The Great Debate: Old vs. New

No matter how you brew it, Nonna is always going to think her way is best. But is there really a right vs. wrong way to doing espresso?

Her way? Probably a stove top machine or a Moka pot that she’s had for years that heats fresh cold water causing the boiling water to bubble and rise and push that freshly brewed coffee to the top ready to be enjoyed. 

But nowadays, that’s too easy and there are fancier machines that make each espresso individually with fresh ground beans, aerate milk, and create a bold flavour. 

If we think about it, we’ve come a long way with technology – smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and we can’t forget about espresso machines!

An espresso machine has three main components: the water boiler, the grouphead or valve that operates the pressure of the water through the espresso, and a portafilter that holds the grounds and allows for the coffee to be forced through small holes and flowed into your cup. 




So what are the points for this great debate:

Old…	New…
Multiple cups of coffee	Bold, 3-layered espresso with a rich crema
Rich, thick, full-bodied coffee	Individual, personalized cup
Easy to operate and clean	Some can produce milk-based beverages such as cappuccinos
Nonna’s favourite	Fancy addition to any home or event

In the end the winner comes down to how you like your coffee, how much time you have, and your patience level. Although a stove top is easy to operate and clean, it takes years to perfect that flavor. Similarly, an espresso machine may make an individual cup but it takes patience to learn how to operate.

Or maybe it comes down to that nostalgia of smelling the aromatic coffee and hearing the stove top pot hissing to a finish. Either way, there are many options to choose from and many resources to help you through the learning curves of each style.