11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Make With Your Best Coffee Espresso Machine
11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Make With Your Best Coffee Espresso Machine
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Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the market for espresso expands, so do the choices for consumers. A variety of top-rated commercial machines, including top-of-the-line models, are now available to customers as prosumer models.
These heavier systems require greater precision in the user's grinding, tamping, and extraction times, yet they do the majority of the work.
This model is for someone who views espresso as a serious hobby and wants complete control over the brewing process.
The Bambino Plus
This small beauty from Breville is a top choice for many espresso aficionados. It's got all the features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's ideal for people who are looking to improve their coffee-making abilities but don't want to spend much money on a high-end commercial machine.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as the accelerated high-pressure extraction will ensure that the beans are evenly pressed for a balanced flavor. You can also program distinct output quantities for two and one-shots by pressing the button, which is very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology which lets it heat up quickly in the morning. It's ready to use in just three seconds which is a lot faster than other machines.
The steam wand's automatic feature makes it easy for even the most novice users to pull a great shot. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte, and other milk-based textures and temperatures. It's not able to create the silky smooth microfoam you can get from a hands-on, professional-grade machine that requires modding and plenty of practice however, it can create a smooth and creamy cappuccino or latte.
This model comes with an open reservoir that makes it easy to refill and clean. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit in small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important feature for those who have small counter space.
The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is well worth the extra cost. It's easy to use and comes with excellent features, including an automatic steam wand that will make your milk frothy for you. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants a great cup of coffee at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy a low-cost prosumer espresso maker. It comes with many features you'd expect to find in an espresso machine that is more expensive such as the digital PID that controls the temperature within a few degrees. It also has an insulated steam wand, which is that is connected to its own heating system to allow for simultaneous steaming and brewing. It has many energy-saving options, including eco mode, which will automatically shut off the machine after a certain time of inactivity.
The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines and helps ensure that your espresso beans are evenly spread during extraction. This is a result in a more consistent and better-tasting espresso.
Another characteristic that makes the Diletta Mio apart from its competitors is an adjustable OPV valve. This allows you to adjust the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction, allowing you to experiment with various flavor profiles and techniques. This is a fantastic feature for coffee enthusiasts especially since a lot of espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).
The Diletta Mio is easy to use for novices due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it also includes several advanced features that appeal to more experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer, which allows you to track your shots without difficulty and ensure they're made to perfection. There are also lights next to the brew and steam buttons to inform you that you have created enough pressure and temperature to allow the brewing and steaming.
The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and workmanship. This machine can provide years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it is well maintained.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making excellent espresso machines for home use and even a few commercial models. A quick YouTube search will show that many reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. However, I believe it gets overshadowed by other machines with more impressive feature-sets and higher prices.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. The PID of this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is visit site typically reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also has a display showing the brew temperature at the brew unit instead of at the thermoblock or boiler. This is a refreshing change from the traditional digital display of most espresso machines in the home which use blue digits.
Another feature that is great is the large, active cup warmer. The steam wand features an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically purge after every use. It is also programmable to allow for two pre-infusions so you can set the time for which the portafilter must be soaked before proceeding with the extraction.
While the Ascaso has a few minor issues, overall it's a great home espresso machine. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will be made at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
I would give it by a few points due to the plastic tamper included and its surprising low steam power, but overall this is an excellent option for those who love home espresso. If you're willing to pay more then the Ascaso is definitely worth it for its additional features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio Silvia is the perfect espresso machine for those looking for the most value for their money. With a single boiler that is heated for brewing and steaming, the Silvia is simple to use and is available in a variety of colors to complement the style of your home.
The Silvia features a drip pan and cup tray made of stainless steel that are easy to take off and clean, as well as maintain. This machine features an ejector that can be filled while the machine is being used. It also has an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the perfect temperature.
Lastly, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial grade and lets you make silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to impress your guests. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to use and allow you to personalize your drink by choosing the desired extraction time and brew temperature. The Silvia has proven to be durable, reliable and long-lasting since its release in 1997.
Rancilio is an Italian family-owned business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They stay in constant contact with their community, and are open to feedback. They develop products that are perfected through the smallest of little details.
This machine is an ideal option for those just starting their journey into making espresso at home, but it could also be a good upgrade over a moka maker under the supervision of a barista who is skilled. The machine isn't equipped with an exchanger for heat, so you will need to wait for some time between making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests to be sure that your machine will operate safely. If you find there's an issue with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.