Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A top espresso machine can make cafe-quality drinks with a push of a button. However, finding the best one depends on your needs and skill level.
Fully automatic machines take care of everything for you, but they're expensive and often lack room for experimentation. Manual models allow you to control the brewing process however they are more likely to mess up.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that can make the perfect double shot The Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top options available. It's not the cheapest machine however it is a premium feel and is covered by a two-year warranty. The Wacaco coffee maker is the most professional. It's also the smallest but it's also the one most capable of producing high-quality espresso.
The Picopresso does not use electricity, and is reliant on the hand pump to produce up to 18 bars of pressure. This is more than enough to make two shots of espresso with a thick, rich crema it's far superior to what you'll get from the majority of third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hands. It also has an authentic leather sleeve to keep it cool when you are making espresso.
The smallest manual espresso machine from Wacaco, it still feels substantial. The machine is constructed from a mixture of metal and robust parts. The accessories are also durable. This includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper funnel, a brush and a plastic distribution tool to aid in achieving an even puck and perfect extraction pressure.
There aren't any fancy steam wands or milk carafes on this model, however it does include mirrors so that you can monitor your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice addition, and it fits well with the Picopresso's travel friendly philosophy. Another thing to think about is the Picopresso stand that can be used to brew at home too.
This allows you to preheat the piston by pumping hot water through it, prior to brewing espresso. This is a good practice as it ensures you get the most out of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from your ground coffee. It's worth pointing out that using the Picopresso can be a bit time-consuming, particularly when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect 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 maker is renowned for its reliability and longevity. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee it makes is of similar quality. The stainless steam wand made of steel and the cup tray have a chic design that will complement any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker has brass boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature to make espresso. The boiler is protected by a thermostat. The Silvia also comes with an insulated steam wand which allows you to create rich creamy steamed milk for macchiatos or cappuccinos. The brewing unit is also made of sturdy materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is its ease of use. The Silvia is equipped with an ergonomic portafilter and an easy, four-rocker switch interface that makes it simple to use. It has an easily removable drip tray as well as a water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. The machine also comes with a safety feature that turns the heating element off after it's been on for 30 minutes.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Silvia distinct from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. cafe espresso machine decreases the pressure applied to grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps preserve the quality and taste of the beans. It is available in two different settings, and can be altered according to the kind of espresso you're making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to increase its functionality. This machine does come with a shot-timer and a pressure pump that can be programmed, but is compatible with many aftermarket accessories including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas new to the field and those with more experience. Its simple design doesn't permit the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, however it still makes excellent espresso. It is also a good option for those looking to learn how to hone their barista skills, since it provides them with the feedback they need to make better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, yet it offers a lot of the features that professional baristas want. It has an impressive steam wand that can create microfoam to make the creation of latte art. It also has a premium metal tamper and a stainless steel milk jug that is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that can maintain an even temperature so that you will get consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's one of the smallest espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It is ready to heat up in just three seconds, so you can start using it immediately after the button is press. This is the same technology Breville employed for its Oracle line, so you'll get a top-of-the-line espresso machine for a very low cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that's easy for you to clean and use. It comes with brushed stainless, which gives it a sleek look and feel at a reasonable price. It comes with a portafilter and the stainless-steel milk container.
This is a fantastic value for espresso machines, and a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their daily routine without costing a fortune. It's the cheapest machine that produces quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home. It's also the most simple to clean and use.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However, you can use any grinder of espresso-quality. The only issue is that it doesn't come with a pre-infusion function however, you can fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before brewing a shot. You'll also need to flush and descale the boiler periodically to ensure it's functioning properly. If you regularly flush it and follow the directions in the manual, it shouldn't be having any issues with scale buildup or other maintenance issues. If you want to make sure, you can purchase an online descaler.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many amazing features. It's a great choice for those who want to learn about making espresso but doesn't want to invest a lot of money. This machine is less than half the cost of our next choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna comes with a number of coffee options including 4 user profiles for saving drinks and a better grinder, but it's also in sale, so you could be able to locate it for less.
This machine is ideal for those who enjoy latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks, but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes good Iced coffee that is becoming increasingly well-known in home coffee machines. The 3200 has a dedicated making feature that utilizes the lower temperature for iced coffee to avoid diluting the flavor.
Like other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both ground and whole beans. It comes with a large hopper for both and is simple to fill. You can alter the size of the grind to your preferences. This machine features a bypass doser, which is perfect for those who want to brew caffeine but do not want decaf.
If you prefer milk-based drinks If you like milk-based drinks, Philips comes with a LatteGo machine that can serve heated or frothed milk in a single step. It is one of the easiest milk frothing machines to use. It can even heat and froth non-dairy milks such as soy, almond, and the oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it's quieter than other models. It's not as loud as an espresso machine but is comparable to what you'd find in your local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes a while to warm up, however this can be changed by setting the settings on the machine.