Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing a single button, a great espresso machine can create drinks that rival those found in cafes. But finding the right one depends on your needs and level of expertise.
Fully automated machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and do not allow you to experiment. Manual models let you take control of the process however they are more likely to make errors.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a compact espresso maker that makes the perfect double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not expensive however it's a high-end machine and comes with a 2 year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. It's the smallest, but the best at making espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but instead relies on a hand-pump to create pressure up to 18 bar. This is more than enough to make an espresso double shot with a thick crema, and 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 comes with an imitation leather sleeve that will keep it cool when you are using it to extract espresso.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in your hands. The machine is constructed of a mixture of metal and sturdy parts. All the accessories are durable as well. It comes with an ergonomic tamper made of stainless steel funnel, brush and funnel, plus a plastic distribution tool to aid in achieving an even puck as well as the perfect extraction pressure.
You won't find any fancy steam wands, milk carafes, or steam wands on this model, but it does include mirrors to check the bottomless extractions of your filter in peace. It's a nice touch, and it fits well with the Picopresso's traveling friendly ethos. Picopresso stands can be used at home to make brews.
This lets you pre-heat the piston before pumping hot water through it before you begin brewing your espresso. It's a good idea because it ensures that you get the best results from your Picopresso by removing all of the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is particularly the case if you follow the Wacaco's recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping force to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is a great choice for those who want to learn how to make espresso. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is well-known for its durability and longevity. It is often compared with the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers claim that it produces coffee with similar quality. The stainless steel cup tray and steam wand feature a sleek design that will complement any kitchen design.
This coffee maker features an iron boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand which allows you to create creamy, rich steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing unit also features robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important aspects to consider when selecting an espresso machine. The Silvia comes with a sturdier portafilter, and an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it easy to use. espresso coffee machine includes an adjustable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. The machine comes with a safety feature built-in that shuts off the heating element off when it has been running for 30 minutes.
Another feature that distinguishes the Silvia distinct from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the sensory qualities of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to suit the type of espresso that you are making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to improve its performance. The Silvia isn't equipped with an automatic shot timer or variable pump pressure, however it can be used with a variety of aftermarket accessories such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, for baristas who are brand new to the field and those with more experience. Its simple design doesn't allow for the customization required by more sophisticated espresso makers, yet it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a great option for those who are seeking to improve their barista abilities by providing the necessary feedback to make better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it offers the features professional baristas want. For instance, it comes with an impressive steam wand that can create microfoam to make latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well as a metal tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains an even temperature to ensure constant results.
The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It is one of the smallest espresso machines available and is ideal for small spaces. It also heats up in just three seconds, meaning it's ready to go when you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's a very advanced espresso machine at such a low price.
Like its predecessors, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is easy to operate and clean. It comes in brushed stainless, which gives it a sleek design and feel for a reasonable price. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, and stainless steel milk jug.
This is a fantastic value in espresso machines, and is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their morning routine without breaking the bank. It's the cheapest espresso maker that can produce 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 grinder. However, you can use any grinder with espresso-quality. It doesn't have an option for preinfusion. However you can easily solve the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to pulling a shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you flush it on a regular basis and follow the directions you're given, you shouldn't have any issues with maintenance or scale buildup. If you want to be sure, you can buy an online descaler.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many great features. It's a great option for those who want to learn how to make espresso, but don't have a lot of cash to spend. This machine is less than half the price of our second-best choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna does have a few more 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 ideal for those who like cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced coffee, which is becoming increasingly popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 has a dedicated coffee brewing feature that makes use of the lower temperature for iced coffee in order to ensure that the flavor is not diminished.
Like other machines on this list, 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 alter the size of the grind according to your preference. The machine also comes with an easy bypass doser for those who do not want to brew decaf but need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system can automatically serve frothed or heated milk, if you prefer milk-based beverages. This is a major selling point for the machine as it is among the easiest to use milk frothing machines available. It can also heat and froth non-dairy dairy milks like soy, almond, and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine available but it's more quiet than some of the other options on this list. It's not nearly as loud as an espresso machine, but it's comparable to what you might hear in your local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes a long time to warm up but this can be adjusted according to the settings of the machine.