In Italian culture, the morning custom typically involves a cup of cappuccino. Interestingly enough, an Italian can spot a tourist instantly if the out-of-towner asks for a cup of cappuccino any time after the noon hour has arrived. However, the good news is that anybody can enjoy a cup of cappuccino anytime during the day without reproach if they buy one of the many cappuccino machines available for home use.
Although cappuccino is considered only a beverage for the morning hours in Italy, in other areas of Europe and the rest of the world where it has become popular, it is served all through the day and even into the evening in some locales. Making cappuccino is considered an art to many, especially the Italians, and it is an art that can be somewhat difficult and challenging to master.
A correctly made cappuccino consists of three, equally important components. The first is the espresso, second is the milk that has been steamed, and third is the froth that caps the drink. These layers are expected to be proportioned correctly and with certain textures and temperatures, in order to end up with the perfect cappuccino. Nonetheless, before the advent of cappuccino machines, this was a very difficult balance to achieve and was almost impossible for the average person to do correctly.
At one time it was only the talents of a skilled chef or a specially trained barista who were able to pull-off such a concoction that was made to just the right proportions and specifications. However, these days, just about anybody with an automatic espresso cappuccino machine can produce a steaming cup of cappuccino that can delight and tempt even the toughest critics or the most exacting of gourmet coffee drinkers. This is because the guesswork has been removed, as well as much of the art of making cappuccino and replaced by modern cappuccino espresso equipment.
A cappuccino machine is specially designed to efficiently brew up and dispense various espresso coffee drinks. Many of these models of Italian espresso cappuccino machine units are also able to take the roasted espresso coffee beans and grind them right in the machine, producing the ultimate in fresh brewed coffee delights. Once the espresso is dispensed into the espresso cups, the machine then adds the steamed milk.
These first two steps are generally easy, even for those who are inexperienced with making cappuccino, although having the correct strength of espresso and the right temperature of the milk are both important elements in a properly executed recipe. For most folks, getting the frothy milk part just right is the most difficult aspect. The idea is to generate very light foam at the just the right temperature, resulting in the optimal, bubbly frothiness.
Several different brands and styles of cappuccino machines that are available nowadays. There are Italian espresso cappuccino makers that are designed for either home use or in commercial situations, such as coffee shops or restaurants. The various Italian espresso coffee machines are more costly than the more basic coffee makers because of all the additional features and extras that are included, but they are still within the budgets of most folks.