Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're seeking the ultimate coffee experience, there's no better than an espresso machine. They're a labor of passion but they give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They also have an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds, as well as steamers for frothing milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
There are 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day and we have a huge selection of espresso makers for stovetops to help you brew an excellent cup of coffee. Also known as moka pots, these devices make use of pressure to produce an espresso-like coffee, without the need for messy filter paper. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that can enhance any type of coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Moka pots are equipped with the bottom chamber, which is filled with water, and the coffee is placed in a basket between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber where the beverage is served. As the water boils in the bottom, it pushes itself through the grounds under high pressure, and then flows into the upper chamber where the aromas are released for you to take pleasure in. The result is a full and aromatic coffee that you can enjoy by itself or mixed with milk and sugar.
The main thing to bear in mind when buying moka pots is the capacity of the unit. It is important to make sure the dimensions of the bottom chamber and the capacity of the basket are sufficient for your requirements as a larger unit will require a longer waiting time while a smaller one might not be able to build up enough pressure. We also recommend looking at the material that the machine is made of because stainless steel machines tend to be stronger and more durable, however they come with a higher price tag.
You should also think about whether the appliance is compatible with your chosen heating source, whether gas or electric. Additionally, you might be interested in 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 should also think about the number of cups you can prepare in one go, since this is a great way to determine the ideal size unit for you.
We would also suggest to ensure that the moka pot you are considering has a base that is wide enough to fit on the burner you are considering. her response , like the Stelton collar coffee maker have a narrow base that makes it difficult to place the machine on a gas burner. 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 this was found to transfer heat more efficiently and stop it from sputtering out too fast.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines that make use of pods to create espresso, cappuccinos, etc. If you don't like making mess with grounds, cleaning, and brewing, this is the perfect alternative for you.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands available, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are a variety of sizes available so you can select the size and kind of coffee that best suits your taste. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smaller model and is perfect for small space. It makes one cup of coffee at a time. A larger model is available which can also hold larger cups, but it will cost more.
Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who want a more sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It's not the most expensive machine, but it does make a great cup of coffee. It's also simple to use. It has a clever feature that lets it automatically adjust its settings according to the brand of pods it is 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 could make with a pod maker. This lets you play with cappuccinos, lattes and a variety of other drinks. You can still make the most popular drinks with a capsule machine without a milk carafe, but it'll be more of a hit and miss affair.
If you're interested in getting a capsule coffee machine be sure that it's listed as compatible with ESE pods. It will come with a basket or adapter that will fit these smaller pods. Some of our 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 are a bit more discerning. They look similar to the OG espresso machine that was invented in Italy in the early 1900's and operate by manually pumping water into the portafilter before locking it and pushing water under 9 bars of pressure, resulting in a shot of espresso.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber above pods or coffee that has been ground up and then press the plunger or lever down to create pressure and force the liquid through into the cup. This method can be difficult, time-consuming and tedious 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 is a type of technology that is found in high-end immersion circulators and toasters, and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew boiler. The beauty of this is that it removes much of the guesswork regarding the optimum brewing temperature and lets you adjust the temperature of your espresso with precision.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other large names make manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe are familiar with these names. They make the massive commercial espresso machines that have three or two heads that you see in coffee shops, but in 1997, they introduced 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 automated espresso machines will do all the work for you. They grind the beans, tamp and then pull a shot and some will steam your milk too all at the press of a button. However, they will also cost you quite a bit of money, therefore you'll need an adequate balance in your bank to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for you If the idea of re-creating the perfect espresso shot at your favorite cafe in your home appeals to you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drink according to your mood at any given time.
These machines come with a portafilter and steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to super automatics, however with additional manual steps, such as grinding the beans before putting them into the portafilter. They also require more knowledge and skills to operate as the brewing process is not controlled by a computer.
A semi-automatic machine that's good will come with an adjustable filter as well as an tamper to compress the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. You can also adjust the amount and pressure of water used in the making process. This means you can customize your shots according to your personal preferences, and to the particular kind of coffee beans you are using.
A semi-automatic machine should also include the ability to control temperature that can be adjustable. This feature lets you decide the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on their taste. This will also allow you to avoid temperature swings. This is crucial particularly when it comes to the brew-boiler. Without a PID controller, the brew temperature can swing up to 20oF from one cup to the next. This fluctuation can be reduced to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the more premium models will also include the milk frother to make espresso drinks based on milk. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The frothing pitcher should be able to handle comfortably and a spout for easy pouring.
It is also recommended to choose an option with a detachable filter basket, and an automatic system to dose the grounds. This will help you avoid having to perform manual tamping and grinding on your own. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.