Finding the Best Espresso Machine
With the push of a single button, an espresso machine can make drinks that rival those served in cafes. Finding the right espresso machine is contingent on your skill level and needs.
Fully automatic machines do it all for you, but they're expensive and usually do not have room for experimentation. Manual models let you take control of the process however they are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that makes a real double shot The Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not cheap, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year guarantee. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. It's also the smallest but it's also the one most capable of making high-quality espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't rely on electricity and relies solely on a hand pump to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to make two shots of espresso with thick creamy crema. It's much better than the third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a chic faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it to extract your coffee.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels sturdy in the hands. It's made of metal and robust plastic components, and the accessories included are also durable. This includes an ergonomic tamper made of stainless steel, funnel and brush and a plastic distribution tool to aid in achieving an even puck and perfect extraction pressure.
This model doesn't include any fancy milk carafes or steam wands, however it includes a mirror to let you observe your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a nice addition that is in line with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Another option to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used for brewing at home, too.
This allows you to preheat the piston by pushing hot water through it prior to making espresso. It's a good idea since it will ensure that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by getting all the essential oils from your ground coffee. 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 the tamping force to ensure you get the best espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is the ideal choice for those who want 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 with the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers say that it produces coffee with similar quality. The stainless steam wand, made of stainless steel, and the cup tray offer a stylish design that complements any kitchen design.
This coffee maker has an iron boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia also has an insulated steam wand which lets you create rich creamy steamed milk for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing unit is also constructed of high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing an espresso machine is its ease of use. The Silvia comes with a sturdier portafilter, as well as an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it simple to use. It also comes with an adjustable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. The machine also comes with a safety feature that switches the heating element off after it's been on for more than 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is a further feature that makes the Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature decreases the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the flavor of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are preparing.
Silvia Silvia comes with a variety of upgrades that can be installed by espresso enthusiasts to enhance the functionality of the machine. This machine comes with a shot-timer and an adjustable pressure pump however, it is compatible with many aftermarket accessories including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for beginners as well as experienced baristas. Its simple design does not permit the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still makes great espresso. It's also a great choice for those who want to improve their barista skills, since it provides them with the feedback they need to make better espresso each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine, but it has many of the features professional baristas desire. It has an efficient steam machine that creates microfoam which can be used in latte art. It also comes with a top-quality metal tamper as well as a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that will maintain the temperature at a constant level so you can get consistent results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's one of the smallest espresso machines on the market, making it ideal for small spaces. It is ready to heat up in just three seconds so you can use it as soon as the button is press. This is the same technology that Breville employed for its Oracle line, which means you'll get a high-tech espresso machine at a low cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that's easy for you to clean and use. It comes in brushed stainless that gives it a sleek look and feel at an affordable price. It includes a portafilter as well as the stainless-steel milk container.
This is among the most affordable espresso machines on sale, and it's a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without spending a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso machine that produces cafe-quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also one of the easiest to clean and operate.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder however, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality to use it. The only issue is that it does not have the ability to pre-infuse but you can solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter several times before grabbing the shot. You'll also need to flush and descale the boiler on a regular basis to ensure it's functioning properly. As long as you flush it frequently and follow the instructions it shouldn't face any maintenance issues or scale buildup. If you want to make sure, you can buy an online descaler.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super-automatic espresso machine that has lots of amazing features. It's a great breaking news option for anyone who wants to learn about making espresso but doesn't want to invest a lot of money. The machine is less than half as our second best option, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna does have several more options that include four user profiles to save drinks, as well as a grinder but you can often find it on sale for the same price.
This machine is a great option for those who enjoy cappuccino and latte, but don't need a wide variety of espresso flavors. It can also make decent Iced Espresso this is an option that is becoming more and more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a brew system that makes use of a lower temperature to brew iced coffee so it won't dilute the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can alter the size of the grind according to your preference. This machine also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't want to make decaf, but still need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system will automatically dispense heated or frothed milk if you like milk-based beverages. This is a major selling point for the machine as it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems out there. It can even heat and froth non-dairy milks like almond, soy and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it is quieter than other models. It's not nearly as loud as a professional espresso machine, but it's close to what you'd find in the local coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. It can be altered by changing the settings.