Finding the Best Espresso Machine

By pressing one button, a top espresso machine can create drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. But finding the right one depends on your needs and level of expertise.

Fully automated machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and don't allow you to experiment. Manual models allow you to regulate the process of making beer however they are more likely to mess up.

1. Wacaco Picopresso

If you want a portable espresso maker that can make a real double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not cheap, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year guarantee. It's also the most professional of the Wacaco coffee makers. It's the smallest but also the most efficient in making espresso.

Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but instead rely on a hand-pump to create pressure up to 18 bar. This is enough for two shots of espresso with thick, creamy crema. It's a lot 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 to help to keep the Picopresso cooler when you use it for extractions.

It's the smaller of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in your hands. The machine is constructed from a mixture of metal and robust parts. The accessories are durable as well. It includes a stainless-steel ergonomic tamper funnel, brush and funnel and an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in achieving an even puck and the perfect extraction pressure.

You won't find any fancy steam wands, milk carafes, or steam wands on this model, but it does include mirrors to check the bottomless extractions of your filter in peace. This is a great feature that fits in with Picopresso’s philosophy of being a traveler-friendly product. Another thing to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used to brew at home as well.

This allows you to heat the piston by pumping hot water through it, before you start brewing espresso. This is a good practice since it ensures that you get the most out of your Picopresso because all the essential oils are extracted from the ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso is a bit laborious, particularly when you follow the recommendations of Wacaco for measuring your beans and then altering the tamping pressure so that you get an excellent espresso every time.

2. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is a great option for those who wish to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic, single boiler espresso machine is reputed to be durable and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray and steam wand offer a stylish design to complement any kitchen décor.

The coffee maker features brass boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia is also equipped with an insulated steam wand which allows you to easily create creamy, rich steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing system also has sturdy materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is its user-friendliness. The Silvia has an ergonomic portafilter, and an easy four-rocker interface that makes it easy to use. It also includes an adjustable 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.

Another feature that sets the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature decreases the pressure that is applied to the grounds of the coffee during brewing. This helps preserve the flavor and aroma of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are making.

The Silvia has a range of enhancements that can be put in place by coffee lovers to enhance its functionality. This machine does come with a shot-timer as well as an coffee for espresso machine adjustable pressure pump however, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including PID controllers.

The Rancilio Silvia makes a great espresso machine, both for baristas who are brand new to the industry as well as those with more experience. Its simple design does not allow for the customization required by more advanced espresso makers, however it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a great option for those who are looking to improve their barista abilities, as it provides the feedback needed to make better shots every time.

3. Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it comes with the features that professional baristas want. It has an efficient steam machine that can create microfoam to be used in latte art. It also has a premium metal tamper and a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps an even temperature to ensure consistent results.

The best part is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's among the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines on the market which makes it ideal for smaller areas. It is also ready to heat up in less than three seconds, meaning it's ready as soon as you press the button. This is the same technology that Breville used in its Oracle lineup, so it's a very advanced espresso machine for such a low price.

The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that is easy to clean and use. It is available with brushed stainless, which gives it an elegant look and feel at an affordable cost. It comes with a portafilter and the stainless-steel milk container.

This is among the best values in espresso machines for sale, and it's a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without breaking the bank. This is the most affordable espresso maker that can make high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also easy to use, and easy to clean.

Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder however, you can use any espresso-quality grinder to use it. It doesn't have an option for preinfusion. However, you can easily fix the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter prior to taking shots. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it regularly to keep it running smoothly. As long as you regularly flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't have any issues with scale buildup or other issues with maintenance. If you want to make sure, you can purchase an online descaler.

4. Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 Series is a powerful super-automatic espresso machine that comes with a lot of great features. It's a great option for anyone looking to learn about making espresso but doesn't want to spend much money. The machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make amazing drinks. However, the Cadorna offers a variety of coffee options including 4 user profiles to save drinks as well as a better grinder, but it's usually available for sale, so you could be able to locate it for less.

This machine is a great choice for those who enjoy latte and cappuccino but don't require a full range of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee which is becoming increasingly popular 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.

The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with ground and whole 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 also has an easy bypass doser for those who don't wish to brew decaf but need their caffeine fix.

If you like drinks made from milk, the Philips comes with a LatteGo machine that can serve heated or frothed milk in a single step. It is among the most simple milk frothing machines to use. It can also heat and froth different milks, like soy, almond and the oat.

It's not the quietest machine available however it's more peaceful than the other choices on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, but it's comparable to what you might hear in your local coffee shop. The only issue is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by altering the settings.