Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're looking for the ultimate coffee experience, there's nothing better than an espresso machine. They're a labor of love but allow you to control every aspect of your coffee.
They usually include an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds and steamer to froth the milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
We have a wide range of stovetop coffee makers that can assist you in making a perfect cup. In the UK around 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. Known as moka pots, these appliances make use of pressure to produce an espresso-like coffee, without the need for any messy filter paper. They are a simple and user-friendly device that can be used to enhance any type of coffee, and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Moka pots come with a bottom chamber which is filled with water, while the ground coffee sits in a basket that is surrounded by two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the final beverage is served. When the water in the bottom chamber boils, it is pushed through the grounds of the coffee under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a smoky and aromatic coffee that is delicious on its own or paired with sugar and milk.
When you are buying a mokapot the first thing you need to think about is the pot's capacity. It is essential to ensure that the dimensions of the bottom chamber and the capacity of the basket are adequate for your needs since a larger unit will require a longer waiting time while a smaller one may not be able to generate enough pressure. We suggest that you look at the material the machine is made from. The stainless steel machines are more durable and stronger but they tend to cost more.
Other things to consider is whether the appliance will work with the heat source you choose (gas or electric) and any other add-ons that might be available, such as milk steamer wands which can be used to heat and froth milk to make lattes and cappuccinos. You may also consider the amount of cups you can prepare in one go, as this is a good way to determine the ideal size unit for you.
We would also suggest checking that the moka pot you are considering will have a base that is wide enough to fit on your chosen burner. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a narrow base which makes it difficult to center the machine on a gas burner. However, bases with a wider width such as those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, provide better results. We also favored models with thicker walls because this was proven to transfer heat more efficiently and stop it from exploding too fast.
2. Capsule
There are also capsule coffee machines, which make use of pods to make cappuccinos, espresso, etc. This is an excellent option when you don't want deal with messing around with brewing, grounds and cleaning up after - they provide a quick, simple and easy way to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands to choose from, such as Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are also different sizes to choose from and you can tailor the size of your cup and coffee type to your preference. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smaller model and is perfect for small spaces. It can make one cup of coffee at one time. A larger model is also available which can also hold larger cups but will cost more.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also yields better tasting coffee, the Illy Iperespresso is a chic alternative for coffee lovers. It isn't the cheapest machine however it produces a superb cup of coffee, and is easy to use too. It also features an intelligent feature that lets it recognise the brand of pod it is using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly it, making it one of the most versatile machines in our opinion.
If you're looking to explore the wide range of drinks you can prepare with a pod-based coffee maker it is recommended to look for a model with a milk carafe. This lets you play with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. You can still make the most well-known drinks using a capsule maker without a milk carafe however, it's more than a hit and miss affair.
If you are interested in buying a capsule machine, check that it is compatible with ESE pods. It will have a basket or adapter that can be used with these smaller pods. Some of the machines in our range include this feature, which means you can use them with Nespresso-compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
These are espresso machines that are manual for purists. They look similar to the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's. They operate by manually pumping water into the portafilter, locking it, then pushing water under 9 bars of pressure creating a shot of espresso.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labour of passion than a capsule machine as they require you to heat the water in a separate manner from your coffee, then pour it into the chamber over the pre ground coffee or pods and then press down on the plunger or lever to create the pressure and push the water through and into the cup below. This method of operation can be messy, time consuming and sometimes a bit difficult to master, but the end result is 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 type of technology that is found in high-end immersion circulators and toasters, and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew kettle. The great thing about this is that it eliminates a lot of the guesswork about the optimum brewing temperature and allows you to adjust the temperature of your espresso with accuracy.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other major brands make manual espresso machines. The majority of people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe are familiar with these names. They manufacture the huge three or two group heads of commercial espresso machines that you would find in a cafe but in 1997 they created the Silvia, an automated, semi-automatic machine that has some bells and whistles to alleviate some of the stress out of the coffee making process.
Fully automatic espresso machines will take care of all the work for you. They'll grind the beans and then tamp them up, pull the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they can be costly and you'll require a decent cash flow to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the idea of re-creating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite café in your own home is appealing, then a semi-automatic machine is the best choice for you. These machines let you alter your preferences as time passes, and dial in your espresso drink based on your mood at any given time.
These machines are outfitted with a portafilter and a steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to that of superautomatics, but with additional manual steps, such as grinding the beans and putting them into the portafilter. These machines require more skills and knowledge to operate, since the brewing process is not automated.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will have a removable filter and an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds in the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also adjust the amount and pressure of water you use during the process of brewing. You can then alter your shots based on your preferences and the type of coffee beans you are using.
A semi-automatic machine should also have the ability to control temperature that can be adjusted. This feature allows you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also helps you avoid fluctuations in temperature which is particularly important for the boiler that brews the coffee. The brew temperature could vary by 20oF in a cup without a PID controller. With a PID controller, this swing is limited to around 0.1oF.
Some of the top models also come with a milk frother for creating espresso drinks that are based on milk. This will help you create delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. The frothing pitcher must have a comfortable handle and a spout for easy pouring.
You should also select an option with a detachable filter basket and an automatic system to dose the grounds. espresso pod machine Coffeee 'll be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tapping yourself. It will also make cleaning the machine easier.