Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. Many top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now available to customers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is designed for those who enjoy espresso as a pastime and want to have full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty from Breville is a top pick for many espresso aficionados. It's got the features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't too complicated to use. It's ideal for people who are looking to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to spend a lot of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for an even flavor. You can also program distinct output volumes for one and two-shots by pressing the button, which is very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system. This means you won't need to wait for it to reach the ideal temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds, which is a lot quicker than most other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it can create a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It's also extremely light and compact, which makes it to fit well into small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to keep clear, which is an important feature for those who have a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's easy to use and comes with many wonderful features. One of them is the auto-steam wand which will froth milk automatically. This is the ideal option for those who want to make a great cup at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for a low-cost prosumer espresso maker. It comes with many features you'd expect to see in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an insulated steam wand, which is that is connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It has many energy-saving options, including eco mode, which automatically turns the machine off after a specific time of inactivity.
In addition, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality 58mm portafilter. This is the 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 better-tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to adjust the pressure exerted on your coffee during extraction, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles and techniques. This is a fantastic option for coffee lovers since many espresso machines are shipped with the pressure too high.
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes some advanced features that will be appealing to baristas with more experience in the home. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure that they are brewed to perfection. There are lights on the brew and steam buttons to inform you when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that speaks to its quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, especially when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of some outstanding home espresso machines and even a couple of commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. I do think that it's being overshadowed by other devices that have more impressive features and a higher cost.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of the brew at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome change from most home espresso machines that rely on a simple digital display that has blue numerals.
Another excellent feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand is simple to use and has a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so you can set the time for which the portafilter must be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will be brewed at the right temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would slash it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper that comes with it and its shockingly low steam power, but overall this is a great option for those who love home espresso. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those who want the best bang-for-your-buck. With a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and is available in a variety of colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to clean and remove. The Silvia has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled when the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff feature you could try these out and the temperature dial, which keeps your drinks at the right temperature for the ideal coffee experience.
The steam wand is of commercial quality and will allow you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to operate and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. The Silvia is long-lasting, durable and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They stay always in touch with their community, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected by the small details.
This machine is a great option for those who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home, but it can also be a solid upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a skilled barista. This machine does not have a heat-exchanger, which means you'll have to wait a few minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It is also important to note that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests so that you can be sure that your machine is safe to use. If you find there is a problem with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.