You now have the espresso bug, then. One day you consider buying a prosumer espresso machine because you want to try making an espresso at home. From there, it’s a slippery slope to spending your kids’ college money on one.
I got it. Having been there
However, if you’re going to deprive your children of an education, at least make sure you can provide them with a delicious espresso. Here are nine of the top prosumer espresso machines that are so good you can skip mathematics.
The Top 9 Consumer Espresso Makers for 2022
Each of the prosumer espresso makers on this list produces superb espresso and flawless steamed milk. The ideal option for you so depends on your personal preferences, financial situation, and available kitchen space. To help you decide, read our reviews of prosumer espresso machines and then refer to the buyer’s guide below.
1. Overall, La Marzocco Linea Mini wins.
Specifications
• Dual-boiler boiler
• The item is 15″ x 14″ x 21″ in size.
Pump: Rotating
• Paddle that operates semi-automatically
In prestigious cafes all throughout the world, La Marzocco’s iconic Linea espresso machines have long been in use (1). Now that the Linea Mini has been released, the home market may benefit from the same high quality.
The Linea Mini is handcrafted and includes two stainless steel boilers in addition to the same commercial-grade parts as its larger namesake. The integrated brew group, which offers the same famous temperature stability as the saturated brew group but in a significantly smaller footprint, is its main innovation.
Stepped wheels, which La Marzocco claims are MORE INTUITIVE than digital PID temperature controllers, are used to manage the temperature.
The Linea Mini’s milk steaming, which is best in class and really competes with top-of-the-line La Marzocco machines, is arguably its most astounding feature. Ask Chris Baca, proprietor of a coffee business and an authority on coffee:
The big steam boiler and close proximity of the boiler to the steam wand are the causes of this outstanding steam power. Get ready to master the art of latte art like Michelangelo!
The Linea Mini has a paddle for manually setting shot time. But because the pre-infusion is mechanical, some baristas could feel that a minor loss of control.
Nothing about the Linea Mini is lacking in terms of quality. Not surprising coming from La Marzocco. It stands out from the multitude of shining stainless appliances because of its IMPECCABLE Italian style. Built-in barista lights will make your espresso shot seem like a Broadway star. It comes in seven different colors.
The Linea Mini’s most recent version includes app connectivity for Android or iOS, enabling you to operate the majority of functionality from your smartphone. What else is there, really?
2. Lelit Bianca came in second.
Specifications
• Double-boiler boiler
• The item’s measurements are 15.75″ x 11.4″ x 19.1″
Pump: Rotating
• Flow control and semi-automatic operation
The Lelit Bianca is undoubtedly a worthy opponent in terms of functionality, even though it lacks the Linea Mini’s brand familiarity and striking appearance. And it costs slightly more than half as much.
It is a dual-boiler machine with a rotary vane pump, which is typical for a machine in this price range. Both boilers are made of stainless steel, and PID is used to separately regulate their temperatures. Additionally, it offers no-burn steam and hot water wands with replaceable 2-hole and 4-hole tips (2).
The ability to use the manual paddle to regulate the water flow through the E61 grouphead is this machine’s most striking feature. If flow profiling appeals to you, take note of this machine because it is by far the least expensive one to provide this feature. Additionally, there is programmable pre-infusion.
More than the other Lelit espresso machines, I adore the Bianca’s appearance. It has a sophisticated but inviting appearance that suggests it belongs in a house because of the wooden accents and the polished stainless steel body. The water reservoir is cleverly designed to be put on either side, allowing you to customize it to fit your kitchen.
Along with the customary dual-spout, it also has a bottomless portafilter as a great extra. You can sharpen your espresso skills and create mouthwatering movies of shot-pulling action with a bottomless portafilter.
3. Best Under $1,000 by Rancilio Silvia
Specifications
• Single-boiler boiler
• The item’s measurements are 13.75″ x 9.25″ x 12″
• Vibratory pump
Semi-automatic mode of operation
The Rancilio Silvia falls into the prosumer espresso machine category while having a price that is close to many entry-level espresso machines.
It provides INCREDIBLE VALUE that both newcomers and seasoned espresso drinkers will value.
Because it is a single-boiler espresso maker, it is inexpensive. This is obviously not for everyone. Espresso cannot be pulled when milk is steaming, which will surely lower the caliber of your milk-based beverages.
