Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective method to enjoy the best coffee experience. They're a labor 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 that can aid you in making a fantastic cup. In the UK around 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. These appliances, also known as moka pots use pressure to produce an espresso-like cup of coffee, without the hassle of filter papers. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can enhance any coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
Moka pots are equipped with an inner chamber that is filled with water, while the ground coffee sits in a basket between two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the beverage is served. When the water in the lower chamber boils, it is pushed through the grounds of the coffee under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water seeps upwards. The end result is an aromatic rich and robust coffee that can be enjoyed by itself or paired with sugar and milk.
The main thing to bear in mind when purchasing moka pots is the capacity of the pot. It is important that you check the dimensions of the bottom as well as the capacity of your basket. A larger unit could require a longer wait time, while smaller ones may not be capable of making enough pressure. It is also recommended to look at the materials the machine is made of, as stainless steel machines tend to be more robust and durable, but they also come with a higher cost.
You should also think about whether the appliance is compatible with your chosen heat source, be it electric or gas. Also, you may want to look at any other add-ons that are available, such as steamer arms for milk that are used to heat up and make frothy milk in cappuccinos as well as lattes. You may also consider the number of cups you can prepare in one go, as this can be a great way to determine the ideal size unit for you.
We also suggest that you check the base of the moka maker to ensure it fits on your burner. We found that certain models, such as the Stelton collar espresso maker had a very narrow base and were difficult to center on a gas burner. However, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, produced better results. We also preferred those that had thicker walls, as this was found to conduct the heat more effectively and prevent it from exploding too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines that make use of pods to create cappuccinos, espresso, etc. If you're not a fan of making mess with grounds, cleaning and brewing, this is the perfect solution for you.
You'll need purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands available, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are coffee machines espresso so you can select the size and type of coffee that suits your preferences. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smallest and is ideal for small space. It makes one cup of coffee at a time. A larger model is also available that can also accommodate larger cups but will cost more.
For a more sophisticated choice that also makes better tasting coffee The Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee lovers. It's not the most expensive machine, but it makes an excellent cup of coffee. It's also very easy to use. It also features a clever feature that lets it detect the brand of pod it's using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly, making it among the most versatile in our opinion.
You should look for an item with a milk carafe in case you want to try out all the drinks you can make using a pod machine. This will allow you to play around with cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make the majority of popular drinks using capsule machines, but it will be more of a unpredictable affair.
If you're considering purchasing a capsule coffee machine ensure that it is listed as compatible with ESE pods. This usually means it has a basket or adapter to fit smaller pods. Some of our machines we offer have this feature, which means you can use them with Nespresso compatible pods as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
The name suggests that they are espresso machines operated manually intended for those who are a bit more strict. They look like the original espresso machine created in Italy in the early 1900s. They are operated by manually pumping water into a filter, then locking it, and then forcing the water under 9 bar of pressure to make a shot.
Manual espresso makers are typically more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You must heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber above pods or coffee that has been ground up and then push the lever or plunger down to create pressure and push the liquid through the cup. This method of operation can be quite messy, time consuming and a little frustrating to master, but 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 of technology you will find in immersion circulators, top-of-the-line toasters and is designed to stabilize the brew boiler temperature. This is a fantastic way to take away the guesswork surrounding the optimal brewing temperature.
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 three or two heads that you can see in coffee shops, but in 1997, they introduced the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with some bells and whistles that can take some of that hassle out of brewing.
Fully automatic espresso machines will take care of all the work for you. They'll grind the beans and then tamp them up, pull the shot, and some even steam your milk. However, they can be costly so you will require a decent bank balance to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the best choice if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot at the cafe you love at home is appealing to you. These coffee machines allow you to adjust your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drinks based on how you feel at any given moment.
These machines are outfitted with a portafilter and steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to that of super automatics, however with added manual steps like grinding the beans and putting them into the portafilter. These machines require more skills and know-how to operate as the brew cycle is not automated.
A semi-automatic machine that's good will come with filters that can be removed and an tamper to compress the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water used in the brewing process. You can then alter your shots based on your preferences and the kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look out for in a semi-automatic is the ability to adjust the temperature. This feature allows you to determine the brewing temperature of your coffee beans based on their taste. It also helps you avoid temperature swings which is particularly important when it comes 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. This fluctuation is lowered to 0.1oF by using a PID.
Some of the most expensive models may also include an milk frother to create espresso drinks that are based on milk. This will help you create delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The frothing jug should have a comfortable grip and an spout that makes pouring easy.
You should also choose one with a removable filter basket, as well as a system that automatically doses the ground. You'll be able to avoid the manual grinding and tapping yourself. This will make cleaning the machine easier.