Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer choices. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by customers.
These heftier systems demand more precision from the user in grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, yet they do much of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and want complete control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice among espresso enthusiasts. It's simple to use and has all the features you need to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people who want to improve their coffee-making abilities and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
espresso machine with grinder -pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction ensures that the beans are evenly pressed to give a balanced taste. You can also set different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This is extremely helpful to ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which lets it rapidly heat up in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds which is significantly quicker than most other machines.
Even the novice can pull off a great shot with this espresso machine thanks to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk types and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine that requires modifying and lots of practice but it will make a deliciously smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable that makes it simple to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, another important aspect for those with small counter space.
While it's more expensive than other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and offers amazing features, such as an automatic steam wand that will create froth for your milk. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy a low-cost prosumer espresso maker. It comes with many features you'd expect to find on an espresso machine that is more expensive such as the digital PID that controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system for near-simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features, like an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a certain time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
As an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This is a result in a more even and better-tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different flavors and techniques. This is a great option for coffee lovers as a lot of espresso machines are sold with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for novices due to its simple interface. However, it has certain advanced features that will draw baristas with more experience in the home. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure that they are brewed perfectly. The brew and Steam buttons are illuminated to indicate when you've reached the right temperature and pressure for brewing or steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy this is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This is an item that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing excellent espresso machines for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it is overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and are priced higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for expensive machines. It also displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit, not the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the simple digital display of most espresso machines at home which use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a fantastic feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It can also be programmed for two sets of pre-infusion, so you can program in the time you'd like to let the portafilter soak before beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, it's a great home espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the perfect temperature. In addition, the programable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making techniques.
The plastic tamper and the surprisingly low power of steam are two aspects that I would criticize, but this is an excellent choice for coffee lovers at home. 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. Featuring a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled up when the machine is in operation as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as a temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial grade and lets you make silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to understand, allowing you to select your desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable, and robust, which is the reason it has been able to stand the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They keep close contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small details right.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you will need to wait for some time between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be certain that the machine will work safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty in the event of any issues.