Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective way to have the best coffee experience. They're a labor of love but they give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They typically include an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds and steamer to froth the milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
There are approximately 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day and we have a fantastic range of espresso makers that can be used on stovetops to help you brew a great cup of coffee. Also known as moka pots, these machines utilize pressure to make espresso-like coffee, without the need for messy filter paper. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can enhance any type of coffee and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Moka pots have the bottom chamber, which is filled with water and the coffee is placed in a basket that is surrounded by two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the beverage is served. When the water is boiling in the bottom, it pushes itself through the grounds under high pressure, and then flows into the upper chamber where the aromas are released to you to take pleasure in. The result is a rich and aromatic coffee that is delicious on its own or with milk and sugar.
When buying a mokapot, the first thing you need to think about is the pot's capacity. It is essential to look at the size of the bottom and the capacity of your basket. A larger unit may require a longer waiting time, whereas smaller units might not be capable of building up enough pressure. We suggest that you take a look at the material that the machine is made from. The stainless steel machines are more durable and sturdy but they can cost more.
Other factors to consider is whether the appliance can work with the source of heat you prefer (gas or electric) and any additional add-ons you might have, such as steamer wands for milk that are used to heat and froth the milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You may also want to take a look at the amount of cups that you can make in one go, as this can be a helpful factor when selecting the right size unit for your needs.
Lastly, we would recommend making sure that the moka maker you are considering has a wide enough base to be able to fit on your preferred burner. We found that certain models, like the Stelton espresso maker with a collar, had a narrow base and were difficult to place on a gas burner while wider bases, like those of the Bialetti Venus and London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls since they were found to carry heat more efficiently and stop it from sputtering out too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines which make use of pods to make cappuccinos, espressos, etc. This is a great option for those who don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds and cleaning up - they are an easy, quick and effortless way to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will have purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands to choose from, such as Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are also different sizes to choose from to allow you to tailor the size of your cup and the type of coffee to your preference. The smallest of these is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and can make one cup at a time. There is www.coffeee.uk that can handle larger cups, however they are more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who are looking for a more sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It isn't the cheapest machine however it produces excellent coffee, and is easy to use too. It has a clever function that allows it to automatically adjust its settings based on the brand of pods it is using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines we've seen.
You should look for an item with a milk carafe in case you're looking to test the various drinks you can make with a pod maker. This lets you play with cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks. You can still make most popular drinks using capsule machines, however it will be a more than a hit-and-miss experience.
If you're considering purchasing a capsule coffee machine be sure that it's marked as compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket or adapter to fit smaller pods. Some of our models 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
These are manual espresso machines for those who are a bit more discerning. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and operate by manually pumping water into the portafilter and locking it, after which forcing water under 9 bars of pressure creating a shot of espresso.
Manual espresso makers are generally more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You must heat the water separately, then pour it in the chamber above the coffee or pods that have been ground and then press the plunger or lever down to create pressure and push the liquid through into the cup. This method is messy, time-consuming and frustrating to master but the end result is worth it.
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 technology is present in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilize brew boiler temperatures. This is a great way to eliminate a lot the guesswork surrounding the optimal brewing temperature.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. Many who have worked in a cafe or cafe will be familiar with these names. They make the massive commercial espresso machines that have two or three heads that you can see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with a few bells & whistles that help to alleviate some of the hassle out of brewing.
Fully Automatic espresso machines do all the tasks for you, they grind the beans, tamp, and pull one shot, and steam your milk too all at the touch of a button, but they also cost a pretty penny therefore you'll need an adequate balance in your bank to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great option If the idea of re-creating the perfect espresso shot in your favorite café in your home is appealing to you. These coffee machines allow you to tweak your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks based on the way you feel at any given moment.
These machines are equipped with a portafilter, and a steam wand. The brewing process used in these machines is similar to that of super automatics, however with added manual steps like grinding the beans and inserting them into the portafilter. They also require more understanding and skills to operate because the brewing process isn't controlled by a computer.
A good semi-automatic should include a portafilter that is removable and a tamper that is capable of compressing the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. It will also allow you to control the quantity of water and the pressure used during the brewing process. This means that you can tailor the shots you drink according to your personal preferences, and to the particular type of coffee beans you are using.
A semi-automatic machine should also include the ability to control temperature that can be adjusted. This feature allows you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans according to how they taste. This will also help you to avoid temperature swings. This is crucial especially with regards to the brew-boiler. Without a PID controller the temperature of the brew can vary by as much as 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller this swing is limited to approximately 0.1oF.
A few of the more expensive models come with a milk frother to make espresso drinks based on milk. This lets you make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The pitcher that froths should have a comfortable handle and an spout that allows for easy pouring.
You should also choose an option with a detachable filter basket, and a system that automatically doses the grounds. This will save you from having to perform manual tamping and grinding on your own. This will make cleaning the machine easier.