Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the best method to enjoy the best coffee experience. They're an effort of love, but they give you total control over your coffee.
They also have an espresso tamper for flattening the grinds, as well as a steamer for frothing 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 that can be used on stovetops to help you make the perfect cup of coffee. These machines, also referred to as moka pots use pressure to create an espresso-like cup of coffee, without the need for messy filter papers. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can enhance any type of coffee and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The bottom chamber 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 finished beverage will be served. As the water in the lower chamber heats up, it pushes 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 a fragrant, rich and strong coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with sugar and milk.
When you are buying a mokapot the most important factor to take into consideration is the unit's capacity. It is important that you look at the size of the bottom and the capacity of your basket. A larger pot might require a longer waiting time, while smaller ones might not be capable making enough pressure. We recommend that you consider the material the machine is made of. Stainless steel machines are more durable and sturdy however they cost more.
It is also important to consider whether the appliance is compatible with the heat source, be it electric or gas. Additionally, you might consider looking into any other add-ons that are available, such as steamer arms for milk that can be used to heat and make frothy milk in cappuccinos as well as lattes. You may also want to look at the number of cups that you can make at one time in order to be a useful factor in selecting the right size for your needs.
We also suggest to check the base of the moka maker to ensure it will fit on your burner. Certain models, such as the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a very narrow base which makes it difficult to center the machine on a gas burner. However, larger bases like those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, yield better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls since they were found to transfer heat more efficiently and avoid it from sputtering out too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines which use pods to make cappuccinos, espresso, etc. If you're not a fan of cleaning grounds, cleaning and making coffee this is the ideal solution for you.
You will have to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands to choose from, such as 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 smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and makes one cup at one time. You can get a bigger model that can take larger cups, however they are more expensive.
For a more sophisticated option that also makes better tasting coffee, the Illy Iperespresso is an elegant shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the cheapest machine, but it produces an excellent cup of coffee. It's also very easy to use. It also has an intelligent feature that allows it to recognize the type of pod it is using and automatically adjusts its settings to match it, making it among the most versatile machines in our opinion.
If you're looking to explore the wide range of drinks you can make using a pod coffee maker it is recommended to look for a model that includes a milk carafe. This lets you play with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. You can still make most popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be a unpredictable affair.
If you're considering purchasing a capsule machine be sure to check if it's compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket or adapter to fit these smaller pods. Some of the machines we offer have this feature, meaning you can use them with Nespresso-compatible pods as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
The name suggests that they are manual espresso machines that are for purists. They look like the original espresso machine, invented in Italy in the early 1900s. They are operated by manually pumping the water into a filter, locking it, and then forcing the water under 9 bar of pressure to create an espresso.
A manual espresso maker is usually more of a labor of passion than a capsule machine because they require you to heat the water separately from the coffee, pour it into the chamber above the pre ground coffee or pods, and then press down on the lever or plunger to create pressure and push the water through into the cup below. This method of operation can be quite messy, time-consuming and a bit frustrating to master, but the end result is worth the effort.
machines espresso machines 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 you will find in immersion circulators, top-of-the-line toasters and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew kettle. This is a great method to eliminate a lot the guesswork about the ideal temperature of brewing.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other large names make manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a cafe or cafe are familiar with these names. They produce the large commercial espresso machines with three or two heads that are found in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia semi-automatic manual espresso machine with some bells and whistles that help to alleviate some of the hassle out of brewing.
Fully automated espresso machines can 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 and you'll require a decent cash flow to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the thought of replicating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite café in your own home is appealing and you want to replicate it, then a semi-automatic coffee machine is the right one for you. These coffee machines allow you to adjust your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks based on the way you feel at any given moment.
They come with a portafilter and a steam wand. The brewing process used in these machines is similar to superautomatics, but with added manual steps such as grinding the beans and putting them into the portafilter. These machines require more skill and expertise to operate, because the brewing process is not run in a way that is automated.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will come with an adjustable filter as well as an tamper that compresses the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. It also allows you to manage the amount of water and pressure that is used in the brewing process. You can also alter the shots based on your preferences and the type of coffee beans that you are using.
Another thing to look out for in a semi-automatic is an adjustable temperature control. This feature lets you decide the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on how they taste. It also helps you avoid fluctuations in temperature which is particularly important in the case of the boiler for brewing. Without a PID control, the temperature of brewing can fluctuate by as much as 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 milk-based espresso drinks. This will allow you to make delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The frothing pitcher must have a comfortable handle as well as a spout for easy pouring.
You should also choose an option with a detachable filter basket, and a system that automatically doses the ground. You will be able to avoid doing the manual grinding and tamping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.