Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're looking for the best coffee experience, you can't beat an espresso machine. They're a labour of love but they give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They have an espresso tamper that can flatten the grinds, as well as steamers for frothing milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
We have a broad selection of stovetop coffee makers that can help you make a great cup. In the UK there are 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. These devices, also referred to as moka pots, utilize pressure to create 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 also be used with milk to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Moka pots are equipped with an inner chamber that is filled with water, while the ground coffee sits in a basket between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber where the final beverage is served. When the water in the lower chamber heats up, it pushes 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 rich aromatic coffee that is delicious on its own or paired with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a moka pot is the capacity of the unit. It is crucial to examine the dimensions of the bottom as well as the capacity of your basket. A larger unit may require a longer waiting time, whereas a smaller unit may not be capable of creating enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the materials the machine is made of since stainless steel machines tend to be stronger and more durable, but come with a higher cost.
Other factors to consider is whether the appliance will work with your chosen heat source (gas or electric) and any other accessories that are available, such as steamer wands for milk that are used to heat and froth milk to make cappuccinos and lattes. You may also want to consider the number of cups that you can make in one go in order to be an important factor in choosing the correct size unit for your needs.
We would also suggest to ensure that the moka pot 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 collar espresso maker, had a very narrow base and were difficult to center on a gas stove. On the other hand, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and London Sip stovetop espresso makers, gave better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls since they were found to transfer heat more efficiently and avoid it from sputtering too fast.
2. Capsule
In a similar vein to stovetop models there are capsule coffee makers which make cappuccinos, espresso and so on by using pods. This is an excellent option for those who don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds, and cleaning up - they are a quick, simple and effortless method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands to choose from, such as Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are various sizes to choose from, so you can choose the size and type of coffee that suits your preferences. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the most compact and is perfect for small space. It can make one cup of coffee at a time. You can also get a larger model that can handle larger cups, however they're more expensive.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also produces better tasting coffee it is recommended to use the Illy Iperespresso is a chic shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the most affordable machine, however it produces excellent coffee and is simple to use as well. It also has an innovative feature that lets it detect the type of coffee it's using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly, making it among the most versatile machines in our opinion.
If you're looking to explore the wide range of drinks you can make with a pod-based coffee maker It is worth looking for a model that includes a milk carafe. This will allow you to experiment with lattes, cappuccinos and a variety of other drinks. You can still make these popular drinks using a capsule maker without a milk carafe but it'll be more of a hit and miss affair.
If you are interested in purchasing a capsule machine be sure to check if it's compatible with ESE pods. This typically means it comes with a basket, or adapter to fit smaller pods. Some machines in our range have 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 look like the original espresso machine, developed in Italy in the early 1900s. They are operated by manually pumping water into a filter, locking it, and then pushing the water under 9 bar of pressure to create an espresso.
A manual espresso maker is often more of a labour of affection than a capsule maker as they require you to heat the water separately from your coffee, pour it into the chamber above the pre ground coffee or pods, and then press down on the lever or plunger to create pressure and push the water through into the cup below. This method is messy, time-consuming and frustrating to master, but the final 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 found in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilise the temperature of the boiler used to brew. The beauty of this is that it removes a lot of the guesswork about the optimal temperature for brewing and allows you to adjust your espresso with accuracy.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other major brands make manual espresso machines. The majority of people who have worked in a cafe or cafe are 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 and whistles that alleviate some of the hassle out of brewing.
Fully automatic espresso machines will take care of all the work for you. They grind the beans and tamp them before pulling the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they are costly therefore you'll require a strong bank balance to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the idea of replicating an espresso shot from your favorite cafe in your own home is appealing to you with you, then a semi-automatic machine is the right choice for you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks according to how you feel at any given moment.
These machines include a portafilter as well as steam wand. They have the same brewing process as super automatics, but they require manual processes like grinding the beans and inserting the portafilter. Click Home require more understanding and skills to operate as the brewing process isn't controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will have a removable filter and an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. You can also adjust the amount and pressure of water you use during the making process. This means that you can tailor the shots you drink according to your personal preferences and to the specific kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look for in a semi-automatic is the ability to adjust the temperature. This feature allows you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on their taste. It also allows you to avoid fluctuations in temperature which is crucial in the case of the brew boiler. Without a PID controller, the brew temperature can swing up to 20oF from one cup to the next. The swing can be reduced to 0.1oF using a PID.
Some of the top models also come with a milk frother for creating espresso drinks that are based on milk. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The frothing pitcher must have a comfortable handle and an spout that allows for easy pouring.
It is also a good idea to choose an item with a filter that is removable basket as well as an automatic dosing system for the ground. You'll be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tamping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine much easier.