Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're seeking the ultimate coffee experience, there's nothing better than an espresso machine. They're a labour of love but give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They typically come with an espresso tamper that helps flatten the grinds and steamers to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
We have a broad selection of stovetop coffee makers to help you make a great cup. In the UK there are 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. These appliances, also known as moka pots, utilize pressure to create an espresso-like cup of coffee without the messy need for filter papers. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that will enhance any type of coffee and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee beans are placed in a basket that is between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber where the final drink will be served. When the water in the bottom chamber boils, it pushes through the grounds of the coffee under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a full and aromatic coffee that you can enjoy by itself or mixed with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying moka pots is the capacity of the pot. It is crucial to ensure that the size of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket are adequate for your needs since a larger unit will require a longer wait time while a smaller one may not be able to create enough pressure. coffee espresso machines is also recommended to look at the material the machine is constructed from since stainless steel machines tend to be stronger and more durable, but they also come with a higher cost.
You should also consider whether the appliance is compatible with the heating source, whether electric or gas. Additionally, you might want to look at any other add-ons that are available, like milk steamer arms that are used to heat up and froth milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You might also want to consider the number of cups that you can make at once and this could be a helpful factor when selecting the right size for your needs.
We would also recommend that you examine the base of the moka pot to ensure it will fit on your burner. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a base that is narrow which makes it difficult to place the machine on a gas stove. However, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, provide better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls since they were found to transfer heat more efficiently and prevent it from sputtering too fast.
2. Capsule
Similar to the stovetop models, there are capsule coffee machines that make espresso, cappuccinos and other drinks using pods. This is a great choice when you don't want have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds and cleaning up after - they are an easy, quick and effortless method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately, however there is a large selection on the market from brands such as Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are a variety of different sizes to choose from to allow you to tailor your drink size and the type of coffee to your personal preference. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and can make one cup at one time. A larger model is also available that can also accommodate larger cups however it will cost more.
Illy Iperespresso offers a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who are looking for a more sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It's not the most expensive machine, but it makes an excellent cup of coffee. It's also very easy to use. It has a clever feature which allows it to automatically adjust its settings according to the type of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines we've seen.
It is recommended to look for an item with a milk carafe if you're looking to test all the drinks you can make with a pod machine. This will allow you to experiment with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. You can still make most popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be a more hit-and-miss affair.
If you're considering buying a capsule machine be sure to check if it's compatible with ESE pods. It will have an adapter or basket that will fit these smaller pods. Some of our models have this feature. This means that you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods, and also Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
As the name suggests these are espresso machines operated manually designed for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look similar to the OG espresso machine invented in Italy in the early 1900's. They operate by manually pumping water into the portafilter and locking it, after which forcing water under 9 bars of pressure creating an espresso shot.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labor of love than a capsule machine because they require you to heat the water separately from the coffee, pour it into the chamber above the coffee that has been ground or pods and then press down on the plunger or lever to create pressure and push the water through and into the cup below. This method of operation can be quite messy, time-consuming and a bit frustrating to get right however 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 technology that can be found in high-end immersion circulators and toasters and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew kettle. The beauty of this is that it takes away much of the guesswork about the optimum brewing temperature and lets you dial in your espresso with accuracy.
There are a few major names that produce manual espresso makers, the likes of Rancilio and La Pavoni are familiar names to many who have worked in a cafe or coffee shop. They manufacture the huge commercial espresso machines with two or three heads that are found in coffee shops, but in 1997, they launched the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with a few bells and whistles that can reduce the stress out of making coffee.
Fully automated espresso machines do all of the work for you, they grind the beans, tamp, pull one shot, and steam your milk too all at the press of a button but they will also cost you an astronomical amount of money therefore you'll need a decent bank balance to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the thought of replicating an espresso shot from your favorite cafe in your own home strikes a chord with you, then a semi-automatic machine is the right one for you. These coffee machines permit you to adjust your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drinks based on your mood at any time.
The machines come with a portafilter and a steam wand. They have similar brewing processes to super automatics, but they require manual steps like grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. They also require additional knowledge and skills to operate as the brew cycle is not controlled by a computer.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will come with an adjustable filter as well as an tamper to compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter prior to making. It also allows you to control the amount of water and pressure used in the brewing process. This means you can customize your shots 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 coffee maker is an adjustable temperature control. This feature allows you to set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also helps you avoid fluctuations in temperature which is crucial when it comes to the boiler that brews the coffee. Without a PID controller the temperature of brewing can fluctuate by up to 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller this swing is limited to around 0.1oF.
Some of the top models include a milk frother to make milk-based espresso drinks. This allows you to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing jug must have a comfortable grip and a spout to make pouring effortless.
It is also recommended to choose an option with a detachable filter basket, and a system that automatically doses the grounds. You will be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tapping yourself. This will make cleaning the machine much easier.