Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do consumer options. Prosumer models of several high-end commercial machines now available for customers.
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 designed for those who enjoy espresso as a hobby and want to have full control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a popular choice among espresso enthusiasts. It's easy to use and has all the features you require to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people looking to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, combined with the high-pressure extraction ensures that the ground beans are evenly pressed, resulting in an even taste. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots at the touch of an button, which can be extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds, which is a lot quicker than the majority of other machines.
Even the most novice of users can pull off an excellent shot with this espresso machine due to the automatic steam wand. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for cappuccinos, lattes, and much more. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and a lot of practice. But it will still create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clear, which is an important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and offers amazing features, such as an auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to make the perfect coffee at home. Check if you're pre-approved. earn up to 10% back in rewards1 + free shipping8 today with the new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an inexpensive espresso maker for your home. It features many of the features you'd expect to see in the higher-end espresso machines, including a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an insulated steam wand, which is that is connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also has a range of energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode after a specified time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
In addition As an added bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your grounds during extraction and allows you to experiment with different flavor profiles and techniques. This is a fantastic 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 has a simple user interface that is simple for novices to use. However, it has several advanced features that be appealing to more experienced baristas at home. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer permitting you to keep track of your shots with ease and ensure they are perfect brewed. There are also lights on the steam and brew buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature for the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it's overshadowed by models that have more advanced features and a higher price tag.
This machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks for reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, which is a level of precision usually reserved for more expensive machines. It also features a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing departure from the traditional digital display on most espresso machines at home, which uses blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically cleanses after every use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions, which means that you can set the amount of time the portafilter must be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine . Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure that your coffee is always made at the optimal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making skills.
I would give it one point for the included plastic tamper and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is an excellent option for those who love home espresso. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. The Silvia features a single boiler for brewing and steamed coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your home.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has a removable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in operation as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as the temperature dial, which keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand comes in commercial grade and will allow you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your guests. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and let you choose your desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia has proved to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They stay constantly in contact with their community, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the smallest of details.
This machine is an excellent option for those just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it can also be a good upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a professional barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will work safely. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.