Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to consumers as prosumer models.
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 designed for those who considers espresso to be an intense hobby and would like complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty from Breville is a top pick for many espresso aficionados. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people who are looking to improve their coffee-making skills and don't want spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots by pressing the button, which is extremely beneficial for 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 ready to use in just three seconds which is significantly quicker than other models.
The automatic steam wand will make it easy for even the most novice users to make a fantastic shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte and other milk textures and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modifying and a lot of practice. But it can produce a smooth, creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It is also lightweight and compact which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with a small counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's easy to use and comes with amazing features, such as an auto-steam wand that can make your milk frothy for you. This is the ideal option for anyone looking to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you're approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a high-end espresso machine that doesn't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It includes many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees, and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically sets the machine into standby after a certain time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that help reduce the loss of heat.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is the standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This gives you the ability to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different flavors and techniques. This is a fantastic feature for coffee lovers 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 easy for beginners to use. It also has advanced features that will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to allow you to easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are made to perfection. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to let you know 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 quality and craftsmanship. This machine can provide years of reliable service and solid performance, especially if it is well maintained.
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. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers drooling over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and a price tag that is higher.
This machine features dual thermoblocks to ensure stable espresso extractions as well as accurate milk frothing. The PID on this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for high-end machines. It also displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the standard digital display of most espresso machines in the home that use blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after each use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets which means you can 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 a few minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the ideal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making technique.
I would give it one point for the plastic tamper included and its shockingly low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic choice for home espresso lovers. If you're willing to spend some more then the Ascaso is definitely worth it because of its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the most value for money. The Silvia has an individual boiler to make and steaming coffee. It is simple to use and comes in a variety colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine has a removable water reservoir that can be filled up when the machine is running and also has an automatic shutoff function and the temperature dial, which ensures your the original source drinks are at the ideal temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand is commercial quality and allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are easy to grasp and allow you to choose your desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their community, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected by the small little details.
This machine is a great choice for people who are just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it could also be a great upgrade from an old moka pot under the guidance of a skilled barista. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you'll need to wait for a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be sure that your machine will operate safely. If you do find that there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.