Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're seeking the ultimate coffee experience, there's nothing better than an espresso machine. They're an effort of passion, but they also give you total control over your coffee.
They have an espresso tamper that can flatten the grinds, as well as steamers for frothing milk in lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
There are 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day. We have a wide selection of espresso makers that can be used on stovetops to help you brew a great cup of coffee. Known as moka pots, these machines make use of pressure to produce an espresso-like cup of coffee without the need for any messy filter papers. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can improve any kind of 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 and the coffee is placed in a basket between two pipes leading to the upper chamber where the beverage is served. When the water is boiling in the bottom, it pushes itself through the grounds at high pressure and seeps up into the upper chamber where the aromas are released to you to take pleasure in. The result is a smoky, aromatic coffee that can be consumed by itself or mixed with milk and sugar.
When you are buying a mokapot the most important thing to think about is the pot's capacity. It is important to make sure the dimensions of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket will be adequate for your needs since a larger unit will require a longer waiting time, while a smaller one might not be able to generate enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the material that the machine is made from because stainless steel machines are sturdier and more durable but come with a higher price tag.
You should also think about whether the appliance is compatible with the heat source, be it electric or gas. Additionally, you might consider looking into any additional add-ons available like steamer arms for milk that are used to heat and froth milk in cappuccinos and 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 right size for your needs.
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 base that was narrow and were difficult to put in the proper spot on a gas stove. On the other hand, larger bases, such as those of the Bialetti Venus and the London Sip stovetop espresso makers, produced better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls since this was found to transfer heat more efficiently and prevent it from exploding too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines which use pods to make cappuccinos, espresso, etc. If you're not a fan of making mess with grounds, cleaning, and brewing this is the best solution for you.
You will have to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are a variety of brands available, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are a variety of sizes to choose from so you can select the size and kind of coffee that best suits your preferences. The smallest of these is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and can make one cup at a time. You can also get a larger model that can handle larger cups too, but they are more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee snobs who are looking for a more sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It's not the most expensive machine, but it does make an excellent cup of coffee. It's also easy to use. It comes with a clever feature that lets it automatically adjust its settings based on the type of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most flexible machines in our opinion.
If you're looking to explore the entire range of drinks you can prepare with a pod coffee machine It is worth looking for a model with a milk carafe. This lets you play with cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks. You can still make these popular drinks using a capsule maker without a milk carafe but it'll be more of a hit-and-miss affair.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee maker be sure that it's listed as compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket or adapter that can be used to accommodate these smaller pods. Certain machines in our range have this feature. This means you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods and also Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
As the name suggests these are manual espresso machines intended for those who are a bit more strict. They look like the original espresso machine created in Italy in the early 1900s. They operate by pumping the water manually into a filter, then locking it, and then forcing the water under 9 bar of pressure to make shots.
Manual espresso makers are generally more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, then pour it into the chamber above pre-ground coffee or pods and then push the plunger or lever down to create pressure and force the liquid through 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 technology that can be found in immersion circulators, high-end toasters, and is designed to stabilize the temperature of the brew kettle. This is a great method to eliminate a lot the guesswork surrounding the optimal temperature for brewing.
There are a few major brands that make manual espresso makers, the likes of Rancilio and La Pavoni are familiar names to many who have worked in a cafe or coffee shop. They manufacture the huge commercial espresso machine s with two or three heads that you see in coffee shops, but in 1997, they launched the Silvia, a semi-automatic espresso machine that has a few bells & whistles that can alleviate some of the hassle out of making coffee.
Fully Automatic espresso machines do all of the tasks for you, they grind the beans, tamp, pull shots and steam your milk all at the push of a button, but they will also cost you quite a bit of money, therefore you'll need a decent bank balance to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option for you if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot at the cafe you love at home appeals to you. These machines allow you to adjust your preferences over time and adjust your espresso drink according to your mood at any given time.
They include a portafilter as well as a steam wand. These machines share a similar brewing process to super automatics, however they require some manual steps like grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. They also require additional knowledge and skills to operate as the brewing process isn't controlled by a computer.
A good semi-automatic should come with a portafilter that can be removed and a tamper to help in compressing the ground coffee inside the portafilter prior to brewing. It also allows you to regulate the quantity of water and the pressure used in the brewing process. You can then customize your shots to suit your tastes and the type of coffee beans that you are using.
Another feature to look for in a semi-automatic coffee maker is the ability to adjust the temperature. This feature lets you set the brewing temperatures for your coffee beans in accordance with how they taste. This can help you avoid temperature swings. This is crucial, especially when it comes the brew-boiler. Without a PID controller, the brew temperature can swing by up to 20oF from one cup to the next. This fluctuation is lowered to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the more premium models may also include an milk frother to create espresso drinks that are based on milk. This will help you create delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. The frothing pitcher should have a comfortable handle and an spout to make it easy to pour.
You should also choose one with a removable filter basket, and a system that automatically doses the grounds. You will be able to not have to do the manual grinding and tamping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine much easier.