Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do consumer options. Many top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now accessible to customers as prosumer models.
These larger systems require more precision from the user in grinding, tamping and extraction time, yet they do most of the work.
This model is for someone who considers espresso to be a serious hobby and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice among espresso enthusiasts. It's easy to use and has all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who want to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program distinct output volumes for two shots and one with the click of an button, which can be very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds, which is a lot faster than other models.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a fantastic shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modding and a lot of practice. However, it can make an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It's also light and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important aspect for those with limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and comes with excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that can create froth for your milk. This is the ideal choice for those who want to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if you are approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost espresso maker for your home. It includes numerous of the essential features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow simultaneous steaming and brewing. It is equipped with many energy-saving features, including eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a certain period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This will result in a more consistent and more delicious espresso.
Another thing that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your grounds during extraction, allowing you to experiment with various methods and flavors. This is a great option for coffee lovers since many espresso machines are shipped with pressures that are too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its simple interface. However, it also has certain advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer to let you easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are brewed to perfection. The brew and steam buttons are lit up to indicate when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure to begin brewing or steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that speaks to its quality and craftsmanship. This is a machine that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding home espresso machines. They also make commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. But, I think it is a bit overshadowed by models with more impressive features and a higher price tag.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as accurate milk foaming. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for more expensive machines. It also displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit, not the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome change from most espresso machines in the home that use a simple digital display that has blue numerals.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a fantastic feature. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program in the time you'd like to soak the portafilter prior to continuing with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the ideal temperature. In addition, the programable infusion helps you perfect your look at this now shot-making skills.
I would knock it down a few points for the included plastic tamper and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing a little more then the Ascaso is worth the price for its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for a classic espresso machine that can give you the most bang for your buck Look at the Rancilio Silvia. It has a single boiler which is heated for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off, clean and maintain. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as an adjustable temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to create lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to use and let you customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has been able to stand the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that takes pride in their quality and craftsmanship. They stay constantly in contact with their community and listen to feedback. They create products that are refined by the small little details.
This machine is an excellent choice for people who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home, but it could also be a solid upgrade over a moka pot under the guidance of a barista who is skilled. The machine doesn't have an exchanger for heat, so you'll have to wait for some time between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts each and every Silvia through a stringent series of tests, so you can be confident that your machine is safe to operate. If you find there is a problem with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer a one-year guarantee.