

BEST EXPRESSO MACHINE UNDER PROFESSIONAL
The Professional offers two ways to steam milk, and you can easily swap between them. Not only does it make it harder to buy accessories, but it only supports a dose of about 14 g. This is probably my biggest complaint about the Professional.

This machine comes with both single and double-shot baskets, though with a smaller-than-standard 52 mm diameter. But that wait is short it heats in about 5 minutes. It’s a single boiler espresso machine, so you have to wait between pulling espresso and steaming milk. I use it to ensure consistent extraction and experiment with pressure profiling. Larger households will appreciate the size increase, but everyone will enjoy the pressure gauge. The Professional is an up-market follow-up to the popular Europiccola, adding a pressure gauge and doubling the capacity. I’ve tested a number of them, but I can’t help but remain loyal to the classic La Pavoni. Lever espresso has been enjoying a bit of a moment of late, and there are many new models on the market. Sure, it’s not quite as easy as a semi-automatic, but I think mastering it is part of the fun!
BEST EXPRESSO MACHINE UNDER MANUAL
If you’re the kind of espresso lover who appreciates the control and satisfaction that only a manual machine can provide, you’re sure to enjoy the La Pavoni Professional. I like this from a design perspective, but it gets tiresome if you like to adjust the temperature frequently. Handmade in Milan, Italy, Rocket espresso machines have an old-school vibe and elegant styling, which is why the PID controller is hidden behind the drip tray ( 3). One thing I love about Rocket is their commitment to the aesthetic. But more importantly, it makes this one of the quietest heat exchangers I’ve tested. For one, it means you can plumb it directly or rely on the 98-ounce water reservoir. The Giotto Evoluzione R uses a rotary pump, which is rare in heat exchanger machines and a welcome surprise. That includes a reliable E61 group, PID temperature control, and an easily adjustable OPV.

It’s super versatile, delivering everything I want in a high-quality espresso machine without any cost-increasing extras. The Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R is my pick for the best heat exchanger espresso machine on the market this year. So they’re a great way to get more bang for your buck. Heat exchange espresso machines are less expensive than comparable dual boilers but still allow you to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time. But having tested them both, the Linea Mini gets my vote unless you’re really pressed for space. There was some fanfare recently around the release of the smaller Linea Micra, with some reviewers suggesting it might render the Mini obsolete. It’s available in seven colors, and built-in barista lights make your espresso shot feel like a Broadway star. It has IMPECCABLE Italian styling that makes it stand out from the shiny stainless crowd. So I was disappointed to find that it’s just a nice-looking on/off switch.įrom a quality perspective, there’s nothing to fault on the Linea Mini. I assumed the paddle on the group allowed for flow control, or at least for manual pre-infusion. But after a few tries, I could steam milk for a latte in under 30 seconds – the quickest of any machine tested! I’m pretty sure my first attempt landed some milk on the ceiling.

It’s so powerful that it took some practice to control. You cannot tell the difference in end texture between and the Strada that we have in the cafe.
