Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision from the user to ensure grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do most of the work for you.
This model is designed for those who enjoy espresso as a pastime and want to have full control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It has the right features to give you a perfect shot every time, and it's not overly complicated to operate. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly pressed to ensure a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots by pressing the button, which is very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds, which is a lot quicker than the majority of other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modding and a lot of practice. But it will still produce a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model has a water reservoir that is removable, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also light and compact, which helps it fit easily in tight spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with small counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's simple to use and comes with many wonderful features. One of it is the auto-steam wand which will make milk froth for you. It's the perfect option for anyone looking to make a great cup of espresso at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for an inexpensive espresso maker for the home. It includes many of the features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like an electronic PID that regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also has a number of energy-saving features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set timer, and an insulated boiler and short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
Additionally, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more even and better-tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you the ability to adjust the pressure exerted on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can experiment with different flavors and techniques. This is a fantastic option for coffee lovers since many espresso machines are shipped with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is easy for beginners to use. It also has some advanced features that be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons are lit up to let you know if you've reached the right temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This machine can provide years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers swooning over it. I do believe that it is overshadowed, however by other models that have more impressive features and a higher cost.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. The PID of this machine allows you to alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit, not the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the simple digital display that is common to home espresso machines which use blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active cup warmer. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purges after every use. It can also be programmed for two pre-infusions, so you can program in the time you'd like to let the portafilter soak before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always made at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down a few points for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its shockingly low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for those who love home espresso. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the most value for your money, look at the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia features a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is easy to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
Silvia Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine has a water reservoir that is removable and can be topped off when the machine is in operation and also has an automatic shutoff function as well as a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand is commercial quality and allows you to make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to use and allow you to customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia has been proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their community, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the smallest of details.
This machine is a great option for those who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home, but it can also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of website link a skilled barista. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests, so that you can be confident that your machine is safe to use. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you find a problem.