Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines of the highest quality are currently available to customers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user for grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, yet they do much of the work.
This model is made for those who take espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for many espresso aficionados. It's easy to use and has all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their skills in coffee making and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a high-end commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high pressure extraction ensures that the ground beans will be evenly pressed to produce an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a single button. This is extremely helpful to achieve consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you won't need to wait for it to reach the right temperature in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is a lot faster than other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature will make it easy for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modding and lots of practice. However, it can create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also light and compact, making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with limited counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's easy to use, and comes with many wonderful features. One of it is the auto-steam wand that will make milk froth for you. This is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a great cup at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a prosumer espresso machine that doesn't cost too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It has many of the key features you'd expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as a digital PID which regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit for fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically shuts off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another thing that sets the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different flavors and techniques. This is an excellent option for coffee lovers as a lot of espresso machines are shipped with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for beginners to use. However, it also includes certain advanced features that will draw more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer allowing you to monitor your shots easily and ensure that they are perfect brewed. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that speaks to its quality and craftsmanship. This machine will provide you with years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its exceptional espresso machines for homes. They also make 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 believe it is a bit overshadowed by models with more impressive features and a higher price tag.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks to ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for larger machines. It also has a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display that has blue digits.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is another excellent feature. The steam wand is simple to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after every use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program the amount you want to soak the portafilter prior to continuing with 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 be barista espresso machine made at the ideal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion allows you to perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the surprising low power of steam are two aspects I would not recommend however, this is a great choice for espresso lovers at home. If you're willing some more, the Ascaso is worth the price for its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck. It has a single boiler which can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to remove, clean and maintain. The Silvia comes with a removable reservoir which can be filled up while the machine is in use. It also has an automatic shutoff feature and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature.
The steam wand comes in commercial quality and will allow you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to use and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the smallest important details right.
This machine is ideal for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a couple of minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests so that you can be sure that your machine will operate safely. If you discover that there is a problem with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.