Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now available to customers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the espresso process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's little beauty is a popular choice for espresso lovers. It's user-friendly and comes with all the features you need to make a perfect espresso shot every time. It's a great choice for those who wish to improve their coffee making abilities but aren't ready to spend the 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, resulting in an even flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots with the touch of a single button. This is very helpful to achieve consistent results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating technology, which means you don't need to wait around for it to get to the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds, which is a lot quicker than most other machines.
Even the most novice user will be able to pull off a great shot with this espresso machine, due to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets for cappuccinos, latte, and other milk textures and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a professional-grade hand-held machine, which requires modding and a lot of practice. However, it can produce an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or a cappuccino.
This model has a reservoir that is removable, making it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact which makes it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to keep clear, which is an important feature for those who have a small counter space.
While it's a little bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including an auto-steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. This is the ideal choice for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option if you're looking for an inexpensive prosumer espresso maker. It has many features that you'd expect to see in a higher-priced espresso machine, including a digital PID which controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its heating system to allow for near-simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also has a range of energy efficiency features like an eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a specified timer, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that help to reduce the loss of heat.
In addition, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality 58mm portafilter. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your beans are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more even and a better tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is a great option for those who love coffee as a lot of espresso machines are shipped with a pressure that is too high.
The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that makes it easy for novices to use. However, it has several advanced features that appeal to more experienced baristas at home. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots without difficulty and ensure they're made to perfection. There are also lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you when you have achieved enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which is a testimony to its high-end 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 that is known for its production of an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a couple of commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. I do believe that it is overshadowed, however by other devices with more advanced features and cost more.
This machine features dual thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk frothing. The PID on this machine lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also has a display that shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome departure from the standard digital display of most espresso machines in the home, which uses blue digits.
Another great feature is the large, active heated cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It's also programmable to allow two pre-infusion sets that allows you to program in 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 fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the optimal temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making skills.
I would slash it down a few points for the plastic tamper included and its shockingly low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for espresso lovers who want to make their own. If you're willing to pay a little more, the Ascaso is well worth it for its extra features and premium look.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for a classic espresso machine that can give you the most value for your money, look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia comes with one boiler that can be used to brew and steaming coffee. It is easy to use, and comes in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to clean and remove. This machine has an adjustable water reservoir that can be filled up while the machine is running, as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the perfect temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
Finally, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial-grade and lets you make silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will surely impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls are simple to operate and allow you to personalize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its 1997 release.
Rancilio is an Italian family-owned business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their customers, and listen to feedback. They design products that are refined by the smallest of aspects.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from a moka pot machine espresso if you're a barista. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you'll need to wait for a few 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 operate safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you discover any issues.