Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine can create cafe-quality drinks with a push of the button. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your skills and requirements.
Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they're expensive and usually do not have room for experimentation. Manual models let you take control of the process of making but are more likely to make mistakes.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you want a portable espresso maker that makes a real double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not the cheapest machine however it is a premium feel and comes with a two-year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. This means it's the least compact but it's also the one most efficient in making premium espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't use electricity and relies solely on the hand pump to produce up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to make two shots of espresso that have a thick creamy crema. It's far superior to the third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it comes with a chic faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it for extractions.
The most compact manual espresso machine made by Wacaco however, it feels substantial. The machine is made of a mixture of metal and sturdy parts. All of the accessories are also durable. espresso coffee maker includes an ergonomic tamper made of stainless steel funnel, a brush as well as the plastic distribution tool to aid in achieving an even puck as well as the ideal extraction pressure.
The model doesn't come with any fancy milk carafes or steam wands, however it does come with a mirror to let you observe your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a nice feature that is compatible with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Another option to consider is the Picopresso stand, which can be used for brewing at home, too.
This lets you warm the piston by pumping hot water through it before you begin brewing espresso. This is a great idea since it ensures that you get the best results out of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso can be time-consuming, particularly when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is the ideal option for those who wish 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 to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and numerous reviewers believe that it produces coffee of the same quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand have a chic design to complement any kitchen design.
This coffee maker has brass boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand that allows you to easily create rich, creamy steam-steamed milk to make cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is constructed of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia is designed with an ergonomic portafilter and a simple, four-rocker switch interface that makes it simple to operate. It also comes with an ejector that can be removed and a drip tray that are easy to clean. This machine is also equipped with a built-in safety feature that turns the heating element off when it's been on for 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is a further feature that makes the Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature decreases the pressure applied to coffee grounds during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to suit the type of espresso that you are making.
Silvia Silvia comes with a variety of improvements that can be incorporated by coffee lovers to enhance its capabilities. This machine does not come with a shot timer or a adjustable pump pressure, but it can be paired with a wide range of accessories for aftermarket use that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and experienced baristas alike. Its basic design doesn't offer the kind of customization that more sophisticated espresso makers require, but it still produces top-quality, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a great option for those who are seeking to improve their barista abilities because it gives the feedback required to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still offers the features professional baristas desire. It comes with a powerful steam tool that creates microfoam which can be used in latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that will maintain an even temperature so that you can get reliable results.
The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's among the most compact espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It's ready to use in three seconds, which means you can use it immediately after the button is hit. This is the same technology that Breville used for its Oracle line, so you get a very high-tech espresso machine at a low cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings is a well-made machine that's easy for you to use and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel, which gives it a high-end look and feel for such an inexpensive model. 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 those looking to enhance their morning routine while not spending a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso maker that can produce high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also easy to use and clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However, you can use any grinder with espresso-quality. The only drawback is that it does not have an option for pre-infusion, but you can easily solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter a few times before pulling a shot. Additionally, you'll have to flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, you shouldn't face any issues with scale buildup or other maintenance issues. However, if you want to be certain, you can purchase an inexpensive descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many amazing features. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into espresso making but doesn't want much money. The machine is less than half the price of our next choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make really delicious drinks. The Cadorna has some additional options that include four user profiles that can be saved for drinks, as well as a grinder however, you'll often find it for sale for similar prices.
This machine is ideal for those who love latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks but don't require a wide range of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee that is becoming increasingly popular in coffee machines for home use. The 3200 has a dedicated making feature that utilizes a lower temperature for iced coffee to avoid diluting the flavor.
Like other machines on this list like the Philips 3200 can use both ground and whole beans. It has large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can also alter the size of the grind to meet your preference. This machine features an bypass doser that is perfect for those who want to brew caffeine but don't need decaf.
If you prefer milk-based drinks If you like milk-based drinks, Philips has a LatteGo system that can serve heated or frothed milk in a single step. This is a big selling point of the machine as it is one of the most user-friendly milk frothing systems out there. It can also heat and froth other milks such as almond, soy and oat.
It's not the most quiet machine, but it's quieter than many other options. It's not as loud as an espresso machine but it is comparable to the sound you'd hear in a coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes long time to warm up but this can be adjusted by setting the settings on the machine.