espresso machine?
We’ve already done a best pump espresso machines blog post feel free to check it out.