Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of several commercial machines of the highest quality are currently available to consumers.
These heavier systems require more precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, yet they do most of the work for you.
This model is designed for those who use espresso as a hobby and want to have full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite for espresso lovers. It has the right features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't overly complicated in its operation either. It's a great choice for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, combined with the high-pressure extraction ensures that the ground beans will be evenly pressed, resulting in a balanced taste. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This is very helpful to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three second, which is much quicker than other models.
Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off a great shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk types and temperatures. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on professional-grade machine that requires modifying and lots of practice but it will produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with a removable water reservoir which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important aspect for those with little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is well worth the extra price. It's easy to use and comes with excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to make an excellent coffee at home. Find out if you're approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an inexpensive espresso maker for your home. It comes with many features you'd expect to find in the higher-end espresso machines that includes an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a few degrees. It also has an insulated steam wand, which is connected to its own heating system for near-simultaneous steaming and brewing. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a certain period of inactivity.
As an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines, and it helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more consistent and more delicious espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure applied on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can experiment with different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic 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 novices due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it has some advanced features that will draw more experienced baristas at home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are brewed to perfection. The brew and steam buttons have lights that inform you when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and craftsmanship. This is an item that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making excellent espresso machines for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers swooning over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and a higher price tag.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. The PID on this machine lets you adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also has a display that shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from the simple digital display on most espresso machines at home, which uses blue numbers.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions, which means you can set the time for which the portafilter should be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down a few points for the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic choice for home espresso lovers. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to match your home's aesthetic.
Silvia Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine features a removable reservoir which can be filled up while the machine is in use. It also has an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at just the perfect temperature.
The steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will travel espresso maker impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and allow you to customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. 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 Italian company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their espresso lovers, listening to feedback and developing products that get the small important details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for moka pots if your a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests to be sure that your machine will function safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you find a problem.