Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing one button, an espresso machine can produce drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. But finding the right one is dependent on your requirements and skill level.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you manage the process however they are more likely to make mistakes.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can make double shots, is one of the top choices. It's not expensive, but it feels high-end and comes with a 2 year warranty. It's also among the most advanced of the Wacaco coffee makers. This means it's the least compact, but also the most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
The Picopresso does not use electricity and relies solely on hand pumps to create up to 18 bar of pressure. This is more than enough to produce two shots of espresso with a thick crema, and it's far superior to what you can expect from the majority of third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and comes with a chic faux leather sleeve to help to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it to extract coffee.
It's the most compact of the manual espresso machines, but it feels sturdy in the hands. The machine is constructed of metal and sturdy parts. All the accessories are also durable. The set includes a stainless-steel funnel and tamper that is ergonomic and a plastic distribution device to help you get an even puck.
This model doesn't include any fancy milk carafes or steam wands. However, it includes a mirror to let you monitor your bottomless extractions in complete privacy. It's a nice addition, and it fits well with the Picopresso's travel friendly philosophy. Another option to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used for brewing at home as well.
This allows you to heat the piston before pumping hot water through it prior to when you begin making your espresso. This is a good idea as it ensures you get the most out 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 true if you follow Wacaco’s recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to ensure you get the best 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 known for its durability and long lasting. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers say that it produces coffee of the same quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand offer a stylish design that will complement any kitchen décor.
This coffee maker comes with an iron boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by an adjustable thermostat. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand that lets you easily make rich, creamy steam-steamed milk to make cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is constructed of high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is one of the most important things to think about when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia is designed with a comfortable portafilter and a simple, four-rocker interface that makes it simple to operate. It also includes a removable water reservoir and drip tray that is easy to clean. This model also comes with an inbuilt feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes Silvia Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature decreases the amount of pressure that is applied to the ground coffee while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the flavor of the beans. It is available in two different settings, and can be altered according to the type of espresso you're making.
Silvia Silvia comes with a variety of upgrades that can be installed by espresso aficionados to increase its capabilities. This machine does come with a shot-timer as well as an adjustable pressure pump but it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are brand new to the field as well as those with more experience. Its simple design does not allow for the customization required by more sophisticated espresso makers, however it still makes great espresso. It is also a good option for those looking to learn how to hone their barista skills since it gives them the feedback they need to make better espresso every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it provides a number of features that pro baristas crave. For starters, it has an impressive steam wand that creates microfoam for lattes that are latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains a constant temperature for constant results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's among the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines available which makes it ideal for small spaces. It also heats up in just three seconds, which means it's ready to use when you press the button. This is the same technology Breville used in its Oracle line, which means it's a highly sophisticated espresso machine for this price.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings is a well-made machine that is easy to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a luxurious design and feel for an affordable model. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, and stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is a fantastic value for espresso machines, and is a great choice for those looking to enhance their morning routine while not breaking the bank. It's the cheapest machine that produces quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home. It's also the most simple to clean and operate.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with a grinder, you can use any grinder of espresso quality for it. It doesn't have the ability to preinfuse. However you can fix it by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to pulling shots. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it periodically to ensure it's operating smoothly. If you flush it on a regular basis and follow the directions, it shouldn't experience any issues with maintenance or buildup. However, if you want to make sure, you can buy an inexpensive descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. It's a great choice for those who want to learn about making espresso but doesn't want to spend a lot of money. This machine costs less than half as our second choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It is still capable of producing delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna comes with a number of coffee options, including four user profiles to save drinks and a better grinder, but it's usually in sale, so you may be able to locate it at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who love cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks, but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee that is becoming more and more popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 has a dedicated coffee brewing feature that makes use of a lower temperature for iced coffee to avoid diluting the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with both ground and whole beans. It comes with a large hopper for both and is simple to fill. You can also alter the size of the grind to suit your preferences. The machine also comes with an easy bypass doser for those who don't want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system is able to automatically dispense heated or frothed milk, if you prefer milk-based drinks. It is among the easiest milk frothing machines best budget espresso machine to use. It can also heat and froth other milks like almond, soy and oat.
It's not the most quiet machine available, but it's a bit quieter than the other alternatives on this list. It's not nearly as loud as a professional espresso machine but is comparable to the sound you'd hear in the local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes a time to warm up, however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.