Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
Espresso machines are the most effective way to get the ultimate coffee experience. They're a labor of passion, but they also give you complete control over the coffee you drink.
They also have an espresso tamper for flattening the grinds, and steamers for frothing milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Stovetop
There are approximately 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day and we have a huge selection of espresso makers for stovetops to help you make the perfect cup of coffee. These devices, 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 coffee, and can be used with milk to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The bottom of the moka pot is filled with hot water. The coffee beans are placed in a basket between two pipes leading to the upper chamber where the brewed beverage will be served. As the water in the bottom chamber boils, it pushes 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 end result is a smoky, rich and strong coffee that is delicious by itself or paired with milk and sugar.
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying moka pots is the capacity of the pot. It is crucial to examine the size of the bottom and the capacity of the basket. A larger unit might require a longer waiting time, while smaller units might not be capable of making enough pressure. We suggest that you consider the material the machine is made of. Stainless steel machines are more durable and strong however they cost more.
You should also consider whether the appliance is compatible with the heat source, be it gas or electric. Additionally, you might consider looking into the other accessories available like steamer arms for milk that are used to heat and make frothy milk in cappuccinos as well as lattes. You may also want to look at the number of cups you are able to make at once, as this can be a useful factor in selecting the right size unit for your needs.
In the end, we 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. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker have a base that is narrow which makes it difficult to align the machine on a gas burner. However, larger bases like those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, give better results. We also preferred those with thicker walls because they were found to conduct heat more efficiently and avoid it from sputtering too fast.
2. espresso coffee maker
In a similar vein similar to stovetop models, there are capsule coffee makers which make cappuccinos, espresso and more with pods. This is a great choice for those who don't want to deal with messing around with grounds, brewing and cleaning up after - they offer an easy, quick and hassle-free way to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
You will need to buy the coffee pods on your own, but there is a wide selection on the market from brands like Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There are various sizes to choose from so you can select the size and kind of coffee that best suits your taste. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small spaces and makes one cup at a time. You can get a bigger model that can hold larger cups, however they are more expensive.
Illy Iperespresso is a stylish alternative for coffee lovers who prefer a sophisticated machine that makes better tasting coffee. It's not the cheapest machine however it produces an excellent cup of coffee and it's easy to use as well. It has a clever function which allows it to automatically alter its settings in accordance with the brand of pods it's using. This makes it one of the most adaptable machines we've seen.
If you want to explore the full menu of drinks that you can make with a pod coffee machine It is worth looking for a model with a milk carafe. This will let you experiment with cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of other drinks. You can still make the majority of popular drinks with a capsule machine, but it will be a more unpredictable affair.
If you're thinking of buying capsule coffee machines be sure that it's listed as compatible with ESE pods. This will usually mean it comes with a basket, or adapter to accommodate these smaller pods. Certain machines in our range include this feature. This means that you can use the machine with Nespresso compatible pods, and also Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pods.
3. Manual
These are manual espresso machines for those who are a bit more discerning. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy back in the early 1900's and are operated by manually pumping water into the portafilter and locking it, after which forcing water to 9 bars of pressure creating a shot of espresso.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labour of affection than a capsule maker since they require you to heat the water in a separate manner from your coffee, pour it into the chamber over the ground coffee or pods and then press down on the lever or plunger to create pressure and push the water through into the cup below. This method is messy, time-consuming and a little 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 technology is present in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilize brew boiler temperatures. This is a great way to take away the uncertainty about the optimal temperature of brewing.
Rancilio, La Pavoni and other big names produce manual espresso machines. Most people who have worked in a coffee shop or cafe will be familiar with these names. They make the massive commercial espresso machines that have two or three heads that are found in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia semi-automatic manual espresso machine with a few bells and whistles that help to take some of that hassle out of making espresso.
Fully automated espresso machines do all the work for you. They grind the beans, tamp, and pull shots and steam your milk too all at the touch of a button. However, they will also cost you an astronomical amount of money therefore you'll need an adequate balance in your bank to be capable of affording one.
4. Semi-Automatic
If the thought of replicating a perfect espresso shot from your favorite café in your own home is appealing to you, then a semi-automatic machine is the right one for you. These coffee machines permit you to adjust your preferences over time and dial in your espresso drinks according to how you feel at any given time.
The machines are equipped with a portafilter and a steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to that of super automatics but with some additional manual steps, such as grinding the beans and putting them into the portafilter. These machines require more skill and know-how to operate since the brewing process is not automated.
A good semi-automatic machine will include a portafilter that is removable and a tamper that is capable of compressing the coffee grounds inside the portafilter before making. You can also regulate the amount and the pressure of water used during the making process. You can also alter the shots based on your preferences and the type of coffee beans that you are using.
A semi-automatic should also include a temperature control that can be adjusted. This feature lets you set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on their taste. It also allows you to avoid temperature swings, which is especially important when it comes to the boiler for brewing. The temperature of the brew can vary by up to 20oF between cups if there is no PID controller. With PID controllers, this swing is limited to approximately 0.1oF.
Some of the more premium models may also include an milk frother to create espresso drinks based on milk. This will allow you to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing jug should be able to be held comfortably and have an spout that makes pouring effortless.
You should also choose a model with a removable filter basket and an automatic system to dose the ground. This will help you avoid needing to do manual tamping and grinding on your own. It also makes cleaning the machine much easier.