Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of several commercial machines are now available for customers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is ideal for those who sees espresso as a serious hobby and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty from Breville is a top pick for many coffee lovers. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you require to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people who want to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed for the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one by pressing the button, which is very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three seconds which is significantly faster than other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk 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 create a smooth, creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact, making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important feature for those with little counter space.
While it's a little 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 anyone looking to make a great cup at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that won't cost too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It comes with many features you'd expect to find in an espresso machine that is more expensive such as the digital PID that controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also has an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its own heating system that allows for fast steaming and making. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving 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 heat loss.
Additionally as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This is a result in a more uniform and more delicious espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes 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 due to its simple interface. However, it has several advanced features that appeal to more experienced baristas at home. For example, 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 brew and Steam 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 workmanship. This is a machine that will provide you with years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of 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. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and higher prices.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, a degree of precision that is usually reserved for higher-end machines. It also displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit, not the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display that is common to home espresso machines that use blue numbers.
Another great feature is the large, active cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and has a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
The plastic tamper and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize, but this is an excellent choice for those who love espresso at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that gives you the best bang for your buck Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available in a variety of colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean as well as maintain. This machine features an ejector that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff function and a temperature dial that will keep your drinks at just the right temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and lets you make silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want lowest price to brew. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable, and reliable, which is why it has been able to stand the test of time since its initial 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 community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the little details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. The biggest drawback of 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 sure that your machine will work safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you find a problem.