Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A great espresso machine can produce cafe-quality drinks with a push of an button. However, choosing the right machine is contingent on your needs and level of expertise.
Fully automatic machines can handle everything for you. However, they're expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you take control of the process but are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that produces two shots is among the top options. It's not expensive but it's high-end and comes with a 2 year warranty. It's also the most professional 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 bar of pressure. This is more than enough to extract two shots of espresso with thick crema, and it's far superior to what you can expect from many third-wave cafes. The device is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and comes with a chic faux leather sleeve to help to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it to extract your coffee.
The most compact manual espresso machine made by Wacaco however, it feels sturdy. It has a blend of solid plastic and durable metal parts, and all of the accessories that come with it feel durable too. It comes with a tamper that is ergonomically made of stainless-steel funnel, brush and funnel, plus the plastic distribution tool to aid in achieving an even puck and perfect extraction pressure.
This model does not include any fancy milk carafes or steam wands. However, it comes with a mirror that will let you observe your bottomless sips in private. This is a nice feature that fits in with Picopresso’s philosophy of being a traveler-friendly product. Another option to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used to make brewing at home as well.
This allows you to heat the piston and pump hot water through it before you begin making your espresso. It's a good idea since it will ensure that you get the best results from your Picopresso by getting all the essential oils from your ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso can be time-consuming, particularly when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for measuring your beans and then changing the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for anyone who wants to get into espresso making. This single boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine is well-known for its reliability and longevity. It is often compared with the Gaggia Classic Pro, and numerous reviewers believe that it produces coffee with similar quality. The stainless steel cup tray and steam wand have a chic design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
The coffee maker features a brass boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia also comes with an insulated steam wand, that allows you to make rich creamy steamed milk for cappuccinos or macchiatos. The brewing system also has robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is its ease of use. The Silvia has an ergonomic portafilter and an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it easy for you to use. It comes with an easily removable drip tray as well as a reservoirs for water that are easy to clean. This model also comes with an inbuilt feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes Silvia Silvia stand apart from other espresso machines. This feature decreases the pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the flavor and aroma of the beans. It is available in two settings that can be altered according to the type of espresso you're preparing.
The Silvia comes with a variety of improvements that can be incorporated by espresso aficionados to increase its functionality. The Silvia isn't equipped with an automatic shot timer or adjustable pump pressure, but it can be used with a variety of accessories for aftermarket use such as PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are new to the field as well as those with more experience. Its basic design doesn't permit the customization required by more advanced espresso makers , but it still produces excellent espresso. It's also a great option for those who are looking to improve their barista abilities because it gives the feedback needed to ensure better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it has many of the features that professional baristas want. For instance, it comes with an impressive steam wand that can make microfoam for lattes that are latte art. It also comes with a top-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 will maintain an even temperature so that you will get consistent results.
The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's among the smallest single-boiler espresso machines on the market which makes it ideal for small spaces. It also heats up in just three seconds, so it's ready as soon as you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville used for its Oracle line, so you get a very high-tech espresso machine at a reasonable cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings is a well-made machine that is easy to clean and use. It is available in brushed stainless that gives it an elegant look and feel at an affordable cost. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, and a stainless steel milk jug.
This is one of the best values in espresso machines on sale, and it's a good choice for those looking to enhance their morning routine without breaking the bank. It's the cheapest espresso machine that can make quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home, and it's also one of the easiest to use and clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However you can use any grinder of espresso-quality. It doesn't have a preinfusion function. However you can solve the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to making shots. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it frequently to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you routinely flush it and follow the guidelines in the manual, you shouldn't face any issues with scaling or other issues related to maintenance. If you want to make certain, you can purchase an inexpensive descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many amazing features. This is a great option for those who want to learn how to make espresso, but don't have much money to spend. This machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice that is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make some amazing drinks. The Cadorna does have some additional options, including four user profiles to save drinks, as well as a grinder but you'll find it for sale at a similar price.
This machine is an excellent choice for people who frequently enjoy cappuccino and latte, but don't need a full range of espresso flavors. It can also make decent Iced Espresso, which is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 features a specific coffee brewing feature that makes use of the lower temperature for iced coffee to keep the flavor from being diluted.
The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with both ground and whole beans. It has large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can alter the grind size according to your preference. This machine features a bypass doser, which is ideal for those who want to brew caffeine but don't want decaf.
If you like drinks made from milk If you like milk-based drinks, Philips has a LatteGo system that can dispense frothed or heated milk automatically. This is a big selling point of the machine 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 is quieter than some other options. It's not nearly as loud as a professional espresso machine but is comparable to what you'd find in the local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes a long time to warm up however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.