Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by consumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet do most of the work.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a hobby and want to have full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's got all the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's ideal for those who are looking to improve their coffee-making skills and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a high-end commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high pressure extraction guarantees that the beans are evenly pressed to give a balanced taste. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots with the touch of a button. This is extremely helpful to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in just three seconds, which is much more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a great shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte and other milk types and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires tweaking and a lot of practice. However, it can create a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model has an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which helps it to fit well in tight spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those who have little counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than some other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's simple to use and offers great features, including an auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. This is the ideal option for anyone who wants to make a great cup at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 today with the new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a prosumer espresso machine that doesn't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It has many features that you'd expect to see in an espresso machine that is more expensive that includes a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with a solid steam wand connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and making. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set timer, and an insulated boiler and short water path that help to reduce heat loss.
As an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you the ability to adjust the pressure exerted on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different flavors and techniques. This is an excellent option for those who love coffee, as 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. It also comes with advanced features that will appeal to experienced home baristas. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. There are also lights in the area next to the steam and brew buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature for brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and workmanship. This machine will give you years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its top-quality espresso machines for homes. They also make commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers swooning over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and a higher price tag.
This machine has dual thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. The PID on this machine lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the Home Page majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display with blue numerals.
Another feature that is great is the large, active cup warmer. The steam wand is simple to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program the time you'd like to soak the portafilter before continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always at the optimal temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points I would not recommend, but this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing to pay a little more then the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those looking for the most value for money. Featuring a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and can be purchased in various colors to complement the style of your home.
Silvia Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean as well as maintain. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running and also has an automatic shutoff feature and the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and lets you make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to use and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proved to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned company which is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and creating products that get the small details right.
This machine is an ideal choice for people who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home. However, it could also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot under the guidance of a professional barista. The machine isn't equipped with a heat exchanger, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be certain that the machine will function safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty in the event of any issues.