Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer options. Prosumer models of several commercial machines are can now be purchased by customers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user in grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do the majority of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and want complete control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's got the features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't too complicated to use. It's ideal for those who are looking to improve their skills in coffee making but don't want to spend much money on a high-end commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure a balanced flavor. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots by pressing a button, which is extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, 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 significantly more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a amazing shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk types and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam that you get from a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modding and lots of practice. But it will still make an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It is also compact and lightweight which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to clean, which is an important feature for those who have a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's easy to use and has a variety of excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that will create froth for your milk. This is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a professional espresso machine that won't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It comes with many of the features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including 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, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode 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.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This, in turn, results in a more uniform and more delicious espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different methods and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee lovers, especially as 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 novices due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that appeal to more experienced baristas at home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer to let you easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are brewed perfectly. The brew and Steam buttons are illuminated to inform you when you've reached the proper temperature and pressure to begin making steam or brewing.
In addition, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy this confirms its quality and workmanship. This is a machine that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly if you keep it well-maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its top-quality espresso machines for home use. They also produce commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I think it's being overshadowed by other models with more advanced features and a higher cost.
This machine has dual thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments, a degree of precision normally reserved for larger machines. It also has a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit instead of at the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home that use a simple digital display with blue numerals.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after every use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program the desired amount of time to let the portafilter soak before beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the ideal temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper included and the surprisingly low power of steam are two things that I'd like to point out however, this is a great choice for espresso lovers at home. If you're willing to spend some more it, the Ascaso is worth the price for its extra features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the most value for your money then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia features an individual boiler to make and steamed coffee. It is easy to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
Silvia Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off, clean and maintain. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will surely impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable and robust, which travel espresso maker is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is ideal for those 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'll have to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests so that you can be sure that your machine will work safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you discover an issue.