5 Best 19 Bar Espresso Machines: High Extraction For Optimal Results

If you are a true espresso lover you know how to appreciate a perfect brew. However, to achieve it, you need to have an espresso machine that has enough strength to extract all the delicious flavors from your coffee grounds.

That is why a 19 bar espresso machine is worth investing in. It can easily pull a perfect espresso shot with a rich top crema. Answers to how to make a perfect espresso shot, what grounds to use, how that crema is made, and many other questions you might have are all found below.

The Rundown

What Does 19 Bar Mean?

The bar pressure in an espresso machine determines how much force is exerted upon the coffee grounds inside the portafilter. For instance, a 19 bar machine creates a pressure equal to 19 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level to force the water through the coffee grounds. This pressure affects the strength of espresso and the amount of crema.

How Many Bars Do Basic Models Offer?

A basic or a home espresso machine generally creates about 7 to 9 bars of extraction pressure.

Is 19 Bar Extraction Pressure Good Enough?

Not only is it good, but it will allow you to make delicious brews you would otherwise get only from coffee shops. Since the water is forcefully pushed through the grounds you get to enjoy all the flavors that would otherwise remain trapped inside the grounds.

Is 20 Bar Extraction Pressure Better?

You might notice the difference in the espresso density and the crema quality between a 15 bar and a 19 bar machine. However, when it comes to brewing performance, there is no difference between a 19 bar and 20 bar espresso machine.

Let Us Talk About Benefits And Downsides

There are many benefits to having a powerful 19 bar model. First of all, you get to enjoy a dense espresso brew with every pull you make. Secondly, the rich taste you will get from the brew is uncanny. You will achieve the delicate crema that a lower-bar brewer simply can’t create.

The only downside of having a brewer with high extraction pressure is that you might accidentally end up burning your grounds and as a result get the burned flavor in your cup. However, with some practice, this won’t happen.

Additional Things You Should Consider

If you are set on buying a 19 bar pump espresso machine, here are some things you might want to keep in mind to ensure that you make the right choice:

How Much Kitchen Space Do You Have?

Firstly, we need to talk about design and size. You don’t want to end up with a brewer you can’t fit atop your countertop surfaces. A 6.7 x 16.1 x 12.2-inch model takes up little space and works great atop any countertop surface. A somewhat larger, 14 x 16.5 x 18.5-inch model is a bit bulkier, but it can still fit in standard-size kitchens.

Quality And Durability

Although plastic models are fine and can work well for many years to come, they are generally more susceptible to damage. If you opt for a stainless steel model, you can be sure that it won’t get damaged by rust, corrosion, scratches, dents, fingerprint stains, etc.

Consider Its Power Rating

Espresso machines with a power rating between 1000 and 1500 Watts (or even higher) provide great brewing results. Although they do use more power, they also ensure a much faster heat-up process. Don’t settle for a brewer with a power rating lower than 900 Watts as it won’t provide you with as good brewing results.

Does The Brewer Come With A Pressure Gauge?

While this is not a necessity, it is a user-friendly feature that some models have to offer. It allows you to check the brewing pressure to ensure that the machine’s performance is always at its best.

Is Grinder Included?

Even though this is not the case for all models, a lot of 19 bar brewers do come equipped with an additional coffee bean grinder. They are the perfect choice for everyone who wants the opportunity to brew espresso straight from their favorite beans.

Frothing System

Onto the frothing system, espresso machines with a 19 bar pressure either come with a frothing wand or an automatic frothing system. The former is manually controlled and is a great choice if you want to have a shot at latte art. The latter automatically dispenses perfect milk froth straight into your espresso cup.

Programmable Performance

When possible, make sure that the machine you buy offers a programmable performance. That way you will be able to choose what kind of a brew you want to make (a single or double espresso shot, etc.), choose the desired brewing cup size, adjust the strength of the brew, etc.

Safety Features

In general, 19 bar machines are fairly easy and safe to use. However, there are some features you can look for if you need additional reassurance. For instance, brewers with an automatic shut-off program automatically turn off after the brewing process is completed, a non-slip base ensures that the brewer stands firm atop the surface, etc.

