Espresso Machines - The Best Espresso Makers in the UK
If you're looking for the ultimate coffee experience, there's no better than an espresso machine. They're an effort of love, but they allow you complete control over the coffee you drink.
They typically include an espresso tamper to flatten the grinds, and a steamer to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Stovetop
There are around 98 million cups of coffee consumed in the UK every day and we have a wide selection of espresso makers that can be used on stovetops to help you brew an excellent cup of coffee. They are also known as moka pots. these machines use pressure to create an espresso-like coffee, without the need for messy filter papers. They are a simple and easy-to-use device that can improve any kind of 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, which is between two pipes leading to the upper chamber where the final drink will be served. When the water in the lower chamber boils, it is pushed through the coffee grounds under pressure that is high. The aromas are released into the upper chamber as the water flows upwards. The result is a rich and aromatic coffee that can be consumed on its own or with sugar and milk.
The most important thing to bear in mind when purchasing moka pots is the capacity of the unit. It is crucial to make sure that the dimensions of the bottom chamber as well as the capacity of the basket is adequate for your needs since a larger unit will require a long wait time, whereas a smaller model might not be able to generate enough pressure. We also suggest looking at the material the machine is made of since stainless steel machines are more robust and durable, but they also come with a higher price tag.
You should also consider whether the appliance is compatible with your chosen heat source, be it gas or electric. Additionally, you might be interested in any other add-ons that are available, like steamer arms for milk that are used to heat up and foam milk in cappuccinos and lattes. You might also want to consider the number of cups you can make at once in order to be a helpful factor when selecting the right size unit for you.
In the end, we recommend checking that the moka pot you are considering has an adequate base that will fit on the burner you are considering. Some models, like the Stelton collar coffee maker, have a narrow base that makes it difficult to place the machine on a gas stove. However, wider bases, such as those of the Bialetti venus and London Sip stovetop coffee makers, give better results. We also preferred those that had thicker walls, as this was found to transfer heat more effectively and prevent it from spreading out too fast.
2. Capsule
Similar to the stovetop models, there are capsule coffee makers that can make cappuccinos, espresso 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 purchase the coffee pods separately. There are many brands to choose from, including Nespresso Dolce Gusto, and Tassimo. There are also different sizes available, so you can suit your drink size and coffee type to your own preference. The smallest model is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, which is ideal for small areas and can make one cup at one time. A larger model is also available which can also hold larger cups but will cost more.
For a more sophisticated option that also yields better tasting coffee The Illy Iperespresso is an elegant alternative for coffee lovers. It's not the cheapest machine however it produces a superb cup of coffee and is simple to use too. It also comes with an intelligent feature that lets it detect the type of pod it is using and automatically adjusts its settings to match, making it among the most versatile in our opinion.
You should look for one that comes with a milk cup if you want to try out the various drinks you can make using a pod machine. This will let you experiment with cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks. You can still make popular drinks with a capsule machine, but it will be a than a hit-and-miss experience.
If you're interested in getting capsule coffee maker ensure that it is listed as compatible with ESE pods. This usually means it has a basket or adapter to fit these smaller pods. Some of the machines we offer have this feature, which means 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 operated manually designed for those who prefer a more traditional approach. They look like the OG espresso machine invented in Italy in the early 1900's. They operate by manually pumping water through the portafilter, locking it, then forcing water to 9 bars of pressure to create a shot of espresso.
A manual espresso maker is typically more of a labour of love than a capsule machine because they require you to heat the water separately from your coffee, then pour it into the chamber over the coffee that has been ground or pods and then press down on the plunger or lever to create pressure and push the water through into the cup below. This method of operation can be quite messy, lengthy and sometimes a bit difficult 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 found in immersion circulators and high-end toasters. It is designed to stabilize the temperature of the boiler used to brew. The benefit of this is that it eliminates much of the guesswork around the optimum brewing temperature and lets you dial in your espresso with accuracy.
There are a few big 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 large commercial espresso machines with two or three heads that you see in coffee shops. However, in 1997, they launched the Silvia semi-automatic manual espresso machine that comes with some bells and whistles that can alleviate some of the hassle out of brewing.
Fully automatic espresso machines will do all the work for you. They'll grind the beans and tamp them before pulling the shot, and even steam your milk. However, they can be costly so you will require a decent budget to be able to be able to afford one.
4. Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines are a great choice if the idea of recreating the perfect espresso shot from the cafe you love at home appeals to you. These coffee machines permit you to alter your preferences as time passes and adjust your espresso drinks based on your mood at any time.
These machines come with a portafilter and a steam wand. The brewing process in these machines is similar to that of super automatics, however with added manual steps like grinding the beans and inserting them into the portafilter. These machines require more skill and knowledge to operate, as the brew cycle is not run in a way that is automated.
A semi-automatic machine which is good will have a removable filter and an tamper to compress the coffee grounds inside the portafilter prior to making. It also lets you to control the quantity of water and the pressure used during the brewing process. This means that you can tailor your shots according to your personal preferences and to the specific kind of coffee beans you are using.
Another feature to look for in a semi-automatic machine is the ability to adjust the temperature. This feature lets you set the brewing temperature for your coffee beans based on their taste. It also helps you avoid temperature swings which is crucial for the boiler that brews the coffee. Without a PID control, the temperature of brewing can fluctuate by as much as 20oF from one cup to the next. This fluctuation can be reduced to 0.1oF with a PID.
Some of the most expensive models may also include an milk frother to create espresso drinks based on milk. This lets you make delicious lattes and cappuccinos. espresso machine with grinder Coffeee frothing pitcher must have a comfortable handle and a spout for easy pouring.
It is also recommended to select a model that has a removable filter basket as well as an automated dosing system for the ground. You'll be able avoid doing the manual grinding and tapping yourself. It also makes cleaning the machine much easier.