Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do consumer choices. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now accessible to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is for someone who sees espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite among espresso enthusiasts. It's got the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't too complicated to use. It's ideal for people who want to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend a lot of money on a high-end commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed for the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots at the touch of the button, which is extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It will be ready to use in just three second which is a lot more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand will make it easy for even the most novice users to pull a fantastic shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires mods and a lot of practice, but it will still produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also light and compact which makes it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important aspect for those with a small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and has a variety of amazing features, such as a convenient auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone who would like an excellent cup of coffee at home. Find out if you are approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an affordable espresso maker for your home. It has many features that you'd expect to see in an espresso machine that is more expensive that includes an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with a solid steam wand that is connected to its heating system that allows for fast steaming and brewing. It has many energy-saving features, including eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
As an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines, and it helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more even and a better tasting espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This allows you the this post ability to alter the pressure applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent 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 due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it has some advanced features that will appeal to more experienced home baristas. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. The Steam and Brew buttons are lit up to let you know if you've reached the proper temperature and pressure to begin brewing or steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and workmanship. This is a machine that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, especially when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. I think it's being overshadowed by other models that have more impressive features and cost more.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. The PID in this machine allows you to adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the traditional digital display on most espresso machines at home that use blue digits.
Another feature that is great is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, so that you can set the length of time that the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.
I would give it a few points for the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic option for those who love home espresso. 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. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to fit with your home's style.
The Silvia also features a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to clean and remove. 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 an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at just the perfect temperature.
The steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand and let you choose the desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their customers, and take feedback. They create products that are perfected by the smallest of little details.
This machine is a great option for those who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it can also be a solid upgrade to an old moka maker under the supervision of a barista who is skilled. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll 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. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty if you discover a problem.