Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines are currently available to consumers.
These heftier systems demand more precision from the user for grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but they do much of the work.
This model is designed for those who enjoy espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a cult favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It has the right features to give you a perfect shot every time, and it's not overly complicated to operate. It's ideal for those looking to improve their coffee-making abilities but aren't ready to spend the money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the ground beans will be evenly pressed to give an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots at the touch of an button, which can be very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you don't need to wait around for it to reach the ideal temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds, which is a lot quicker than most other machines.
Even the novice will be able to pull off a perfect shot with this espresso machine, due to the automatic steam wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It's not able to produce the silky, microfoam you get with a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires tweaking and a lot of practice. But it can produce an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, an important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is worth the extra price. It's simple to use and offers great features, including an auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. It's the perfect option for anyone who would like a great cup of espresso at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 today by using a new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy a low-cost espresso maker for your home. It includes many of the key features you'd expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, like 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 for near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also has a number of energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
Additionally as an additional bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This will result in a more uniform and better-tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with different flavors and techniques. This is an excellent alternative for coffee lovers since many espresso machines come with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners thanks to its simple interface. It also has advanced features that will attract experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer which allows you to track your shots easily and ensure they are perfect brewed. The Steam and Related Site Brew buttons are lit up to indicate when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that confirms its quality and craftsmanship. This is an item that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a couple of commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. But, I think it is a bit overshadowed by models that have more advanced features and a price tag that is higher.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as accurate milk foaming. The PID in this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit, instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display of most espresso machines in the home which use blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can set the time for which the portafilter needs to be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite some minor problems. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will be brewed at the right temperature. Additionally, the programmable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the low-power of steam are two things that I'd like to point out but it's an excellent choice for espresso lovers at home. If you're willing to spend some more, the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and premium look.
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. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and comes in various colors to fit with your home's style.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the ideal temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand is commercial quality and allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand and allow you to choose your desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the small things right.
This machine is an ideal option for those just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it could also be a good upgrade over a moka maker under the supervision of a barista who is skilled. The machine doesn't have a heat-exchanger, which means you will need to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be sure that your machine will work safely. If you find there is an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.