Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer options. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to customers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is ideal for those who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice among espresso enthusiasts. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you need to ensure a top espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly crushed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This is very helpful to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is significantly more efficient than other machines.
The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to make a amazing shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk types and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modding and a lot of practice, but it will still make a deliciously smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, another important feature for those who have little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that can froth your milk for you. It's the ideal choice for anyone who would like a great cup of espresso at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an affordable espresso maker for your home. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on a higher-priced espresso machine such as the digital PID that controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an insulated steam wand, which is connected to its own heating system for simultaneous steaming and making. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
In addition as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This is a result in a more consistent and better-tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent option for those who love coffee as a lot of espresso machines are sold with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that be appealing to more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots easily and ensure that they are made to perfection. There are also lights in the area next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature for steaming and brewing.
In addition, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that is a testimony to retro espresso machine its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine will give you years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also produce commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it's overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and cost more.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also features a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit rather than at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home that use a simple digital display that has blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, so you can set the time for which the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the ideal temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making skills.
I would give it one point for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall this is a great option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is easy to use and can be purchased in different colors to complement your home's style.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine features an ejector which can be filled up while the machine is in use. It also has an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at just the perfect temperature.
The steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and lets you make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to use and allow you to personalize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting, and robust, which is the reason it has been able to stand the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is an Italian family-owned business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small important details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be an upgrade from moka pots if you're a barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger, so you will need to wait a minute or two between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests so that you can be sure that your machine will operate safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you find a problem.