Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A great espresso machine can create high-quality coffee at the touch of the button. The best espresso machine will depend on your skill level and requirements.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you take control of the brewing however they are more likely to make errors.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a compact espresso maker that can make a real double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top options available. It's not cheap but it's high-end and comes with a 2-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of the Wacaco coffee makers. It's the smallest, but the best at making espresso.
Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but instead relies on a hand-pump that creates pressure up to 18 bar. This is more than enough to extract two shots of espresso with thick crema, and it's far superior to what you can expect from many third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and comes with a chic faux leather sleeve which helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it for extractions.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in the hands. The machine is constructed of a mixture of metal and robust parts. All of the accessories are also durable. This includes an ergonomic tamper made of stainless steel funnel, brush and funnel, plus a plastic distribution tool to help with getting an even puck and ideal extraction pressure.
This model does not include any fancy milk bottles or steam wands, but it includes a mirror to let you monitor your bottomless sips in private. It's a nice addition and is in line with the Picopresso's travel friendly philosophy. Another accessory you might want to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used to brew at home too.
This lets you pre-heat the piston before pumping hot water through it before you begin making your espresso. It's a good idea as this ensures that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by removing all of the essential oils from the coffee you grind. It's important to know that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially the case if you follow the Wacaco's recommendations for weighing the beans and adjusting tamping force to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is an excellent option for those who wish to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic, single boiler espresso machine is known to be durable and long lasting. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers say that it produces coffee of the same quality. The stainless steam wand, made of stainless steel, and the cup tray are stylish design that can be incorporated into any kitchen design.
This coffee maker has brass boilers capable of achieving the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating. The Silvia also has an insulated steam wand which lets you create rich, creamy steamed milk easily for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing system is constructed of high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important factors to consider when selecting an espresso machine. Silvia is one of the most user-friendly machines. Silvia is designed with a streamlined portafilter as well as a simple, four-rocker switch interface that makes it simple to operate. It comes with an adjustable drip tray and water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. The machine also has a built-in feature that turns off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another characteristic that makes the Silvia different from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This feature decreases the pressure that is applied to the grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps preserve the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are preparing.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to enhance its capabilities. This machine comes with a shot-timer and a programmable pressure pump, but is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, both for baristas new to the field as well as those with more experience. Its simple design doesn't permit the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still produces excellent espresso. It's also a great option for those who are looking to improve their barista abilities by providing the feedback required to ensure better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine, but it comes with the features that professional baristas would like. It has an impressive steam wand that can make microfoam for the creation of latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a metal Tamper that is of premium quality. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that maintains a stable temperature so you will get consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's among the smallest single boiler espresso machines available, which makes it perfect for small areas. It heats up within three seconds so you can begin using it as soon as the button is hit. This is the same technology Breville used in its Oracle range, so it's a very advanced espresso machine for this price.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that is simple to clean and use. It comes with brushed stainless, which provides it with a stylish design and feel for an affordable price. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, as well as a stainless steel milk jug.
This is a fantastic price for espresso machines and a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their daily routine without costing a fortune. This is the most affordable espresso maker that can produce cafe quality espresso and steamed-milk at home. It's also the easiest to operate and easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with the ability to pre-infuse but you can solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter a few times before brewing a shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's operating smoothly. If you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't have any issues with scaling or other maintenance issues. If you want to be sure, you can purchase a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to get started with espresso making but doesn't want an excessive amount of money. This machine is less than half the price of our second-best choice that is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it still makes delicious drinks. However the Cadorna has a few more coffee options including 4 user profiles to save drinks and a better grinder, but it's also in sale, so you might be able to locate it for less.
This machine is perfect for those who love latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso, which is a feature that is becoming more popular among coffee machines for home use. The 3200 also comes with a dedicated brewing option that uses a lower temperature to brew iced drinks to ensure that it doesn't alter the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with whole and ground beans. It has an enormous bean hopper that is easy to fill. You can alter the size of the grind to your coffee espresso machines preferences. This machine also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't wish to make decaf, but still need their caffeine fix.
If you prefer drinks that are based on milk The Philips has a LatteGo system that can dispense heated or frothed milk in a single step. It is among the easiest milk frothing machines to use. It can also heat and froth other milks like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it's quieter than some other options. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's close to the sound you'd hear in a local coffee shop. The only issue is the time it takes to warm up. This can be adjusted by altering the settings.