Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the best way to have the best coffee experience. They're an effort of love, but they allow you complete control over the coffee you drink.
They typically come with an espresso tamper that helps smooth the grinds and a steamer to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
We offer a variety of stovetop coffee makers that can aid you in making a fantastic cup. In the UK there are 98 million cups of coffee are consumed each day. Also known as moka pots, these devices utilize pressure to make espresso-like cup of coffee without the need for messy filter paper. They are a simple, easy-to-use device that can enhance any coffee, and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The ground coffee is placed in a basket that is between two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the brewed beverage will be served. As the water in the lower chamber boils, it pushes through the grounds of the coffee under high pressure. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water seeps upwards. The end result is an aromatic, rich and strong coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or with sugar and milk.
When you are buying a mokapot the first thing you need to take into consideration is the unit's capacity. It is essential to look at the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger pot might require a longer waiting time, while smaller ones might not be capable creating enough pressure. It is also recommended to look at the materials the machine is constructed from because stainless steel machines are sturdier and more durable however they come with a higher cost.
Other factors to consider is how the appliance will function with the source of heat you prefer (gas or electric) and any extra accessories that are available, such as steamer wands for milk that can be used to heat and froth milk to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also advisable to look at the number of cups that you can make at one time, as this can be an important factor in selecting the best size unit for you.
We would also suggest checking that the moka pot you are considering will have an adequate base that will fit on the burner you are considering. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a very narrow base which makes it difficult to place 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 that had thicker walls, as this was found to conduct the heat more efficiently and stop it from spreading out too fast.
2. Capsule
There are also capsule coffee machines, which make use of pods to make cappuccinos, espressos, etc. This is an excellent option if you don't want to have to deal with messing with brewing, grounds and cleaning up after - they offer an easy, quick and easy method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods on your own, but there are a variety on the market from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are also different sizes available to allow you to tailor the size of your beverage and the type of coffee to your own preference. The smallest is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and makes one cup at a time. A larger model is also available which can also hold larger cups but will cost more.
For a more sophisticated choice that also produces better tasting coffee it is recommended to use the Illy Iperespresso is an elegant shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the most expensive machine, but it does make an excellent cup of coffee. It's also very easy to use. It has a clever feature that lets it automatically alter its settings in accordance with the type 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 you can make using a pod coffee maker, it's worth looking for a model that comes with a milk carafe. This lets you play with lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks. You can still make the majority of popular drinks with capsule machines, however it will be a unpredictable affair.
If you are interested in buying a capsule, check that it is compatible with ESE pods. It will have an adapter or basket that can be used with these smaller pods. Some of our models include this feature. This means you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods as well as Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
Like the name suggests, these are espresso machines intended for those who are a bit more strict. They look like the OG espresso machine, which was invented in Italy in the early 1900's. They operate by manually pumping water through the portafilter and locking it, after which pushing water under 9 bars of pressure, resulting in an espresso shot.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, pour it into the chamber above the coffee or pods that have been ground 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, lengthy and sometimes a bit difficult 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 you will find in high-end immersion circulators and toasters, and is designed to stabilise the brew boiler temperature. The benefit of this is that it eliminates a lot of the guesswork about the ideal temperature for brewing and lets you dial in your espresso with precision.
There are a few major brands that make manual espresso makers, the likes of Rancilio and La Pavoni are familiar names to most people who will have worked in a cafe or coffee shop. They produce the massive two or three group head commercial espresso machines that you would find in a cafe however in 1997 they introduced the Silvia which is a semi-automatic, manual espresso machine that has some bells and whistles that help ease the burden out of the brewing process.
Fully automatic espresso machines do all the work for you, they grind the beans, tamp, pull a shot and some will steam your milk at the touch of a button. However, they also cost quite a bit of money, therefore you'll need an adequate balance in your bank to be capable of affording one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option when the idea of replicating the perfect espresso shot at your favorite cafe in your home is appealing to you. These machines let you adjust your preferences over time and also adjust the amount of your espresso drink based on your mood at any moment.
These machines are outfitted with a portafilter, and steam wand. The brewing process used in these machines is similar to that of super automatics, however with added manual steps such as grinding the beans before putting them into the portafilter. They also require more knowledge and skills to operate because the brewing process is not controlled by a computer.
A good semi-automatic will come with a portafilter that can be removed and a tamper for firmly compressing the coffee grounds inside the portafilter before making. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water used during the brewing process. This means you can adjust your shots according to your personal preferences and the type of coffee bean that you are using.
Another thing to look out for in a semi-automatic is the ability to adjust the temperature. This feature lets you determine the brewing temperature of your coffee beans based on their taste. It also helps you avoid temperature swings, which is especially important for the boiler that brews the coffee. Without a PID controller, the temperature of brewing can fluctuate up to 20oF from one cup to the next. With a PID controller, this swing is limited to approximately 0.1oF.
A few of the more expensive models include a milk froth to make espresso drinks based on milk. This lets you make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing pitcher should have a comfortable handle and a spout for easy pouring.
You should also choose a model with a removable filter basket, as well as a system that automatically doses the ground. This will help you avoid having to perform manual tamping and grinding on your own. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.