Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're looking for the best coffee experience, you can't beat an espresso machine. They're an act of love, but they allow you total control over the coffee you drink.
They typically include an espresso tamper to smooth the grinds and a steamer to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
We have a wide range of stovetop coffee makers to assist you in making a perfect cup. In the UK, approximately 98 millions cups of coffee are consumed each day. These machines, also referred to as moka pots use pressure to produce an espresso-like cup of coffee without the need for messy filter papers. These simple and easy to use appliances can enhance any coffee and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
Moka pots have an inner chamber that is filled with water, and the coffee is placed in a basket in between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber, where the final beverage is served. When the water in the bottom chamber heats up, it pushes through the grounds of the coffee under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The end result is a fragrant rich and robust coffee that is delicious on its own or mixed with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to bear in mind when purchasing moka pots is the capacity of the pot. It is essential to make sure that the size of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket are sufficient for your needs as larger pots will require a long wait time, whereas a smaller model may not be able to create enough pressure. We recommend that you also consider the material the machine is made of. Stainless steel machines are more durable and stronger however they cost more.
Other factors to consider is whether the appliance will work with the heat source you choose (gas or electric) and any other add-ons you might have like milk steamer wands which can be used to heat and froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You might also want to consider the number of cups you are able to make in one go, as this can be a useful factor in selecting the right size for your needs.
In the end, we recommend checking that the moka pot you're considering has a wide enough base to fit on the burner you are considering. We discovered that certain models, like the Stelton collar espresso maker had a very narrow base and were difficult to center on a gas burner while larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and London Sip stovetop espresso makers, provided better results. We also preferred models with thicker walls as this was found to transfer heat more effectively and prevent 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 perfect option for you.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands to choose from, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are best espresso maker of different sizes to choose from and you can tailor the size of your cup and coffee style to your personal preference. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smaller model and is perfect for small spaces. It can make one cup of coffee at one time. There is a larger model that can take larger cups, however they're more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso is a chic 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 a superb cup of coffee and is simple to use too. It has a clever function that allows it to automatically alter its settings in accordance with the brand of pods it is using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines in our opinion.
If you want to explore the full menu of drinks that 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 other drinks. You can still make most popular drinks with a capsule machine, but it will be a more than a hit-and-miss experience.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee maker, make sure it is listed as compatible with ESE pods. It will have an adapter or basket that fits 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 intended for those who are a bit more strict. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and operate by pumping water manually into a portafilter before locking it and forcing water to 9 bars of pressure creating an espresso shot.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, then pour it into the chamber above the coffee or pods that have been ground and then push the lever or plunger down to create pressure and push the liquid through the cup. This process can be complicated, time-consuming, and difficult 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 temperature of the boiler used to brew. This is a great method to eliminate a lot the uncertainty about the optimal brewing temperature.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. Many 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. However, in 1997, they introduced the Silvia, a semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with a few bells & whistles that take some of that hassle out of brewing.
Fully automatic espresso machines will complete all the work for you. They'll grind the beans and then tamp them up, pull the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they can be costly and you'll require a decent bank balance to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for you If the idea of re-creating the perfect espresso shot in your favorite café in your home appeals to you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences as time passes and also adjust the amount of the espresso you drink according to your mood at any moment.
These machines are equipped with a portafilter and steam wand. They have the same brewing process as super automatics, but they require manual steps like grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. These machines require more skills and know-how to operate as the brew cycle is not automated.
A good semi-automatic should have a removable portafilter and a tamper to help in compressing the coffee grounds inside the portafilter before making. It also lets you to regulate the quantity of water and the pressure used during the brewing process. You can also alter the shots to suit your tastes and the type of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look for in a semi-automatic is an adjustable temperature control. This feature lets you determine the brewing temperature of your coffee beans based on the way they taste. This will also allow you avoid temperature fluctuations. This is important, especially when it comes the brew-boiler. Without a PID control, the brew temperature can swing by as much as 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller this swing is limited to approximately 0.1oF.
Some of the more premium models will also include an milk frother to create espresso drinks based on milk. This will allow you to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing pitcher must be able to handle comfortably and an spout that allows for easy pouring.
It is also an excellent idea to select a model with a filtering basket as well as an automated dosing system for grounds. This will prevent you from having to perform grinding and tamping manually on your own. It will also make cleaning the machine much easier.