Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows as do the options for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now accessible to customers as models for prosumers.
These heftier systems demand more precision from the user for grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do the majority of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who enjoy espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a cult favorite among coffee lovers. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on an expensive commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the beans will be evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This is extremely helpful to ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is significantly quicker than other models.
The automatic steam wand makes it easy for even the most novice users to make a great shot. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for cappuccinos and lattes and much more. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam you can get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and a lot of practice. But it will still create a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has an adjustable water reservoir that makes it simple to clean and refill. It's also light and compact, which makes it to fit well into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those with a little counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's simple to use, and comes with many great features. One of it is the auto-steam wand that will froth milk automatically. This is the ideal choice for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if your approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an affordable espresso maker for the home. It features many of the features you'd expect to find in the higher-end espresso machines, including an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has a solid steam wand connected to its own heating system to allow for fast steaming and the brewing. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode after a specified time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that help to reduce heat loss.
In espresso machines home , as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
Another thing that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure exerted on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can test different styles and flavors. 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 thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer permitting you to keep track of your shots with ease and ensure that they are brewed perfectly. There are also lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its top-quality home espresso machines. They also produce commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it's overshadowed by models with more impressive features and higher prices.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions, as well as precise milk foaming. The PID in this machine lets you adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, rather than at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome departure from the traditional digital display that is common to espresso machines at home that use blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand is simple to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after each use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions so you can set the time for which the portafilter must be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, overall it's an excellent espresso machine. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperatures ensure that your coffee is always at the optimal temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion helps you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would knock it down by a few points due to the included plastic tamper and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing some more then the Ascaso is well worth it because of its extra features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the most value for their money. The Silvia comes with one boiler that can be used to brew and steamed coffee. It is easy to use, and comes in a variety of colours to match the design of your home.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled up while the machine is running and also has an automatic shutoff function as well as an adjustable temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
The steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to operate and allow you to customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has been proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They are always in touch with their community, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected by the smallest of aspects.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be an upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. This machine does not have an exchanger for heat, so you'll have to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests so that you can be sure that your machine will function safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty in the event of a problem.