Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing a single button, a top espresso machine can create drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your skills and needs.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you control the process however they are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can produce a double shot, is one of the top choices. It's not cheap, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of the Wacaco coffee makers. It's the least expensive, 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 produce two shots of espresso with a thick crema, and it's far superior to what you'll find in many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hands. It also comes with a faux leather sleeve to keep it cool when using it to extract espresso.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels substantial in the hands. It has a blend of solid plastic and durable metal components, and the accessories that are included feel durable too. The set comes with a stainless steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed and a plastic distribution device to ensure you have an even puck.
There aren't any fancy steam wands or milk carafes on this model, but it does include mirrors so that you can check the bottomless extractions of your filter in peace. It's a nice touch and goes well with the Picopresso's traveling friendly design. Picopresso stands can also be utilized at home to brew.
This allows you to heat the piston before pumping hot water through it before you begin making your espresso. This is a good idea since it ensures that you get the most out of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to know that using the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially relevant if you follow Wacaco's guidelines for weighing the beans and adjusting tamping force to ensure you get an excellent espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to learn about espresso making. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is known for its reliability and longevity. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee is of the same quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand offer a stylish design that will complement any kitchen décor.
This coffee maker has an iron boiler that is capable of achieving the ideal temperature to make espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand which allows you to easily create rich, creamy steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing unit is constructed of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is the ease of use. The Silvia is equipped with a comfortable portafilter and a simple, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to use. It has an easily removable drip tray as well as a water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. This machine also has an inbuilt feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes the Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the flavor of the beans. It is available in two settings, which can be adjusted based on the type of espresso you're making.
Silvia Silvia has a number of upgrades that can be installed by espresso aficionados to increase the functionality of the machine. This machine does not come with an automatic shot timer or variable pump pressure, however it is compatible with a range of accessories for aftermarket use such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are brand new to the industry as well as 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 improve their barista skills, since it gives them the feedback they need to make better espresso every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine, but it offers the features that professional baristas desire. For instance, it comes with an impressive steam wand which creates microfoam for latte art. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug as well as a metal Tamper that is of premium quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature control system that ensures a constant temperature for constant results.
The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's one of the most compact espresso machines available, making it ideal for small spaces. It heats up within three seconds so you can start using 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.
Like its counterparts, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is easy to use and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a premium appearance and feel for an affordable model. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, and stainless steel milk jug.
This is one of the most affordable espresso machines on sale, and it's a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without costing a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces cafe quality espresso and steamed-milk at home. It's also the easiest to use, and clean.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with a grinder but you can use any espresso-quality grinder to use it. It does not have a preinfusion function. However, you can easily solve the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter before making shots. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it periodically to ensure it's running smoothly. As long as you flush it on a regular basis and follow the directions, it shouldn't experience any issues with maintenance or scale buildup. However, if you want to be extra sure, you can buy a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with numerous great features. This is a great option to start learning how to make espresso but don't have a lot of cash to spend. The machine is less than half the cost of our next best option which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it still makes really delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna offers a variety of coffee options including 4 user profiles to save drinks and a better grinder, but it's also in sale, so you may be able to find it at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who love cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks, but don't require a wide range of espresso flavors. It also makes good iced coffee which is becoming more and more popular in coffee machines for home use. The 3200 has a dedicated brewing feature that uses a lower temperature for iced coffee in order to keep the flavor from being diluted.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with both whole and ground beans. It comes with a large hopper for both and is simple to fill. You can also adjust the size of the grind to suit your preference. The machine also comes with a convenient bypass doser for those who do not want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
If you prefer drinks that are based on milk The Philips comes with a LatteGo machine that can dispense heated or frothed milk in a single step. This is a major selling point for the device since it is one of the most simple milk frothing systems out there. It is also able to heat and froth other milks, like almond, soy and the oat.
It's not the quietest machine out there however it's more quiet than some of the other options on this list. Coffeee 's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's comparable to the sound you'd hear in a coffee shop. The only downside is the time it takes to warm up. This can be adjusted by altering the settings.