Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to customers as prosumer models.
These larger systems require more precision from the user to ensure grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do most of the work.
This model is ideal for those who considers espresso to be a serious hobby and wants complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a cult favorite among espresso lovers. It's user-friendly and has all the features you require to ensure a top espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend much money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one with the click of the button, which is extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it heat up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds which is much quicker than most other machines.
Even the most novice of users will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine, because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk types and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires mods and plenty of practice but it will create a smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which makes it fit easily into small spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with a little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and offers amazing features, such as an auto-steam tool that can create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone who would like the perfect cup of espresso at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an affordable espresso maker for your home. It includes numerous of the essential features you'd expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID which regulates the temperature to within a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically sets the machine into standby after a set timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
In addition As an added bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality 58mm portafilter. 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 means you get a better tasting and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure exerted on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different styles and flavors. This is a great option for coffee lovers, as many espresso machines are shipped with love it the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that makes it easy for beginners to use. It also has advanced features that attract experienced home baristas. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to enable you to easily track your shots and ensure they are made to perfection. The brew and steam buttons are illuminated to indicate when you've reached the proper 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 appliance that will provide you with years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of some outstanding home espresso machines and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers swooning over it. I think it is overshadowed, however, by other machines that have more impressive features and a higher cost.
This machine has dual thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as precise milk foaming. 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 also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the simple digital display that is common to espresso machines in the home, which uses blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another excellent feature. The steam wand is simple to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions so you can set the length of time that the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always at the optimal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making technique.
I would give it a few points for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is a fantastic option for those who love home espresso. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that can give you the most bang for your buck then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is easy to use and comes in different colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia comes with a removable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial that will keep your drinks at just the ideal temperature.
The steam wand in this machine is commercial-grade and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to comprehend, allowing you to select the desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has been able to stand the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and designing products that get the smallest details right.
This machine is an ideal choice for people who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it can also be a great upgrade to an old moka pot in the hands of a professional barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait a minute or two before making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests so that you can be certain that the machine is safe to use. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty if you find an issue.