Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine can produce high-quality coffee at the touch of an button. But finding the right one depends on your needs and level of expertise.
Fully automated machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you manage the process, but they're more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that produces two shots, is one of the top choices. It's not cheap, but it feels high-end and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most professional of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's also the smallest, but also the most efficient in making premium espresso.
Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but instead relies on a hand-pump to create pressure that can reach 18 bar. This is enough for two shots of espresso that have a thick creamy crema. It's much better than the third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a chic faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it for extractions.
The small manual espresso machine from Wacaco, it still feels substantial. It's made of metal and robust plastic parts, and all the accessories included feel durable too. This includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper funnel, a brush, plus a plastic distribution tool to help with getting an even puck and the perfect extraction pressure.
You won't find fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, but it does have a mirror so you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice addition and is in line with the Picopresso's travel friendly ethos. Picopresso stands can be utilized at home to brew.
This allows you to pre-heat the piston and pump hot water through it before you begin making your espresso. This is a good idea as it ensures you get the best results of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso can be time-consuming, particularly when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for weighting your beans and altering the tamping pressure so that you get an excellent espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to learn about espresso making. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is well-known for its durability and longevity. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and numerous reviewers believe that it produces coffee of similar quality. The stainless steam wand made of steel and the cup tray are stylish design that complements any kitchen design.
This coffee maker has brass boiler that can reach the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also has a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating. The Silvia also includes an insulated steam wand which allows you to create rich creamy steamed milk quickly for macchiatos or cappuccinos. The brewing unit also features sturdy materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important aspects to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia comes with a sturdier portafilter, as well as a simple four-rocker interface that makes it easy to use. It comes with an easily removable drip tray as well as a reservoirs for water that are easy to clean. The machine comes with a safety feature built-in that shuts off the heating element off when it's been on for 30 minutes.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This feature decreases the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing, helping to preserve and enhance the sensory qualities of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to fit the type of espresso you are making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to improve its performance. This machine comes with a shot-timer and a pressure pump that can be programmed, but is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices as well as experienced baristas. Its basic design doesn't allow for the customization required by more sophisticated espresso makers, but it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a good option for those looking to learn how to hone their barista skills since it provides them with the feedback needed to make better espresso each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it has many of the features that professional baristas need. It comes with an efficient steam machine that can make microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It also comes with a top-quality metal tamper as well as a stainless steel milk jug that is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that maintains an even temperature so that you will get reliable results.
The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's one of the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines available that makes it ideal for smaller spaces. It is also ready to heat up in less than three seconds, meaning it's ready when you press the button. This is the same technology Breville employed in its Oracle range, so it's an extremely sophisticated espresso machine for the price of just $199.
Like its predecessors like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to clean and use. It comes in brushed stainless that provides it with a stylish look and feel at an affordable price. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, as well as a stainless steel milk jug.
This is among the best values in espresso machines on sale, and it's a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without breaking the bank. It's the most affordable espresso machine that can make quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home, and it's also the most simple to clean and use.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. It doesn't have an option for preinfusion. However you can easily fix it by running hot water several times through the portafilter before making the shot. You'll also need to flush and descale the boiler periodically to ensure it's running smoothly. If you regularly flush it and follow the guidelines in the manual, it shouldn't be having any issues with scaling or other issues related to maintenance. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super-automatic espresso machine that comes with a lot of great features. This is a great option to start learning how to make espresso, but don't have much cash to spend. This machine is less than half the cost of our next choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some really delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna offers a variety of coffee options including 4 user profiles to save drinks as well as a better grinder, but it's usually on sale so you could be able to get it at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who like latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks, but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso this is a feature that is becoming more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 features a specific coffee brewing feature that makes use of an lower temperature for iced coffee to ensure that the flavor is not diminished.
Like other machines on this list like the Philips 3200 can use both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can alter the size of the grind according to your preferences. The machine you could look here also comes with an efficient bypass doser that is ideal for those who don't want to make decaf, but still need their caffeine fix.
If you prefer milk-based drinks, the Philips offers a LatteGo system that can serve heated or frothed milk on demand. It is one of the most simple milk frothing machines to use. It can even heat and froth non-dairy milks such as soy, almond and oat.
It's not quietest machine, but it is quieter than some other options. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's comparable to the sound you'd hear in a local coffee shop. One downside is that it takes a while to warm up, however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.