Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows, so do consumer options. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are currently available to customers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is designed for those who sees espresso as an important pastime and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty from Breville is a top choice for many coffee lovers. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you need to get a great espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills, but aren't yet ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly crushed for the best flavor. You can also program distinct output quantities for two and one-shots at the touch of a button, which is very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in just three seconds which is a lot more efficient than other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a amazing shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte and other milk types and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine, which requires mods and lots of practice however, it can produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with a little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra price. It is easy to use, and comes with many great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand which will froth milk for you. It's the perfect option for anyone looking to make the perfect cup of espresso at home. Check to see if you're approved - earn up to 10% back in rewards1 and free shipping8 today by using the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a prosumer espresso machine that isn't too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It includes many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit for near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode after a certain timer, and an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is a standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This, in turn, results in a more consistent and better-tasting espresso.
Another thing that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This gives you the ability to alter the pressure that is applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different flavors and techniques. This is a great feature for coffee enthusiasts particularly since many 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 easy-to-use interface. However, it also has some advanced features that will draw baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots with ease and ensure that they are brewed perfectly. The Steam and Brew buttons have lights that inform you when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy which small espresso machine confirms its quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its outstanding espresso machines for homes. They also make a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it's overshadowed, however, by other machines that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID on this machine allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also displays a graph that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the traditional digital display that is common to home espresso machines that use blue digits.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. The steam wand is simple to use and has a non-burn function that auto-purges after every use. It can also be programmed for two sets of pre-infusion that allows you to program the desired amount of time to soak the portafilter prior to beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, overall it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will always be brewed at the right temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making techniques.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two aspects I would not recommend however, this is an excellent choice for espresso lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for a classic espresso machine that will give you the most value for your buck Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. It has a single boiler which heats up for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and comes in a variety of colors to match your home's style.
Silvia Silvia has a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to remove and clean as well as maintain. The Silvia has an ejector that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also features an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that will ensure that your drinks are at the right temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand in this machine is commercial-grade and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to use and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and brew temperature. 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 an Italian family-owned company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso lovers, listening to feedback and developing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have a heat exchanger, so you will need to wait for a minute or two before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests so that you can be certain that the machine will function safely. If you do find that there is an issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer a one-year warranty.