Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do consumer choices. Prosumer models of several commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by consumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, but they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who views espresso as an intense hobby and would like complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who wish to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to invest in an expensive commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a single button. This is very helpful to achieve consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds which is significantly quicker than the majority of other machines.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a perfect shot using this espresso machine thanks to the automatic steam wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for cappuccinos, lattes, and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires mods and a lot of practice, but it will still make a deliciously smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model has an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those who have little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than the other models, is definitely worth the extra price. It's simple to use, and comes with numerous great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand, which will make milk froth for you. It's the perfect option for anyone who would like the perfect cup of espresso at home. Check to see if you're approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 + free shipping8 today by using the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost prosumer espresso maker. It has many features that you'd expect to see in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its own heating system that allows for near-simultaneous steaming and brewing. It is equipped with many energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically turns the machine off after a set time of inactivity.
As an additional bonus, 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 ensures that your beans are evenly distributed during extraction. This is a result in a more consistent and more delicious espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to adjust the pressure that is imposed on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent option for coffee lovers, as many espresso machines come with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is easy for beginners to use. However, it also has certain advanced features that will be appealing to more experienced baristas at home. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer permitting you to keep track of your shots with ease and ensure they're made to perfection. There are lights next to the steam and brew buttons to notify you when you have built up enough pressure and temperature for steaming and brewing.
In addition, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy this confirms its quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its outstanding home espresso machines. They also produce 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 dual thermoblocks for stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree lowest price increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit, rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display that has blue digits.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another fantastic feature. The steam wand is simple to use and comes with an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program the time you'd like to soak the portafilter prior to continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite some minor issues. 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 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, the Ascaso is definitely worth it because of its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those who want the best bang-for-your-buck. 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.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine comes with an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled 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 for the ideal coffee experience.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and let you customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They are constantly in contact with their customers, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the tiny little details.
This machine is an ideal option for those just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it could also be a good upgrade over a moka maker under the supervision of a barista who is skilled. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous series of tests, so you can be certain that the machine is safe to operate. If you do find that there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.