Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, as do the options for consumers. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to consumers as models for prosumers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is designed for people who use espresso as a hobby and would like to have complete control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty from Breville is a top-pick for many coffee lovers. It's easy to use and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for people who want to improve their skills in coffee making and don't want spend a lot of money on a premium commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion and the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a button. This can be very beneficial to achieve consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you won't have to wait for it to reach the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is significantly quicker than the majority of other machines.
The automatic steam wand will make it easy for even the most novice users to pull off a amazing shot. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for cappuccinos and lattes and much more. It won't produce the super-smooth microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and lots of practice. However, it can create a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir which makes it easy to clean and refill. It is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than other models however, the Bambino Plus is worth the additional cost. It's user-friendly and has a variety of excellent features, including an auto-steam wand that can froth your milk for you. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you're approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that won't cost too much then the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It features many of the features you'd expect to see in the higher-end espresso machines that includes a digital PID which controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also comes with an insulated steam wand, which is connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and the brewing. It also comes with a variety of energy efficiency features, including an eco mode that automatically sets the machine into standby after a specified timer, and an insulated boiler as well as a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.
As an additional bonus As an added bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by most commercial espresso machines, and it helps 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 sets the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is its adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction and allows you to experiment with various flavors and techniques. This is a great feature for coffee lovers, especially as many espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that is simple for novices to use. However, it also has several advanced features that be appealing to more experienced baristas at home. The PID display can also be used as a shot timer, which allows you to track your shots with ease and ensure they are made to perfection. There are also lights on the brew and steam buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature for steaming and brewing.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and workmanship. This is a machine that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its top-quality home espresso machines. They also produce commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I think it's overshadowed, however by other models with more advanced features and cost more.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions, as well as accurate milk foaming. The PID on this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome change from the majority of espresso machines at home which use a basic digital display with blue numbers.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. Its steam wand is easy to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after each use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program the time you'd like to soak the portafilter before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite some minor problems. Its rapid heating process and precise temperatures ensure that 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 that comes with it and the surprisingly low power of steam are two things I would not recommend however, this is an excellent choice for those who love espresso at home. If you're willing to pay a little more it, the Ascaso get more info is well worth it for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those seeking the most value for money. Featuring a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is simple to use and is available in different colors to match the style of your home.
Silvia Silvia has a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to take off and clean as well as maintain. The Silvia comes with an adjustable reservoir that can be filled while the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature as well as an adjustable temperature dial to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature.
Lastly, 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 understand and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned Italian company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They are constantly in contact with their community and listen to feedback. They design products that are perfected through the tiny aspects.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for a moka pot if you're a barista. The machine doesn't have a heat exchanger, which means you'll have to wait several minutes between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will function safely. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.