Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of high-end commercial machines can now be purchased by customers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do the majority of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and want to have full control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top choice for many espresso aficionados. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who are looking to improve their coffee-making abilities and don't want spend much money on a high-end commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high pressure extraction guarantees that the beans will be evenly pressed to produce a balanced taste. You can also program distinct output quantities for two and one-shots with the click of an button, which can be very helpful 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 get to the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds which is significantly quicker than the majority of other machines.
Even the most novice of users will have no trouble pulling a great shot using this espresso machine due to the automatic steam wand. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for cappuccinos, 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 produce a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also light and compact, which helps it fit easily into tight spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those with a limited counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It is easy to use and comes with many wonderful features. One of it is the auto-steam wand which will froth milk automatically. It's the perfect option for anyone who wants a great coffee at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 today with a new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that won't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It includes numerous of the essential features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It is equipped with many energy-saving features, such as an eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a specific time of inactivity.
In addition, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your espresso beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This gives you the ability to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different methods and flavors. This is an excellent alternative for coffee lovers since many espresso machines come with pressures that are too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also has several advanced features reference that be appealing to more experienced baristas at home. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will let you easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are made to perfection. The brew and Steam buttons are illuminated to indicate when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that confirms its quality and workmanship. This machine will give you years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that dozens of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it's overshadowed by models that have more advanced features and a higher price tag.
This machine has dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions as well as accurate milk frothing. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit instead of the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome departure from the standard digital display on most espresso machines in the home which use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purge after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, which means that you can control the length of time that the portafilter must be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, it's a great home espresso machine. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the ideal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the low-power of steam are two aspects I would not recommend however, this is an excellent choice for espresso lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. It has a single boiler which heats up for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available in different colors to match your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to clean and remove. This machine features an ejector that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that will ensure that your drinks are at the right temperature.
The steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will delight your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable, and reliable, which is why it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their customers, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected through the small details.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you will need to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be certain that the machine will operate safely. If you do find that there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.