Don't Make This Silly Mistake You're Using Your Best Coffee Espresso Machine
Don't Make This Silly Mistake You're Using Your Best Coffee Espresso Machine
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Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer choices. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines are now available for customers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user for grinding, tamping and extraction time, yet they do most of the work for you.
This model is for someone who considers espresso to be an intense hobby and would like complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite for espresso lovers. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you need to ensure a top espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who wish to improve their coffee making skills, but aren't yet ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion process, along with the high-pressure extraction, ensures that the beans are evenly pressed to produce an even taste. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This is very helpful to achieve consistency in results.
The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you don't need to wait until it reaches the right temperature in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in less than three seconds which is significantly quicker than most other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature will make it easy for even the most novice users to make a fantastic shot. It is able to create a broad range of milk temperatures and textures, as well as presets for cappuccinos and lattes and many more. It's not able to produce the silky, microfoam you get with a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modding and a lot of practice. However, it can produce a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model comes with an adjustable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight which makes it easy to fit into small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to clear, which is an important feature for those with limited counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's simple to use and comes with excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can make your milk frothy for you. It's the perfect choice for anyone looking to make an excellent cup of coffee at home. See if you're pre-approved - earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 with the brand new Williams Sonoma credit card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an affordable prosumer espresso maker. It comes with numerous of the essential features you would expect to get in a higher-priced espresso machine, such as an electronic PID that regulates the temperature to just a few degrees and an actual steam wand which is connected to its own heating circuit to allow near-simultaneous brewing and steaming. It also comes with a variety of energy-saving features, including an eco mode that automatically puts the machine in standby mode after a specified period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce the loss of heat.
The Diletta Mio also comes with an industry-standard portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This is a result in a more uniform and more delicious espresso.
Another feature that distinguishes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is the adjustable OPV valve. This lets you fine-tune the pressure exerted on your grounds during extraction and allows you to experiment with different methods and flavors. This is a great feature for coffee lovers 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 thanks to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that be appealing to more experienced home baristas. For instance the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure they are brewed to perfection. The brew and steam buttons have lights that inform you when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for brewing or steaming.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy which confirms its quality and craftsmanship. This is an appliance that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing an impressive espresso machine for home use and even a couple of commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar; a quick YouTube search will show dozens of reviewers who are drooling over it. But, I think it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and a higher price tag.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk frothing. Its PID lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, which is a degree of precision that is usually reserved for higher-end machines. It also has a display that shows the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a refreshing departure from the standard digital display of most home espresso machines that use blue numbers.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is a excellent feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purges after each use. It can also be programmed to allow for two pre-infusions so that you can set the time for which the portafilter should be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
I would knock it down one point for the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is a great choice for home espresso lovers. If you're willing some more, the Ascaso is well worth it because of its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is the ideal espresso machine for those seeking the most value for their money. The Silvia features a single boiler for brewing and steamed coffee. It's easy to use and comes in a variety colors to match the home espresso machine aesthetic of your home.
The Silvia also features stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. This machine has a removable water reservoir that can be topped off when the machine is in operation and also has an automatic shutoff feature and a temperature dial that ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.
Lastly, the steam wand in this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to delight your friends. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and robust, which is the reason it has stood the test of time since its initial release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their customers, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected by the smallest of aspects.
This machine is ideal for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be an upgrade from a moka pot if you're a barista. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you'll need to wait several minutes between making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests so that you can be certain that your equipment is safe to use. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you find a problem.