Finding the Best Espresso Machine
With the press of a single button, an espresso machine can make drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. But finding the right one depends on your needs and skill level.
Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they are expensive and often lack room for experimentation. Manual models let you control the brewing but are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that produces double shots is among the top choices. It's not the cheapest machine however it is a premium feel and is covered by a two-year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. This means it's the smallest however it's also the most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't use electricity and relies solely on a hand pump to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to make two shots of espresso that have a thick creamy crema. It's a lot better than the third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a chic faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it to extract your coffee.
The most compact manual espresso machine made by Wacaco however, it feels sturdy. The machine is made of a mixture of metal and sturdy parts. All the accessories are also durable. This includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper funnel, brush and funnel as well as an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in achieving an even puck and the ideal extraction pressure.
This model does not include any fancy milk carafes or steam wands, however it does come with a mirror to let you observe your bottomless sips in private. This is a nice addition that is in line with Picopresso's philosophy of being a traveler-friendly product. Picopresso stands can also be utilized at home to brew.
This allows you to heat the piston by pumping hot water through it before you begin brewing espresso. It's a good idea, since it will ensure that you get the best results from your Picopresso by getting all of the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso can be laborious, particularly if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighting your beans and changing the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for those looking to learn about espresso making. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is well-known for its longevity and durability. It is often compared with the Gaggia Classic Pro, and numerous reviewers believe that it produces coffee of similar quality. The stainless steel steam wand and cup tray are stylish design that will complement any kitchen design.
The coffee maker features a brass boiler capable of reaching the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by a thermostat. The Silvia also has an insulated steam wand, which lets you create rich creamy steamed milk for cappuccinos or macchiatos. The brewing unit is also made of sturdy materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is the ease of use. The Silvia is built with a streamlined portafilter as well as a simple, four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It has a removable drip tray and reservoirs of water that are easy to clean. The machine comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the heating element off after it has been running for 30 minutes.
Another feature that makes the Silvia distinct from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature reduces pressure that is applied to the grounds of the coffee during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso that you are making.
The Silvia comes with a variety of upgrades that can be installed by coffee lovers to enhance its capabilities. This machine does not come with a shot timer or a adjustable pump pressure, but it can be paired with a range of accessories for aftermarket use such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and experienced baristas too. Its basic design doesn't allow for the customization needed by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still makes great espresso. It's also a good choice for those who want to learn how to hone their barista skills, since it provides them with the feedback they need to make better espresso every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still has many of the features professional baristas want. It comes with an efficient steam machine that can create microfoam to be used in lattes. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a metal Tamper that is of top quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps an even temperature to ensure consistent 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 the moment you hit the button. This is the same technology Breville used in its Oracle range, so it's a highly sophisticated espresso machine for such a low price.
Like its siblings Like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is easy to operate and clean. It is available in brushed stainless, which gives it a sleek appearance and feel, all at an affordable cost. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, as well as a stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is among the most affordable espresso machines on sale, and is a great option for those looking to enhance their morning routine without spending a fortune. It's the cheapest machine that can produce quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home, and it's also one of official statement the easiest to clean and operate.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder however, you can use any grinder of espresso quality for it. It doesn't have an option for preinfusion. However you can easily fix the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to taking the shot. It's also important to flush and descale the boiler periodically to ensure it's functioning properly. As long as you flush it frequently and follow the directions you're given, you shouldn't have any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a solid super automatic espresso machine that comes with a lot of great features. It's a great option for those who want to get started with espresso making but doesn't want a lot of money. The machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice that is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make really delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with several more options, including four user profiles that can be saved for drinks, as well as a grinder but you can often find it for sale at similar prices.
This machine is perfect for those who love latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks, but don't require a wide range of espresso flavors. It also makes good iced coffee, which is becoming increasingly popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 also has an brew option that makes use of a lower temperature to brew iced coffee to ensure that it doesn't alter the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper for both and is simple to fill. You can adjust the size of the grind to your preferences. This machine also has a convenient bypass doser for those who don't want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system is able to automatically serve frothed or heated milk if you like milk-based drinks. It is among the milk frothing machines that is easy to use. It is also able to heat and froth other milks, like almond, soy and oat.
It's not the quietest machine out there but it's more quiet than some of the other alternatives on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, however, it's close to the noise you would hear in a local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes a time to warm up, however this can be changed by setting the settings on the machine.