Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do consumer choices. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now accessible to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user for grinding, tamping and extraction time, but do the majority of the work for you.
This model is designed for those who take espresso as a pastime and would like to have complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's got all the features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't too complicated to operate. It's perfect for those looking to improve their coffee-making skills and don't want spend much money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction ensures that the ground beans are evenly pressed, resulting in a balanced taste. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots with the click of an button, which can be extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you won't have to wait until it reaches the optimal temperature in the early morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is significantly faster than other machines.
The automatic steam wand will make it easy for even the most novice users to make a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam you can get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and lots of practice. But it will still produce an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir that makes it simple to clean and refill. It's also lightweight and compact which makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with little counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It is easy to use, and comes with numerous great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will froth milk automatically. It's the perfect option for anyone who would like the perfect coffee at home. Check to see if you're approved - earn up to 10% back in rewards1 + free shipping8 with a new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an affordable prosumer espresso maker. It comes with many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID that controls 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 comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a certain period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another thing that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your grounds during extraction, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles and techniques. This is a fantastic alternative for coffee lovers since many espresso machines come with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its simple interface. It also has some advanced features that will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For example the PID display doubles as a shot timer to enable you to easily track your shots and make sure that they are made to perfection. Coffeee and steam buttons have lights that indicate when you've reached the right temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that is a testimony to its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine will give you years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it's well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is known for its top-quality home espresso machines. They also make commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. However, I think it is a bit overshadowed by models that have more advanced features and higher prices.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions, as well as precise milk foaming. The PID of this machine allows you to alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This level of precision is usually reserved for high-end machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew in the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the traditional digital display on most espresso machines in the home that use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. The steam wand features an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after each use. It can also be programmed for two pre-infusions which means you can program the amount you want to soak the portafilter before continuing with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, overall it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable infusion helps you perfect your shot-making techniques.
I would knock it down one point for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck. The Silvia comes with one boiler that can be used to brew and steamed coffee. It is simple to use and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable water reservoir that can be topped off while the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the ideal temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
Lastly, the steam wand on this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to impress your guests. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are easy to grasp and allow you to choose the desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and designing products that get the small important details right.
This machine is a great option for those just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it could also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a barista who is skilled. The machine isn't equipped with a heat exchanger, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests, so you can be certain that your machine is safe to use. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty if you discover a problem.