Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do consumer choices. Many top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now available to customers as models for prosumers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do much of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who use espresso as a hobby and want to have full control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top pick for many espresso aficionados. It's got all the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't overly complicated to operate. It's ideal for people who want to improve their skills in coffee making and don't want spend much money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly crushed for the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots by pressing of a single button. This is extremely helpful to ensure consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you don't need to wait for it to reach the optimal temperature in the early morning. Coffeee 'll be ready for use in only three seconds, which is much faster than other machines.
Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off a perfect shot using this espresso machine due to the automatic steam wand. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modifying and plenty of practice but it will create a smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model has an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clean, which is an important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's simple to use and has a variety of great features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that will froth your milk for you. This is the ideal choice for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that isn't too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It has many features that you'd expect to see in a higher-priced espresso machine that includes a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system to allow for fast steaming and the brewing. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, including an eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a specified period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler and short water path that help reduce heat loss.
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 grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface. It also has some advanced features that appeal to experienced home baristas. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will let you easily monitor your shots and ensure they are made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons are illuminated to inform you when you've reached the proper temperature and pressure to begin brewing or steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and craftsmanship. This machine will provide you with years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also make commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that dozens of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. But, I think it's overshadowed by machines with more impressive feature-sets and higher prices.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as precise milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, which is a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display that has blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is another fantastic feature. The steam wand is simple to use and comes with a non-burn feature that automatically purges after every use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusion sets which means you can program the time you'd like to let the portafilter soak before continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite some minor problems. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion will help you improve your shot-making technique.
The plastic tamper included and the low-power of steam are two things that I'd like to point out however, this is an excellent option for those who love espresso at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for a classic espresso machine that can give you the best bang for your buck then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. It has a single boiler which can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is simple to use and comes in different colors to complement your home's style.
The Silvia also features a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to clean and remove. The Silvia has a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to use and let you customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their customers, and listen to feedback. They design products that are refined by the small details.
This machine is a great choice for people who are just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it could also be a good upgrade over a moka pot under the guidance of a barista who is skilled. The main drawback to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait a minute or two between making milk-based beverages.
It's also worth noting that the company puts each and every Silvia through a rigorous series of tests so that you can be sure that the machine is safe to use. If you discover that there is a problem with your Silvia it comes with a one-year guarantee.