Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are currently available to customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet do most of the work.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and want to have full control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. 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.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction guarantees that the beans will be evenly pressed to produce an even flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This is very helpful to ensure consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you won't have to wait around for it to reach the optimal temperature in the early morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds, which is a lot quicker than the majority of other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to make a amazing 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 mods and a lot of practice however, it can make a deliciously smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important aspect for those who have small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra cost. It's easy to use and comes with many wonderful features. One of them is the auto-steam wand which will froth milk automatically. This is the ideal option for those who want to make a great cup at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that won't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It comes with many of the features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID which regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving features, like an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size that is used by the majority of commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee lovers, especially as many espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is easy for new users to use. However, it also includes some advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer to enable you to easily track your shots and ensure that they are brewed to perfection. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability, especially if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers swooning over it. However, I believe it is a bit overshadowed by machines with more impressive feature-sets and a higher price tag.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision that is usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, rather than at the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the standard digital display of most espresso machines at home which use blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically cleanses after every use. It's also programmable for two sets of pre-infusion, so you can program in the desired amount of time to let the portafilter soak before beginning see this here the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, it's an excellent espresso machine. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing to spend some more, the Ascaso is well worth it for its additional features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that gives you the best bang for your buck then look at the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia features one boiler that can be used to brew and steamed coffee. It's easy to use and comes in a variety of colours to match the design of your home.
The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable reservoir which can be filled up while the machine is being used. It also has an automatic shutoff feature as well as an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and will allow you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to use and allow you to personalize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia has been proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They are constantly in contact with their customers, and take feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the tiny little details.
This machine is a great choice for people who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it can also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot under the guidance of a professional barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger, so you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before 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 certain that your machine is safe to operate. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty in the event of any issues.