Having said that, the Silvia is renowned for providing top-tier steam power. Due to Rancilio’s experience constructing professional espresso machines, this is a unique equipment that can produce high-quality microfoam for less than $1,000.
This knowledge is also reflected in the build quality. Many of the same parts found in Rancilio’s commercial coffee makers, such as a steel frame and stainless steel exterior, are included in the Silvia’s setup. For maximum temperature stability, the chrome-plated brass saturated grouphead is fashioned after a commercial espresso machine.
Brass that is corrosion-resistant, lead-free, and thermally wrapped for even heating make up the interior of the updated boiler. This prosumer machine cannot be plumbed to a water line since it employs a vibratory pump. The 67-ounce detachable water container, however, is simple to refill.
With only a few controls for power, brewing, water, and steam, the Silvia is simple to use, even in its pro edition. It would be difficult to simplify anything more than that!
4. Best Magician Under Two Thousand Dollars
Specifications
• Heat Exchanger: Boiler
• The item is 16.5″ x 12″ x 17″ in size (HxWxD).
• Vibratory pump
Semi-automatic mode of operation
For more than a century, the Italian company Bezzera has produced some of the most incredible prosumer espresso machines. As a result, it is possible to combine the best aspects of contemporary technology with conventional design.
Their mid-range prosumer espresso maker is called the Magica. It concurrently makes coffee, steam, and hot water using a heat exchange copper boiler. Additionally, the PID controller in the device guarantees temperature accuracy and stability. On Magica’s front side, the traditional E61 brew group can be seen.
Although the vibratory pump doesn’t produce as much noise as the rotary kind, it keeps the price of this prosumer unit low and produces plenty of pressure. You must keep an eye on the water tank because the pump cannot be used with direct piping. However, since it contains 135 ounces, you won’t need to refill it frequently.
Like the BZ10 and even the majority of Bezzera espresso makers, the Magica boasts a fantastic design that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
The group head and portafilter are adorned with gleaming chrome, while the body panels are made of tastefully polished stainless steel. The shot is started and stopped using a straightforward lever method. Additionally, you can adjust the details by watching two pressure gauges on the front of the machine.
The water wand and steam wand both have full range of motion. Instead of using less user-friendly knobs, you operate them with user-friendly joystick controls.
5. Best Heat Exchange Machine: Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R
Specifications
• Heat Exchanger: Boiler
• The item is 16.5″ x 12″ x 17″ in size (HxWxD).
Pump: Rotating
Semi-automatic mode of operation
While costing less than comparable dual boilers, heat exchange espresso machines still let you simultaneously extract espresso and steam milk.
So they’re a terrific strategy to maximize your budget.
My choice for the best heat exchanger espresso machine available this year is the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R. In my opinion, they succeeded in their goal of making this prosumer espresso machine the most adaptable model in their lineup.
This prosumer machine, unlike the Bezzera Magica, has a rotary pump, so you can either connect it to a water pipe directly or use the 98-ounce water reservoir. Conveniently, a knob on the outside of the pump allows for simple pressure adjustment. Rocket rebuilt the inside of this machine to minimize noise even though its pumps are naturally quiet.
I adore Rocket because of their dedication to aesthetics.
Italian-made Rocket espresso machines with classic style, like the Giotto Evoluzione R and our other favorite, the R58, are all hand-made in Milan. The Giotto includes a portafilter, chrome embellishments, and a beautiful stainless steel body. One knob bears the recognizable R logo.
The grouphead is an automatic pre-infusion standard E61. It is connected to Rocket’s tried-and-true thermosyphon system and a nickel-plated copper boiler with a brass end-plate. A modernized PID thermostat with a digital shot timer guarantees exceptional temperature consistency. Steam and hot water are produced by two no-burn wands. Ta-daa
6. The best dual boiler machine is the Izzo Alex Duetto IV Plus.
Specifications
• Dual-boiler boiler
• The item’s measurements are 16.5″ x 14.25″ x 17.25″.
Pump: Rotating
• Mode of operation: Semi-automatic lever action
This year, my favorite dual-boiler machine is the Izzo Alex Duetto IV Plus.
Two insulated copper boilers, which retain heat better than stainless steel, make up its core. You can manage each separately, so if you only want espresso, you can save energy by turning off the steam boiler.
