Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine can produce high-quality coffee at the touch of an button. However, choosing the right machine is contingent on your needs and your level of skill.
Fully automatic machines take care of everything for you, but they are expensive and often lack room for experimentation. Manual models let you control the process of making but are more likely to make errors.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that makes a real double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top options available. It's not expensive however it's a high-end machine and comes with a 2-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of the Wacaco coffee makers. This means it's the smallest but it's also the one most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
The Picopresso does not use electricity, and is reliant on the hand pump to produce up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to extract an espresso double shot with a thick crema, and that's better than what you'll get from the majority of third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It also has an imitation leather sleeve that will keep it cool when making espresso.
It's the most compact of the manual espresso machines, yet it feels substantial in the hands. The machine is made of metal and strong components. All the accessories are also durable. The set comes with a stainless steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed and a plastic distribution device to help you get an even puck.
You won't find fancy steam wands, milk carafes, or steam wands on this model, however it does include a mirror so you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice feature and is in line with the Picopresso's'travel friendly' philosophy. Picopresso stands can be used at home to brew.
This lets you warm the piston by pumping hot water through it, before you start making espresso. This is a good idea as it ensures you get the best results of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from your ground coffee. It's worth pointing out that using the Picopresso is a bit laborious, particularly when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for weighting your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for anyone who wants to start making espresso. This semi-automatic, single boiler espresso machine is believed for its durability and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee it makes is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand have a chic design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker features a brass boiler capable of achieving the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also features an electronic thermostat to stop the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand that lets you easily make creamy, rich steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing system is made of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is its user-friendliness. Silvia is one of the most user-friendly machines. Silvia is built with a streamlined portafilter as well as an easy, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to operate. It also includes a removable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another thing that distinguishes the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the taste of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to suit the type of espresso you are making.
The Silvia has a range of improvements that can be incorporated by espresso aficionados to increase its capabilities. This machine does not come with an automatic shot timer or programmable pump pressure, but it can be paired with a wide range of accessories for aftermarket use that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, both for baristas who are new to the industry and those with more experience. Its bare-bones design doesn't offer the customization more sophisticated espresso makers require however, it still makes excellent, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a great option for those looking to improve their barista skills, as it provides the necessary feedback to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it still has many of the features that professional baristas want. For starters, it has an impressive steam wand that can create microfoam to make the creation of latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps a constant temperature for constant results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It is one of the smallest espresso machines available and is ideal for small spaces. It's ready to use in three seconds so you can begin using it the moment the button is pressed. This is the same technology that Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's a highly sophisticated espresso machine at this price.
Like its predecessors like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to clean and use. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a high-end appearance and feel for an affordable model. It also comes with a tamper portafilter, and a stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is a fantastic price for espresso machines and is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their morning routine without spending a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces cafe quality espresso and steamed-milk at home. It's also the simplest to use and is easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. It doesn't come with a preinfusion function. However, you can easily fix the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to taking shots. It's also important to flush and descale the boiler on a regular basis to ensure it's functioning properly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't have any issues with scale buildup or other issues with maintenance. If you want to be certain, you can purchase a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. This is a great option if you want to learn how to make espresso, but don't have much cash to spend. This machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make delicious drinks. However the Cadorna comes with a number of coffee options, including 4 user profiles for saving drinks and a better grinder, but it's also available for sale, so you may be able to find it at a similar price.
This machine is a great choice for those who love cappuccino and latte, but don't require a full range of espresso flavors. It can also make decent Iced Espresso this is an option that is becoming more popular among coffee machines for home use. The 3200 also has a brew system that utilizes a lower temperature to brew coffee iced to ensure that it doesn't alter the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with ground and whole beans. It has a large hopper to accommodate both and is easy to fill. You can alter read on the grind size according to your preference. The machine also comes with a convenient bypass doser for those who don't wish to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
If you like drinks made from milk If you like milk-based drinks, Philips comes with a LatteGo machine that can dispense heated or frothed milk in a single step. This is a big selling point for the machine since it is one of the most user-friendly milk frothing systems out there. It can also heat and froth other milks, like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not quietest machine, but it is quieter than some other options. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's close to the sound you'd hear in a coffee shop. One downside is that it takes a long time to warm up however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.