Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A top espresso machine can make high-quality coffee at the touch of an button. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your level of skill and your requirements.
Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they're expensive and usually do not have room for experimentation. Manual models let you control 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 then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not a cheap machine, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most professional of the Wacaco coffee makers. It's the smallest, but the most efficient in making espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but instead relies on a hand pump to create pressure of up to 18 bar. This is enough to extract an espresso double shot with a thick, rich crema it's far superior to what you'll find in many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit in the palm of your hands. It also has an authentic leather sleeve to 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 from a mix of metal and strong components. All of the accessories are durable as well. The set includes a stainless-steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed and a plastic distribution device that will make sure you get an even puck.
You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, however it does include mirrors so that you can check the bottomless extractions of your filter in peace. It's a nice feature and goes well with the Picopresso's traveling friendly philosophy. Picopresso stands can also be used at home to brew.
This allows you to pre-heat the piston before pumping hot water through it prior to when you start brewing your espresso. This is a great idea because it will ensure that you get the best results out of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to know 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 the best espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is a great option for those looking to learn how to make espresso. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is known for its longevity and durability. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers say that it produces coffee with similar quality. The stainless steam wand, made of stainless steel, and the cup tray have a chic design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker comes with brass boiler that can reach the ideal temperature to make espresso. It also comes with an electronic thermostat to stop the boiler from overheating. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand which lets you easily make rich, creamy steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is constructed of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an espresso machine is its user-friendliness. The Silvia comes with a sturdier portafilter and an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it easy for you to use. It has an adjustable drip tray and reservoirs for water that are easy to clean. The machine also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the heating element off after it's been on for 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes the Silvia stand apart from other espresso machines. This feature reduces pressure that is applied to the grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps preserve the flavor and aroma of the beans. It is available in two different settings, and can be adjusted according to the kind of espresso you're making.
The Silvia has a number of enhancements that can be put in place by coffee lovers to enhance its capabilities. The Silvia isn't equipped with a shot timer or a adjustable pump pressure, but it can be paired with a range of accessories for aftermarket use, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices and experienced baristas too. Its basic design doesn't allow for the customization needed by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still makes excellent espresso. It's Full Content also a great option for those 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 entry-level machine, but it offers the features that professional baristas desire. It comes with an efficient steam machine that creates microfoam which can be used in latte art. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug and a Tamper that is of top quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature control system that ensures the temperature at a constant level for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It is one of the smallest espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It heats up within three seconds so you can begin using it immediately after the button is press. This is the same technology Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's a very advanced espresso machine at the price of just $199.
Like its siblings like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to use and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a premium design and feel for an inexpensive model. It includes a portafilter as well as a stainless-steel milk jug.
This is an excellent value in espresso machines, and a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their daily routine without breaking the bank. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces the best quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also the easiest to use, and clean.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder but you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality for it. The only downside is that it does not have a pre-infusion function, but you can easily fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before brewing a shot. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it frequently to keep it running smoothly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the directions in the manual, you shouldn't face any issues with scaling or other issues related to maintenance. However, if you want to be certain, you can purchase an inexpensive descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super-automatic espresso machine that comes 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 the cost of our next choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with a few more options with four user profiles that can be saved for drinks and a grinder, but you'll find it for sale at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who love cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks, but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It can also make decent iced espresso this is an option that is becoming increasingly popular among coffee machines for home use. The 3200 also has a dedicated brewing option that utilizes a lower temperature to brew coffee iced so it won't dilute 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 bean hopper that is easy to fill. You can adjust the grind size according to your preferences. This machine has a bypass doser that is ideal for those who want to brew caffeine but do not want decaf.
The Philips LatteGo system is able to automatically serve frothed or heated milk, if you prefer milk-based beverages. This is a big selling point for the machine as it is one of the most user-friendly milk frothing systems available. It can also heat and froth other milks, like almond, soy and Oat.
It's not the most quiet machine out there, but it's a bit more quiet than some of the other choices on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, but it's close to what you might hear in the local coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by changing the settings.