Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A great espresso machine can make high-quality coffee at the touch of an button. But finding the right one is dependent on your requirements and level of expertise.
Fully automatic machines do it all for you, but they are expensive and frequently do not allow for experimentation. Manual models let you manage the process of making but are more likely to make errors.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that can create a real double shot The Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not cheap however it's a high-end machine and comes with a 2-year warranty. It's also among the most advanced of the Wacaco coffee makers. This means it's the smallest but it's also the one most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but instead rely on a hand pump to create pressure that can reach 18 bar. This is more than enough to extract a double shot of espresso with thick crema, and this is better than what you'll find in many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit in the palm of your hands. It also comes with a faux leather sleeve to keep it cool when using it to extract espresso.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in the hands. It's a mix of strong plastic and sturdy metal parts, and all the accessories included are also durable. The set comes with a stainless steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed as well as a plastic distribution device to help you get an even puck.
You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, but it does include 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. Another option to consider is the Picopresso stand, which can be used for brewing at home, too.
This allows you to heat the piston by pushing hot water through it, prior to brewing espresso. This is a good idea since it ensures that you get the best results of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from your ground coffee. It's worth pointing out that using the Picopresso is a bit time-consuming, especially when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for those looking to start making espresso. This single boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its durability and longevity. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee is of similar quality. The stainless steel cup tray and steam wand have a chic design to complement any kitchen décor.
This coffee maker comes with an iron boiler that can reach the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also features a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand that lets you easily make rich, creamy steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing system is made of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is one of the most important things to think about when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia features a comfortable portafilter and an easy four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It also comes with an ejector that can be removed and a drip tray that is easy to clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is a further feature that makes the Silvia stand apart from other espresso machines. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the flavor of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to fit the type of espresso that you are making.
The Silvia has a number of enhancements that can be put in place by coffee lovers to enhance its functionality. This machine comes with a shot-timer as well as a pressure pump that can be programmed however, it is compatible with a variety of accessories from the aftermarket, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine that is suitable for beginners as well as experienced baristas. Its simple design doesn't allow for the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, but it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a good option for those looking to develop their barista skills, as it provides them with the feedback needed to make better espresso every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it has many of the features professional baristas would like. For instance, it comes with a powerful steam wand that can make microfoam for lattes that are latte art. It also has a premium metal tamper as well as a stainless steel milk jug that is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps a constant temperature for constant results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It is one of professional espresso machine the smallest espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It can be heated up in only three seconds, meaning it's ready as soon as you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville used in its Oracle line, which means it's an extremely sophisticated espresso machine at this price.
Like its counterparts like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is easy to clean and use. It's available with brushed stainless, which gives it an elegant design and feel for an affordable price. It includes a portafilter as well as an stainless-steel milk jug.
This is an excellent value in espresso machines, and a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their daily routine without spending a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces the best quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also the easiest to operate and is easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However, you can use any grinder of espresso-quality. It doesn't have an option for preinfusion. However you can easily fix it by running hot water several times through the portafilter before making a shot. It's also important to flush and descale the boiler on a regular basis to keep it working smoothly. If you flush it frequently and follow the directions it shouldn't face any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be certain, you can purchase a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super automatic espresso machine with a lot of great features. This is a great option to start learning how to make espresso, but don't have much cash to spend. The machine is less than half as much as our second best option one, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna does have some additional options with four user profiles to save drinks, and a grinder however, you'll often find it on sale for similar prices.
This machine is an excellent choice for people who frequently enjoy cappuccino and latte, but don't require a full range of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso and is a feature that is becoming more and more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a dedicated brewing option that makes use of a lower temperature to brew iced coffee so that it doesn't muddle the flavor.
Like the other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both ground and whole beans. It has a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can alter the size of the grind according to your preferences. The machine also comes with an efficient bypass doser that is ideal for those who don't want to make decaf, but still need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system can automatically serve frothed or heated milk, if you prefer milk-based drinks. This is a major selling point of the device since it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems out there. It is also able to heat and froth other milks like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not the most quiet machine available but it's more peaceful than the other alternatives on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, but it is comparable to the noise you would hear in a local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes time to warm up, but this can be adjusted by setting the settings on the machine.