Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer options. A variety of top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now accessible to consumers as prosumer models.
These larger systems require greater precision from the user in grinding, tamping and extraction time, but they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who considers espresso to be an intense hobby and would like full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This little beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for many coffee 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 wish to improve their coffee making skills but aren't quite ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
Its low pressure pre-infusion system and the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for one and two-shots at the touch of the button, which is very helpful for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in only three seconds which is much quicker than the majority of other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature can make it simple for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for cappuccinos and lattes and many more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires tweaking and a lot of practice. But it will still create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model comes with a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clean, which is an important feature for those with a limited counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than the other models, is definitely worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and comes with amazing features, such as a convenient auto-steam tool that can make your milk frothy for you. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to make the perfect coffee at home. Check to see if you're approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 today with a new Williams Sonoma credit card.
best home espresso machine is a great option if you're looking for an affordable prosumer espresso maker. It includes many of the key features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID that controls the temperature to within a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode after a certain timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
Additionally as an additional bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a premium, professional-grade portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and more evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you the ability to alter the pressure applied on the coffee grounds during extraction. You can test different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic feature for coffee lovers, especially as 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 due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it has several advanced features that be appealing to baristas with more experience in the 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 brewed perfectly. There are also lights in the area next to the steam and brew buttons to let you know when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow brewing and steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that speaks to its quality and craftsmanship. This machine will give you years of reliable service and solid performance particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its exceptional espresso machines for homes. They also produce a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers drooling over it. I do think that it's being overshadowed, by other machines that have more impressive features and cost more.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID on this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also displays a graph that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit instead of at the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display that is common to espresso machines at home that use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. The steam wand is simple to use and has an auto-purge feature that doesn't burn after every use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions, so that you can control the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's quick heat-up time, precise temperatures and fast heating ensure that your coffee will be brewed at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable makes it easier to perfect your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper and the surprising low power of steam are two things I would not recommend, but this is an excellent choice for those who love espresso at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those looking for the most value for money. The Silvia comes with an individual boiler to make and steamed coffee. It is simple to use and comes in a variety colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be topped off while the machine is running as well as an automatic shutoff function and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand on this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that are sure to impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to use and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that takes pride in their quality and craftsmanship. They stay in close contact with their community of espresso lovers, observing feedback and creating products that get the small important details right.
This machine is perfect for those who are just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for moka pots if your a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait a minute or two between making milk-based beverages.
The company also puts each Silvia through a series of rigorous tests to be certain that the machine will work safely. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty in the event of any issues.