Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A great espresso machine can produce quality drinks at the push of a button. But finding the right one depends on your needs and skill level.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and do not allow you to experiment. Manual models let you manage the brewing but are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you want a portable espresso maker that can create the perfect double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not the cheapest machine but it's a high-quality machine and comes with a two-year guarantee. It's also the most professional of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's the smallest, but the most efficient in making espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't use electricity and relies solely on the hand pump to produce up to 18 bar of pressure. This is enough to produce a double shot of espresso with a thick, rich crema it's far superior to what you'll get from many third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it has a stylish faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it to extract coffee.
The smallest manual espresso machine from Wacaco however, it feels substantial. It's made of strong plastic and sturdy metal parts, and all of the accessories included are durable too. The set includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper and funnel as well as a plastic distribution device to ensure you have an even puck.
You won't find fancy steam wands or milk carafes on this model, but it does have a mirror so you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. This is a great feature that is in line with Picopresso's lifestyle of a more relaxed and comfortable travel. Picopresso stands can be utilized at home to brew.
This allows you to heat the piston by pushing hot water through it, prior to brewing espresso. This is a great idea as it ensures you get the best results of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso can be time-consuming, especially when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for measuring your beans and then altering the tamping pressure so that you ensure you get a great 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 single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its longevity and durability. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand offer a stylish design to complement any kitchen design.
This coffee maker has a brass boiler capable of achieving the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also features an electronic thermostat to stop the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand which lets you easily make creamy, rich steam-steamed milk to make cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing unit is also made of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is among the most important things to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. Silvia is one of the most user-friendly machines. Silvia is designed with an ergonomic portafilter and a simple, four-rocker interface that makes it easy to operate. It also has an adjustable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. This machine also has a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another feature that makes the Silvia different from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature reduces pressure applied to grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps to preserve the quality and taste of the beans. It comes in two different settings, and can be adjusted according to the type of espresso you're preparing.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to increase its functionality. The Silvia comes with a shot timer and an adjustable pressure pump but it can be used with many aftermarket accessories including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for beginners and experienced baristas too. Its simple design does not allow for the customization needed by more sophisticated espresso makers, yet it still produces excellent espresso. It's also a great choice for those who want to learn how to hone their barista skills since it provides them with the feedback they need to make better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still offers the features that professional baristas would like. It has a powerful steam tool that can create microfoam to be used in lattes. It also has a high-quality metal tamper and stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that will maintain a stable temperature so you will get consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It is one of the smallest espresso machines on the market, making it ideal for small spaces. It also heats up in just three seconds, meaning it's ready to use the moment you hit the button. This is the same technology that Breville employed for its Oracle line, so you'll get a high-tech espresso machine for a very low cost.
Like its counterparts like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is simple to clean and use. It's available in brushed stainless that gives it a sleek look and feel at an affordable cost. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, and stainless steel milk jug.
This is a fantastic value in espresso machines, and a great option for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without breaking the bank. This is the cheapest espresso maker that can make the best quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also the simplest to use and clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. It does not have the ability to preinfuse. However you can easily fix it by running hot water several times through the portafilter before making shots. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's running smoothly. As long as you flush it frequently and follow the directions you're given, you shouldn't have any maintenance issues or scale buildup. If you want to be sure, you can purchase a 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. It's a great option for anyone who wants to get into espresso making but doesn't want a lot of money. The machine is less than half the cost of our next choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some amazing drinks. The Cadorna does come with several more options, including four user profiles that can be saved for drinks and a grinder, but you'll find it for sale at similar prices.
This machine is an excellent choice for those who love latte and cappuccino but don't need a wide range of espresso flavors. It also makes good iced coffee which is becoming more and more popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 comes with a making feature that utilizes the lower temperature for iced coffee in order to keep the flavor from being diluted.
Like other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both whole and ground beans. It has large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can adjust the grind size according to your preferences. This machine features a bypass doser, which is ideal for those who wish to brew coffee but don't want decaf.
If you prefer drinks that are based on milk, the Philips has a LatteGo system which can serve heated or frothed milk on demand. This is a big selling point for the device since it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems available. It can also heat and froth non-dairy milks like soy, almonds, and the oat.
It's not the most quiet machine, but it is quieter than other models. It's not nearly as loud as an espresso home espresso machine 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 adjusted by altering the settings.