Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines are currently available to customers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user for grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but they do most of the work.
This model is designed for those who take espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty is made by Breville is a top pick for many coffee lovers. It has the right features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't too complicated to operate. It's ideal for those looking to improve their coffee-making abilities and don't want spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots with the click of an button, which can be very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you won't need to wait until it reaches the optimal temperature in the early morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds which is much faster than other models.
The automatic steam wand makes it easy for even the most novice users to make a amazing shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it can make a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also light and compact, which helps it fit easily into tight spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to keep clear, which is an important feature for those with a limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It is easy to use, and has numerous great features. One of it is the auto-steam wand, which will froth milk for you. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you're approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a prosumer espresso machine that isn't too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It includes many of the key features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID which regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically sets the machine in standby mode after a certain period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler and short water path that help reduce the loss of heat.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure exerted on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can experiment with different styles and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of 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 thanks to its simple interface. However, it has several advanced features that appeal to more experienced baristas at 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 lit up to let you know if you've reached the correct temperature Recommended Web page and pressure for brewing or steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy this speaks to its quality and craftsmanship. This is a machine that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, especially when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is known for its exceptional espresso machines for home use. They also make a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that a lot of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I think it's overshadowed, however by other models that offer more features and are priced higher.
This machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks for steady espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for higher-end machines. It also displays a graph 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 home espresso machines which use a basic digital display that has blue digits.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another excellent feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It's also programmed to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program in the desired amount of time to soak the portafilter prior to proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the ideal temperature. Additionally, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making technique.
The plastic tamper included and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points that I'd like to point out but it's a great choice for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing to spend some more, the Ascaso is definitely worth it for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the best bang for your money then look at the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia has an individual boiler to make and steaming coffee. It's easy to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They 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 in operation and also has an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will surely impress your friends. 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 proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a 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 developing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be sure that your machine will work safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you find an issue.