Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of several commercial machines of the highest quality are now available for customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision from the user for grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but they do most 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
Breville's little beauty is a cult favorite for espresso lovers. It's easy to use and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to spend much money on a premium commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the beans will be evenly pressed to give an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one with the click of a button, which is very helpful for 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 get to the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is significantly quicker than the majority of other machines.
Even the most novice of users will have no trouble pulling a perfect shot using this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for cappuccinos and lattes and many more. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam you can get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding 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 is easy to keep clear, which is an important aspect for those with limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra price. It's simple to use and comes with great features, including an auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. This is the ideal choice for anyone looking to make a delicious cup at home. Check to see if you're approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 + free shipping8 today with the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for an inexpensive espresso maker for your home. It includes many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a certain period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that help 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 helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This gives you the ability to alter the pressure applied on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can experiment with different styles and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee lovers 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 advanced features which will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to let you easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. The brew and Steam buttons have lights that let you know if you've reached the proper temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine will give you years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making some outstanding home espresso machines and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. But, I think it is a bit overshadowed by models with more impressive features and a price tag that is higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit, not the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing departure from the simple digital display that is common to espresso machines in the home, which uses blue numbers.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically cleanses 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 continuing with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making techniques.
The plastic tamper and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing a little more, the Ascaso is definitely worth it because of its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that can give you the best bang for your money, look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia has a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your home.
The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable reservoir which can be filled up while the machine is in use. It also features an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that will keep your drinks at just the ideal temperature.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to create lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. 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 is durable, long-lasting, and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They stay always in touch with their community and take feedback. They develop products that are perfected by the small details.
This machine is a great option for those just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it can also be a great upgrade over a moka pot under the guidance of a skilled barista. The machine doesn't have an exchanger for heat, so you'll need to wait for a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia describes it through a rigorous series of tests, so you can be certain that the machine is safe to operate. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty if you discover any issues.