This is one of the quietest prosumer espresso machines available if you believe that quietness is a virtue. Izzo has also thoughtfully designed the interior to reduce noise from the engine and rotary pump. To lessen vibrations, magnets have even been added to the drip tray.
Other improvements to the most recent model include an updated PID with a shot timer and more room underneath the grouphead for larger mugs.
The Alex Duetto uses the popular E61 grouphead, which is found on the majority of these coffee makers and features automated low-pressure pre-infusion (4). However, this machine is the only one that offers the option to switch between a low-power 15 amps and a high-power 20 amps.
The additional power will be especially useful if you prefer larger drinks because it will result in FASTER HEAT-UP and recuperation for the boilers.
With the frame, outer casing, and the majority of the components made of stainless steel, the construction quality is exceptional. Izzo employs stainless steel throughout, unlike some manufacturers who might use less expensive materials on little sections you won’t see. This device is constructed to last.
The water and no-burn steam wands on the Alex Duetto IV Plus are operated by specially made knobs. Additionally, unlike other espresso makers, the steam wand has two distinct tips—a 2-hole and a 4-hole—so you can quickly choose the one that’s best for your beverage.
7. Espresso machine with the best lever: La Pavoni Professional 16-Cup
Specifications
• Single-boiler boiler
• The item is 14″ x 10″ x 16″ in size (HxWxD).
Pump: none
• Lever Operation: Manual
You’re sure to adore the La Pavoni Professional if you’re the kind of espresso enthusiast who values the control and satisfaction that a manual machine can only offer. True, it’s not exactly as simple as a semi-automatic, but part of the enjoyment is learning how to use it!
La Pavoni, a company long recognized as the best manufacturer of lever espresso machines globally, debuted the Professional line as a more expensive replacement for the well-liked Europiccola. The Professional has double the capacity and an additional pressure gauge as compared to the Europiccola. The size increase will be welcomed by larger households, but everyone will value the pressure gauge. Utilize it to precisely calibrate extraction and conduct pressure profiling experiments.
You will have to wait between heating milk and pulling espresso because the machine only has one boiler. However, it has the advantage of heating up in just 5 minutes. There are both single and double shot baskets included, but they have a smaller-than-normal 52 mm diameter, so keep that in mind when purchasing accessories.
There are two ways to steam milk on the Professional, and switching between them is simple. There is a standard 3-hole steam wand with an auto-frothing attachment. The auto-frother works well for cappuccinos, but for latte art, you’ll need to be skilled with the steam wand.
The manual espresso machines created by La Pavoni in Italy are both functional appliances and works of art. They have a stylish steampunk design that can become the centerpiece of your kitchen. Just keep in mind that they require additional height to allow the lever’s operation and design your espresso bar accordingly.
8. Single Group Slayer – Most Fashionable
Specifications
• Dual-boiler boiler
• The item’s measurements are 14.5″ x 24.3″ x 18.1″.
Pump: Rotating
• Modes of operation: Manual Needle Valve and Semi-Automatic
Purchase the Slayer Single Group espresso machine if money is truly no object. It not only has the ability to produce espresso of cafe-quality, but it is also so stunning that I wouldn’t be shocked to see it at a modern art exhibition.
Slayer’s declared goal is to brew the greatest espresso possible, regardless of the work, cost, or time involved. I’d say they did a great job! Even while it costs almost twice as much as the next most costly device on our list, the Linea Mini, it won’t appeal to everyone. Serious home baristas only, please.
What do you receive for the more money then?
Slayer’s revolutionary needle-valve technology, which offers you total control over water flow during extraction, is the largest breakthrough. Professional baristas are becoming more and more accustomed to “flow profiling,” although it is still uncommon in the home market. If you purchase specialized coffee beans, it allows you to maximize extraction of any coffee to get the greatest flavor in your cup and is well beneficial.
Two stainless steel boilers, a rotary pump, and an electronic grouphead rated to 1 million cycles are all found inside. With a PID controller that can be adjusted in 0.1 degree increments and an SSR circuit board, this machine also has excellent temperature stability. The LCD touchscreen display makes using its functions simple.
Even though Slayer is a relatively new firm, its distinctive X-shaped side panels and elegant wood embellishments have already made it a household name. The materials and craftsmanship are of the highest caliber, as one would anticipate for the price. In fact, the most recent model has even higher-grade internal parts for longer durability.
