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 love, but they give you total control over the coffee you drink.
They usually include an espresso tamper to smooth the grinds and a steamer to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
We have a broad selection of stovetop coffee makers to aid you in making a fantastic cup. In the UK there are 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. These devices, also referred to as moka pots, use pressure to create an espresso-like cup of coffee, without the messy need for filter papers. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that will enhance any coffee and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
Moka pots have a bottom chamber which is filled with water, while the coffee grounds are placed in a basket that is surrounded by two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the finished beverage is served. As the water in the lower chamber heats up, it pushes through the coffee grounds under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a full and aromatic coffee that is delicious by itself or mixed with sugar and milk.
When buying a mokapot, the first thing you need to think about is the pot's capacity. It is crucial to examine the size of the bottom and the capacity of your basket. A larger unit may require a longer waiting time, while a smaller unit may not be capable of making enough pressure. We suggest that you look at the material the machine is made of. The stainless steel machines are more durable and sturdy but they can cost more.
It is also important to consider whether the appliance is compatible with your preferred heat source, be it electric or gas. Additionally, you might consider looking into the other accessories available like steamer arms for milk that are used to heat 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 is a good way to determine the right size for your needs.
We would also suggest making sure that the moka maker you're considering has a base that is wide enough to be able to fit on your preferred burner. We found that some models, such as the Stelton espresso maker with a collar, had a very narrow base and were difficult to place on a gas stove. On the other hand, wider bases, like those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls as they were found to conduct heat more efficiently and stop it sputtering too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines, which use pods to make espresso, cappuccinos, etc. This is a great choice for those who don't want to deal with messing around with grounds, brewing and cleaning up - they provide a quick, simple and easy method to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands to choose from, such as Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are a variety of different sizes to choose from, so you can suit the size of your beverage and coffee style to your preference. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smallest and is ideal for small spaces. It makes one cup of coffee at a time. There is a larger model that can handle larger cups, however they're more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso offers a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who are looking for a more sophisticated machine that produces better tasting coffee. It's not the cheapest machine, but it makes excellent coffee. It's also simple to use. It has a clever feature which allows it to automatically alter its settings in accordance with the brand of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines we've seen.
If you're looking to explore the entire range of drinks that you can make using a pod coffee maker it is recommended to look for a model that includes a milk carafe. Coffeee will let you explore the possibilities of cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make most popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be more of a unpredictable affair.
If you're considering buying a capsule make sure it is compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket or adapter that can be used to accommodate these smaller pods. Some of the machines in our range include this feature, which means you can use them with Nespresso compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
These are espresso machines that are manual for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look like the original espresso machine, invented in Italy in the early 1900s. They operate by pumping the water manually into a filter, then locking it, and then pushing the water under 9 bar of pressure to create a shot.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. It is necessary to heat the water separately, then pour it into the chamber over pre-ground coffee or pods and then press the lever or plunger down to create pressure and force the liquid into the cup. This method is 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 piece technology you will find in high-end immersion circulators and toasters and is designed to stabilise the temperature of the brew kettle. This is a great method to take away a lot of the guesswork about the ideal temperature of brewing.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other major brands make manual espresso machines. Many who have worked in a cafe or cafe will be familiar with these names. They produce the large commercial espresso machines with two or three heads that you can see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they introduced the Silvia semi-automatic espresso machine that has some bells and whistles that take some of that hassle out of making espresso.
Fully Automatic espresso machines do all of the work for you, they grind the beans, tamp, and pull one shot, and steam your milk at the press of a button, but they can also cost quite a bit of money, so you need to have an adequate amount of cash to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot in your favorite café in your home is appealing to you. These machines allow you to tweak your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks based on how you feel at any given moment.
These machines are equipped with a portafilter as well as steam wand. They have the same brewing process as super automatics, however they require manual processes like grinding the beans and inserting the portafilter. They also require more understanding and skills to operate because the brewing process is not controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine that's good will have an adjustable filter as well as an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water used during the making process. You can also alter the shots to suit your tastes and the type 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 set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It will also help you avoid temperature swings, which is especially important when it comes to the brew boiler. Without a PID controller the temperature of brewing can fluctuate up to 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller the swing is restricted to about 0.1oF.
Some of the more premium models may also include the milk frother to make milk-based espresso drinks. This will help you create delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The frothing jug must have a comfortable grip and an spout that makes pouring easy.
It is also an excellent idea to select a model with a filter that is removable basket as well as an automated dosing system for grounds. This will help you avoid having to do the grinding and tamping manually on your own. This will make cleaning the machine easier.