Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing one button, a top espresso machine can create drinks that rival those found in cafes. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your level of skill and your requirements.
Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they're expensive and usually do not have room for experimentation. Manual models allow you to regulate the process of making beer however they are more likely to mess up.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that makes the perfect double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not cheap, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is also the most professional. It's the smallest but also the best at making espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't use electricity, and is reliant on hand pumps to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is more than enough to make two shots of espresso with thick crema, and this is better than what you'll get from many third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a chic faux leather sleeve to help to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it for extractions.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels sturdy in the hands. The machine is constructed of metal and robust parts. The accessories are durable as well. The set includes a stainless steel funnel and tamper that is ergonomic and a plastic distribution device to make sure you get an even puck.
You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, but it does come with mirrors so that you can monitor your bottomless filter extractions in peace. This is a nice feature that is in line with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Picopresso stands can also be used at home to brew.
This lets you warm the piston by pushing hot water through it before you start brewing espresso. It's a good idea, since it will ensure that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by getting all the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's worth pointing out that using the Picopresso can be a bit time-consuming, especially when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for weighing your beans and changing the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is an excellent option for those who wish to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic, single boiler espresso machine is known for its durability and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee it makes is of the same quality. The stainless steam wand, made of stainless steel, and the cup tray offer a stylish design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker comes with a brass boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with a thermostat to prevent the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand that allows you to create creamy, rich steam-steamed milk to make cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is also made of robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is one of the most important things to think about when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia has an ergonomic portafilter, and an easy four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It comes with an adjustable drip tray and water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. This machine is also equipped with a safety feature that shuts off the heating element off when it's been on for more than 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is a further feature that makes Silvia Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature reduces pressure that is applied to the grounds of coffee during the brewing process. This allows for the preservation of the quality and taste of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to fit the type of espresso you are making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to enhance its capabilities. This machine does come with a shot-timer and a pressure pump that can be programmed, but is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices as well as experienced baristas. Its basic design doesn't offer the kind of customization that more advanced espresso makers require, but it still produces excellent, high-quality espresso. It's a great option for those who are looking to improve their barista abilities because it gives the feedback required to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it offers the features that professional baristas want. It has a powerful steam tool that can create microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well as a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that can maintain an even temperature so that you will get consistent results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's among the smallest single boiler espresso machines available which makes it ideal for smaller spaces. It is ready to heat up in just three seconds so you can use it the moment the button is pressed. This is the same technology that Breville used for its Oracle line, which means you'll get a high-tech espresso machine at a reasonable cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that's easy for you to clean and use. It's available in brushed stainless steel, which gives it a high-end look and feel for such an budget-friendly model. It includes a portafilter as well as a stainless-steel milk jug.
This is one of the best values in espresso machines available for sale and it's a good choice for anyone looking to upgrade their morning routine without spending a fortune. This is the most affordable espresso maker that produces high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also the easiest to operate and easy to clean.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with a grinder however, you can use any espresso-quality grinder to use it. The only issue is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function, but you can easily fix this by running hot water through the portafilter a few times before grabbing one shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it frequently to ensure it's operating smoothly. If you flush it regularly and follow the guidelines, it shouldn't experience any maintenance issues or scale buildup. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many amazing features. It's a great option if you want to learn how to make espresso, but don't have much money to spend. The machine is priced less than half as much than our second-best choice one, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It is still capable of producing delicious drinks. The Cadorna does have a few more options with four user profiles to save drinks, as well as a grinder but you'll find it on sale for a similar price.
This machine is ideal for those who like latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks, but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee which is becoming more and more popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a dedicated brewing option that makes use of a lower temperature look these up to brew iced drinks so it won't dilute the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can also alter the grind size to match your preference. This machine also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't want to brew decaf but need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system will automatically serve frothed or heated milk, if you prefer milk-based beverages. It is one of the easiest milk frothing machines to use. It is also able to heat and froth other milks, like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it's quieter than many 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. The only issue is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by changing the settings.