This espresso maker doesn’t have a water reservoir because it was designed as a commercial espresso machine. Be ready to connect it straight to your water line if you decide to purchase it.
9. Rocket Apartments – Smallest
Specifications
• Heat Exchanger: Boiler
• The item is 14″ x 10″ x 16″ in size (HxWxD).
• Vibratory pump
Semi-automatic mode of operation
Rocket’s Appartamento includes all the features required to make top-notch espresso at home, in spite of its small size and reasonably affordable cost. Because it uses a heat exchange boiler, you may brew and steam simultaneously while using up less room than dual boilers. In addition, the traditional E61 brew group with mechanical pre-infusion is used.
For improved temperature uniformity when pulling numerous consecutive shots, a tiny flow of water from the boiler is also employed to keep the grouphead warm.
The Appartamento is handcrafted in Italy to exacting standards, just like all Rocket machines are. Its design is exceedingly unique, perhaps even more so than that of other Rocket machines. The polished steel appearance and iconic R-labeled knob are retained, but it also has circular side panel cut-outs that come in a vast selection of colors to match any decor.
Both of its fully articulated steam wands and separate hot water wands are available. The machine’s unexpectedly massive 61-ounce steam boiler belies its little stature. For fine microfoam, you therefore have more than enough steam power.
To maintain the small footprint of the Appartamento, some sacrifices had to be made.
You must rely on the reservoir to provide water because it uses a less powerful vibratory pump. Although vibratory pumps are typically a little louder, Rocket has made special adjustments to the internal architecture to reduce vibrations. By no means is this a serious noisemaker.
Additionally, it has a very small drip tray, which is a minor drawback. To prevent spills, simply dispose of it after your morning coffee each day.
The Best Consumer Espresso Machine: How To Pick One
It’s a difficult decision to select the best model from this list of highly regarded prosumer espresso machines. You’re going to spend a lot of money, so you want to be sure you know what you want and what you’re receiving. It’s not like trying a new brand of coffee.
Read this buyer’s advice carefully to prevent any potential disappointment. It highlights the key features you should take into account when looking for the ideal espresso maker.
Automatic, semi-automatic, or manual?
Semi-automatic prosumer espresso machines offer a good balance between convenience and control.
• In a semi-automatic espresso machine, a pump produces the 9 bars of pressure required to draw an espresso shot, but the barista is still in charge of all other tasks. This means that factors like grind size, dosage weight, tamping pressure, and shot timing are under your control. Some semi-automatic espresso machines pre-infuse the coffee automatically, while others leave it up to the barista.
• You’ll be in charge of all these identical tasks when using a manual espresso machine, but you’ll also need to manually create the water pressure. Typically, a pump or lever is used for this.
• The barista no longer controls shot timing in a volumetric automatic espresso machine, which is popular in the prosumer market. Instead, after a predetermined amount of water has passed through the coffee puck, the pressure shuts off automatically.
The Vital Components of Your Espresso Maker: Rotary vs. Vibratory Pumps
In prosumer espresso machines, there are two different types of pumps: mechanical rotary pumps and electromagnetic vibratory pumps. Commercial espresso machines employ rotary pumps, while appliance-grade household espresso makers almost exclusively use vibratory pumps.
Consumer espresso machines fall somewhere in the middle and can use either.
The main benefits of vibratory pumps are their smaller size, lower cost, and simplicity of maintenance and replacement. Although sound can be reduced by appropriate design principles, they operate noisier and have a shorter lifespan. In contrast, rotary pumps are much larger and more expensive, but they are also much quieter and more resilient.
To be quite clear, neither of these advantages nor disadvantages has a discernible effect on the caliber of espresso.
Straight Plumbing
Espresso machines with rotary pumps may also have the benefit of being directly linked to a water line, depending on your needs. Vibratory pumps, on the other hand, simply draw water from a reservoir.
Direct line plumbing is essentially required in business settings, although it can be equally useful at home. You never have to worry about the reservoir running out, and it allows for a good low-pressure pre-infusion, as long as you can manage the plumbing difficulties.
Boiler Selection: Design And Materials
You can steam milk while pulling an espresso shot on all but the cheapest prosumer espresso machines. There are two ways to do this. Either you can use a heat exchanger system within one boiler or you can use two boilers. Let’s examine each system’s benefits and drawbacks in more detail.
