Finding the Best Espresso Machine
With the push of a single button, a great espresso machine can produce drinks that rival those found in cafes. But finding the right one is dependent on your requirements and level of expertise.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and don't allow you to experiment. Manual models let you manage the brewing, but they're more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can make double shots, is one of the top options. It's not cheap however it's a high-end machine and comes with a 2 year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. This means it's the least compact however it's also the most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but instead relies on a hand-pump to create pressure that can reach 18 bar. This is more than enough to extract an espresso double shot with thick crema, and this is better than what you can expect from many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It also comes with an imitation leather sleeve that will keep it cool when you are making espresso.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in the hands. The machine is made of a mixture of metal and sturdy parts. The accessories are also durable. The set includes a stainless-steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed and a plastic distribution device to make sure you get an even puck.
You won't find any fancy steam wands, milk carafes, or steam wands on this model, however it does have mirrors so that you can monitor your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice feature and goes well with the Picopresso's'travel friendly' design. Picopresso stands can be used at home to brew.
This lets you warm the piston by pushing hot water through it before you begin brewing espresso. This is a great idea because it will ensure that you get the best results out of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso can be a bit time-consuming, especially if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighing your beans and altering the tamping pressure so that you achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to learn about espresso making. 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 is of the same quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand offer a stylish design to complement any kitchen decor.
The coffee maker features an iron boiler that can reach the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with an electronic thermostat to stop the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand which lets you easily make creamy, rich steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is also made of robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an espresso machine is its ease of use. Silvia is one of the most user-friendly machines. Silvia is built with an ergonomic portafilter and an easy, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to use. It comes with an easily removable drip tray as well as a water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that turns off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another feature that sets the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This feature decreases the pressure applied to grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps to preserve the quality and taste of the beans. It comes in two settings, which can be adjusted according to the kind of espresso you're making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to enhance its capabilities. The Silvia does not come with an espresso timer or programmable pump pressure, but it is compatible with a wide range of accessories from the aftermarket such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, both for baristas who are new to the industry and those with experience. Its basic design doesn't provide the kind of customization that more advanced espresso makers need, but it still produces top-quality, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a great option for those looking to improve their barista abilities because it gives the necessary feedback to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, yet it provides a number of features that pro baristas crave. For instance, it comes with an impressive steam wand that can create microfoam to make the creation of latte art. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug and a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps a constant temperature for constant results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's one of the smallest single-boiler espresso machines on the market that makes it ideal for smaller spaces. It can be heated up in only three seconds, so it's ready to use when you press the button. This is the same technology 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 counterparts, is a machine that's well-made that is easy to operate and clean. It is available in brushed stainless, which provides it with a stylish design and feel for a reasonable price. It includes a portafilter as well as a stainless-steel milk jug.
This is an excellent price for espresso machines and a great choice for anyone looking to improve their daily routine without costing a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces the best quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also the simplest to use, and easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. It does not have an option for preinfusion. However, you can easily fix it by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter before making a shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it periodically to ensure it's running smoothly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the guidelines in the manual, you shouldn't face any issues with scaling or other maintenance issues. If you want to be sure, you can buy an online descaler.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. It's a great choice for those who want to get started with espresso making but doesn't want a lot of money. This machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it still makes really delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with some additional options with four user profiles that can be saved for drinks, and a grinder however, you'll often find it for sale for a similar price.
This machine is perfect 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 increasingly popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 similar site also has an brew option that makes use of a lower temperature to brew iced coffee so that it doesn't muddle the flavor.
Like other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper to accommodate both and is simple to fill. You can also alter the grind size to match your preferences. This machine also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system is able to automatically serve frothed or heated milk, if you prefer milk-based beverages. This is a big selling point for the machine since it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems out there. It can also heat and froth other milks, such as almond, soy and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine available but it's quieter than the other options on this list. It's not as loud as a professional espresso machine, but it's close to what you might hear in your local coffee shop. One downside is that it takes a while to warm up, but this can be adjusted with the settings on the machine.