How To Get More Value With Your Best Espresso Machine
Finding the Best Espresso Machine
With the press of a single button, an espresso machine can create drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. But finding the right one is contingent on your needs and skill level.
Fully automatic machines can handle everything for you. However, they are expensive and do not allow you to experiment. Manual models let you control the process, but they're more likely to make errors.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that can make an authentic double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not expensive, but it feels high-end and comes with a 2-year warranty. Wacaco's coffee maker is the most professional. It's the smallest but also the most efficient in making espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't rely on electricity and relies solely on a hand pump to create up to 18 bars of pressure. This is enough to extract two shots of espresso with thick, creamy crema. It's much better than the third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it has a stylish faux leather sleeve which helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it to extract coffee.
It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels sturdy in the hands. It's a mix of strong plastic and sturdy metal components, and the accessories that are included feel durable too. The set includes a stainless-steel funnel and tamper that is ergonomic and a plastic distribution device to ensure you have an even puck.
You won't find fancy steam wands, milk carafes, or steam wands on this model, however it does include mirrors so that you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice addition and is in line with the Picopresso's traveling friendly design. Another thing to look at is the Picopresso stand, which can be used for brewing at home, too.
This allows you to pre-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 best results of your Picopresso because all essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso can be a bit laborious, particularly when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for weighting your beans and changing the tamping pressure to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is an excellent option for those looking to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic, single boiler espresso machine is known to be durable and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee is of similar quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker comes with a brass boiler capable of reaching the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. It also comes with a thermostat to prevent the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand that lets you easily make creamy, rich steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing unit is also constructed of high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting an espresso machine is its ease of use. The Silvia is equipped with a comfortable portafilter and a simple, four-rocker switch interface that makes it simple to use. It comes with an easily removable drip tray as well as a water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. The machine also comes with a safety feature built-in that shuts off the heating element off when it's been on for 30 minutes.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This feature reduces pressure applied to coffee grounds during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the quality and taste of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are making.
The Silvia has a range of improvements that can be incorporated by espresso enthusiasts to enhance its capabilities. This machine does not come with a shot timer or a programmable pump pressure, but it can be paired with a variety of accessories for aftermarket use, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are new to the business and those with more experience. Its bare-bones design doesn't offer the level of customization that more advanced espresso makers require, but it still produces excellent, high-quality espresso. It's also a great choice for those who want to develop their barista skills, as it provides them with the feedback needed to make better espresso every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still comes with the features professional baristas desire. It has a powerful steam tool that can make microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug and a tamper of high quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature control system that ensures the temperature at a constant level for reliable results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's among the smallest espresso machines on the market which makes it perfect for small spaces. It can be heated up in only three seconds, which means it's ready as soon as you press the button. This is the same technology Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's a highly sophisticated espresso machine at the price of just $199.
The Bambino Plus, like its counterparts, is a machine that's well-made that is simple to clean and use. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a high-end look and feel for such an affordable model. It includes a portafilter as well as the stainless-steel milk container.
This is one of the most affordable espresso machines for sale, and it's a good choice for those looking to enhance their morning routine without breaking the bank. This is the cheapest espresso maker that can make high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also easy to operate and easy to clean.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder but you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality for it. It doesn't come with the ability to preinfuse. However, you can easily solve the issue by running hot water several times through the portafilter before pulling shots. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it regularly to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you flush it regularly and follow the instructions it shouldn't face 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 comes with many amazing features. It's a great option for those who want to learn how to make espresso but don't have a lot of money to spend. The machine is less than half as much as our second best option which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. However, the Cadorna has a few more coffee options, including 4 user profiles for saving drinks as well as a better grinder, but it's usually on sale so you might be able to find it for less.
This machine is ideal for those who enjoy latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks, but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced coffee which is becoming more and more popular in coffee machines for home use. The 3200 has a dedicated making feature that utilizes an 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 bean hopper that is easy to fill. You can also adjust the size of the grind to suit your preferences. This machine also has a convenient bypass doser for those who don't wish to brew decaf but need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system will automatically serve frothed or heated milk if you prefer milk-based drinks. Coffeee is a major selling point of the device since it is one of the most simple milk frothing systems available. It is also able to heat and froth different milks, such as almond, soy and the oat.
It's not the most quiet machine, but it's a bit more peaceful than the other alternatives on this list. 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 a long time to warm up however this can be changed with the settings on the machine.