Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who sees espresso as an intense hobby and would like complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who wish to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots with the click of an button, which can be very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to rapidly heat up in the morning. It will be ready to 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 a fantastic shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte and other milk types and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam you can get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it will still make a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also very lightweight and compact, which makes it fit nicely in tight spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clean, which is an important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's user-friendly and offers excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. This is the ideal option for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that isn't too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It has many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID that controls 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 into standby 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 an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
Another thing that sets the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This allows you the ability 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, 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 beginners due to its easy-to-use interface. It also has advanced features that will attract experienced home baristas. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer to enable you to easily track your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. The Steam and Brew buttons are lit up to indicate when you've reached the right temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making excellent espresso machines for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it's overshadowed, however, by other machines that offer more features and cost more.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as accurate milk foaming. Its PID lets you alter the temperature of the brewing in one-degree increments, a degree of precision that is usually reserved for more expensive machines. It also features a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most espresso machines in the home this content that use a simple digital display that has blue digits.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a fantastic feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after every use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions, so you can set the length of time that the portafilter must be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the ideal temperature. Additionally, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making technique.
I would slash it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is a great option for those who love home espresso. If you're willing to pay more then the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the most value for your money then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia features an individual boiler to make and steaming coffee. It is easy 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 filled when the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the ideal temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand on this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will delight your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to operate and allow you to 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 initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is an Italian family-owned business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and designing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is an ideal option for those just beginning their journey to making espresso at home. However, it can also be a great upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a skilled barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will function safely. If you discover that there is any issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer a one-year warranty.