Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, as do the options for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now accessible to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but do much of the work for you.
This model is designed for those who enjoy espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. It's user-friendly and comes with all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee making skills but aren't quite ready to invest in an expensive commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one with the click of a button, which is very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you won't need to wait for it to reach the optimal temperature in the early morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is a lot quicker than other models.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine, due to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth, microfoam you get with an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and a lot of practice. But it will still make an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It's also very lightweight and compact, which makes it to fit well in tight spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clear, which is 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 is easy to use and comes with numerous great features. One of it is the auto-steam wand which will froth milk automatically. This is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a fantastic cup 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 option if you're looking for an affordable espresso maker for the home. It comes with many of the features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID which regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It also has a range of energy-saving features, like an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a specified timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
As an additional bonus As an added 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 it helps ensure that your grounds 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 allows you to adjust the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with various flavors and techniques. This is an excellent alternative for coffee lovers as a lot of espresso machines come with pressures that are too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for beginners to use. However, it also has some advanced features that will draw more experienced home baristas. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer to allow you to easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are made to perfection. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to notify you that you have created enough pressure and temperature for steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This machine can provide years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing excellent espresso machines for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers swooning over it. But, I think it's overshadowed by models with more impressive features and higher prices.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. The PID in this machine lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for high-end machines. It also has a display that displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome departure from the traditional digital display that is common to espresso machines at home, which uses blue numbers.
Another feature that is great is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically website link cleanses after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions so you can set the length of time that the portafilter should be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be brewed at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.
I would knock it down a few points for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall this is a great choice for home espresso lovers. If you're willing to pay more then the Ascaso is definitely worth it because of its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. The Silvia comes with an individual boiler to make 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. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled while the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff function and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the ideal temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to understand and allow you to choose the desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay constantly in contact with their customers, and listen to feedback. They design products that are perfected by the tiny aspects.
This machine is a great option for those just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it could also be a solid upgrade over a moka pot in the hands of a barista who is skilled. This machine does not have an exchanger for heat, so you'll have to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
It is also important to note that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests so that you can be certain that your machine is safe to operate. If you do find that there is a problem with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers one-year warranties.