Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. A variety of top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to customers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require more precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, yet they do most of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who enjoy espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a cult favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It's got the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't too complicated to operate. It's a great choice for those looking to improve their coffee-making abilities but aren't ready to splurge on the top of the line commercial equipment.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, combined with the high-pressure extraction guarantees that the beans will be evenly pressed to give an even taste. You can also program distinct output quantities for two and one-shots with the click of an button, which can be extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you don't need to wait for it to get to the ideal temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds, which is a lot faster than other models.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires tweaking and lots of practice. However, it can make a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model has a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which helps it to fit well into tight spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clear, which is an important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's simple to use, and comes with many great features. One of it is the auto-steam wand which will make milk froth for you. This is the perfect choice for those who want to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if you're pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a prosumer espresso machine that isn't too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It includes many of the key features you would expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees, and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving features, like an eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a certain timer, and an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that help reduce the loss of heat.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
Another characteristic that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different styles and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee lovers particularly since many espresso machines leave the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that be appealing to more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer, permitting you to keep track of your shots easily and ensure that they are made to perfection. There are lights next to the steam click here for info and brew buttons to let you know when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow steaming and brewing.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy which confirms its quality and craftsmanship. This machine will give you years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its exceptional home espresso machines. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers who are drooling over it. But, I think it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and a higher price tag.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. The PID of this machine allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also displays the temperature of the brew at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from the simple digital display on most espresso machines at home, which uses blue numbers.
Another excellent feature is the large, active cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purges after every use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions, which means that you can set the length of time that the portafilter must be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion helps you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down a few points for the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is a great option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. It has a single boiler which can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to match your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine features an ejector that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also features an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature.
The steam wand is commercial grade and will allow you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your guests. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and allow you to choose your desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They are constantly in contact with their customers, and take feedback. They create products that are refined by the tiny little details.
This machine is a great option for those who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home, but it can also be a great upgrade to an old moka maker under the supervision of a skilled barista. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you will need to wait for several 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 work safely. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer one-year warranties.