Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do consumer options. A variety of top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to customers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require greater precision from the user to ensure grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do most of the work for you.
This model is for someone who considers espresso to be an intense hobby and would like complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty is made by Breville is a top choice for many espresso aficionados. It's simple to use and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's perfect for those who are looking to improve their coffee-making abilities, but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a premium commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction guarantees that the beans are evenly pressed to produce an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots by pressing an button, which can be very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, 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 less than three seconds, which is a lot quicker than most other machines.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for cappuccinos and lattes and much more. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modifying and a lot of practice. However, it can create a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also very lightweight and compact, which makes it fit easily in tight spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those with limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's user-friendly and has a variety of amazing features, such as an auto-steam wand that will create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone who would like a great cup of coffee at home. Find out if you're pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost espresso maker for the home. It includes many of the key features you would expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees, and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a certain time of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different flavors and techniques. This is a fantastic option for coffee lovers as a lot of espresso machines are sold with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for novices to use. However, it also has some advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will let you easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. The brew and Steam buttons are illuminated to indicate when you've reached the right temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its exceptional espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers who are drooling over it. However, I believe it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and higher prices.
This machine has dual thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID of this machine allows you to adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It best espresso maker also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew in the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the simple digital display on most home espresso machines that use blue digits.
It also comes with a large and 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 each use. It's also programmable for two sets of pre-infusion that allows you to program in the amount you want to soak the portafilter prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always made at the optimal temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion allows you to improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the low-power of steam are two things I would not recommend but it's an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing to spend a little more, the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the best bang-for-your-buck. It has a single boiler which heats up for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and can be purchased in various colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
Silvia Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to take off, clean and maintain. The Silvia has a removable water reservoir that can be filled up 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 ideal temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial quality and allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to use and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They are in constant contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small important details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for moka pots if you're a barista. The machine doesn't have a heat-exchanger, which means you will need to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will operate safely. If you discover that there's any issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer a one-year warranty.