If you want to improve your home coffee brewing experience, you're in for a treat. In this blog post, I present prosumer coffee machines, which blend professional and essential consumer features.
We'll first look at the features that define a prosumer coffee maker, including key characteristics to look out for, pricing, and value for money. Then, I'll share in-depth product reviews to help you find the ideal pick. If you're short on time, here are my top three picks in Australia.
My Top Picks
I reviewed six prosumer coffee machines in this article. Here are the three best options among the lot:
Rancilio Silvia Pro X
Best overall prosumer coffee machine with a dual boiler, PID control, wake-up function, integrated display, and an adjustable low-pressure preinfusion.
Rocket Espresso R58
Best prosumer espresso machine for commercial use with commercial-grade components, dual insulated boilers, touchscreen PID control, and a rotary pump.
Nuova Simonelli Musica
Best prosumer coffee machine for home use and pop-up coffee stands with a stainless steel heat exchange boiler, 3 L capacity, and backlit buttons.
What is a Prosumer Coffee Machine?
A prosumer coffee machine falls between consumer-grade and professional-grade coffee makers. The term "prosumer" combines "professional" and "consumer" into a single word.
Prosumer coffee makers have more advanced features and technology, greater control over brewing variables, and sturdier build quality than basic consumer-grade coffee makers.
Features of a Prosumer Coffee Machine
Here are the key distinguishing features of prosumer coffee machines to help inform your purchase decision.
- They often have a Dual Boiler System to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.
- They replace the traditional Pressurestat with PID Temperature Control for precise digital control.
- They feature an E61 Group Head, which maintains thermal stability and enables pre-infusion by gradually building up pressure.
- They offer Pressure Profiling, allowing manual control over extraction pressure for experimenting with flavor profiles.
- They’re built with Sturdy and Aesthetic Construction, using materials like stainless steel, with polished finishes and refined design elements.
- They use Commercial-Grade Portafilters that ensure even coffee distribution and better extraction for smoother, richer shots.
- They come with an Advanced Steam Wand that delivers more power and control for perfect milk frothing and latte art.
Keep in mind that prosumer coffee machines vary significantly in terms of features, capabilities, and price. So these features don't apply to all options available on the Australian market.
6 Prosumer Coffee Machines for Aussies
The following are some of the best prosumer coffee machines in Australia. I considered each model's performance, unique features, ease of use, and value for money to shortlist these picks. Each machine helps you brew the perfect cup or experiment with various brewing methods.
#1 - Rancilio Silvia Pro X
Best Overall Prosumer Coffee Machine
Build material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1100 Watts
User interface: Button
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X makes it easy to brew great espresso and steam milk at the same time, thanks to its dual boiler system. One boiler handles the coffee (300 ml), and the other (1 litre) is just for steam. It also uses smart PID temperature controls to keep both boilers at an ideal temperature. Each boiler has its own control, and you can adjust both from the display, which doubles as a built-in shot timer, so you know exactly how long your espresso is pulling.
Rancilio's Silvia Pro X has a clear display that shows the exact brew temperature as you make your coffee. Its buttons are simple and easy to use. Plus, you get a water level alert that lets you know when the water is running low, so you are never caught off guard. And when it’s time to clean, the water tank comes right out, making the whole process quick and easy.
For a rich and intense aroma, the espresso maker features an adjustable low-pressure preinfusion function, providing more control over the quality of your coffee shot. To use it, start the shot as usual, and the machine will gently soak the coffee puck with low pressure before ramping up to full pressure. You can adjust the duration of this preinfusion.
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X also features a pressure gauge to experiment with different brewing pressures, and a programmable wake-up function that automatically powers the coffee maker.
What Can Improve?
Rancilio's 300ml brew boiler volume is relatively small for a machine of such high quality. A 500ml capacity would've been more suitable.
Rancilio Silvia Pro X: Final Verdict
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is my top pick among prosumer coffee machines for its performance in brewing espresso and steaming milk. Its key features, such as the dual boiler, PID temperature control, preinfusion, and shot timer, make it one of the best espresso makers in Australia.
