Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective way to have the best coffee experience. They're an act of passion, but they also give you complete control over your coffee.
They also have an espresso tamper that can flatten the grinds, as well as a steamer for frothing milk in 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 each day. They are also known as moka pots. these machines use pressure to create an espresso-like cup of coffee without the need for any messy filter paper. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that can be used to improve any kind of coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee grounds are placed in a basket, which is between two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the brewed beverage will be served. As the water in the bottom chamber heats up, it pushes through the grounds of the coffee under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water seeps upwards. The result is a smoky, rich and strong coffee that is delicious on its own or with milk and sugar.
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a moka pot is the capacity of the pot. It is crucial to examine the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger pot might require a longer waiting time, while a smaller unit might not be capable of creating enough pressure. We also recommend looking at the material that the machine is made of since stainless steel machines tend to be stronger and more durable, but they also come with a higher price tag.
Other factors to consider is whether the appliance can work with the source of heat you prefer (gas or electric) and any other add-ons that might be available like milk steamer wands which can be used to heat and froth milk to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also advisable to take a look at the amount of cups you are able to make in one go, as this can be a useful factor in selecting the right size unit for your needs.
We would also recommend that you examine the base of the moka maker to ensure it fits on your burner. We found that some models, such as the Stelton collar espresso maker, had a base that was narrow and were difficult to place on a gas burner. However, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also favored models with thicker walls as this was found to transfer heat more efficiently and prevent it from spreading out too fast.
2. Capsule
In a similar vein to stovetop models there are capsule coffee machines that can make cappuccinos, espresso and more by using pods. If you're not a fan of cleaning grounds, cleaning and making coffee this is the ideal option for you.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately, however there are a variety available from brands such as Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are Coffeee of different sizes to choose from to allow you to tailor your drink size and the type of coffee to your preference. The smallest is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and can make one cup at a time. You can also get a larger model that can handle larger cups, however they're more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso offers a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who are looking for a more sophisticated machine that produces better tasting coffee. It's not the most affordable machine, however it produces an excellent cup of coffee and it's easy to use too. It also comes with an intelligent feature that lets it recognize the type of pod it's using and automatically adjusts its settings to match which makes it among the most versatile machines in our opinion.
If you're interested in exploring the full menu of drinks you can make with a pod coffee machine, it's worth looking for a model that comes with a milk carafe. This will allow you to play around with cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make most popular drinks with capsule machines, but it will be a more hit-and-miss affair.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee maker, make sure it is listed as compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it has a basket or adapter to accommodate smaller pods. Some of the machines in our range include this feature, meaning you can use them with Nespresso compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
They are manual espresso machines for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look similar to the OG espresso machine, which was invented in Italy in the early 1900's and are operated by manually pumping water into the portafilter and locking it, after which forcing water under 9 bars of pressure to create a shot of espresso.
A manual espresso maker is usually more of a labour of passion than a capsule machine since they require you to heat the water in a separate manner from your coffee, pour it into the chamber over the coffee that has been ground or pods, and then press down on the lever or plunger to create the pressure and push the water through and into the cup below. This method of operation can be messy, lengthy and a bit frustrating to master, but the result is well 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 high-end immersion circulators and toasters, and is designed to stabilize the brew boiler temperature. The benefit of this is that it removes much of the guesswork about the optimum brewing temperature and lets you dial in your espresso with accuracy.
There are a few major companies that manufacture manual espresso makers, the likes of Rancilio and La Pavoni are familiar names to those who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe. They produce the massive two or three group-head commercial espresso machines that you would find in a cafe but in 1997 they created the Silvia, an automatic, semi-automatic espresso machine with a few bells and whistles that help ease the burden out of the coffee making process.
Fully automated espresso machines do all the work for you. They grind the beans, tamp, pull a shot and some will steam your milk too all at the touch of a button but they also cost quite a bit of money, so you must have a decent bank balance to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the thought of replicating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite cafe in your own home is appealing with you, then a semi-automatic machine is the right one for you. These coffee machines allow you to alter your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drinks based on the way you feel at any given moment.
These machines come with a portafilter and steam wand. The brewing process of these machines is similar to that of super automatics, however with additional manual steps, such as grinding the beans and putting them into the portafilter. They also require more knowledge and skills to operate since the brew cycle is not controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine that is good will have a removable filter and an tamper to compress the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water used in the brewing process. This means you can customize the shots you drink according to your personal preferences and to the specific type of coffee beans you are using.
A semi-automatic machine should also include an adjustable temperature control that can be adjustable. This feature lets you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also allows you to avoid temperature swings which is particularly important in the case of the boiler for brewing. The brew temperature can fluctuate by 20oF between cups if there is no PID controller. With a PID controller this swing is limited to about 0.1oF.
Some of the more premium models may also include the milk frother 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 as well as an spout that allows for easy pouring.
You should also select one with a removable filter basket, as well as an automatic system to dose the ground. You will be able to avoid the manual grinding and tapping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.