Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. Prosumer models of many commercial machines of the highest quality are can now be purchased by consumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but they do the majority of the work.
This model is made for those who enjoy espresso as a pastime and want complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's small beauty is a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. It's got the features to give you a perfect shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills, but aren't yet ready to invest in the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the ground beans are evenly pressed to ensure a balanced flavor. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots at the touch of the button, which is extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which allows it to rapidly heat up in the morning. It'll be ready for use in only three seconds which is significantly faster than other machines.
Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off a perfect shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modding and lots of practice. But it will still create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a removable water reservoir which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also extremely light and compact, which makes it fit easily into small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to clean, which is an important aspect for those with limited counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's easy to use and offers great features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants an excellent coffee at home. Find out if you're approved and earn 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an inexpensive prosumer espresso maker. It has many of the features you'd expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID which regulates the temperature to within a few degrees and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, including an eco mode that will automatically shut off the machine after a set time of inactivity.
In addition As an added bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly distributed espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with various flavors 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 beginners thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that appeal to more experienced home baristas. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will enable you to easily track your shots and make sure that they are brewed perfectly. There are lights on the brew and steam buttons to let you know that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy this speaks to its quality and workmanship. This is an item that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly if you keep it well-maintained.
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. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show scores of reviewers who are drooling over it. However, I believe it's overshadowed by machines with more impressive feature-sets and a price tag that is higher.
This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure reliable espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. The PID lets you alter the temperature of the brewing in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for espresso machine with frother more expensive machines. It also has a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display with blue digits.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after each use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions, so that you can set the amount of time the portafilter must be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. Its quick heating time and precise temperatures ensure your coffee is always made at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.
The plastic tamper included and the surprising low power of steam are two points that I would criticize however, this is an excellent choice for espresso lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra cash for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and is available in a variety of colors to fit with your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to clean and remove. This machine comes with a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled up when the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff function and the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the ideal temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
The steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial-grade and allows you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that are sure to delight your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls can be simple to use and allow you to customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of their quality and craftsmanship. They stay in constant contact with their community and take feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the smallest of little details.
This machine is an excellent option for those who are just beginning their journey in making espresso at home, but it could also be a great upgrade from an old moka pot in the hands of a barista who is skilled. The machine doesn't have a heat-exchanger, which means you will need to wait several minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through 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.