Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do the choices for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, yet do most of the work.
This model is for someone who sees espresso as a serious hobby and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a cult favorite among espresso lovers. It's easy to use and has all the features you need to ensure a top espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who are looking to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to 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 beans are evenly pressed to give a balanced taste. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one by pressing an button, which can be extremely beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to rapidly heat up in the morning. espresso machine with grinder will be hot and ready to go in just 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 off a amazing shot. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and a lot of practice. However, it can create a smooth, creamy latté or cappuccino.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir that makes it simple to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to clean, which is another important feature for those with a limited counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's simple to use and comes with amazing features, such as an auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. This is the ideal option for anyone who wants to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if you are approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an affordable prosumer espresso maker. It features many of the features you'd expect to find in the higher-end espresso machines, including a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also has an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its heating system that allows for near-simultaneous steaming and the brewing. It has many energy-saving features, including eco mode, which automatically shuts off the machine after a set time 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 helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This is a result in a more uniform and more delicious espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your grounds during extraction, allowing you to experiment with various flavor profiles and techniques. 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. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure that they are brewed to perfection. The brew and steam buttons are illuminated to let you know if you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for brewing or steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its exceptional espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that a lot of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. I think it's overshadowed, however by other devices that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions as well as accurate milk foaming. The PID lets you adjust the brewing temperature in one-degree increments, a level of precision usually reserved for larger machines. It also displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display of most espresso machines in the home that use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after each use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusion sets which means you can program in the amount you want to let the portafilter soak before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, it's an excellent espresso machine. The Ascaso's speedy heat-up and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
I would slash it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is an excellent choice for home espresso lovers. If you're willing to pay more it, the Ascaso is worth the price for its additional features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that will give you the most bang for your money Look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is easy to use and comes in various colors to match the style of your home.
The Silvia also features a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to clean and remove. The Silvia comes with an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also features an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at just the perfect temperature.
The steam wand is commercial grade and will allow you to make silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to operate and allow you to customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia has proved to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay always in touch with their community and listen to feedback. They develop products that are perfected by the smallest of details.
This machine is an excellent choice for people who are just beginning their journey to making espresso at home. However, it can also be a solid upgrade over a moka maker under the supervision of a professional barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests so that you can be sure that your machine will operate safely. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.