Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing one button, a top espresso machine can create drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your skills and your requirements.
Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they're expensive and usually do not have room for experimentation. Manual models let you manage the brewing, but they're more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a compact espresso maker that makes an authentic double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not expensive but it's high-end and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most professional of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's the smallest but also the most efficient in making espresso.
The Picopresso does not use electricity and relies solely on hand pumps to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to make a double shot of espresso with a thick, rich crema that's better than what you'll find in many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It also has an imitation leather sleeve that will keep it cool when using it to extract espresso.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels substantial in your hands. It's a mix of strong plastic and sturdy metal parts, and all of the accessories that are included feel durable too. The set comes with a stainless steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed as well as a plastic distribution device to help you get an even puck.
There aren't any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, however it does come with mirrors so that you can monitor your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice feature and is in line with the Picopresso's'travel friendly' philosophy. Another option to think about is the Picopresso stand, which can be used for brewing at home, too.
This lets you warm the piston by pumping hot water through it, before you begin making espresso. This is a good idea as it ensures you get the best results of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from your ground coffee. It's important to note that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially the case if you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for weighing the beans and adjusting tamping force to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to learn about espresso making. This semi-automatic single boiler espresso machine is reputed to be durable and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand offer a stylish design that will complement any kitchen décor.
This coffee maker has brass boilers capable of achieving the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with a thermostat to prevent the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand which lets you easily make rich, creamy steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing system is made of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an espresso machine is the ease of use. The Silvia is designed with an ergonomic portafilter and a simple, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to operate. It comes with an easily removable drip tray as well as a reservoirs for water that are easy to clean. The machine also comes with a safety feature that shuts off the heating element off when it's been on for 30 minutes.
Another thing that distinguishes the Silvia different from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature reduces pressure applied to the grounds of coffee during the brewing process. This allows for the preservation of the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. It's available in two different settings, and can be adjusted according to the kind of espresso you're making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to increase its functionality. The Silvia isn't equipped with an automatic shot timer or adjustable pump pressure, but it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket accessories that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, for baristas who are brand new to the field and those with more experience. Its basic design doesn't allow for the customization required by more sophisticated espresso makers, but it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a great choice for those who are trying to improve their barista skills by providing the feedback required to make better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it has many of the features that professional baristas want. It has a powerful steam tool that can make microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug and a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that maintains a stable temperature so you can get consistently good results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It is one of the smallest espresso machines available and is ideal for small spaces. It is ready to heat up in just three seconds so you can start using it the moment the button is hit. This is the same technology that Breville employed in its Oracle line, which means it's an extremely sophisticated espresso machine for the price of just $199.
Like its predecessors like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a luxurious look and feel for such an affordable model. It also comes with a tamper portafilter, and a stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is among the best values in espresso machines on sale, and is a great option for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without spending a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that can make high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also the easiest to operate and is easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. It doesn't have the ability to preinfuse. However you can fix the issue by running hot water several times through the portafilter prior to making a shot. It is also necessary to flush and descale the boiler on a regular basis to keep it working smoothly. As long as you flush it regularly and follow the directions you're given, you shouldn't have any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a solid super automatic espresso machine that comes with a lot of great features. This is a great option if you want to learn how to make espresso, but don't have much cash to spend. The machine is priced less than half the price than our second-best choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna has a few more options that include four user profiles to save drinks, and a grinder however, you'll often find it on sale for similar prices.
This machine is an excellent choice for people who frequently enjoy cappuccino and latte, but don't require a full range of espresso flavors. It also makes excellent Iced coffee which is becoming increasingly popular in coffee machines for home use. The 3200 has a dedicated making feature that utilizes a lower temperature for iced coffee to ensure that the flavor is not diminished.
Like the other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both ground and whole beans. It comes with a large bean hopper that is easy to fill. You can also alter the size of the grind to meet your preference. This machine comes with a bypass doser, which is perfect for those who want to brew caffeine but do not want decaf.
If you prefer drinks that are based on milk, the Philips has a LatteGo system that can serve heated or frothed milk on demand. It is among the easiest milk frothing machines to use. It can also heat and froth other milks, such as almond, soy and oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it's a bit more quiet than coffee machine espresso some of the other options on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's comparable to the noise you would hear in a local coffee shop. One downside is that it takes a long time to warm up however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.