Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows and so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of many high-end commercial machines now available for customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, yet do most 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 small beauty is a popular choice among coffee lovers. It has the right features to make a fantastic shot every time, and it's not overly complicated in its operation either. It's perfect for those looking to improve their skills in coffee making, but don't want to spend a lot of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This is very helpful to achieve consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three second, which is much more efficient than other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a fantastic shot. It is able to create a broad 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 that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it will still create a smooth, creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those who have small counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than some other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you're pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 when you purchase 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 the home. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on the higher-end espresso machines that includes an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as an eco mode, which automatically shuts off the machine after a specific period of inactivity.
As an additional bonus As an added 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 it helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout 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 exerted on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic alternative for coffee lovers, as many espresso machines come with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for novices due to its simple interface. However, it also includes certain advanced features that will appeal to more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer, permitting you to keep track of your shots with ease and ensure that they are perfect brewed. There are lights on the steam and brew buttons to let you know that you have created enough pressure and temperature for the brewing and steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy this is a testimony to its high-end internet site 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, a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its top-quality espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers swooning over it. I think it's overshadowed, however by other models that offer more features and cost more.
This machine features dual thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision that is usually reserved for more expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display that has blue digits.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. The steam wand is simple to use and has a non-burn feature that automatically purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, which means you can set the amount of time the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite some minor problems. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will always be brewed at the right temperature. Additionally, the programmable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making techniques.
I would slash it down one point for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its shockingly low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic 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 who want the most value for money. Featuring a single boiler that heats up 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 easy to clean and remove. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be topped off when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are easy to grasp and let you choose your desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They stay always in touch with their community and take feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the small details.
This machine is a great choice for people who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it can also be a great upgrade to an old moka maker under the supervision of a professional barista. The machine doesn't have a heat exchanger, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will function safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you discover any issues.