Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do the choices for consumers. Many top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now accessible to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require more precision from the user for grinding, tamping and extraction time, yet they do most of the work for you.
This model is for someone who considers espresso to be an important pastime and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite for espresso lovers. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's perfect for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to spend much money on a premium commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the ground beans are evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots with the touch of a button. This is very helpful to ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you won't have to wait around for it to reach the optimal temperature in the early morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is significantly quicker than most other machines.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a perfect shot with this espresso machine, because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk textures and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine that requires modding and lots of practice but it will produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir that makes it simple to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact making it easy to fit into small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those who have limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's easy to use and has a variety of excellent features, including an auto-steam wand that will create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone who wants the perfect cup of espresso at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% back in rewards1 and free shipping8 today with the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a prosumer espresso machine that doesn't cost too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It features many of the features you'd expect to see in the higher-end espresso machines, including the digital PID that controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system that allows for simultaneous steaming and the brewing. It has many energy-saving features, including eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a certain period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is a standard size that is used by the majority of commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This gives you the ability to adjust the pressure exerted on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different flavors and techniques. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts, especially as 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 due to its simple interface. It also has some advanced features which will attract experienced home baristas. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer, allowing you to monitor your shots with ease and ensure they're made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons have lights that let you know if you've reached the correct temperature and pressure to begin brewing or steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that confirms its quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding home espresso machines. They also produce 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 believe it gets overshadowed by other models that have more advanced features and higher prices.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display with blue numerals.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is another fantastic feature. The steam wand features an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically cleanses after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine. Its fast article source heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the right temperature. In addition, the programable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two aspects that I'd like to point out however, this is a great choice for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. The Silvia features a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colours to match the design of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine comes with a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled up when the machine is in operation and also has an automatic shutoff function and the temperature dial, which keeps your drinks at the ideal temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand in this machine is commercial-grade and lets you make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will delight your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to use and allow you to personalize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has been proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and designing products that get the smallest 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. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you will need to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
It is also important to note that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests, so you can be confident that your equipment is safe to use. If you find there's a problem with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.