Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective method to enjoy the best coffee experience. They're a labor of passion but allow you to control every aspect of your coffee.
They have an espresso tamper that can flatten the grinds, as well as steamers to froth milk in lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
We offer a variety 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. Known as moka pots, these appliances utilize pressure to make espresso-like coffee, without the need for any messy filter paper. These simple and easy to use devices will enhance any coffee and can also be used with milk for lattes or cappuccinos.
Moka pots have an inner chamber that is filled with water, while the coffee grounds are placed in a basket that is surrounded by two pipes which lead to the upper chamber, where the beverage is served. As the water boils in the bottom, it forces itself through the grounds at high pressure. It then seeps into the upper chamber, where the aromas are released for you to enjoy. The result is a smoky strong, rich and robust coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or with milk and sugar.
When purchasing a mokapot the first thing you need to take into consideration is the unit's capacity. It is essential to check the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger model could require a longer wait time, while a smaller unit may not be capable of building up enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the material the machine is made from since stainless steel machines tend to be sturdier and more durable however they come with a higher price tag.
It is also important to consider whether the appliance is compatible with your preferred heat source, be it electric or gas. Also, you may want to look at any additional add-ons available such as milk steamer arms that are used to heat and make frothy milk in cappuccinos as well as lattes. It is also advisable to look at the number of cups you are able to make at once and this could be a helpful factor when selecting the right size unit for you.
We would also recommend to check the base of the moka pot to ensure that it is a good fit on your burner. Certain models, such as the Stelton collar coffee maker have a very narrow base which makes it difficult to align the machine on a gas burner. However, wider bases, such as those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, yield better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls since they were found to transfer heat more efficiently and prevent it from sputtering too fast.
2. Capsule
In a similar vein similar to stovetop models, there are capsule coffee makers that can make cappuccinos, espresso and more using pods. This is a great option if you don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds and cleaning up afterwards - they provide an easy, quick and hassle-free method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will need to buy the coffee pods separately, but there is a wide selection on the market from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are also different sizes to choose from to allow you to tailor the size of your cup and coffee type to your preference. The smallest of these is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and can make one cup at one time. A larger model is available that can also take larger cups, but it will cost more.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also yields 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 has a clever function that allows it to automatically alter its settings in accordance with the brand of pods it is using. This makes it one of the most flexible machines we've seen.
It is recommended to look for one that comes with a milk cup if you're looking to test the various drinks you can make using a pod machine. This will let you play around with cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make popular drinks with capsule machines, but it will be more of a than a hit-and-miss experience.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee machines, make sure it is listed as 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
The name suggests that they are manual espresso machines that are for purists. They resemble the original espresso machine, invented in Italy in the early 1900s. They operate by manually pumping the water into a filter, locking it, and then forcing the water under pressure of 9 bar to make shots.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labor of affection than a capsule maker since they require you to heat the water separately from your coffee, then pour it into the chamber above the ground coffee or pods and then press down on the plunger or lever to create pressure and force the water through and into the cup below. This method is messy, time consuming and a bit frustrating to get right however the result is well worth the effort.
espresso coffee machine home 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 technology is used in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilize brew boiler temperatures. The great thing about this is that it takes away a lot of the guesswork around the optimum brewing temperature and allows you to adjust the temperature of your espresso with accuracy.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other large names make manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a cafe or cafe will be familiar with these names. They manufacture the huge three or two group-head commercial espresso machines that you find in a cafe however in 1997 they introduced the Silvia, a semi-automatic, manual espresso machine with a few bells and whistles that help take some of the hassle out of the coffee making process.
Fully automatic espresso machines will do all the work for you. They grind the beans, tamp, pull a shot and some will steam your milk all at the press of a button but they will also cost you quite a bit of money, therefore you'll need an adequate amount of cash to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot from the cafe you love at home is appealing to you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks based on your mood at any given time.
These machines are equipped with a portafilter as well as steam wand. They have the same brewing process as super automatics, however they require some manual steps like grinding the beans and inserting the portafilter. They also require additional knowledge and skills to operate since the brewing process isn't controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine that's good will have a removable filter and an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds in the portafilter prior to brewing. It also lets you to regulate the quantity of water and the pressure used during the brewing process. This means you can customize your shots according to your personal preferences and to the specific type of coffee bean that you are using.
A semi-automatic should also include a temperature control that can be adjustable. This feature lets you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on how they taste. This will also help you to avoid temperature swings. This is vital, especially when it comes the boiling brew. Without a PID controller, the temperature of brewing can fluctuate by as much as 20oF from one cup to the next. This fluctuation is lowered to 0.1oF using a PID.
Some of the most expensive models will also include the milk frother to make milk-based espresso drinks. This will allow you to make delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The frothing jug must be comfortable to hold and have an spout that makes pouring effortless.
It is also recommended to choose a model with a removable filter basket and a system that automatically doses the grounds. You will be able to avoid the manual grinding and tapping yourself. This will make cleaning the machine simpler.