#2 - Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Type V
Best Heat Exchange Boiler
Build material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1200 Watts
User interface: Button
The Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Type V ships with a copper heat exchange boiler with a 1.8-litre capacity and a cold water tube. When you pull a shot, fresh water is drawn from the reservoir, pulled through this pipe, and heated up to the desired temperature for espresso. The importance is that every shot is made with fresh, clean water, not water that has been sitting in a boiler, which enhances the taste and performance of the machine.
Just like the Rancilio Silvia Pro X, the Giotto Timer Type V comes with a PID controller that keeps the brewing temperature steady and reliable. You can adjust the temperature using the built-in display. This gives you control, regardless of the roast or coffee style you’re working with. And as the name suggests, the “Timer” feature lets you program and track your shot time, making it easier to pull consistent, precise espresso every time.
Rocket's espresso coffee machine features numerous additional details that enhance its functionality. One is the stainless steel cup frame to place your coffee mugs on the machine. Another is the no-burn steam wand. There is also a metal tamper, a bottomless portafilter, and two pressure gauges for the boiler and the pump, offering more control over your shots.
What Can Improve?
There are two significant drawbacks from my evaluation and research of the espresso machine: the drip tray size and the price point.
- Small drip tray: The Giotto Timer Type V espresso machine's small drip tray means you'll need to empty it more often. This often result in a lot more mess as the drip tray continues to fill up quickly.
- Expensive at over $3000: Paying over $3,000 (close to $4,000, actually) is quite expensive for a coffee maker, especially since it's a single heat exchange boiler.
Rocket Giotto Type V: Final Verdict
The Rocket Espresso Giotto Type V is a prosumer machine that closely follows the Rancilio Silvia, albeit it has a single boiler, which falls short of the robust dual boiler and PID offered by Rancilio.
On the upside, the coffee maker features a robust copper heat exchange boiler and PID control, along with a shot timer, two pressure gauges, and a stainless steel cup warmer, which is a thoughtful addition. I recommend it for offices and businesses more than as a home coffee maker.s
#3 - Ascaso Dream PID Coffee Machine
Best Value Prosumer Coffee Machine
Build material: Stainless Steel and Aluminium
Wattage: 1100 Watts
User interface: Button
The Ascaso Dream PID has a retro design, bright colour options, and an illuminated water tank. But it’s more than just good looks. It delivers good performance, making it my pick for the best value prosumer coffee machine in Australia since it costs just around $2,000.
For starters, it features programmable shot buttons. You can set the preinfusion time, single and double shots, and even the standby mode for consistent, café-quality espresso every time, at the push of a button. It uses a thermoblock heating system, which heats water quickly and efficiently, reducing wait times. The coffee maker's PID controller also provides precise temperature control in one-degree increments, ensuring a consistent brewing temperature.
If you're looking to refine your barista skills at home, the Ascaso Dream PID has an interesting feature: an adjustable Over-Pressure Valve (OPV). This external screw lets you set the maximum pressure for brewing your espresso, adding an extra layer of customisation to experiment with.
What Can Improve?
The PID Programmable Espresso Coffee Maker also falls short on two fronts: a limited water reservoir and a steep learning curve.
- Limited reservoir size: More reservoir volume is always better for convenience, especially if you make multiple drinks a day. Other prosumer machines offer 600 ml to 900 ml more.
- Sharp learning curve: With a good degree of programmability, the coffee maker requires a degree of getting used to it.
Ascaso Dream PID: Final Verdict
The Ascaso Dream PID Coffee Machine combines functionality with style, affordability, and a retro design. Its advanced features, like the adjustable OPV and precise temperature control, make it ideal for the home barista. However, it might be a bit complex for beginners.
Darren Sherwood
#4 - Rocket R58 Cinquantotto
Best for Commercial Use
Build material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1000 Watts
User interface: Touchscreen and Button
The R58 Cinquantotto is feature-rich and an ideal pick for commercial use. Here's why I recommend the espresso coffee maker for baristas.
First, it has strong, stainless steel, café-quality parts. It features an E61 group head, which maintains a steady water temperature during brewing. This helps bring out the full flavour of the coffee and gives more control over the extraction, something serious baristas care about.
It's also a dual boiler system, so you can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time without losing heat or pressure. This is particularly important when preparing multiple drinks quickly, such as in a café setting. You get a detachable touchscreen controller that makes it easy to adjust temperatures and other settings. And with a built-in shot timer and automatic on/off options, you can focus on pulling great shots without worrying about timing everything.
