How to buy a high-end coffeemaker

Sure, you love your favorite coffee shop and its signature latte. But are you ready to make one at home?

Investing in a high-end coffeemaker or espresso machine is a big purchase. Many different types exist, and sticker shock can be an issue.

"People want to make a really educated decision," said Ben Piff, sales manager for Portland-based Clive Coffee. "A lot of people have tried the more affordable equipment in the past, and they're trying to look longer-term."

But the options can be overwhelming, said master barista Giorgio Milos, who teaches at Illy coffee company's Universita del Caffe.

"It's sort of a jungle," he said.

Before you get started, here are some things to consider:

First, be honest with yourself. What do you really want a coffeemaker for? "Making a good cup of coffee at home is not easy," Milos said.

"When you have manual control over the grind fineness, you can really become a home barista and find different flavors in the coffee," Piff said.

In general, the pricier the machine, the more it will allow precise grind, pressure and temperature.

Do you want one shot of espresso each day, or do you want to craft a latte? If you just want espresso, consider a single-serve espresso maker. "You don't have to grind the beans; you don't have to wait," Milos said.

But for a Saturday morning, for example, he uses a machine that takes 20 minutes to warm up and 10 minutes to clean. "It's a 45-minute process to pull the perfect shot of espresso," he said.

For Piff, an affinity for lattes turned into home brewing. "I really appreciate the cost savings of having that at home," he said. "I know it would cost me a minimum $4 anywhere to get a latte, and the ones I make at home are better."

The counter space you have might help determine which product you purchase. So think through size and then features. Milos suggests considering such features as temperature control — it's important that the water is hot — and volume control, plus the cleaning cycle.

Consumer Reports ranks pod coffeemakers by the speed of the first cup, repeat speed, size consistency, taste and convenience. And consistency of the temperature, which experts say is vital to a great cup. For a specialty coffeemaker, Consumer Reports also looks at convenience, cleaning and the handling of the carafe.

The most expensive ones aren't always the best, Milos said. "I've seen, on the market, some really expensive machines that don't really work well," he warned.

And think through future price. What happens if it breaks down: Will you have to ship it across the country to get it repaired? Does the seller offer customer help over the phone or through videos to save on shipping?

Piff discusses with customers exactly what they want, so that they end up happy."If it's a whim, and somebody buys the machine, and they don't understand the need to have a precise grinder, they're bound to be frustrated really quickly," Piff said. "And the machine will end up in a closet or returned, and they'll feel like, 'I can't make espresso.' And that's really tragic."