Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows as do the options for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now available 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 ideal for those who sees espresso as an intense hobby and would like full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. It's simple to use and comes with all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to spend the money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a single button. This is very helpful to achieve consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which allows it to warm up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three seconds which is a lot quicker than other models.
Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off a great shot with this espresso machine, due to the automatic steam wand. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modding and lots of practice however, it can create a smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also extremely light and compact, which helps it fit easily in tight spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, another important feature for those who have limited counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It is easy to use and comes with numerous great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand, which will make milk froth for you. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to make the perfect cup of espresso at home. Find out if you're approved and earn 10% in rewards1 plus 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 an affordable espresso maker for your home. It includes many of the key features you'd 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 to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, including eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a specific period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that sets the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to alter the pressure that is applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can experiment with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent option for those who love coffee as a lot of espresso machines are shipped with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for beginners to use. It also has advanced features which will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer to enable you to easily track your shots and ensure they are made to perfection. There are lights on the steam and brew buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making some outstanding home espresso machines and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I think it's being overshadowed by other models that have more impressive features and a higher cost.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine allows you to adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome change from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display with blue numerals.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each 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 prior to proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite some minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making techniques.
I would give it a few points for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall it is an excellent choice for home espresso lovers. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those who want the best bang-for-your-buck. The Silvia comes with one boiler that can be used to brew and steamed coffee. It is simple to use, and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine features an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also has an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the perfect temperature.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They are in constant contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and designing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is an excellent option for those who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it could also be a great upgrade to an old moka pot under the guidance of a professional barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also coffee and espresso maker puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will function safely. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty in the event of a problem.