Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do consumer choices. 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 much of the work.
This model is designed for those who enjoy espresso as a pastime and want complete control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a cult favorite among espresso enthusiasts. It's got all the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's perfect for those looking to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on an expensive commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the ground beans will be evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to ensure consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you don't need to wait around for it to reach the optimal temperature in the early morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds which is much faster than other models.
Even the novice will be able to pull off an excellent shot with this espresso machine thanks to the automatic steam wand. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and much more. It won't produce the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modifying and a lot of practice. But it will still produce a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which makes it to fit well into small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clear, which is an important feature for those who have a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's easy to use and offers excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that will froth your milk for you. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if you're approved and earn up to 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 looking to buy a low-cost espresso maker for your home. It features many of the features you'd expect to see in the higher-end espresso machines that includes the digital PID that controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with a solid steam wand that is connected to its heating system for simultaneous steaming and making. It is equipped with many energy-saving features, such as an eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a specific period of inactivity.
As an additional bonus As an added bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines, and it helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more even and a better tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is a great option for those who love coffee as a lot of espresso machines are shipped with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that makes it easy for novices to use. It also has advanced features which will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. The PID display can be used as a shot timer, permitting you to keep track of your shots easily and ensure they are perfect brewed. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to let you know when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making excellent espresso machines for home use and even a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers drooling over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and a price tag that is higher.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. The PID in this machine allows you to adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for high-end machines. It also has a display that displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the simple digital display on most home espresso machines that use blue numbers.
Another great feature is the large, active cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program the desired amount of time to let the portafilter soak before beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, overall it's an excellent home espresso machine. Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always at the right temperature. Additionally, Recommended Looking at the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is a great choice for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that gives you the best bang for your money Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming, the Silvia is easy to use and comes in various colors to match the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine features an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also features an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial that will keep your drinks at just the perfect temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will surely impress your guests. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend, allowing you to select the desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the small important details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have an exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will function safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you discover any issues.