Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A top espresso machine can create high-quality coffee at the touch of a button. Finding the right espresso machine depends on your skills 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 manage the brewing, but they're more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a compact espresso maker that can create an authentic double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not cheap, but it feels high-end and comes with a 2 year warranty. It's also among the most advanced of Wacaco's coffee makers. This means it's the smallest but it's also the one most capable of making high-quality espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but instead rely on a hand pump to create pressure of up to 18 bar. This is more than enough to produce two shots of espresso with thick crema, and it's far superior to what you can expect from the majority of third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hands. It also has a faux leather sleeve to keep it cool when you are making espresso.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels sturdy in the hands. It's made of metal and robust plastic parts, and all of the accessories that come with it feel durable too. The set includes a stainless-steel funnel and tamper that is ergonomic, as well as a plastic distribution device that will make sure you get an even puck.
This model doesn't include any fancy milk carafes or steam wands, but it includes a mirror to allow you to monitor your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a nice addition that is compatible with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Picopresso stands can also be used at home to make brews.
This lets you warm the piston by pushing hot water through it prior to making espresso. It's a good idea, because it ensures that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by getting all of the essential oils from your ground coffee. It's worth pointing out that using the Picopresso can be laborious, particularly when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for weighing your beans and changing the tamping pressure to get an excellent espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to start making espresso. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso maker is known for its longevity and durability. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers say that it produces coffee of similar quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand feature a sleek design to complement any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker comes with a brass boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also has a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand that allows you to create rich, creamy steam-steamed milk to make cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing system also has robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an espresso machine. The Silvia features a comfortable portafilter and an easy four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It comes with a removable drip tray and reservoirs of water that are easy to clean. The machine comes with a safety feature built-in that turns the heating element off after it's been on for more than 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another feature that makes Silvia Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the ground coffee during brewing, helping to preserve and enhance the sensory qualities of the beans. It comes in two different settings, and can be altered according to the kind of espresso you're making.
The Silvia comes with a variety of improvements that can be incorporated by coffee lovers to enhance the functionality of the machine. This machine does not come with an espresso timer or variable pump pressure, however it can be paired with a range of aftermarket accessories that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are new to the field and those with experience. Its bare-bones design doesn't offer the kind of customization that more advanced espresso makers need however, it still makes excellent, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a great choice for those who are seeking to improve their barista skills, as it provides the necessary feedback to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it still offers a lot of the features that pro baristas crave. For starters, it has an impressive steam wand that can create microfoam to make the creation of latte art. It also has a premium metal tamper and stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains a constant temperature for constant results.
The most appealing aspect 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 also heats up in just three seconds, so it's ready to use the moment you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville employed in its Oracle lineup, so it's an extremely sophisticated espresso machine at this price.
Like its counterparts, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is simple to operate and clean. It is available in brushed stainless, which provides it with a stylish look and feel at an affordable cost. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, as well as a stainless steel milk jug.
This is a great price for espresso machines and a great option for those looking to enhance their morning routine while not spending a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso machine that can make quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home. It's also the most simple to use and clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However you can use any grinder of espresso-quality. The only drawback is that it does not have an option for pre-infusion, but you can easily fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before grabbing a shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's running smoothly. As long as you routinely flush it and follow the directions in the manual, it shouldn't have any problems with scale buildup or other maintenance issues. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a powerful espresso machine that comes with this content a lot of great features. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with espresso making but doesn't want to invest an excessive amount of money. This machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some delicious drinks. The Cadorna has a few more options that include 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 like cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee, which is becoming increasingly popular in home coffee machines. The 3200 also has a brew system that uses a lower temperature to brew coffee iced so it won't dilute the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with both ground and whole beans. It has a large hopper for both and is simple to fill. You can alter the grind size according to your preferences. The machine also comes with an efficient bypass doser that is ideal for those who don't want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
If you prefer milk-based drinks If you like milk-based drinks, Philips offers a LatteGo system which can serve heated or frothed milk in a single step. This is a major selling point of the device since it is among the most simple milk frothing machines available. It is also able to heat and froth other milks like soy, almond and Oat.
It's not the most quiet machine, but it's a bit quieter than the other choices on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine however, it's comparable to the noise you would hear in a coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. It can be altered by changing the settings.