Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A great espresso machine can create quality drinks at the push of a button. Coffeee depends on your skill level and needs.
Fully automatic machines can handle everything for you. However, they are expensive and don't allow you to experiment. Manual models let you take control of the process of making but are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can make two shots, is one of the top options. It's not expensive, but it feels high-end and comes with a 2-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of Wacaco's coffee makers. This means it's the least compact but it's also the one most efficient in making premium espresso.
The Picopresso does not use electricity, and is reliant on a hand pump to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to produce an espresso double shot with a thick crema, and that's better than what you'll get from many third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and has a stylish faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it for extractions.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels sturdy in the hands. It's a mix of solid plastic and durable metal parts, and all the accessories included are durable too. This includes a tamper that is ergonomically made of stainless-steel, funnel and brush, plus an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in achieving an even puck as well as the ideal extraction pressure.
There aren't any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, but it does have mirrors so that you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. This is a nice addition that is in line with Picopresso's philosophy of being a traveler-friendly product. Picopresso stands can also be utilized at home to brew.
This lets you warm the piston by pushing hot water through it, before you start brewing espresso. This is a great idea since it ensures that you get the best results out of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially relevant if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighing the beans and adjusting the tamping force in order to get the best espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is a great option for those who wish to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic single boiler espresso machine is believed to be durable and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand offer a stylish design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker has brass boilers capable of achieving the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by an adjustable thermostat. The Silvia also has an insulated steam wand which allows you to create rich creamy steamed milk for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing system also has durable materials that are easy-to-clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important things to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia is equipped with an ergonomic portafilter and a simple, four-rocker interface that makes it simple to operate. It also comes with an adjustable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another thing that makes the Silvia distinct from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature reduces the amount of pressure applied to the ground coffee during brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the taste of the beans. It is available in two different settings, and can be adjusted according to the type of espresso you're preparing.
The Silvia has a number of upgrades that can be installed by espresso enthusiasts 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 variety of accessories from the aftermarket such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are brand new to the field and those with more experience. Its bare-bones design doesn't offer the customization more advanced espresso makers need however, it still makes excellent, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a good choice for those who want to learn how to hone their barista skills since it provides them with the feedback needed to make better espresso each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still has many of the features that professional baristas desire. For instance, it comes with an impressive steam wand which can create microfoam to make lattes that are latte art. It also has a high-quality metal tamper as well as a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that maintains the temperature at a constant level so you can get consistently good results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It is one of the most compact espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It's ready to use in three seconds so you can use it immediately after the button is press. This is the same technology Breville employed in its Oracle line, which means you get a very high-tech espresso machine at a reasonable 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 that gives it a sleek design and feel for an affordable price. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, and a stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is an excellent value in espresso machines, and a great option for anyone looking to improve their morning routine without spending a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso maker that can produce high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also the simplest to use and is easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. The only downside is that it does not have the ability to pre-infuse however, you can fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before grabbing the shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it frequently to keep it running smoothly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't have any issues with scaling or other issues with maintenance. If you want to make sure, you can buy a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. It's a great option if you want to learn how to make espresso but don't have a lot of money to spend. This machine is less than half the price of our next choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it still makes really delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna has a few more coffee options, including four user profiles to save drinks as well as a better grinder, but it's often available for sale, so you may be able to find it at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who enjoy cappuccino, latte, and other coffee drinks, but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso, which is an option that is becoming more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 features a specific coffee brewing feature that makes use of an lower temperature for iced coffee in order to keep the flavor from being diluted.
Like other machines on this list like the Philips 3200 can use both ground and whole beans. It comes with large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can also alter the size of the grind to meet your preferences. This machine also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't wish to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system will automatically dispense heated or frothed milk if you prefer milk-based drinks. It is one of the milk frothing machines that is easy to use. It can also heat and froth other milks, like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine out there, but it's a bit quieter than the other alternatives on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's comparable to the sound you'd hear in a local coffee shop. The only downside is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by changing the settings.