Because HX machines only have one boiler and have a smaller overall footprint than dual-boiler machines, they are less expensive than those with two boilers. Less accurate temperature control and inconsistent performance in high-volume settings, such as coffee shops, are the trade-offs.
In contrast, espresso machines with two boilers have separate boilers for brew water and steam/hot water. That makes it possible for both boilers to always be available and the ideal temperature, which is convenient for home brewers but essential in a busy coffee shop. Double-boiler machines have disadvantages in that they are larger and more expensive.
Prosumer machines with the lowest price tags, often those around $1,000, will only have one boiler without a heat exchanger. In this instance, you must wait for the boiler to reach the proper temperature before brewing coffee and steaming milk. The cost and footprint of these equipment will be significantly lower, but you won’t ever be able to produce lattes of coffee shop standard.
Boiler Components
Once you’ve chosen a certain boiler design, you need still consider the material’s influence. Stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum are the most frequent boiler materials you’ll come across; each has advantages of its own.
• None of the prosumer machines on this list contain aluminum, which is often only seen on small, low-cost espresso machines. It is mostly utilized due to its low cost, light weight, and great thermal conductivity.
• Copper is the priciest material, but it also has the best heat conductivity, which is why it’s used in high-end cookware so frequently. It has antibacterial properties by nature. Brass endplates are typically used on copper boilers to make it simpler to attach other parts.
Brass is a copper and zinc alloy. Although it is less expensive and simpler to produce than copper alone, it isn’t quite as thermally conductive. Nickel plating is commonly used to increase the corrosion resistance of brass boilers.
• Stainless steel is highly well-liked due to its affordability, ease of use, and remarkable durability. It takes a little longer to heat up since it doesn’t have the same thermal conductivity as copper.
Measure once, purchase once
With the exception of the Decent Espresso DE+1 Pro, which is in an other league altogether, prosumer espresso machines are typically larger than you would anticipate compared to typical domestic espresso machines. So, before selecting a model, thoroughly measure your room.
The space between the drip tray and group head must also be taken into account when determining size. This might be a very important aspect that is frequently ignored if you want larger drinks. You won’t have any issues if you only consume straight espresso shots.
Design Grouphead
A well-designed grouphead is essential for maintaining appropriate water temperature while pulling the espresso shot, which is likely the most crucial step in the entire process. A steady boiler temperature is wonderful.
There are two well-known group designs, and different companies may use any one slightly differently. The most generally used grouphead has been the traditional E61 for a very long time. This is particularly true in a domestic context.
This is due to the E61 grouphead’s continuous circulation of hot water via the pipes connecting it to the boiler.
In recent years, it has been discovered that the saturated grouphead offers even higher temperature stability. In this instance, the brew boiler and grouphead are bolted together, and hot water is sent straight from the boiler to the group.
A third option, which is uncommon on the home market, is to use an electronic grouphead that has an integrated heating element. These provide the most control but also cost more money.
steaming milk
There are many milk frothing alternatives available with entry-level espresso machines, all of which aim to simplify the procedure. There are froth boosters, Pannarello steam wands, machines that automatically foam milk, frothing carafes, and other items available.
However, if you’re choose between prosumer espresso machines, be prepared to need some knowledge. Most have steam wands that resemble those used in businesses. They may require some experience, but they’re also the fastest way to achieve silky-smooth microfoam.
The range of motion, the size of the steam boiler, how cool the wand stays while in use, and the presence of a separate hot water wand are things to think about because every prosumer espresso machine has a similar steam wand. Depending on your needs, these criteria will vary in relevance.
Even if it means buying a larger espresso machine, get a fully articulated steam wand and a larger steam boiler if you’re in the latte art business. Better temperature stability and steam power are made possible by the larger steam boiler, especially if you plan to make several milky beverages at once. The hot water wand can be more important to you if you prefer an Americano than a cappuccino.
The Finding
Every device examined here is more than deserving of a spot in the household of any espresso enthusiast.
Still, the La Marzocco Linea Mini is our favorite model overall this year. It distinguishes itself from the competition with its small frame, industrial-strength parts, best-in-class milk steaming, and vibrant retro design. Including one in your personal espresso bar will never be a regret.
