Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows and so do the choices for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as models for prosumers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user in grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do the majority of the work for you.
This model is designed for those who take espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a cult favorite for espresso enthusiasts. It's user-friendly and comes with all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people who are looking to improve their coffee-making skills and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and stepped up high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a single button. This is very helpful to ensure consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three second, which is much quicker than other models.
Even the novice will have no trouble pulling a great shot with this espresso machine, because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for cappuccinos and lattes and more. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires mods and lots of practice however, it can make a deliciously smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model has an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which helps it to fit well into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important aspect for those with a small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is well worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that will create froth for your milk. It's the perfect option for anyone looking to make a great cup of espresso at home. Check if you're pre-approved. earn up to 10% back in rewards1 + free shipping8 today by using the new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a professional espresso machine that isn't too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It comes with many features you'd expect to find on an espresso machine that is more expensive that includes a digital PID which controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its own heating system for simultaneous steaming and the brewing. It comes with a variety of energy-saving options, including an eco mode that automatically turns the machine off after a certain period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. 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.
Another characteristic that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different styles and flavors. This is an excellent 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 is easy to use for novices due to its easy-to-use interface. It also comes with advanced features that appeal to experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer, allowing you to monitor your shots easily and ensure they are brewed perfectly. There are also lights next to the brew and steam buttons to let you know when you have built up 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 item that will provide you with years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially if you keep it well-maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making excellent espresso machines for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers swooning over it. However, I think it's overshadowed by machines with more impressive feature-sets and a price tag that is higher.
This machine comes with dual thermoblocks for steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID on this machine allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process travel espresso maker in one degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for high-end machines. It also displays a graph that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display with blue numbers.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand is simple to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine. 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. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper included and the low-power of steam are two things that I'd like to point out however, this is an excellent choice for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing to pay a little more then the Ascaso is well worth it for its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that gives you the best bang for your money then look at the Rancilio Silvia. 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 fit with your home's aesthetic.
Silvia Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to remove and clean, as well as maintain. The Silvia has a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled when the machine is in operation as well as an automatic shutoff function and the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and will allow you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are easy to grasp and let you choose your desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting, and robust, which is the reason it has stood the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and developing products that get the smallest details right.
This machine is an excellent option for those just starting their journey into making espresso at home. However, it can also be a solid upgrade from an old moka maker under the supervision of a professional barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous series of tests, so you can be confident that the machine is safe to operate. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty in the event of any issues.