Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models
As the espresso market grows and so do the choices for consumers. A variety of top-rated, high-end commercial machines are now available to consumers as models for prosumers.
These larger systems require more precision from the user to ensure grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, yet they do most of the work for you.
This model is designed for people who take espresso as a pastime and want to have full control over the brewing procedure.
The Bambino Plus
This tiny beauty from Breville is a top-pick for a lot of espresso lovers. It has the right features to deliver a great shot every time and isn't too complicated to operate. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee making skills, but aren't yet ready to invest in the top of the line commercial equipment.
Its low-pressure pre-infusion as well as increased high-pressure extraction ensure that the ground beans are evenly crushed for an even flavor. You can also program distinct output volumes for two shots and one by pressing an button, which can be very beneficial for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is equipped with Breville's ThermoJet heating technology, which lets it warm up quickly in the morning. It will be hot and ready to go in just three seconds which is much faster than other models.
Even the most novice of users will be able to pull off a great shot with this espresso machine because of the steam-powered automatic wand. It has presets to create cappuccinos, latte, as well as other milk types and temperatures. It won't produce the super-smooth, microfoam you get with an actual professional-grade machine which requires modifying and lots of practice. But it will still produce a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.
This model has a removable water reservoir, which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also compact and lightweight making it easy to fit into smaller spaces. It also has a glass counter that is easy to clean, another important feature for those with little counter space.
Although it's a bit more expensive than some other models but the Bambino Plus is worth the extra cost. It's simple to use, and comes with numerous great features. One of them is the auto-steam wand that will froth milk for you. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants a great coffee at home. Find out if your approved and earn 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase the Williams Sonoma Credit Card.
The Diletta Mio
If you're in the market for a professional espresso machine that isn't too much and isn't too expensive, the Diletta Mio is an excellent option. It features many of the features you'd expect to find in a higher-priced espresso machine such as an electronic PID that regulates the temperature within a couple of degrees. It also comes with an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating system to allow for fast steaming and brewing. It comes with a variety of energy-saving options, including an eco mode that will automatically shut off the machine after a set period of inactivity.
In addition as an additional bonus, the Diletta Mio comes with a high-quality professional-grade portafilter measuring 58mm. This is a standard size that is used by the majority of commercial espresso machines, and helps to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This means you get a better tasting and evenly-distributed espresso.
The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This lets you fine-tune the pressure that is exerted on your grounds during extraction and allows you to experiment with different methods and flavors. This is a fantastic feature for coffee lovers especially since a lot of espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).

The Diletta Mio is easy to use for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface. It also has advanced features which will be appealing to experienced baristas at home. The PID display can be used as a shot-timer permitting you to keep track of your shots without difficulty and ensure they are brewed perfectly. There are also lights on the steam and brew buttons to let you know when you have built up enough pressure and temperature for the brewing and steaming.
Finally, the Diletta Mio is made in Italy, a fact that confirms its quality and craftsmanship. This is an appliance that will provide you with years of solid performance and reliable service, particularly when it is maintained properly.
The Ascaso Duo
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for making some outstanding home espresso machines and even a couple of commercial models. A quick YouTube search will reveal that a lot of reviewers are drooling over the Steel Duo PID. I think it is overshadowed, however, by other machines that have more impressive features and are priced higher.
This machine comes with two thermoblocks that ensure stable espresso extractions and accurate milk foaming. The PID in this machine lets you adjust brewing temperatures in one-degree increments. This degree of precision is normally reserved for high-end machines.
best espresso machine has a display that shows the temperature of the brew in the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome change from most home espresso machines which use a basic digital display that has blue numerals.
It also comes with a large and actively heated cup warmer, which is a fantastic feature. Its steam wand is easy to use and has a non-burn feature that automatically purges after each use. It is also programmable to allow two pre-infusions so that you can control the time for which the portafilter must be soaked prior to proceeding with the extraction.
The Ascaso is a great home espresso machine, despite a few minor problems. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the pre-infusion programable helps you to improve your shot-making skills.
The plastic tamper included and the surprising low power of steam are two things that I would criticize however, this is an excellent option for espresso lovers at home. If you're willing to pay more then the Ascaso is well worth it for its extra features and a premium appearance.
The Rancilio Silvia
If you're looking for an old-fashioned espresso machine that can give you the most value for your buck then look no further than the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia features a single boiler for brewing and steaming coffee. It is simple to use and comes in a variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your home.
The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are simple to remove and clean. The Silvia comes with an ejector that can be filled while the machine is in use. It also comes with an automatic shutoff function and an adjustable temperature dial to ensure that your drinks are at the ideal temperature.
The steam wand is of commercial grade and will allow you to create silky smooth lattes and cappuccinos that will impress your guests. The control knobs for brewing on the Silvia are easy to grasp and let you choose your desired extraction as well as the time of brewing for a custom drink. The Silvia is durable, long-lasting, and robust, which is the reason it has endured the test of time since its first release in 1997.
Rancilio is a family-owned business that takes pride in its craftsmanship and quality. They keep close contact with their community of espresso enthusiasts, taking note of feedback and designing products that get the little details right.
This machine is perfect for those just beginning their journey to make espresso at home. It can also be a great upgrade from moka pots if you're a barista. The main drawback to this machine is that it does not have an exchanger, so you'll need to wait for a minute or two before making milk-based drinks.
The company also puts each Silvia through an extensive series of tests so that you can be certain that the machine will operate safely. If you do find that there is a problem with your Silvia, the manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee.