Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective method to enjoy the best coffee experience. They are an effort of love, but they allow you complete control over your coffee.
They usually include an espresso tamper to smooth the grinds and steamer to froth the milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
We offer a variety of stovetop coffee makers that will aid you in making a fantastic 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 create an espresso-like cup of coffee, without the messy need for filter papers. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that will enhance any type of coffee and can be combined with milk to make cappuccinos or lattes.
The lower chamber of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee grounds are placed in a basket between two pipes that lead to the upper chamber where the brewed beverage will be served. When the water is boiling in the bottom, it forces itself through the grounds at high pressure. It then seeps into the upper chamber, where the aromas are released for you to enjoy. The result is a smoky aromatic coffee that you can enjoy on its own or with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a moka pot is the capacity of the unit. It is essential to examine the dimensions of the bottom as well as the capacity of your basket. A larger model may require a longer waiting time, whereas smaller units might not be capable building up enough pressure. We also recommend looking at the material the machine is made of, as stainless steel machines tend to be sturdier and more durable but come with a higher price tag.
You should also think about whether the appliance is compatible with your chosen heat source, whether it's electric or gas. Additionally, you might want to look at any other add-ons that are available, like steamer arms for milk that can be used to heat and make frothy milk in cappuccinos as well as lattes. It is also worth considering the number of cups you can prepare in one go, as this is a great way to determine the ideal size unit for you.
We also suggest to check the base of the moka maker to ensure it fits on your burner. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker have a very narrow base which makes it difficult to center the machine on a gas burner. However, bases with a wider width like those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, yield better results. We also preferred those that had thicker walls, because this was proven to transfer heat more effectively and prevent it from spreading out too quickly.
2. Capsule
There are capsule coffee machines that make use of pods to create espresso, cappuccinos, etc. This is a great option when you don't want deal with messing around with brewing, grounds, and cleaning up - they provide a quick, simple and hassle-free method of getting your caffeine fix in the morning.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately, but there are a variety available from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are a variety of sizes available and you can pick the size and type of coffee that is best for your taste. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small areas and can make one cup at one time. There is a larger model that can handle larger cups too, but they're more expensive.
For a more sophisticated option that also yields better tasting coffee it is recommended to use the Illy Iperespresso is a chic shortcut for coffee snobs. It's not the cheapest machine, but it produces excellent coffee. It's also simple to use. It also has a clever feature that allows it to recognise the type of coffee it's using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly it, making it one of the most versatile in our opinion.
If you want to explore the entire range of drinks you can prepare using a pod coffee maker, it's worth looking for a model with a milk carafe. This will allow you to experiment with lattes, cappuccinos and a variety of other drinks. You can still make the most popular drinks using a capsule machine without a milk carafe, but it's more of a hit-and-miss affair.
If you're considering purchasing capsule coffee machines be sure that it's marked as compatible with ESE pods. It will come with a basket or adapter that will fit these smaller pods. Some of the machines in our collection 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 espresso machines that are for purists. They look like the original espresso machine created in Italy in the early 1900s. They operate by pumping the water manually into a filter, securing it, and then forcing the water under pressure of 9 bar to create an espresso.
Manual espresso makers are generally more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, then pour it in 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 is 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 technology is present in high-end immersion circulators and toasters. It is designed to stabilize the temperature of the boiler used to brew. This is a great method to take away a lot of the guesswork about the ideal brewing temperature.
There are a few major companies that manufacture 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 three or two 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 some bells and whistles that help ease the burden out of the coffee making process.
Fully Automatic espresso machines do all the tasks for you, they grind the beans, tamp, and pull a shot and some will steam your milk too all at the press of a button. However, they can also cost quite a bit of money, so you need to have a decent bank balance to be in a position to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are the ideal option If the idea of re-creating the perfect espresso shot in your favorite cafe in your home is appealing to you. These coffee machines allow you to alter your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drinks according to how you feel at any given moment.
These machines are outfitted with a portafilter and a steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to super automatics, however with added manual steps such as grinding the beans and inserting them into the portafilter. They also require more knowledge and skills to operate since the brew cycle is not controlled automatically.
A good semi-automatic machine will come with a portafilter that can be removed and a tamper that is capable of compressing the ground coffee inside of the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water you use during the brewing process. You can then customize your shots based on your preferences and the kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look for in a semi-automatic is the ability to adjust the temperature. Coffeee lets you set the brewing temperatures for your coffee beans in accordance with how they taste. This will also help you avoid temperature fluctuations. This is important especially with regards to the boiling brew. Without a PID control, the temperature of brewing can fluctuate by up to 20oF from one cup to the next. The swing is lowered to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the higher-end models come with a milk frother to create milk-based espresso drinks. This will allow you to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. The pitcher that froths should be able to handle comfortably and a spout for easy pouring.
You should also select an option with a detachable filter basket and an automatic system to dose the ground. This will save you from having to do the manual tamping and grinding on your own. It will also make cleaning the machine much easier.