best espresso machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer options. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require more precision from the user in grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but they do most of the work.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a hobby and want to have full control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a cult favorite for espresso enthusiasts. It's user-friendly and has all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's perfect for those looking to improve their coffee making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction guarantees that the beans are evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots with the touch of a button. This is extremely helpful to ensure consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it heat up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three second which is a lot quicker than other models.
The steam wand's automatic feature makes it easy for even the most novice users to pull a fantastic shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and lots of practice. But it will still create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also very lightweight and compact, which makes it fit nicely into small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those who have small counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's easy to use, and has numerous great features. One of it is the auto-steam wand, which will froth milk automatically. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants an excellent cup of coffee at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost espresso maker for your home. It has many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, such as 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 near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It has many energy-saving features, such as an eco mode that will automatically shut off the machine after a set time of inactivity.
As an additional bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your espresso beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with various methods and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee lovers, especially as many 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 makes it easy for novices to use. It also has advanced features which will appeal to experienced home baristas. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will let you easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed perfectly. There are also lights next to the steam and brew buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature to allow steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This is a testimony to its quality and craftsmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability, especially if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its outstanding espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I do think that it's being overshadowed by other models that have more impressive features and cost more.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. Its PID allows you to adjust the brewing temperature in one degree increments, a degree of precision that is usually reserved for higher-end machines. It also displays a graph that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing departure from the simple digital display on most home espresso machines, which uses blue digits.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program in the desired amount of time to soak the portafilter prior to continuing with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. Its rapid heating process and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always made at the optimal temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.
I would give it by a few points due to the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is an excellent option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing to spend more then the Ascaso is worth the price for its extra features and its premium design.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that gives you the best bang for your buck Look at the Rancilio Silvia. 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 different colors to match the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine comes with a removable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in operation and also has an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and allows you to create lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are easy to grasp, allowing you to select the desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company which is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the small important details right.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a replacement for moka pots if your a barista. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll need to wait some time between making milk-based drinks.
It is also important to note that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests so that you can be certain that the machine is safe to operate. If you do find that there is any issue with your Silvia it comes with a one-year guarantee.