Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands and so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of several commercial machines are can now be purchased by customers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding and tamping, as well as extraction time, but do much of the work.
This model is designed for those who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty from Breville is a top choice for many coffee lovers. It's got all the features to give you a perfect shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's perfect for those who want to improve their skills in coffee making and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots with the click of an button, which can be very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you won't have to wait for it to get to the ideal temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is much quicker than the majority of other machines.
Even the most novice user will have no trouble pulling a perfect shot using this espresso machine due to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk textures and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine that requires modding and lots of practice, but it will still produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clean, which is another important aspect for those with a limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than the other models, is well worth the extra price. It's easy to use, and comes with many great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will make milk froth for you. click here for info 's the ideal choice for anyone who wants a great coffee at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 + free shipping8 with the new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for a low-cost prosumer espresso maker. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on an espresso machine that is more expensive, including an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has an insulated steam wand, which is that is connected to its heating system that allows for simultaneous steaming and making. It has many energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a certain period of inactivity.
Additionally as an additional bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a more delicious and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you the ability to alter the pressure applied 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 particularly since many espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its simple interface. However, it also 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 enable you to easily track your shots and make sure that they are brewed to perfection. There are lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and workmanship. This is an item that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly if you keep it well-maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing excellent espresso machines for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers swooning over it. I think it is overshadowed, however by other models that offer more features and are priced higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk foaming. The PID lets you alter the temperature of the brewing in one degree increments, a degree of precision normally reserved for more expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit, not the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home that use a simple digital display that has blue numerals.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is another excellent feature. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purges after each use. It's also programmed for two pre-infusions that allows you to program in the desired amount of time to soak the portafilter before beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always made at the optimal temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down one point for the included plastic tamper and its surprisingly low steam power, but overall this is a great option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing to pay some more it, the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that can give you the most bang for your buck Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. Featuring a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to fit with the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the right temperature.
Finally, the steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and lets you create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to delight your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to understand and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as the time of brewing 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 which is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and creating products that get the small things right.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It could also be an upgrade from moka pots if you're a barista. The biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have a heat exchanger, so you will need to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests so that you can be sure that the machine is safe to operate. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you discover any issues.