The R58 espresso maker also has a quiet rotary pump that is smooth and professional to use. It can be connected directly to a water line, which is truly helpful for baristas, so you don’t keep refilling the water tank. If you’re running a small setup or training as a barista, the R58 offers the features and reliability you need to make excellent espresso every time.
What Can Improve?
At over $5,000, the R58 is certainly a significant investment. While it's an excellent choice for those deeply passionate about coffee, it can be a stumbling block for beginners or casual enthusiasts.
Rocket R58 Cinquantotto: Final Verdict
The R58 Cinquantotto Espresso Machine is a strong, high-end espresso machine with many features for commercial use. It has double boilers, a detachable touchscreen, and a plumbable machine.
For learning coffee enthusiasts and baristas, the Rocket R58 espresso maker is a premium choice that enhances your coffee brewing experience. It features an ergonomic design, heavy-duty portafilters, and a suite of commercial-grade features for professional use.
#5 - La Pavoni PC-16 Professional
Best With A Manual Lever
Build material: Brass and Chrome
Wattage: 950 Watts
User interface: Button
The La Pavoni PC-16 Espresso Machine is affordable than many high-end prosumer machines. Yet, it’s made of strong, high-quality materials, including stainless steel, brass, copper, and shiny chrome. It's also a manual machine that allows you to make espresso by hand. So, you learn and appreciate the process. You control every step of the espresso-making process, from the first drop of water to the final pour in your cup.
La Pavoni allows you to adjust the pressure and duration of your coffee brew manually, helping you refine your coffee-making skills. You also get to decide how fast or slow the water flows, which can all change the taste of your coffee. To be honest, the experience is more personal. If you enjoy taking your time and being involved in every step, you'll love the espresso maker.
Aside from that, the PC-16 features a sizable 16-cup boiler, capable of producing sufficient steam pressure and hot water for multiple espresso shots. There's a pressure gauge on the front of the machine and a steam wand for your desired microfoam texture. But there is no fretting here. There is an automatic frothing function you can use on the go.
What Can Improve?
Before investing in the La Pavoni PC-16 Professional, take note of the following drawbacks from my evaluation:
- It's not a dual boiler: The first limitation of the PC-16 is that you can't brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.
- Small group head: The PC-16 features a 52 mm group head, which is slightly smaller than the standard 58 mm. It holds less coffee and affects how much espresso you can make in one shot.
- Steep learning curve: Lever machines like the PC-16 challenging for beginners. It takes time and practice to pull great shots consistently, but mastering this skill is part of the allure for many.
La Pavoni PC-16: Final Verdict
The La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine offers a hands-on experience for making espresso. Instead of pushing a button, you use a lever to brew your coffee, which feels more involved and personal.
It may take some practice, but the more you use it, the better your coffee will become. So, if you enjoy doing things by hand and want to feel more involved in your coffee-making process, the PC-16 provides that opportunity. With practice, you'll produce truly excellent espresso.
#6 - Nuova Simonelli Musica
Best for Pop-Up Coffee Stands
Build material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1200 Watts
User interface: Backlight Buttons
The Nuova Simonelli Musica Pour-Over Espresso Machine is ideal for home baristas and small commercial setups, such as pop-up coffee stands or mobile carts. It has a shiny stainless steel finish, backlit buttons, and a compact design. In the kitchen, it looks great on the counter.
If you're wondering what a “pour-over” coffee maker is, it simply means the machine doesn’t need to be connected to a water line. Instead, you fill the built-in water tank yourself. This is the main reason — it's convenience — I recommend it for pop-ups, food trucks, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with plumbing. Just plug it in, fill it up, and you’re ready to brew.
Inside, the espresso machine is powered by a heat exchange boiler to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. It heats up quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to get started. Another highlight is its preinfusion system, which gently moistens the coffee grounds before pressure, and the front pressure gauge, which provides real-time feedback while pulling a shot.
Nuova Simonelli's portafilter also feels solid and professional, and you have the option of both single and double-shot filter baskets. The machine's steam wand is powerful and easy to move, making it easy to froth silky milk for cappuccinos or create microfoam for latte art.
