Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're seeking the ultimate coffee experience, you can't beat an espresso machine. They're a labour of love but they give you control over every aspect of your coffee.
They also have an espresso tamper for flattening the grinds, and steamers for frothing milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
We have a wide range of stovetop coffee makers to 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, utilize pressure to produce an espresso-like cup of coffee without the messy need for filter papers. These simple and easy to use appliances can enhance any coffee, and can be used with milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
Moka pots come 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 bottom chamber boils, it pushes through the coffee grounds under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water seeps upwards. The result is a smoky rich and robust coffee that is delicious on its own or with milk and sugar.
The most important thing to bear in mind when buying a moka pot is the capacity of the unit. It is important to make sure the size of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket will be sufficient for your needs as larger units will require a longer wait time while a smaller one may not be able generate enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the material the machine is made from because stainless steel machines are sturdier and more durable however they come with a higher price tag.
Other considerations are whether the appliance can work with the source of heat you prefer (gas or electric) and any extra add-ons that might be available, such as steamer wands for milk that are used to heat and froth milk to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is also worth considering the number of cups you are able to make in one go, as this can be a great way to determine the right size unit for you.
Lastly, we would recommend making sure that the moka maker you're considering has an adequate base that will be able to fit on your preferred burner. Certain models, such as the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a very narrow base which makes it difficult to align the machine on a gas burner. However, bases with a wider width like those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, give better results. We also favored models with thicker walls as this was found to conduct the heat more effectively and prevent it from spreading out too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines, which make use of pods to make cappuccinos, espresso, etc. If you aren't a fan of making mess with grounds, cleaning, and making coffee this is the best solution for you.
You will need to buy the coffee pods separately, but there are a variety available from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are a variety of different sizes to choose from and you can tailor the size of your beverage and coffee type to your own preference. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smaller model and is perfect for small spaces. It makes one cup of coffee at one time. You can get a bigger model that can hold larger cups, however they're more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso is a chic alternative for coffee lovers who want a more sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It's not the cheapest machine, but it makes an excellent cup of coffee. It's also simple to use. It also features a clever feature that lets it recognise the type of pod it's using and automatically adjusts its settings to match it, making it among the most versatile in our opinion.
You should choose a model that comes with a milk cup if you're looking to test all the drinks you could make with a pod machine. This will let you explore the possibilities of cappuccinos and lattes. You can still make these popular drinks using a capsule machine without a milk cup, but it'll be more than a hit and miss affair.
If you're considering buying a capsule make sure it is compatible with ESE pods. It will come with an adapter or basket that can be used with these smaller pods. Some machines in our range include this feature. This means that you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto and 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 similar to the OG espresso machine that was invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and operate by manually pumping water into a portafilter, locking it, then forcing water to 9 bars of pressure to create a shot of espresso.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. It is necessary to heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber above pre-ground coffee or pods, and then press the plunger or lever down to create pressure and push the liquid into the cup. This method of operation can be quite messy, time consuming and a bit 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, high-end toasters and is designed to stabilise the temperature of the brew kettle. The great thing about this is that it takes away a lot of the guesswork around the optimal temperature for brewing and allows you to adjust the temperature of your espresso with accuracy.
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 manufacture the huge two or three group head commercial espresso machines that you find in a coffee shop however in 1997 they introduced the Silvia, which is an automated, semi-automatic machine with a few bells and whistles to alleviate some of the stress out of the brewing process.
Fully automated espresso machines will do all the work for you, they grind the beans, tamp and then pull one shot, and steam your milk all at the press of a button but they can also cost quite a bit of money, so you must have a decent bank balance to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for you if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot from the cafe you love at home appeals to you. These machines allow you to adjust your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks according to your mood at any given moment.
They come with a portafilter and a steam wand. These machines share the same brewing process as superautomatics, however they require some manual steps like grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. These machines require more skills and knowledge to operate, as the brew cycle is not run in a way that is automated.
A good semi-automatic machine will have a removable portafilter and a tamper that is capable of compressing the ground coffee inside the portafilter prior to making. It also lets you to manage the quantity of water and the pressure used in the brewing process. This means you can customize your shots to your own preferences and the kind of coffee beans you are using.
A semi-automatic must have the ability to control temperature that can be adjustable. This feature lets you decide the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. It also allows you to avoid temperature fluctuations which is crucial when it comes to the brew boiler. Without a PID control, the temperature of the brew can vary by up to 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller the swing is restricted to around 0.1oF.
Some of the most expensive models may also include a milk frother for creating milk-based espresso drinks. This can help you make delicious lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The pitcher that froths should be able to handle comfortably and an spout that allows for easy pouring.
It is also recommended to select one that has a removable filter basket as well as an automated dosing system for grounds. You'll be able avoid the manual grinding and tapping yourself. This will make cleaning the machine easier.