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 skill level.
Fully automated machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models allow you to manage the process of brewing however they are more likely to mess up.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you're looking for a portable espresso maker that makes the perfect double shot, the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the best choices around. It's not a cheap machine, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year guarantee. It's also among the most advanced of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's the least expensive, but the best at making espresso.
The Picopresso doesn't rely on electricity and relies solely on hand pumps to create up to 18 bar of pressure. This is enough for two shots of espresso with thick, creamy crema. It's much better than the third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It also comes with a faux leather sleeve to keep it cool when you are making espresso.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels substantial in the hands. It's made of metal and robust plastic components, and the accessories that are included feel durable too. The set comes with a stainless steel funnel and tamper, which is ergonomically designed, as well as an aluminum distribution device to help you get an even puck.
The model doesn't come with any fancy milk carafes or steam wands, however it does come with a mirror to let you monitor your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a nice feature that fits in with Picopresso’s lifestyle of a more relaxed and comfortable travel. Another option to consider is the Picopresso stand, which can be used to brew at home, too.
This allows you to heat the piston and pump hot water through it before you start brewing your espresso. This is a good idea since it ensures that you get the best results out of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from your ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso is a bit laborious, particularly if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping pressure to ensure you get a great espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for those looking to get into espresso making. This semi-automatic single boiler espresso machine is known for its durability and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is of the same quality. The stainless steel steam wand and cup tray have a chic design that complements any kitchen design.
This coffee maker comes with brass boilers capable of reaching the perfect temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia also includes an insulated steam wand, which lets you create rich creamy steamed milk quickly for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing unit is also constructed of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is among the most important aspects to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia has an ergonomic portafilter and a simple four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It also includes a removable water reservoir and drip tray that is easy to clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that turns 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 grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps to preserve the quality and taste of the beans. It's available in two settings, which can be adjusted based on the type of espresso you're making.
Silvia Silvia has a range of upgrades that can be installed by coffee lovers to enhance its functionality. The Silvia does not come with an espresso timer or programmable pump pressure, but it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket accessories that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices and experienced baristas alike. Its basic design doesn't offer the kind of customization that more sophisticated espresso makers require, but it still produces excellent, cafe-quality espresso. It's also a good option for those looking to improve their barista skills since it gives them the feedback they need to improve their shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, yet it has many of the features that professional baristas need. It has an impressive steam wand which can make microfoam for latte art. electric espresso maker comes with a top-quality metal tamper and a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that can maintain a stable temperature so you can achieve consistently good results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's one of the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines on the market that makes it ideal for smaller areas. It heats up within three seconds so you can use it immediately after the button is hit. This is the same technology Breville employed in its Oracle range, so it's a highly sophisticated espresso machine at such a low price.
Like its predecessors like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to operate and clean. It comes with brushed stainless, which provides it with a stylish design and feel for an affordable cost. It includes a portafilter as well as an stainless-steel milk jug.
This is one of the most affordable espresso machines for sale, and is a great option for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without breaking the bank. It's the cheapest machine that can make quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home, and it's also one of the easiest to clean and operate.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. The only drawback is that it does not have an option for pre-infusion but you can 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 keep it running smoothly. If you regularly flush it and follow the directions in the manual, it shouldn't be having any issues with scale buildup or other issues related to maintenance. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many great features. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to get started with espresso making but doesn't want an excessive amount of money. The machine is priced less than half the price as our second choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with some additional options that include four user profiles that can be saved for drinks and a grinder, but you can often find it on sale for similar prices.
This machine is a great option for those who love cappuccino and latte, but don't require a full range of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso, which is an option that is becoming more and more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a brew system that utilizes a lower temperature to brew iced drinks to ensure that it doesn't alter the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with whole and ground beans. It has a large bean hopper that is easy to fill. You can alter the grind size according to your preference. This machine comes with a bypass doser that is perfect for those who want to make coffee but don't want decaf.
If you like drinks made from milk If you like milk-based drinks, Philips offers a LatteGo system that can serve frothed or heated milk automatically. This is a major selling point of the machine since it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems available. It can also heat and froth other milks, like almond, soy and the oat.
It's not the most quiet machine out there however it's more peaceful than the other options on this list. It's not nearly as loud as an espresso machine but is comparable to the sound you'd hear in your local coffee shop. The only downside is that it takes a long time to warm up however this can be changed according to the settings of the machine.