Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of high-end commercial machines currently available to consumers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but do most of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty from Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It has the right features to make a fantastic shot every time, and it's not overly complicated to use. It's perfect for those looking to improve their coffee-making skills and don't want spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the beans are evenly pressed to give an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-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 system, which means you won't need to wait until it reaches the optimal temperature in the early morning. It'll be ready for use in only three seconds which is a lot quicker than other models.
The automatic steam wand will make it easy for even the most novice users to pull off a fantastic shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, and other milk types and temperatures. 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 make a smooth, creamy latté or cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those with a limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use, and comes with many great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will make milk froth for you. This is the ideal option for anyone looking to make a great cup at home. Check 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
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for an inexpensive espresso maker for your home. It includes many of the key 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 also has a number of energy efficiency features including an eco mode that automatically sets the machine into standby after a specified time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
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 distributed during extraction. This is a result in a more consistent and better-tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. 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 fantastic option for coffee lovers since many espresso machines come with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for beginners to use. However, it also includes certain advanced features that will draw more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer allowing you to monitor your shots easily and ensure they are perfect brewed. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its top-quality espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few 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 think it's being overshadowed by other models with more advanced features and a higher cost.
This machine features dual thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for more expensive machines. It also features a display that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit, rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a machine espresso welcome change from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display with blue numerals.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the ideal temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would knock it down a few points for the included plastic tamper and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall this is a fantastic choice for home espresso lovers. If you're willing to pay a little more, the Ascaso is well worth it because of its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the most value for money. The Silvia has a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia comes with a removable reservoir that can be filled when the machine is being used. It also comes with an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the right temperature.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are easy to grasp and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as 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 Italian company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and designing products that get the little details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger, so you will need to wait a couple of minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will work safely. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty if you discover an issue.