Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models

As the demand for espresso grows, so do consumer choices. Many top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to customers as models for prosumers.

These heftier systems demand greater precision from the user to ensure grinding, tamping and extraction time, yet they do the majority of the work for you.

This model is for someone who sees espresso as an intense hobby and would like complete control over the espresso process.

The Bambino Plus

Breville's small beauty is a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. It's simple to use and has all the features you require to get a great espresso shot every time. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to spend the money on the top of the line commercial equipment.

Its low pressure pre-infusion system and increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the beans are evenly pressed to ensure the best flavor. You can also program different output volumes for two-shots and one-shots by pressing of a button. This is extremely helpful to achieve consistency in results.

The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which allows it to heat up quickly in the morning. It will be ready to use in just three second which is a lot quicker than other models.

Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off an excellent shot with this espresso machine due to the automatic steam wand. It comes with presets that can create cappuccinos, latte and other milk types and temperatures. It's not going to create the super-smooth, microfoam you get with a hands-on professional-grade machine, which requires modding and a lot of practice. However, it can make a smooth, creamy latte or a cappuccino.

This model has a water reservoir that is removable that makes it simple to clean and refill. It is also light and compact, making it easy to fit into small spaces. It has a glass top that is easy to clean, an important aspect for those who have limited counter space.

The Bambino Plus, while a little more expensive than other models, is worth the extra cost. It's user-friendly and comes with excellent features, including an auto-steam tool that can froth your milk for you. This is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a great cup at home. Find out if you are pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 along with free shipping8 with the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.

The Diletta Mio

If you're in the market for a prosumer espresso machine that won't cost too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent alternative. It features many of the features you'd expect to see in an espresso machine that is more expensive, including the digital PID that controls the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also has an actual steam wand that is that is connected to its own heating system that allows for fast steaming and brewing. It comes with a variety of energy-saving features, such as eco mode, which automatically shuts off the machine after a set period of inactivity.

The Diletta Mio also comes with an industrial-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is the standard size used by commercial espresso machines, and it helps ensure that your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This results in a more delicious and evenly-distributed espresso.

The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to fine-tune the pressure that is imposed on your grounds during extraction which allows you to play with different methods and flavors. This is a great option for those who love coffee as a lot of espresso machines are shipped with a pressure that is too high.

The Diletta Mio is easy to use for novices due to its easy-to-use interface. It also has advanced features that appeal to experienced home baristas. For example, the PID display doubles as a shot timer to let you easily monitor your shots and ensure they are made to perfection. The brew and Steam buttons have lights that indicate when you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for brewing or steaming.

The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its high-end quality and craftsmanship. This is a machine that will give you years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly when you maintain it properly.

The Ascaso Duo

Ascaso, a Spanish manufacturer, is renowned for its outstanding home espresso machines. They also produce commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers drooling over it. However, I believe it's overshadowed by models with more impressive features and higher prices.

The machine is equipped with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk frothing. The PID on this machine lets you alter the temperature of brewing in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for machines that cost a lot of money. It also displays the brew temperatures at the brew unit instead of the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome change from most espresso machines in the home that rely on a simple digital display with blue numbers.

Another feature that is great is the large, active cup warmer. Its steam wand has an easy-to-use feature that does not burn and automatically purge after every use. It can also be programmed to allow two pre-infusions so you can set the length of time that the portafilter needs to be soaked prior to beginning the extraction.

The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor issues. The Ascaso's fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings as well as its speedy heating ensure that your coffee will always be made at the perfect temperature. Plus, the programmable pre-infusion makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.

The plastic tamper and the low-power of steam are two aspects that I would criticize but it's an excellent choice for coffee lovers at home. The Ascaso is worth the extra money for its elegant design and features.

The Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those seeking the best bang-for-your-buck. With a single boiler that can be heated up for brewing as well as steaming the Silvia is simple to use and comes in different colors to match your home's aesthetic.

The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has an adjustable reservoir that can be filled when the machine is in use. It also features an automatic shutoff feature as well as a temperature dial to keep your drinks this content at the ideal temperature.

Finally, the steam wand that comes with this machine is commercial-grade and lets you create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that are sure to delight your friends. The brewing control knobs on the Silvia are simple to comprehend and allow you to choose your desired extraction as well as the brewing time to create a customized drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting and reliable, which is why it has been able to stand the test of time since its initial release in 1997.

Rancilio is an Italian family-owned company that is proud of its craftsmanship and quality. They are constantly in contact with their community and listen to feedback. They create products that are refined by the tiny details.

This machine is perfect for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It could also be a replacement for moka pots if your a barista. The biggest downside to this machine is that it doesn't have an exchanger for heat, which means you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making milk-based drinks.

It's also worth noting that the company puts every Silvia through a stringent series of tests so that you can be certain that your equipment is safe to use. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty if you find any issues.