Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're looking for the best coffee experience, there's no better than an espresso machine. They're a labor of passion but allow you to control every aspect of your coffee.
They also have an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds, and steamers to froth milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
There are approximately 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day and we have a wide selection of espresso makers for stovetops to help you make the perfect cup of coffee. Known as moka pots, these machines use pressure to create an espresso-like coffee without the need for any messy filter papers. These simple and easy to use appliances will enhance any coffee and can be used with milk to make lattes or cappuccinos.
The bottom of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee beans are placed in a basket, which is between two pipes that connect to the upper chamber where the final drink will be served. As the water boils in the bottom, it forces its way through the grounds at high pressure, and then flows into the upper chamber where the aromas are released for you to enjoy. The result is a rich aromatic coffee that you can enjoy on its own or with sugar and milk.
The main thing to bear in mind when buying a moka pot is the capacity of the unit. It is essential to examine the dimensions of the bottom as well as the capacity of your basket. A larger model could require a longer wait time, whereas a smaller unit may not be capable of creating enough pressure. We also recommend looking at the material that the machine is made from, as stainless steel machines tend to be more robust and durable, but come with a higher price tag.
You should also consider whether the appliance is compatible with your preferred heat source, whether it's electric or gas. Additionally, you might consider looking into any other add-ons that are available, such as steamer arms for milk that are used to heat and foam milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You may also consider the number of cups you are able to make in one sitting, as this can be a great method to determine the best size unit for you.
In the end, we recommend making sure that the moka maker you are considering has an adequate base that will fit on the burner you are considering. We found that certain models, like the Stelton collar espresso maker, had a very 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 this was found to transfer heat more effectively and prevent it from sputtering out too fast.
2. Capsule
Similar similar to stovetop models, there are capsule coffee machines that can make cappuccinos, espresso and other drinks with pods. If you aren't a fan of cleaning grounds, cleaning and brewing, this is the perfect option for you.
You'll need purchase the coffee pods separately. There are several brands available, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are various sizes available and you can pick the size and type of coffee that suits your taste. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smaller model and is perfect for small space. It can make one cup of coffee at one time. A larger model is available that can also take larger cups however it will cost more.
For a more sophisticated option that also makes better tasting coffee The Illy Iperespresso is a stylish shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the most expensive machine, but it does make an excellent cup of coffee. It's also easy to use. It comes with a clever feature that lets it automatically adjust its settings according to the type of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most flexible machines we've seen.
If you're looking to explore the entire range of drinks that you can make with a pod coffee machine, it's worth looking for a model that comes with a milk carafe. This will let you experiment with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. You can still make most popular drinks with a capsule machine, but it will be a more unpredictable affair.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee machines be sure that it's listed as compatible with ESE pods. This usually means it has a basket or adapter to fit smaller pods. Some of our models include this feature. This means that you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods and also Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
These are manual espresso machines for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and operate by manually pumping water through the portafilter and locking it, after which forcing water to 9 bars of pressure, resulting in a shot of espresso.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. It is necessary to heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber over the coffee or pods that have been ground, and then press the lever or plunger down to create pressure and push the liquid through into the cup. Coffeee can be difficult, time-consuming and tedious 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 high-end immersion circulators as well as toasters. It is designed to stabilize the brewing temperature of the boiler. The benefit of this is that it eliminates a lot of the guesswork regarding the optimal temperature for brewing and lets you adjust your espresso with accuracy.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. The majority of people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe will be familiar with these names. They make the massive commercial espresso machines with two or three heads that you can see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine with a few bells and whistles that help to alleviate some of the hassle out of brewing.
Fully automatic espresso machines will complete all the work for you. They grind the beans and then tamp them up, pull the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they are costly therefore you'll need a good cash flow to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot at your favorite cafe in your home is appealing to you. These coffee machines allow you to tweak your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks according to the way you feel at any time.
These machines are equipped with a portafilter as well as a steam wand. These machines have a similar brewing process to superautomatics, however they require some manual steps such as grinding beans and putting in the portafilter. These machines require more skills and knowledge to operate, since the brewing process is not automated.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will have an adjustable filter as well as an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds in the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also control the amount and pressure of water used during the making process. You can then customize your shots according to your preferences and the kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look out for in a semi-automatic machine is an adjustable temperature control. This feature allows you set the brewing temperatures for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also allows you to avoid fluctuations in temperature which is crucial when it comes to the boiler that brews the coffee. The brew temperature could vary by up to 20oF between cups if there is no PID controller. The swing is reduced to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the most expensive models also come with the milk frother to make espresso drinks that are based on milk. This will allow you to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. The pitcher that froths should have a comfortable handle and an spout to make it easy to pour.
You should also choose one with a removable filter basket, and a system that automatically doses the grounds. You'll be able to avoid the manual grinding and tapping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.