Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows, so do consumer options. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, but do most of the work.
This model is designed for those who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty from Breville is a top pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's user-friendly and has all the features you require to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but don't want to spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed to ensure the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it heat up quickly in the morning. It'll be ready for use in just three seconds which is a lot faster than other machines.
The automatic steam wand makes it easy for even the most novice users to pull a fantastic shot. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, and other milk textures and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it can make a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also light and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clear, which is an important aspect for those with limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can create froth for your milk. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make a fantastic cup at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a high-end espresso machine that isn't too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It includes many of the key features you would expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, like a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees, and a solid steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also has a range of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a certain time of inactivity, as well as an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is a standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed during extraction. This results in a better-tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another feature that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This gives you the ability to alter the pressure that is applied on your coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different styles and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee lovers particularly since many espresso machines leave 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. It also comes with advanced features that be appealing to experienced baristas at home. For instance, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and make sure that they are brewed to perfection. The brew and steam buttons have lights that inform you when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for steaming or brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and craftsmanship. This is an item 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 show that dozens of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. I do think that it's overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and cost more.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions as well as accurate milk frothing. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision that is usually reserved for larger machines. It also displays a graph that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit rather than the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from most home espresso machines which use a basic digital display with blue digits.
Another feature that is great is the large, active cup warmer. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions, which means you can set the time for which the portafilter should be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be brewed at the right temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making skills.
I would give it a few points for the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall it is a fantastic choice for home espresso lovers. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its premium look and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for sell those seeking the most value for their money. It has a single boiler which can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is easy to use and is available in a variety of colors to match your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia also features a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also features an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand in this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to delight your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and allow you to choose your desired extraction and the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia has proved to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is an Italian family-owned company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small important details right.
This machine is ideal for those who are just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be certain that the machine will work safely. If you find there's any issue with your Silvia it comes with a one-year guarantee.