Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're seeking the ultimate coffee experience, you can't beat an espresso machine. They're an act of passion, but they also give you complete control over your coffee.
They typically include an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds, and a steamer to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
There are approximately 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day. We have a huge selection of espresso makers that can be used on stovetops to help you make the perfect cup of coffee. These machines, also referred to as moka pots use pressure to make an espresso-like cup of tea without the need for messy filter papers. These simple and easy to use appliances can enhance any coffee, and can be used with milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
The bottom chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The ground coffee is placed in a basket, which is between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber where the brewed beverage will be served. As the water in the bottom chamber boils, it is pushed through the coffee grounds under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a fragrant, rich and strong coffee that is delicious by itself or paired with milk and sugar.
The main thing to bear in mind when purchasing moka pots is the capacity of the unit. It is important that you look at the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger model may require a longer waiting time, whereas smaller units may not be capable of creating enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the material the machine is constructed from since stainless steel machines tend to be stronger and more durable, however they come with a higher cost.
Other factors to consider is whether the appliance can work with your chosen heat source (gas or electric) and any additional add-ons you might have like milk steamer wands which are used to heat and froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It is also advisable to consider the number of cups you can make at once, as this can be an important factor in selecting the best size unit for your needs.
We also suggest that you examine the base of the moka pot to ensure that it is a good fit on your burner. We discovered that certain models, like the Stelton collar espresso maker, had a base that was narrow and were difficult to place on a gas burner. However, wider bases, like those of the Bialetti Venus and London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also preferred models that had thicker walls, since this was found to transfer heat more effectively and prevent it from sputtering out too fast.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines, that make use of pods to create espresso, cappuccinos, etc. This is a great option if you don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds, and cleaning up afterwards - they are an easy, quick and hassle-free way to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will have to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands to choose from, such as Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are various sizes available, so you can choose the size and kind of coffee that best suits your taste. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is perfect for small spaces and makes one cup at one time. A larger model is available that can also take larger cups however it will cost more.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also yields better tasting coffee, the Illy Iperespresso is a stylish shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the most affordable machine, however it produces a superb cup of coffee, and is easy to use as well. It has a clever function which allows it to automatically adjust its settings based on the brand of pods it is using. This makes it one of the most flexible machines, in our opinion.
If you're interested in exploring the full menu of drinks you can prepare with a pod-based coffee maker It is worth looking for a model that includes a milk carafe. This will let you explore the possibilities of cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make the most well-known drinks using a capsule maker without a milk carafe but it'll be more than a hit and miss affair.
If you're thinking of buying a capsule coffee machine ensure that it is marked as compatible with ESE pods. This usually means it has a basket or adapter that can be used to accommodate 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 intended for those who are a bit more strict. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and operate by manually pumping water through a portafilter, locking it, then forcing water to 9 bars of pressure to create an espresso shot.
Manual espresso makers are often 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 press the plunger or lever down to create pressure and push the liquid through the cup. This method of operation can be messy, time consuming and sometimes a bit difficult to get right however 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 piece of technology that is found in immersion circulators, high-end toasters and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew boiler. The beauty of this is that it eliminates a lot of the guesswork around the optimum brewing temperature and allows you to adjust your espresso with precision.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. Many who have worked in a cafe or cafe are familiar with these names. They manufacture the huge three or two group heads of commercial espresso machines that you find in a coffee shop but in 1997 they created the Silvia, an automated, semi-automatic machine with some bells and whistles to help ease the burden out of the making process.
Fully automated espresso machines will complete all the work for you. They will grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they are costly and you'll need a good bank balance to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the idea of re-creating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite cafe at home is appealing, then a semi-automatic machine is the right choice for you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences over time and also adjust the amount of your espresso drink according to your mood at any time.
These machines are outfitted with a portafilter, and a steam wand. These machines share the same brewing process as super automatics, however they require some manual steps like grinding the beans and inserting the portafilter. They also require more understanding and skills to operate because the brewing process is not controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine that is good will have an adjustable filter as well as an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. You can also control the amount and pressure of water you use during the process of brewing. This means you can customize your shots according to your personal preferences, and to the particular type of coffee bean that you are using.
Another feature to look for in a semi-automatic machine is the ability to adjust the temperature. espresso coffee machines uk allows you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on how they taste. It will also help you avoid temperature swings, which is especially important for the boiler that brews the coffee. The temperature of the brew can vary by 20oF between cups without a PID controller. With a PID controller, this swing is limited to around 0.1oF.
A few of the more expensive models include a milk froth to make espresso drinks based on milk. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The pitcher that froths should have a comfortable handle and an spout to make it easy to pour.
You should also choose an option with a detachable filter basket and a system that automatically doses the ground. You will be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tamping yourself. It will also make cleaning the machine much easier.