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 a labor of passion but they give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They typically come with an espresso tamper that helps 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 there are 98 million cups of coffee are consumed each day. These machines, also referred to as moka pots, use pressure to create an espresso-like cup of coffee without the hassle of filter papers. These simple and easy to use devices will enhance any coffee and can be used with milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The ground coffee is placed in a basket between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber, where the finished beverage will be served. As the water in the lower chamber boils, it is pushed through the grounds of the coffee under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a smoky rich and robust coffee that is delicious on its own or mixed with sugar and milk.
When purchasing a mokapot the most important factor to think about is the pot's capacity. It is important that you check the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger pot could require a longer wait time, while smaller ones may not be capable of creating enough pressure. It is also recommended to look at the materials the machine is made from since stainless steel machines are more robust and durable, but they also come with a higher price tag.
You should also think about whether the appliance is compatible with the heating source, whether electric or gas. Additionally, you might be interested in any other add-ons that are available, such as steamer arms for milk that are used to heat and foam milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You may also want to consider the number of cups you are able to make at one time in order to be a useful factor in selecting the right size unit for your needs.
Lastly, we would recommend making sure that the moka maker you are considering has a base that is wide enough to be able to fit on your preferred burner. We found that some models, such as the Stelton collar espresso maker had a base that was narrow and were difficult to put in the proper spot on a gas burner while wider bases, like those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, produced better results. We also favored models with thicker walls because this was proven to transfer heat more efficiently and prevent it from sputtering out too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines which make use of pods to make cappuccinos, espresso, etc. This is an excellent option for those who don't want to be tangled with brewing, grounds and cleaning up afterwards - they are a quick, simple and easy method to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will need to buy the coffee pods separately, but there are a variety available from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, so you can choose the size and type of coffee that suits your taste. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the most compact and is perfect for small space. It can make one cup of coffee at a time. A larger model is also available that can also take larger cups but will cost more.
For a more sophisticated option that also makes better tasting coffee, the Illy Iperespresso is an elegant shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the cheapest machine but it makes a superb cup of coffee and it's easy to use as well. It also has an intelligent feature that lets it recognize the brand of pod it is using and automatically adjusts its settings to match it, making it one of the most versatile in our opinion.
If you're looking to explore the entire range of drinks you can make with a pod coffee machine It is worth looking for a model that comes with a milk carafe. This will allow you to experiment with lattes and cappuccinos. You can still make the majority of popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be a more hit-and-miss affair.
If you're considering buying a capsule make sure it is compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket or adapter that can be used to accommodate these smaller pods. Certain machines in our range come with this feature. This means you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
They are manual espresso machines for those who are a bit more discerning. They resemble the original espresso machine, developed in Italy in the early 1900s. They are operated by pumping the water manually into a filter, then locking it, and then forcing the water under 9 bar of pressure to create an espresso.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labour of love 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 into the cup below. This method of operation can be quite 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 piece of technology you will find in immersion circulators, top-of-the-line toasters and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew kettle. This is a great way to eliminate a lot the guesswork about the ideal brewing temperature.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other major brands make manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe will be familiar with these names. They manufacture the huge commercial espresso machines that have two or three heads that you see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with some bells and whistles that reduce the stress out of making coffee.
Fully automated espresso machines do all of the tasks for you, they grind the beans, tamp, and pull one shot, and steam your milk all at the touch of a button but they will also cost you a pretty penny therefore you'll need an adequate amount of cash to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the idea of re-creating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite cafe at home is appealing with you, then a semi-automatic machine is the right one for you. These machines allow you to adjust your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks based on how you feel at any time.
The machines come with a portafilter and steam wand. These machines share the same brewing process as super automatics, but they require some manual steps such as grinding beans and putting in 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 come with an adjustable filter as well as an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to brewing. It also allows you to control the amount of water and pressure used in the brewing process. This means you can adjust the shots you drink according to your personal preferences and to the specific type of coffee bean that you are using.
A semi-automatic machine should also include a temperature control that can be adjustable. This feature lets you set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. This will also allow you avoid temperature swings. This is vital especially with regards to the boiling brew. The brew temperature can fluctuate by 20oF between cups without a PID controller. With a PID controller, this swing is limited to around 0.1oF.
Some of the top models include a milk froth to create milk-based espresso drinks. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. cafe espresso machine frothing pitcher should be able to handle comfortably and an spout to make it easy to pour.
It is also recommended to select one that has a removable filter basket as well as an automatic dosing system for the grounds. This will help you avoid having to perform grinding and tamping manually on your own. This will make cleaning the machine easier.