Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the best method to enjoy the best coffee experience. They're a labour of love but give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They usually include an espresso tamper to smooth the grinds and steamers to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
We have a wide range of stovetop coffee makers that can aid you in making a fantastic cup. In the UK, approximately 98 millions cups of coffee are consumed each day. These machines, also referred to as moka pots, use pressure to make an espresso-like cup of coffee, without the messy need for filter papers. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that can be used to enhance any coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee beans are placed in a basket, which is between two pipes that connect to the upper chamber where the final drink will be served. As the water boils in the bottom, it pushes itself through the grounds at high pressure and seeps up into the upper chamber, where the aromas are released for you to take pleasure in. The result is a smoky, aromatic coffee that can be consumed on its own or paired with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing moka pots is the capacity of the unit. It is essential to check the size of the bottom and the capacity of your basket. A larger model may require a longer waiting time, whereas a smaller unit might not be capable of creating enough pressure. best coffee espresso machine is also recommended to look at the materials the machine is constructed from because stainless steel machines are stronger and more durable, but come with a higher price tag.
Other things to consider is how the appliance will function with the source of heat you prefer (gas or electric) and any extra add-ons you might have, such as milk steamer wands which are used to heat and froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You might also want to take a look at the amount of cups you can make at once, as this can be a useful factor in selecting the right size unit for your needs.
In the end, we recommend making sure that the moka maker you are considering will have a wide enough base to fit on your chosen burner. We discovered that certain models, like the Stelton collar espresso maker, had a narrow base and were difficult to center on a gas stove. On the other hand, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls because they were found to conduct heat more efficiently and stop it from sputtering too fast.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines, which make use of pods to make espresso, cappuccinos, etc. This is an excellent option if you don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds, and cleaning up after - they are an easy, quick and hassle-free method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will need to buy the coffee pods separately, however there is a wide selection available from brands such as Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are a variety of sizes available, so you can choose the size and type of coffee that is best for your taste. The smallest of these is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is perfect for small spaces and can make one cup at a time. You can get a bigger model that can take larger cups, however they're more expensive.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also makes better tasting coffee The Illy Iperespresso is a chic alternative for coffee lovers. It's not the cheapest machine, but it does make a great cup of coffee. It's also easy to use. It also has a clever feature that lets it recognise the brand of pod it's using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly, making it among the most versatile in our opinion.
If you want to explore the wide range of drinks that you can make using a pod coffee maker it is recommended to look for a model that comes with a milk carafe. This will let you play around with cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make the majority of popular drinks with a capsule machine, but it will be more of a than a hit-and-miss experience.
If you're thinking of buying a capsule machine make sure it is compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket, or adapter to fit these smaller pods. Some of our models include this feature. This means that you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods and also Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
As the name suggests these are espresso machines operated manually that are for purists. They look like the original espresso machine developed in Italy in the early 1900s. They are operated by pumping the water manually into a filter, locking it, and then forcing the water under pressure of 9 bar to create shots.
Manual espresso makers are generally more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You must heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber over pods or coffee that has been ground up and then push the lever or plunger down to create pressure and push the liquid through into the cup. This method of operation can be quite messy, lengthy and sometimes a bit difficult to master, but the result is well worth the effort.
Some of the more modern models like the Flair 58 and the Sage The Barista Touch Impress have taken a different approach to make it easier to control, they have utilised an electronic temperature controller known as a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative). This is a piece technology you will find in high-end immersion circulators and toasters, and is designed to stabilise the temperature of the brew boiler. This is a fantastic way to eliminate a lot the guesswork surrounding the optimal brewing temperature.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a cafe or cafe will be familiar with these names. They produce the massive three or two group head commercial espresso machines that you would see in a coffee shop but in 1997 they created the Silvia which is an automated, semi-automatic machine that comes with a few bells and whistles to help alleviate some of the stress out of the making process.
Fully automated espresso machines will do all the work for you, they grind the beans, tamp, and pull a shot and some will steam your milk all at the push of a button. However, they also cost an astronomical amount of money so you must have a decent bank balance to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot at your favorite café in your home is appealing to you. These machines let you alter your preferences as time passes and also adjust the amount of your espresso drink according to your mood at any given moment.
The machines come with a portafilter and a steam wand. They have the same brewing process as super automatics, but they require manual processes such as grinding the beans and inserting the portafilter. They also require more knowledge and skills to operate since the brewing process isn't controlled automatically.
A good semi-automatic machine will include a portafilter that is removable and a tamper that is capable of compressing the ground coffee inside of the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also control the amount and pressure of water you use during the making process. You can then customize your shots according to your preferences and the type of coffee beans that you are using.
A semi-automatic must also include the ability to control temperature that can be adjusted. This feature lets you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also allows you to avoid temperature swings which is particularly important for the boiler for brewing. The temperature of the brew can vary by up to 20oF between cups without a PID controller. This fluctuation is reduced to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the most expensive models will also include the milk frother to make espresso drinks that are based on milk. This lets you make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The pitcher that froths should be able to handle comfortably and a spout for easy pouring.
It is also a good idea to choose an item with a filter that is removable basket as well as an automatic dosing system for the ground. You will be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tamping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.