Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a popular choice for espresso lovers. It's easy to use and has all the features you need to get a great espresso shot every time. It's perfect for those who wish to improve their coffee-making skills, but aren't yet ready to spend the money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure an even flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which allows it to rapidly heat up in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three seconds, which is much quicker than other models.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modifying and plenty of practice, but it will still create a smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable that makes it simple to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those with a limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is definitely worth the extra price. It's user-friendly and offers excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. It's the ideal choice for anyone who would like a great cup of espresso at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an affordable espresso maker for your home. It has many features that you'd expect to find on the higher-end espresso machines that includes an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its heating system for near-simultaneous steaming and making. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode that will automatically shut off the machine after a set time of inactivity.
Additionally as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your beans are evenly spread during extraction. This is a result in a more consistent and a better tasting espresso.
Another thing that sets the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you the ability to alter the pressure that is applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic feature for coffee lovers, especially as many espresso machines are shipped out of 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 certain advanced features that will draw more experienced baristas at home. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will enable you to easily track your shots and ensure that they are made to perfection. The brew and steam buttons are lit up to indicate when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure to begin brewing or steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that is a testimony to its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This is an item that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its exceptional espresso machines for homes. They also make a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it's overshadowed, however, by other machines that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. Its PID allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from most home espresso machines that rely on a simple digital display that has blue numbers.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically cleanses after each use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions, so you can set the length of time that the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite some minor problems. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making technique.
The plastic tamper and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those looking for the most value for their money. It has a single boiler which is heated for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available 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 clean and remove. This machine features an ejector that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also has an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial that will ensure that your drinks are at the perfect temperature.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to use and allow you to personalize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their community, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected through the tiny aspects.
This machine is an ideal choice for people who are just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it can also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a our source skilled barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you will need to wait a few minutes before 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 discover that there is a problem with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.