The Best Coffee Espresso Machine Case Study You'll Never Forget
Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows so do the choices for consumers. Prosumer models of a variety of commercial machines are now available for customers.
These heavier systems require more precision in the user's grinding, tamping and extraction times, yet they can do the bulk of the work.
This model is ideal for those who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty from Breville is a top pick for many coffee lovers. It has the right features to give you a perfect shot every time, and it's not overly complicated in its operation either. It's perfect for those who want to improve their skills in coffee making and don't want spend an enormous amount of money on a top-of-the-line commercial machine.
The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high pressure extraction guarantees that the beans will be evenly pressed, resulting in an even flavor. You can also program different output quantities for two and one-shots with the click of the button, which is very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is a lot quicker than other models.
Even the most novice of users can pull off an excellent shot with this espresso machine thanks to the automatic steam wand. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, along with presets for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. It's not able to produce the silky microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires tweaking and a lot of practice. But it can create an incredibly smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a removable reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It is also light and compact making it easy to fit in small spaces. It also has a glass lid that's easy to clean, which is another important feature for those who have a small counter space.
While it's more expensive than some other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's easy to use and offers amazing features, such as an automatic steam tool that can make your milk frothy for you. This is the ideal option for anyone who wants to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if you are approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 plus free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that isn't too much, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It has many features that you'd expect to see in an espresso machine that is more expensive such as a digital PID which controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system that allows for fast steaming and making. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a certain period of inactivity.
Additionally as an additional bonus, as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a professional-grade, high-quality portafilter that measures 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and ensures that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This will result in a more consistent and a better tasting espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your coffee during extraction which allows you to play with various methods and flavors. This is an excellent feature for coffee enthusiasts, especially as many espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for novices due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also has certain advanced features that will appeal to baristas with more experience in the home. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer, which will allow you to easily monitor your shots and ensure that they are brewed perfectly. The Steam and Brew buttons are illuminated to let you know if you've reached the correct temperature and pressure to begin making steam or brewing.
The Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that speaks to its quality and workmanship. This machine will provide you with years of solid performance and reliability, especially if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso the Spanish manufacturer, is well-known for its top-quality espresso machines for home use. They also produce a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that dozens of reviewers are drooling at the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it is a bit overshadowed by machines with more impressive feature-sets and a price tag that is higher.
This machine comes with dual thermoblocks for stable espresso extractions and accurate milk frothing. The PID of this machine lets you adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one degree increments. This degree of precision is typically reserved for expensive machines. It also has a display that displays the temperature of brewing at the brew unit rather than at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the majority of espresso machines at home that rely on a simple digital display with blue numerals.
It also comes with a large, active heated cup warmer, which is another fantastic feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after every use. It's also programmed for two pre-infusions that allows you to program in the time you'd like to soak the portafilter prior to proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a fantastic home espresso machine, despite some minor issues. Its quick heating time and precise temperatures ensure that your coffee is always at the right temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed allows you to improve your shot-making skills.
I would give it a few points for the plastic tamper that comes with it and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is an excellent choice for home espresso lovers. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its stylish design and features.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that gives you the most bang for your money then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming the Silvia is simple to use and comes in different colors to match your home's aesthetic.
The Silvia comes with a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel. They are easy to take off, clean and maintain. The Silvia has an adjustable water reservoir that can be topped off when the machine is in operation and also has an automatic shutoff function as well as an adjustable temperature dial that keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature to provide the best coffee experience.
The steam wand on this machine is commercial grade and lets you create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will surely impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to operate and let you customize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and the temperature at which you want to brew. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned company that is proud of their craftsmanship and quality. They stay in constant contact with their community, and listen to feedback. They create products that are perfected by the smallest of little details.
This machine is an excellent option for those who are just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it could also be a good upgrade over a moka pot under the guidance of a professional barista. The biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have a heat exchanger, so you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making milk-based drinks.
It's also worth mentioning that the company puts each and every Silvia through a rigorous set of tests, so you can be confident that your machine is safe to operate. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia manufacturer, they offer a one-year warranty.