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 a labour of love but allow you to control every aspect of your coffee.
They typically come with an espresso tamper that helps flatten the grinds and steamers to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
There are around 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day. We have a fantastic range of espresso makers for stovetops to help you brew a great cup of coffee. These devices, also referred to as moka pots use pressure to make an espresso-like cup of tea without the hassle of filter papers. These simple and easy to use devices will enhance any coffee, and can be used with milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
The bottom of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee grounds are placed in a basket between two pipes leading to the upper chamber, where the final drink will be served. When the water in the bottom chamber boils, it is pushed through the grounds of the coffee under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water seeps upwards. The result is an aromatic rich and robust coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or with sugar and milk.
When buying a mokapot, the first thing you need to consider is the unit's capacity. It is essential to examine the size of the bottom and the capacity of your basket. A larger pot may require a longer waiting time, while a smaller unit might not be capable of creating enough pressure. It is also recommended to look at the material that the machine is constructed from since 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 your chosen heating source, whether electric or gas. Also, you may be interested in any other add-ons that are available, like steamer arms for milk that can be used to heat and froth milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You may also consider the amount of cups you are able to make in one sitting, as this is a good way to determine the ideal size for your needs.
Lastly, we would recommend to ensure that the moka pot you are considering will have a wide enough base to be able to fit on your preferred burner. We found that some models, such as the Stelton collar espresso maker had a very narrow base 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, gave better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls since they were found to carry heat more efficiently and stop it sputtering too quickly.
2. Capsule
Similar to stovetop models there are capsule coffee machines that make espresso, cappuccinos and more using pods. If you aren't a fan of messing with grounds, cleaning and brewing, this is the perfect option for you.
You'll need to purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands available, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are a variety of different sizes to choose from and you can tailor your drink size and coffee type to your personal preference. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small areas and makes one cup at a time. You can get a bigger model that can handle larger cups, however they're more expensive.
If you want a more sophisticated alternative that also makes better tasting coffee it is recommended to use the Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee lovers. It's not the cheapest machine, but it makes a great cup of coffee. It's also simple to use. It also has an intelligent feature that lets it detect the type of coffee it's using and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly, making it one of the most versatile machines in our opinion.
You should choose an item with a milk carafe in case you want to try out all the drinks you could make with a pod maker. This lets you play with lattes, cappuccinos and a variety of other drinks. You can still make the majority of popular drinks using capsule machines, but it will be more of a unpredictable affair.
If you're thinking of buying a capsule, check that it is compatible with ESE pods. It will come with a basket or adapter that fits these smaller pods. Some of the machines in our collection have this feature, which means you can use them with Nespresso-compatible pods, as well as Dolce Gusto or Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
These are manual espresso machines for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look similar to the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's. They are operated by manually pumping water through a portafilter and locking it, after which pushing water under 9 bars of pressure to create an espresso shot.
Manual espresso makers are often more labor-intensive than capsule machines. You have to heat the water separately, pour it in the chamber above the coffee or pods that have been ground and then press the lever or plunger down to create pressure and push the liquid through the cup. This method of operation can be quite messy, time-consuming and a bit frustrating to get right however the end result is 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 type of technology you will find in immersion circulators, top-of-the-line toasters, and is designed to stabilise the temperature of the brew kettle. The great thing about this is that it eliminates much of the guesswork about the optimum brewing temperature and lets you dial in your espresso with accuracy.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other large names make manual espresso machines. The majority of people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe are familiar with these names. They manufacture the huge two or three group head commercial espresso machines you'd find in a cafe however in 1997 they introduced the Silvia, which is an automatic, semi-automatic espresso machine that has some bells and whistles to alleviate some of the stress out of the brewing process.
Fully automated espresso machines can do all the work for you. They'll grind the beans and tamp them before pulling the shot, and some even steam your milk. But they are expensive so you will require a strong bank balance to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the thought of replicating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite café at home strikes a chord, then a semi-automatic machine is the right choice for you. These machines allow you to alter your preferences over time and adjust your espresso drink based on your mood at any moment.
They come with a portafilter and a steam wand. These machines have the same brewing process as superautomatics, however they require manual processes such as grinding the beans and putting in the portafilter. They also require more understanding and skills to operate as the brewing process is not controlled automatically.
A semi-automatic machine that's good will have filters that can be removed and an tamper to compress the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to brewing. You can also control the amount and pressure of water used in the making process. coffee machines espresso can adjust your shots to your own preferences, and to the particular kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another thing to look out for in a semi-automatic is an adjustable temperature control. This feature allows you set the brewing temperatures for your coffee beans based on the way they taste. This will also allow you to avoid temperature swings. This is vital especially with regards to the boiling brew. The temperature of the brew can vary by as much as 20oF between cups if there is no PID controller. With PID controllers this swing is limited to about 0.1oF.
Some of the top models also come with the milk frother to make espresso drinks based on milk. This allows you to make delicious lattes and cappuccinos. The frothing jug should be comfortable to hold and have a spout to make pouring effortless.
It is also recommended to select one that has a removable filter basket as well as an automated dosing system for the ground. This will prevent you from needing to do grinding and tamping manually on your own. It also makes cleaning the machine easier.