Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do consumer choices. A variety of top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heftier systems demand more precision from the user in grinding, tamping and extraction time, but do much of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who use espresso as a hobby and want complete control over the process of brewing.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty is made by Breville is a top pick for many coffee lovers. It's got all the features to deliver a great shot every time, and it's not overly complicated to use. It's ideal for people who are looking to improve their skills in coffee making, but don't want to spend an enormous amount of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high pressure extraction ensures that the beans are evenly pressed to give a balanced taste. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a button. This is extremely helpful to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which allows it to rapidly heat up in the morning. It will be ready to use in only three seconds, which is much quicker than other models.
Even the most novice user will be able to pull off a great shot with this espresso machine, thanks to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam you can get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and a lot of practice. However, coffee machine espresso can create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also very lightweight and compact, which makes it fit easily into tight spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important aspect for those with a little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is worth the extra price. It's user-friendly and comes with amazing features, such as an auto-steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. It's the perfect option for anyone who wants the perfect cup of espresso at home. Find out if you're pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that won't cost too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on the higher-end espresso machines, including an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its own heating system for near-simultaneous steaming and making. It also has a range of energy-saving features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically sets the machine into standby after a certain period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
In addition As an added bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your beans are evenly spread during extraction. This, in turn, results in a more even and more delicious espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you the ability to alter the pressure applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic feature for coffee lovers 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 novices due to its easy-to-use interface. It also has some advanced features that will attract experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer which allows you to track your shots without difficulty and ensure that they are made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons are lit up to indicate when you've reached the proper temperature and pressure to begin making steam or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its outstanding espresso machines for home use. They also produce commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers drooling over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other models with more impressive features and higher prices.
This machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks for reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID in this machine allows you to 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 shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display with blue numerals.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is a excellent feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use, non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions, which means you can set the amount of time the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, overall it's an excellent espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the ideal temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two aspects that I'd like to point out, but this is an excellent option for espresso lovers at home. If you're willing to pay some more, the Ascaso is worth the price because of its extra features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that can give you the best bang for your money Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. Featuring a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in various colors to complement your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled while the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as the temperature dial, which keeps your drinks at the ideal temperature to provide the best 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 brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and let you choose the desired extraction and brew time for a custom drink. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small things right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It could also be a great 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'll have to wait for a couple of minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will operate safely. If you discover that there's a problem with your Silvia it comes with one-year warranties.