Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, but do most of the work.
This model is designed for those who take espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite for espresso lovers. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you need to ensure a top espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for the best flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you don't need to wait until it reaches the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is much quicker than most other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a fantastic shot. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modding and lots of practice however, it can 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 lightweight and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those who have small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is worth the extra price. It's simple to use and comes with great features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can make your milk frothy for you. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make a fantastic cup at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 + free shipping8 today by using a new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that isn't too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It comes with many features you'd expect to find in an espresso machine that is more expensive such as the digital PID that controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also has a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating system that allows for near-simultaneous steaming and brewing. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically shuts off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
As an additional bonus As an added 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 it helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a better-tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure that is imposed on your coffee during extraction, allowing you to experiment with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of espresso machines leave the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is easy for new users to use. However, it also has some advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can be used as a shot timer, which allows you to track your shots with ease and ensure they are perfect brewed. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature for steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, especially if you keep it well-maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing excellent espresso machines for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers swooning over it. I do think that it is overshadowed, however by other devices that have more impressive features and a higher cost.
This machine features dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID of this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the traditional digital display of most espresso machines at home, which uses blue numbers.
Another feature that linked web site is great is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions so you can set the time for which the portafilter should be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic 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. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed helps you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would give it by a few points due to the plastic tamper included and its shockingly low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic choice for home espresso lovers. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the most value for their money. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and comes in different colors to fit with your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine has a removable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the ideal temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend, allowing you to select the desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. 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 their craftsmanship and quality. They are constantly in contact with their customers, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the tiny little details.
This machine is an ideal option for those just starting their journey into 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. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests so that you can be sure that your machine is safe to use. If you discover that there is a problem with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.