The Best Espresso Machine Awards: The Top, Worst, Or Most Bizarre Things We've Seen

Finding the Best Espresso Machine

A great espresso machine can produce high-quality coffee at the touch of an button. However, finding the best one is contingent on your needs and your level of skill.

Fully automatic machines can do everything for you. However, they're expensive and do not allow you to experiment. Manual models let you control the brewing but are more likely to fail.

1. Wacaco Picopresso

If you want a portable espresso maker that can create a real double shot then the Wacaco Picopresso is one of the top choices available. It's not a cheap machine, but it feels premium and comes with a two-year warranty. It's also among the most advanced of Wacaco's coffee makers. This means it's the smallest, but also the most capable of making high-quality espresso.

The Picopresso doesn't use electricity, and is reliant on the hand pump to produce up to 18 bars of pressure. This is more than enough to extract an espresso double shot with thick crema, and it's far superior to what you'll get from the majority of third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it has a stylish faux leather sleeve which helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it for extractions.

The smallest manual espresso machine from Wacaco however, it feels solid. The machine is constructed from a mix of metal and sturdy parts. All of the accessories are also durable. This includes a tamper that is ergonomically made of stainless-steel funnel, a brush, plus an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in achieving an even puck and ideal extraction pressure.

You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk carafes on this model, but it does include mirrors to observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. This is a nice feature that is compatible with Picopresso's lifestyle of a more relaxed and comfortable travel. Another thing to look at is the Picopresso stand that can be used to make brewing at home too.

This lets you warm the piston by pumping 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 removing all of the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's important to note that making use of the Picopresso is time-consuming. This is especially true if you follow Wacaco’s recommendations for weighing your beans and adjusting the tamping force in order to get the best espresso every time.

2. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia is a popular option for those looking to get into espresso making. This single boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its durability and longevity. It is often compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro, and numerous reviewers believe that it produces coffee of similar quality. The stainless steel steam wand and cup tray have a chic design that can be incorporated into any kitchen decor.

This coffee maker has brass boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. The boiler is protected by the thermostat. The Silvia also has an insulated steam wand, that allows you to make rich creamy steamed milk quickly for macchiatos and cappuccinos. The brewing unit is also made of robust materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an espresso machine is the ease of use. The Silvia features a comfortable portafilter and an easy-to-use four-rocker interface which makes it easy to use. It comes with a removable drip tray and water reservoir that are easy-to-clean. This model also comes with a built-in feature that shuts off the heating element after 30 minutes.

Another characteristic that sets the Silvia apart from other espresso machines is its soft infusion feature. This function reduces the amount of pressure applied to the coffee grounds during brewing, helping to preserve and enhance the taste of the beans. It's available in two settings that can be adjusted according to the type of espresso you're preparing.

Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to increase its functionality. This machine does not come with an espresso timer or adjustable pump pressure, but it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket accessories such as PID controllers.

The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and experienced baristas too. Its simple design doesn't permit the customization required by more sophisticated espresso makers, yet it still produces excellent espresso. It's also a great choice for those who are trying to improve their barista abilities by providing the feedback required to make better shots every time.

3. Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus is an entry-level machine, but it provides a number of features that professional baristas need. It has an efficient steam machine that creates microfoam which can be used in lattes. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug and a Tamper that is of top quality. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains the temperature at a constant level for reliable results.

The Bambino Plus is compact. It's one of the smallest single-boiler espresso machines on the market, which makes it perfect for smaller areas. It is ready to heat up in just three seconds so you can begin using it immediately after the button is pressed. This is the same technology Breville employed in its Oracle line, which means it's a very advanced espresso machine at this price.

Like its siblings like its siblings, the Bambino Plus is a well-made espresso machine that's easy to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless, which provides it with a stylish design and feel for an affordable price. It comes with a portafilter and the stainless-steel milk container.

This is among the best values in espresso machines for sale, and is a great option for those looking to enhance their morning routine without costing a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that can produce high-quality espresso and steam-milk at home. It's also the easiest to use and is easy to clean.

The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However you can use any grinder with espresso-quality. The only downside is that it does not have an option for pre-infusion however, you can fix this by running hot water through the portafilter several times before pulling one shot. Additionally, you'll have to flush the boiler and descale it periodically to ensure it's operating smoothly. As long as you routinely flush it and follow the instructions in the manual, it shouldn't be having any problems with scale buildup or other issues with maintenance. However, if you want to be certain, you can purchase an inexpensive descaler online.

4. Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 Series is a solid super automatic espresso machine that comes with many great features. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with espresso making but doesn't want to spend a lot of money. This machine costs less than half as much as our second choice one, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It is still capable of producing delicious drinks. The Cadorna does have some additional options with four click here to read user profiles that can be saved for drinks, as well as a grinder but you can often find it for sale for the same price.

This machine is a great choice for those who love cappuccino and latte but don't need a full range of espresso flavors. It also makes decent Iced coffee that is becoming more and more well-known in home coffee machines. The 3200 comes with a making feature that utilizes a lower temperature for iced coffee to keep the flavor from being diluted.

Like the other machines on this list like others, the Philips 3200 can use both whole and ground beans. It comes with large hoppers for beans that is easy to fill. You can also adjust the grind size to match your preference. This machine comes with an bypass doser that is ideal for those who want to brew caffeine but don't want decaf.

If you prefer milk-based drinks The Philips comes with a LatteGo machine that can serve heated or frothed milk in a single step. This is a big selling point of the machine as it is among the easiest to use milk frothing machines available. It can also heat and froth other milks such as almond, soy and Oat.

It's not the most quiet machine out there however it's more quiet than some of the other choices on this list. It's not as loud as an espresso machine but is comparable to the sound you'd hear in the local coffee shop. The only downside is that it takes time to warm up, however this can be changed with the settings on the machine.