Finding the Best Espresso Machine
A good espresso machine can make high-quality coffee at the touch of a button. Finding the right espresso machine will depend on your level of skill and your requirements.
Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and lack the flexibility to experiment. Manual models let you take control of the process but are more likely to make mistakes.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that produces double shots is among the top options. It's not cheap, but it feels high-end and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also the most pro-orientated of the Wacaco coffee makers. This means it's the smallest, but also the most efficient in making premium espresso.
Picopresso does not use electricity, but instead rely on a hand-pump that creates pressure of up to 18 bar. This is enough to make two shots of espresso with a thick, rich crema that's better than what you'll get from many third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It also comes with an authentic leather sleeve to keep it cool when making espresso.
The most compact manual espresso machine made by Wacaco, it still feels sturdy. It's made of solid plastic and durable metal components, and the accessories included are durable too. The set includes a stainless steel funnel and tamper that is ergonomic, as well as an aluminum distribution device to ensure you have an even puck.
This model does not include any fancy milk bottles or steam wands, however it does come with a mirror to let you observe your bottomless extractions in privacy. This is a nice feature that is in line with Picopresso's travel-friendly ethos. Another option to consider is the Picopresso stand, which can be used to make brewing at home, too.
This lets you warm the piston by pushing hot water through it before you begin making espresso. It's a good idea, because it ensures that you get the best results from your Picopresso by getting all of the essential oils from your ground coffee. It's important to know that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is particularly the case if you follow the Wacaco's recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting tamping force to ensure the best espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is the ideal option for those who wish to learn how to make espresso. This semi-automatic single boiler espresso machine is known for its durability and long lasting. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that the coffee is similar in quality. The stainless steel cup tray and steam wand feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker has an iron boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature to make espresso. It also comes with a thermostat that prevents the boiler from overheating.
www.coffeee.uk is also equipped with an insulated steam wand that allows you to easily create rich, creamy steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing system is made of durable, high-quality materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
The ease of use is among the most important things to think about when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia is equipped with an ergonomic portafilter and an easy, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to operate. It also has a removable water reservoir and drip tray that is easy to clean. The machine also has an inbuilt feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.
Another characteristic that distinguishes the Silvia different from other espresso machines is its soft infusion function. This feature reduces pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing. This allows for the preservation of the flavor and aroma of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are making.
Silvia Silvia has a range of enhancements that can be put in place by espresso enthusiasts to enhance the functionality of the machine. The Silvia comes with a shot-timer as well as a programmable pressure pump but it can be used with a variety of accessories from the aftermarket, including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for beginners and experienced baristas too. Its basic design doesn't provide the level of customization that more sophisticated espresso makers require, but it still produces excellent, high-quality espresso. It's also a great choice for those trying to improve their barista skills because it gives the necessary feedback to ensure better shots every time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it still provides a number of features that pro baristas crave. It comes with an efficient steam machine that can create microfoam to be used in the art of latte. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and a metal Tamper that is of premium quality. The Bambino Plus also has a PID controller that can maintain a stable temperature so you will get consistently good results.
The most appealing aspect is that the Bambino Plus has a compact footprint. It's one of the smallest espresso machines on the market which makes it perfect for small spaces. It also heats up in just three seconds, which means it's ready when you press the button. This is the same technology Breville used for its Oracle line, so you'll get a high-tech espresso machine at a low cost.
Like its predecessors like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that is simple to use and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel, which gives it a premium look and feel for such an budget-friendly model. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, and stainless milk jug made of stainless steel.
This is among the most affordable espresso machines for sale, and it's a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without spending a fortune. It's the cheapest espresso machine that can make quality espresso at a cafe and steam milk at home, and it's also one of the easiest to clean and use.
Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder but you can use any grinder of espresso quality to use it. It does not have an option for preinfusion. However you can solve the issue by running hot water multiple times through the portafilter before making a shot. Additionally, you'll need flush the boiler and descale it periodically to ensure it's operating smoothly. If you flush it on a regular basis and follow the instructions, it shouldn't experience any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be sure, you can buy a descaler online.

4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is a solid espresso machine with many great features. It's a great choice for those who want to get started with espresso making but doesn't want a lot of money. The machine is less than half the cost of our second-best choice which is the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, and it can still make amazing drinks. However, the Cadorna has a few more coffee options, including four user profiles to save drinks as well as a better grinder, but it's usually available for sale, so you might be able to locate it at a similar price.
This machine is perfect for those who love cappuccino, latte, and other coffee drinks but do not require a variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso and is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among home coffee machines. The 3200 also comes with a brew system that utilizes a lower temperature to brew iced coffee to ensure that it doesn't alter the flavor.
The Philips 3200, like other machines on this list, can be used with whole and ground beans. It comes with a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can adjust the size of the grind to your preferences. The machine also comes with a convenient bypass doser for those who don't wish to make decaf, but still need their caffeine fix.
The Philips LatteGo system is able to automatically dispense heated or frothed milk if you prefer milk-based beverages. This is a major selling point of the device since it is among the most user-friendly milk frothing machines available. It is also able to heat and froth different milks, such as almond, soy and oat.
It's not the quietest machine out there, but it's a bit more quiet than some of the other options on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, however, it's close to the sounds you'd hear in a local coffee shop. One drawback is that it takes long time to warm up but this can be adjusted according to the settings of the machine.