Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by customers.
These heftier systems demand more precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do much of the work.
This model is made for those who use espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It's got the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's perfect for those who want to improve their coffee making skills, but aren't yet ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the 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 can be very beneficial to achieve consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you don't need to wait for it to get to the optimal temperature in the early morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than 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 pull a fantastic shot. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires tweaking and lots of practice. But it can create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte 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 clean, which is another important aspect for those who have a small counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's easy to use, and comes with many great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will make milk froth for you. This is the ideal option for anyone looking to make a great cup at home. Check if you're pre-approved. earn up to 10% back in rewards1 and free shipping8 with the new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that isn't too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It includes numerous of the essential features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID which regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also has a range of energy efficiency features like an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a specified timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines, and it helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you the ability to alter the pressure applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different methods and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of espresso machines leave the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners thanks to its simple interface. However, it also has some advanced features that will be appealing to baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots without difficulty and ensure they're brewed perfectly. The brew and steam buttons have lights that let you know if you've reached the right temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its exceptional espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that a lot of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and a higher price tag.
This machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks for stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID Ongoing lets you alter the temperature of the brewing in one-degree increments, a degree of precision that is usually reserved for higher-end machines. It also displays a graph that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from most home espresso machines that rely on a simple digital display that has blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another fantastic feature. The steam wand is simple to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program the time you'd like to soak the portafilter prior to beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. 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. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper included and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points that I'd like to point out but it's an excellent option for those who love espresso at home. If you're willing to spend some more then the Ascaso is definitely worth it for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the most value for your money then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and comes in various colors to complement your home's style.
The Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to remove and clean as well as maintain. The Silvia comes with an ejector that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature and an adjustable temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the ideal temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that are sure to impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the small things right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will operate safely. If you do find that there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.