Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer options. A variety of top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to customers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is ideal for those who views espresso as an important pastime and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top choice for many coffee lovers. It's user-friendly and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's perfect for those who want to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a high-end commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one with the click of an button, which can be very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it heat up quickly in the morning. It will be ready to use in just three seconds which is a lot more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull off a great shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires tweaking and a lot of practice. However, it can make a smooth, creamy latté or cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also light and compact making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clear, which is an important aspect for those who have a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and offers amazing features, such as a convenient auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. This is the ideal option for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that doesn't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It has many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID which regulates the temperature to within a few degrees, and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, including an eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a set timer, and an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is the standard size that is used by the majority of commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can play around with different flavors and techniques. This is a fantastic 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 simple interface. However, it has some advanced features that will be appealing to baristas with more experience in the home. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to let you easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are brewed to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons are illuminated to inform you when you've reached the proper temperature and pressure to begin making steam or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its top-quality espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I think it's overshadowed, however, by other machines that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
This machine features dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for more expensive machines. It also displays a graph showing the brew temperature at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most home espresso machines that rely on a simple digital display that has blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a fantastic feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets which means you can program the amount you want to soak the portafilter prior to continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite some minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and click the next website page precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing a little more then the Ascaso is definitely worth it because of its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that can give you the most bang for your buck, look at the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia has a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple 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 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.
Finally, the steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable and robust, which 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 designing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from moka pots if you're a barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you will need to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will operate safely. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty in the event of a problem.