Best Coffee Espresso Machine - Prosumer Models

As the espresso market grows, so do consumer options. Many top-rated commercial machines that are of the highest quality are now available to consumers as models for prosumers.

These heavier systems require more precision from the user in grinding or tamping as well as extraction time, but they do much of the work for you.

This model is designed for those who considers espresso to be an important pastime and wants full control over the brewing process.

The Bambino Plus

Breville's tiny beauty is a favorite for espresso lovers. It has the right features to make a fantastic shot every time and isn't overly complicated to use. It's ideal for those who want to improve their coffee-making skills but aren't quite ready to invest in a top-of-the-line commercial machine.

The low-pressure pre-infusion, when combined with the high pressure extraction ensures that the ground beans are evenly pressed, resulting in a balanced taste. You can also program different output volumes for two shots and one-shots at the touch of a button. This is extremely helpful to ensure consistently good results.

The Bambino Plus uses Breville's lightning-fast ThermoJet heating system, which means you don't need to wait for it to get to the right temperature in the morning. It's ready to use in only three seconds which is a lot more efficient than other machines.

The automatic steam wand can make it simple for even the most novice users to make a great shot. It can create a wide range of milk temperatures and textures, with presets for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. It's not going to create the super-smooth microfoam that you get from an actual professional-grade machine which requires modding and a lot of practice. But it can make a smooth, creamy latté or a cappuccino.

This model has a water reservoir that is removable which makes it easy to clean and refill. It's also light and compact, which makes it fit nicely into small spaces. It also has an easy-to-clean glass lid to keep clear, which is an important feature for those with limited counter space.

While it's more expensive than some other models, the Bambino Plus is worth the cost. It's easy to use and comes with excellent features, including a convenient auto-steam wand that can make your milk frothy for you. This is the ideal choice for those who want to make a delicious cup at home. Find out if your pre-approved and earn up to 10% in rewards1 and free shipping8 when you purchase a Williams Sonoma Credit Card.

The Diletta Mio

The Diletta Mio is a great alternative if you're looking to buy an inexpensive prosumer espresso maker. It comes with numerous of the essential features you would expect to find in a more expensive espresso machine, including a digital PID which regulates the temperature to within a few degrees and an insulated steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit to allow fast steaming and brewing at the same time. It also has a number of energy efficiency features, such as an optional eco mode that automatically puts the machine into standby after a set period of inactivity, and an insulated boiler and a short water path that helps reduce heat loss.

The Diletta Mio also comes with a professional-grade portafilter of 58mm. This is a standard size for most commercial espresso machines, and it assists to ensure that all your grounds are evenly distributed throughout extraction. This will result in a more even and better-tasting espresso.

The Diletta Mio also has an adjustable OPV. This allows you to adjust the pressure that is exerted on your coffee during extraction and allows you to experiment with different flavor profiles and techniques. This is a great feature for coffee lovers particularly since many espresso machines are shipped out of the factory with the pressure set too high (the Rancilio Silvia springs to mind).

The Diletta Mio has a simple user interface that makes it easy for beginners to use. It also has advanced features that will attract experienced home baristas. The PID display can also be used as a shot-timer permitting you to keep track of your shots with ease and ensure that they are perfect brewed. The brew and Steam buttons are lit up to let you know if you've reached the correct temperature and pressure for making steam or brewing.

The Diletta Mio was made in Italy. This speaks volumes about its quality and craftsmanship. This machine will give you years of solid performance and reliability particularly if it is well maintained.

The Ascaso Duo

Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer known for producing some outstanding home espresso machines and even a few commercial models. Their Steel Duo PID doesn't fly under the radar. A quick YouTube search will reveal dozens of reviewers swooning over it. I think it is overshadowed, however by other devices that have more impressive features and are priced higher.

This machine is equipped with two thermoblocks to ensure steady espresso extractions and precise milk frothing. Its PID allows you to adjust the temperature of the brewing process in one-degree increments, a degree of precision normally reserved for higher-end machines. It also has a display that shows the this post brew temperatures at the brew unit rather than the boiler or thermoblock. This is a welcome change from most home espresso machines that use a simple digital display that has blue numbers.

It also comes with a large, actively heated cup warmer, which is a great feature. The steam wand comes with an easy-to-use non-burn feature that automatically cleanses after each use. It's also programmed for two sets of pre-infusion which means you can program the time you'd like to soak the portafilter before proceeding with the extraction.

While the Ascaso does have some minor issues, it's an excellent espresso machine. Its fast heat-up time and precise temperature settings ensure that your coffee is always made at the right temperature. In addition, the pre-infusion that can be programmed makes it easier to perfect your shot-making abilities.

The plastic tamper included and the low-power of steam are two aspects that I would criticize but it's an excellent choice for coffee lovers at home. If you're willing to pay some more, the Ascaso is definitely worth it for its additional features and its premium design.

The Rancilio Silvia

If you're looking to buy a classic espresso machine that gives you the most value for your buck then look at the Rancilio Silvia. The Silvia has an individual boiler to make and steaming coffee. It is easy to use, and comes in a variety colors to complement the style of your home.

The Silvia comes with stainless steel drip pan and cup tray that are easy to remove and clean. The Silvia has a water reservoir that is removable and can be filled when the machine is in operation as well as an automatic shutoff function as well as the temperature dial, which ensures your drinks are at the right temperature for a perfect coffee experience.

Lastly, the steam wand in this machine is commercial grade and allows you to create silky smooth cappuccinos and lattes that will impress your friends. The Silvia's brewing controls are easy to operate and let you customize your drink by selecting the desired extraction time and the temperature of brewing. 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 an Italian family-owned business that takes pride in its quality and craftsmanship. They are in constant contact with their espresso lovers, observing feedback and designing products that get the smallest details right.

This machine is perfect for those just beginning to make espresso at home. It can also be an upgrade from moka pots if your a barista. The biggest drawback of this machine is that it does not have an exchanger for heat, which means you will need to wait for a couple of minutes between making milk-based beverages.

The company also puts each Silvia through rigorous tests so that you can be certain that the machine will operate safely. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty if you discover a problem.