Forget Best Espresso Machine: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Forget Best Espresso Machine: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
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Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine can create cafe-quality drinks with a push of a button. However, finding the best one depends on your needs and skill level.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and do not allow you to experiment. Manual models allow you to manage the process of brewing, but they are more likely to mess up.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
If you want a portable espresso maker that makes the perfect double shot The Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not the cheapest machine however it is a premium feel and is covered by a two-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of Wacaco's coffee makers. It's also the smallest, but also the most capable of making high-quality espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but relies on a hand-pump that creates pressure of up to 18 bar. This is enough to extract two shots of espresso that have a 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 has a faux leather sleeve to keep it cool when you are using it to extract espresso.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels sturdy in the hands. It has a blend of strong plastic and sturdy metal parts, and all of the accessories that come with it feel durable too. The set includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper and funnel, as well as a plastic distribution device that will ensure you have an even puck.
The model doesn't come with any fancy milk carafes or steam wands. However, it comes with a mirror that will allow you to monitor your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a great feature that is compatible with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Another thing to think about is the Picopresso stand that can be used to make brewing at home as well.
This lets you pre-heat the piston and then pump hot water through it prior to when you begin brewing your espresso. It's a good idea as this ensures that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by removing all of the essential oils from your ground coffee. It is important to remember that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially relevant if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping force to ensure an excellent espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to learn about espresso making. This semi-automatic single boiler espresso machine is believed to be durable and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is of similar quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand feature a sleek design that will complement any kitchen design.
This coffee maker comes with a brass boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature to make espresso. It also has 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 or cappuccinos. The brewing unit also features sturdy materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is among the most important aspects to think about when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia has an ergonomic portafilter and an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it easy to use. It has an adjustable drip tray and reservoirs of water that are easy to clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another characteristic that makes Silvia Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature reduces pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the sensory qualities and quality of the beans. The two settings can be adjusted to fit the type of espresso that you are making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to improve its performance. The Silvia isn't equipped with an automatic shot timer or adjustable pump pressure, but it can be used with a range of accessories from the aftermarket, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, suitable for baristas who are new to the industry and those with experience. Its simple design doesn't permit the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, yet it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a great choice for those who are looking to improve their barista skills by providing the necessary feedback to ensure better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still has many of the features professional baristas want. It has an efficient steam machine that can make microfoam to be used in latte art. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well as a metal Tamper that is of top quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains an even temperature to ensure reliable results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's among the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines available that makes it ideal for smaller areas. It can be heated up in only three seconds, meaning it's ready to use when you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's an extremely sophisticated espresso machine at this price.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that is easy to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel which gives it a premium design and feel for an inexpensive model. It also comes with a tamper, portafilter, and a stainless milk jug made of stainless retro espresso machine steel.
This is a great value for espresso machines, and a great option for those looking to upgrade their morning routine without costing a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that can make the best quality espresso and steamed milk at home. It's also the easiest to operate and is easy to clean.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with a grinder but you can use any espresso-quality grinder for it. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a pre-infusion function however, you can solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter a few times before pulling the shot. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it frequently to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you flush it regularly and follow the guidelines it shouldn't face any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be sure, you can purchase a descaler online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a excellent super automatic espresso machine with many great features. It's a great option for anyone looking to get started with espresso making but doesn't want an excessive amount of money. The machine is less than half the price of our next choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make delicious drinks. The Cadorna does come with a few more options, including four user profiles to save drinks, as well as a grinder but you'll find it for sale for a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who enjoy cappuccino, latte, and other coffee drinks but don't require a wide range of espresso flavors. It also makes excellent iced coffee which is becoming increasingly well-known in home coffee machines. The 3200 also has a dedicated brewing option that uses a lower temperature to brew iced coffee so it won't dilute the flavor.
Like the other machines on this list, the Philips 3200 can use both whole and ground beans. It has large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can also adjust the grind size to match your preferences. This machine has a bypass doser, which is ideal for those who want to brew caffeine but do not want decaf.
If you prefer milk-based drinks The Philips has a LatteGo system that can serve frothed or heated milk automatically. It is one of the most simple milk frothing machines to use. It can also heat and froth other milks like almond, soy and the oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it is quieter than other models. It's not nearly as loud as an espresso machine but is comparable to the sound you'd hear in the local coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by changing the settings.