What Can Improve?
One thing to keep in mind is that the machine runs hot due to the heat exchange system and the thermosiphon group head. That means you’ll need to do a quick “cooling flush,” i.e., running a bit of water through the group head before pulling your shot, especially if it’s been sitting idle. It’s a small step, but something you’ll want to get in the habit of.
Nuova Simonelli Musica: Final Verdict
For a coffee machine that combines professional quality with the flexibility of a pour-over setup, the Nuova Simonelli Musica is a sensible choice. It suits home users who want café-level espresso, small events, and pop-up setups, thanks to its portability, fast performance, and zero plumbing requirements.
The coffee maker also has programmable shot volumes, a beautiful design, and reliable performance.
Are Prosumer Espresso Machines Worth It?
Whether a prosumer coffee machine is worth it depends on your individual preferences, coffee-making goals, and budget. However, here are some points to consider if you're still undecided.
1. Coffee Quality
Prosumer coffee machines provide precise control over the brewing process, resulting in high-quality espresso and coffee. A prosumer machine is ideal if you're passionate about coffee and crave cafe-quality beverages at home.
2. Control and Customisation
Prosumer machines offer advanced features, including PID temperature control, pressure profiling, and precise brewing parameters. If you enjoy experimenting with different coffee beans, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles, these machines offer the control and flexibility you need.
Darren Sherwood
3. Durability and Longevity
Prosumer machines are constructed from premium materials and components, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting. They are a solid choice if you want an espresso machine that can withstand daily use for years to come.
4. Convenience
Prosumer machines require some level of expertise and hands-on brewing, which may not suit everyone's lifestyle. An automatic coffee maker is a better fit if you prefer a more straightforward coffee-making process.
Darren Sherwood
5. Barista Skills
To fully appreciate the capabilities of a prosumer coffee machine, having basic barista skills is beneficial. It can be a rewarding journey, but only if you're interested in learning and improving your espresso-making skills.
6. Budget
Prosumer coffee machines tend to be more expensive than standard consumer-grade coffee makers. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in your coffee setup. Be prepared for additional costs, such as a quality grinder and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about prosumer coffee machines.
What is a prosumer coffee machine, and how does it differ from a standard consumer-grade coffee maker?
A prosumer coffee machine is a high-quality espresso machine for enthusiasts who want to achieve a higher level of coffee preparation at home. It differs from standard consumer-grade coffee makers in terms of features, build quality, and performance. Prosumer machines often have advanced brewing capabilities, dual boilers, PID temperature control, and commercial-grade components.
What's the advantage of having a dual boiler system in a prosumer coffee machine?
A dual boiler system allows the espresso machine to have two separate boilers for brewing and steaming. This ensures that each boiler can operate at its optimal temperature, providing precise control over both functions simultaneously. It also eliminates the need to wait for the boiler to change temperatures between brewing and steaming.
Why is PID temperature control important in a prosumer coffee machine?
PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control helps maintain consistent and accurate brewing temperatures. It also prevents temperature fluctuations, ensuring the espresso is extracted at the ideal temperature for the best flavour. With PID control, you can fine-tune the temperature settings to match the specific coffee beans being used, resulting in more consistent and flavourful shots.
What is the E61 group head, and why is it commonly found in prosumer espresso machines?
The E61 group head is associated with exceptional thermal stability and pre-infusion capabilities. It helps maintain a consistent temperature during extraction and provides a gentle pre-infusion of water onto the coffee grounds. Many prosumer machines have the E61 group head to enhance espresso quality.
What types of coffee drinks can I make with a prosumer coffee machine?
Prosumer coffee machines are capable of making most coffee drinks. You can brew espresso shots for traditional drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. You can also use the steam wand to froth milk for creamy lattes and create other specialty drinks like macchiatos and cortados. Some prosumer machines offer pressure profiling capabilities to experiment with different extraction profiles.
Darren Sherwood
Final Thoughts
As a former professional barista who loves a great cup of coffee, I’ve spent a lot of time working with some of the best coffee machines available in Australia.
To choose the right one, consider things like features, design, and how involved you want to be in the brewing process. Likewise, keep in mind that with prosumer-level performance often comes a higher price tag. So you must balance your budget with what you truly value in a machine.
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