Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, but they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who sees espresso as an important pastime and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a popular choice among coffee lovers. It's user-friendly and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who wish to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to spend the money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for an even 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 ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It will be ready to use in just three second, which is much more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand makes it easy for even the most novice users to make a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modding and a lot of practice, but it will still make a deliciously smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to clean, which is an important aspect for those who have a small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra price. It's simple to use and comes with amazing features, such as a convenient auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. It's the perfect option for anyone who wants a great cup of coffee at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost espresso maker for your home. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on the higher-end espresso machines that includes an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its heating system for near-simultaneous steaming and the brewing. It is equipped with many energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a specific time of inactivity.
In addition as an additional bonus, 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 helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly-distributed espresso.
Another characteristic that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction, allowing you to experiment with various flavor profiles and techniques. This is a great option for coffee lovers, as many espresso machines come with pressures that are too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for beginners to use. 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, which allows you to track your shots with ease and ensure they're brewed perfectly. There are also lights on the steam and brew buttons to notify you when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Read Significantly more Diletta Mio is made in Italy which confirms its quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers swooning over it. I think it's overshadowed, however by other models that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
This machine features dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine allows you to adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit, not the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most home espresso machines that rely on a simple digital display that has blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically cleanses after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program in the desired amount of time to let the portafilter soak before continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite some minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those who want the best bang-for-your-buck. The Silvia has a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your home.
Silvia Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to remove, clean and maintain. The Silvia comes with a removable reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the right temperature.
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 the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting, and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and designing products that get the little details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. 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 stringent series of tests, so you can be certain that your equipment is safe to use. If you discover that there is any issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer one-year warranties.