Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands as do the options for consumers. A variety of top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to customers as models for prosumers.
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 ideal for those who considers espresso to be an intense hobby and would like full control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty is made by Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you require to get a great 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 increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly crushed for the best flavor. You can also set different output volumes for two shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This can be very beneficial to ensure consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating system, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It will be ready to use in just three seconds which is significantly more efficient than other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature makes it easy for even the most novice users to make a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam you get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine, which requires mods and a lot of practice however, it can produce a satisfyingly smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, which is an important feature for those who have little counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a bit more expensive than other models, is well worth the extra cost. It is easy to use and comes with numerous great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will froth milk automatically. This is the ideal option for anyone looking to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you are approved and earn 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're looking for a prosumer espresso machine that doesn't cost too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It features many of the features you'd expect to find on a higher-priced espresso machine such as an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has an insulated steam wand, which is that is connected to its own heating system that allows for simultaneous steaming and making. It has many energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically shuts off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size that is used by the majority of commercial espresso machines, and it helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a better-tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
Another characteristic that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This allows you the ability to adjust the pressure exerted on the grounds of your coffee during extraction. You can play around with different styles and flavors. This is a fantastic feature for coffee enthusiasts particularly since 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 My Page some advanced features that will draw baristas with more experience in the home. The PID display can be used as a shot timer, allowing you to monitor your shots with ease and ensure they are perfect brewed. There are lights on the steam and brew buttons to let you know when you have built up enough pressure and temperature to allow brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and craftsmanship. This is an appliance that will give you years of reliable performance and reliable service, particularly if you keep it well-maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is known for its exceptional espresso machines for home use. 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 swooning over it. However, I think it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and a higher price tag.
The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions as well as precise milk frothing. Its PID lets you alter the temperature of the brewing in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision normally reserved for larger machines. It also features a display that shows the temperature of the brew at the brew unit rather than at the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home that rely on a simple digital display that has blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is another great feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and comes with a non-burn function that auto-purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions, so you can set the amount of time the portafilter must be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso does have a few minor issues, it's a great home espresso machine. Its rapid heating process and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the right temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable allows you to improve your shot-making abilities.
I would knock it down by a few points due to the plastic tamper that comes with it and its shockingly low steam power, but overall it is an excellent option for those who love home espresso. The Ascaso is worth the extra cost for its elegant design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those seeking the best bang-for-your-buck. Featuring a single boiler that heats up for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and can be purchased in different colors to fit with your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia has a removable reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also has an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that will ensure that your drinks are at the ideal temperature.
The steam wand is commercial quality and will allow you to make lattes and cappuccinos that are silky smooth that will impress your friends. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are simple to comprehend, allowing you to select the desired extraction and the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia has been proven to be reliable, durable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of its quality and craftsmanship. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and developing products that get the small things right.
This machine is a great option for those just beginning their journey in making espresso at home. However, it can also be a great upgrade to an old moka pot under the guidance of a professional barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests, so that you can be confident that your equipment is safe to use. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you find an issue.