The Best Espresso Machine Awards: The Best, Worst And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Finding the Best Espresso Machine
With the press of one button, a top espresso machine can produce drinks that rival those found in cafes. But finding the right one is dependent on your requirements and skill level.
Fully automated machines can handle everything for you. However, they are expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you control the process of making however they are more likely to fail.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can produce two shots is among the top choices. It's not a cheap machine however it is a premium feel and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most professional of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's the least expensive, but the best at making espresso.
Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but instead relies on a hand-pump to create pressure that can reach 18 bar. 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 has a stylish faux leather sleeve that helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it to extract coffee.
The most compact manual espresso machine made by Wacaco is still solid. The machine is constructed of a mixture of metal and robust parts. All of the accessories are durable as well. It comes with a tamper that is ergonomically made of stainless-steel funnel, brush and funnel and an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in achieving an even puck and the ideal extraction pressure.
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 complete privacy. This is a nice feature that is in line with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Another thing to consider is the Picopresso stand, which can be used to make brewing at home as well.
This allows you to heat the piston by pumping hot water through it, before you start brewing espresso. It's a good idea as this ensures that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by getting all the essential oils out of the coffee you grind. It's important to note that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is particularly the case if you follow the Wacaco's recommendations for weighing the beans and adjusting the tamping force 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 single boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its reliability and longevity. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and many reviewers claim that it produces coffee with similar quality. The stainless steel cup tray and steam wand have a chic design that will complement any kitchen décor.
This coffee maker comes with brass boilers capable of achieving the ideal temperature to make espresso. It also features a thermostat to prevent the boiler from overheating. The Silvia also includes an insulated steam wand which lets you create rich, creamy steamed milk easily for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing system is constructed of high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an espresso machine is its user-friendliness. 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 for water that are easy to clean. The machine comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the heating element off when it's been on for more than 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes the Silvia stand apart from other espresso machines. This feature reduces pressure applied to grounds of coffee during the brewing process. This helps preserve the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to suit the type of espresso that you are preparing.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to improve its performance. The Silvia isn't equipped with an automatic shot timer or programmable pump pressure, but it can be used with a range of accessories from the aftermarket that include PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are brand new to the industry and those with more experience. Its simple design doesn't allow for the customization needed by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still makes great espresso. It's a great option for those who are looking to improve their barista skills, as it provides the feedback required to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it still has many of the features that professional baristas need. It has a powerful steam tool that can make microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It also has a high-quality metal tamper and stainless steel milk jug for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains a constant temperature for reliable results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's one of the smallest single-boiler espresso machines available, which makes it perfect for small areas. It can be heated up in only three seconds, which means it's ready to use when you press the button. This is the same technology Breville used for its Oracle line, so you get a very high-tech espresso machine at a low cost.
Like its counterparts like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is simple to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel, which gives it a premium look and feel for such an inexpensive model. It includes a portafilter as well as an stainless-steel milk jug.
This is one of the best values in espresso machines for sale, and is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their morning routine without costing a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso maker that can make cafe quality espresso and steamed-milk at home. It's also easy to operate and clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with a grinder. However, you can use any grinder of espresso-quality. The only issue is that it doesn't have an option for pre-infusion however, you can fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before brewing the shot. It is also necessary to flush and descale the boiler regularly to keep it working smoothly. If you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't be having any issues with scaling or other maintenance issues. However, if you want to be extra sure, you can buy an inexpensive descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super automatic espresso machine with lots of amazing features. This is a great choice to start learning how to make espresso but don't have a lot of money to spend. This machine costs less than half as our second choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It is still capable of producing delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with a few more options, including four user profiles to save drinks and a grinder, but you can often find it for sale for the same price.
This machine is perfect for those who enjoy latte, cappuccino and other coffee drinks but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It can also make decent Iced Espresso and is a feature that is becoming more popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a dedicated brewing option that makes use of a lower temperature to brew coffee iced so it won't dilute the flavor.
Coffeee , like other machines in 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 size of the grind according to your preference. The machine also comes with an efficient bypass doser that is ideal for those who don't wish to make decaf, but still need 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 machine since it is one of the easiest to use milk frothing systems available. It can even heat and froth non-dairy dairy milks like soy, almonds and Oat.
It's not the quietest machine out there, but it's a bit more peaceful than the other choices on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, but it is comparable to the sounds you'd hear in a coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. It can be altered by altering the settings.