5 Best 19 Bar Espresso Machines

Each of the listed models will provide you with amazing performance. The only question is what design and size of an espresso machine you’re searching for. The reviewed models come in different styles and dimensions so you can choose the best for you easily.

Breville Creatista Espresso Machine

The great thing about this automatic model is that it is made out of stainless steel material that provides it with exceptional quality and durability. It comes equipped with an additional milk carafe you can use to make perfect milk froth for espresso/milk-based beverages.

Its simple control panel is mounted atop the machine and is controlled using a small rotating dial knob. It provides you with 8 different brewing recipes, 11 adjustable milk temperatures, and 8 froth textures to ensure you can steam milk to the desired consistency.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this 19 bar brewer features a height-adjustable drip tray. This is a great feature as it allows you to brew small espresso shots and larger cappuccino cups without spilling coffee all over the machine.

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Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker

This 19-bar machine for the espresso features a very simple control panel with push control buttons. It allows you to choose between pre-programmed settings for espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. It also allows you to activate a self-cleaning system that takes care of the frothing system.

Its frothing system is fully automatic. You are only required to fill the milk reservoir. A small rotating control knob allows you to adjust the thickness of the froth to your likings. Once the milk is frothed, the nozzle will automatically dispense it straight into your cup.

The great thing about this model is that it is very easy to clean. All its parts are completely removable from the machine. This means that you can easily clean them under tap water. Once everything is clean, make sure that you thoroughly dry the parts up and put them back in their place.

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EspressoWorks Espresso Maker

This is another espresso machine with a 19 bar extraction pressure that provides a simple control panel. All its buttons come with backlit indicators that help you make the desired adjustments. Since its milk frothing system is automatic, you can count on amazing froth texture.

The included coffee bean grinder allows you to freshly grind your favorite coffee beans right before you start the next brewing process. It comes in a convenient size to ensure that you can easily store it away or even carry it with you while you are traveling.

Apart from the grinder, this brewer comes equipped with a set of double wall espresso and cappuccino cups. The package also includes single and double-shot filter baskets and a coffee tamper that will help you apply the perfect amount of pressure onto your grounds.

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Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine

This commercial-grade model comes with a powerful internal Thermo coil heating system. Due to this feature, it will provide you with an optimal brewing temperature and allow you to enjoy consistent brewing results no matter how many shots you decide to make.

Its stable, 19 bar pressure ensures that you will get to enjoy all the delicious flavors from your grounds inside every cup. The machine even features a pressure gauge that allows you to check the pressure during the brewing process.

The great thing about this model is that it comes both with a milk frothing wand and an additional hot water dispenser. This means that you will be able to use it to make a quick americano or even brew a cup of tea or make hot chocolate.

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De’Longhi Specialista Espresso Machine

Since this espresso machine provides a semi-automatic performance, it is a perfect choice for those with some brewing experience. You can use it to brew espresso, coffee, americano, lattes, cappuccinos, or even to make flat whites. Its versatile options are very easy to program and control using the control panel.

It offers both an automatic frothing system and an additional manual frothing wand you can use to enjoy a higher control level. The former uses a patented LatteCrema system to create the perfect froth. The latter is manually controlled and can come in very handy if you want to have a go at creating latte art.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this brewer comes with a powerful coffee bean grinder and offers smart sensor grinding technology. It automatically dispenses the perfect amount to coffee grinds straight into the portafilter. It provides you with 8 different settings to ensure that you find your perfect grind size.

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What Else Can You Brew Using These Machines?

19 bar espresso brewers are not made only for espresso. Since they come with a milk-steaming function, you can use them to make delicious cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, etc. Models that are additionally equipped with a hot water spout can make a delicious americano, tea, and hot chocolate as well. Your options are truly endless.

Except For 19 Bars, How Many Bars Of Pressure Is Good For Espresso?

The lowest pressure that ensures good performance and provides a good-tasting espresso is the pressure of 9 bars. It’s also the most common pressure of espresso machines, especially for home use. Another most common pressure level is 15 bars which doesn’t differ much from 19 bars. Therefore, all the machines with a pressure of 9-20 bars are worth considering.