Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows, so do consumer options. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines are can now be purchased by customers.
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 designed for those who take espresso as a hobby and would like to have complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice among espresso lovers. It's got the features to give you a perfect shot every time and isn't overly complicated in its operation either. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills, but aren't yet ready to invest in the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure the best flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This is extremely helpful to achieve consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you don't need to wait for it to reach the ideal temperature in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is a lot quicker than other models.
Even the novice will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk types and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and a lot of practice. But it will still make an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass lid that is easy to clean, which is another important aspect for those with limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It is easy to use, and comes with many wonderful features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will make milk froth for you. It's the perfect option for anyone looking to make an excellent coffee at home. Check to see if Coffeee approved - earn up to 10% back in rewards1 + free shipping8 today with the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that isn't too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It comes with numerous of the essential features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including 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 to allow simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features like an eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a certain time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and short water path that help reduce heat loss.
Additionally As an added bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your beans are evenly spread during extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to adjust the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction which allows you to play with different flavors and techniques. This is a fantastic feature for coffee enthusiasts, especially as 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 novices due to its simple interface. It also has some advanced features that appeal to experienced home baristas. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer allowing you to monitor your shots without difficulty and ensure that they are perfect brewed. There are also lights next to the brew and steam buttons to notify you when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its 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 renowned for its exceptional espresso machines for home use. They also make a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers who are drooling over it. I think it's overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and a higher cost.
This machine features dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions, as well as precise milk foaming. Its PID allows you to alter the temperature of the brewing in one-degree increments, a degree of precision normally reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, not the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from most espresso machines in the home which use a basic digital display with blue numerals.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purges after every use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, so that you can control the time for which the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the perfect temperature. In addition, the programable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points that I'd like to point out however, this is an excellent option for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those who want the most value for money. It has a single boiler which heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and is available in different colors to complement your home's style.
The Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine comes with a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled up when the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial quality and allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to use and let you customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has been proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their quality and craftsmanship. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the little things 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 biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests, so that you can be certain that the machine is safe to operate. If you find there's any issue with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.