Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of many high-end commercial machines currently available to consumers.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is ideal for those who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top choice for many coffee lovers. It has the right features to give you a perfect shot every time and isn't too complicated in its operation either. It's perfect for those who want 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 beans are evenly pressed to ensure an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a single button. This can be very beneficial to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you don't need to wait around for it to reach the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds which is much faster than other models.
Even the most novice user will be able to pull off a perfect shot with this espresso machine, because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine, which requires mods and lots of practice, but it will still produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also light and compact which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, an important aspect for those who have small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than the other models, is worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and offers excellent features, including an auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. It's the ideal choice for anyone who wants an excellent coffee at home. Find out if you're pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an affordable espresso maker for the home. It has many of the key features you would expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It has many energy-saving features, such as an eco mode that will automatically shut off the machine after a specific period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure exerted on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can play around with different methods and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for novices to use. It also has advanced features that will appeal to experienced home baristas. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure that they are made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons have lights that indicate when you've reached the proper temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy this is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that many reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I think it is overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and cost more.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. The PID on this machine lets you adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit instead of the thermoblock or boiler. This is a welcome departure from the simple digital display on most espresso machines in the home, which uses blue numbers.
Another feature that is great is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purges after every use. It can also be programmed for two sets of pre-infusion that allows you to program in the time you'd like to let the portafilter soak before continuing with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be brewed at the right temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points I would not recommend but it's more info a great choice for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing a little more it, the Ascaso is definitely worth it for its additional features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those who want the best bang-for-your-buck. The Silvia has an individual boiler to make and steaming coffee. It's easy to use and comes in a variety 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 remove, clean and maintain. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be topped off while the machine is running and also has an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand is commercial quality and will allow you to create lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand, allowing you to select the desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their customers, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the smallest of details.
This machine is an ideal option for those just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it can also be a solid upgrade over a moka maker under the supervision of a skilled barista. The machine doesn't have a heat exchanger, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will work safely. If you discover that there is an issue with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.