Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do the choices for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to customers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require greater precision from the user for grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do the majority of the work for you.
This model is ideal for those who views 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 espresso lovers. It's user-friendly and comes with all the features you require to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee making skills but aren't quite ready to splurge on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to ensure consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds which is much quicker than most other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a fantastic shot. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for cappuccinos and lattes and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and lots of practice. However, it can produce an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir that makes it simple to clean and refill. It is also lightweight and compact which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those with small counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and has a variety of great features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can froth your milk for you. This is the perfect choice for those who want to make a great cup at home. Find out if espresso makers -approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're in the market for an affordable espresso maker for the home. It has many features that you'd expect to see in an espresso machine that is more expensive that includes a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also has an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system to allow for near-simultaneous steaming and making. It comes with a variety of energy-saving options, including eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a certain time of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is a standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all of your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This, in turn, results in a more even and more delicious espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your grounds during extraction and allows you to experiment with various flavor profiles and techniques. 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 is easy to use for novices due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also has some advanced features that will be appealing to more experienced home baristas. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots without difficulty and ensure they are made to perfection. There are lights next to the steam and brew buttons to inform you when you have built up 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 appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also make a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that many reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I do think that it's overshadowed, however by other devices with more advanced features and cost more.
This machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks for reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is normally 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, not the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display that has blue digits.
Another feature that is great is the large, active cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and has a non-burn feature that automatically purges after every use. It's also programmed for two pre-infusions that allows you to program the amount you want to soak the portafilter prior to proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the ideal temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion will help you improve your shot-making techniques.
I would slash it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing a little more then the Ascaso is well worth it because of its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those who want the most value for money. The Silvia comes with one boiler that can be used to brew and steaming coffee. It's easy to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
Silvia Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to remove and clean as well as maintain. The Silvia comes with an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is in use. It also has an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the right temperature.
The steam wand is commercial grade and will allow you to make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The controls for brewing on the Silvia are easy to grasp, allowing you to select your desired extraction as well as brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia has been proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They keep close contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the smallest details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for a moka pot if you're a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it does not have a heat exchanger, so you'll need to wait for a minute or two between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will work safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you find an issue.