Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands and 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 in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who views espresso as an important pastime and wants complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice among coffee lovers. It's user-friendly and comes with all the features you need to get a great espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who want to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the ground beans are evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at 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 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 an excellent shot with this espresso machine, due to the automatic steam wand. It can produce a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for lattes, cappuccinos, and much more. It won't create the super-smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modifying and plenty of practice however, it can produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with 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 in tight spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, another important feature for those who have small counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's simple to use and offers amazing features, such as an auto-steam tool that can make your milk frothy for you. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to make a great cup of coffee at home. Find out if you're approved and earn 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 looking to buy an affordable prosumer espresso maker. It features many of the features you'd expect to find in the higher-end espresso machines, including the digital PID that controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an insulated steam wand, which is connected to its own heating system that allows for near-simultaneous steaming and making. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that help reduce the loss of heat.
As an additional bonus as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and more evenly distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to alter the pressure applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can experiment with different styles 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 novices due to its simple interface. However, it has certain advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer allowing you to monitor your shots without difficulty and ensure that they are made to perfection. The Steam and Brew buttons are illuminated to inform you when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure to begin steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which confirms its quality and workmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly when you maintain it properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that is known for its production of an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that a lot of reviewers are admiring the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it is a bit overshadowed by models with more impressive features and a higher price tag.
This machine has dual thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk foaming. The PID of this machine allows you to alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also displays a graph that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display on most home espresso machines 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 non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, it's an excellent home espresso machine. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperatures as well as quick heating ensure that your coffee will always be brewed at the right temperature. In addition, the programable infusion will help you improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two points that I'd like to point out however, this is a great choice for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that will give you the most bang for your buck then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing coffee for espresso machine as well as steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and comes in a variety of colors to fit with your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to clean and remove. The Silvia has an ejector which can be filled up while the machine is being used. It also features an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the perfect temperature.
Finally, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will surely delight your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and let you choose the desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has stood the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business which is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay always in touch with their community, and are open to feedback. They design products that are refined by the smallest of details.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The machine doesn't have a heat exchanger, which means you'll need to wait for some time between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts each and every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests, so that you can be confident that the machine is safe to operate. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty in the event of an issue.