We all want an espresso maker that provides exceptional quality and durability and at the same time ensures amazing performance. Stainless steel espresso machines meet all the required parameters. You only need to find a brewer that meets your needs and likings.
To help you do that, we gathered all the important information about the top-rated models on the market. We also included a detailed guide to ensure that you can easily make your decision.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The Rundown
Breville Barista Espresso Machine
★★★★★
With its PID temperature control system, this machine brews espresso within an optimal temperature range.
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De’Longhi Espresso Machine
★★★★☆
Its 15 bar extraction pressure ensures that this espresso machine provides you with a professional-grade performance.
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Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
★★★★☆
With its powerful steam wand, this espresso machine can easily make delicious cappuccinos and lattes too.
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Why Is Stainless Steel Appreciated?
Stainless steel is a highly durable material that is used for manufacturing versatile kitchen appliances, including espresso machines. It provides them with quality and high resistance to corrosion, rust, as well as break and stain damages.
Stainless Steel Vs. Aluminum: Which One Is Better?
While you might think that aluminum fits the same quality level as stainless steel, this is not true. Aluminum espresso machines are lightweight and much more affordable. Due to the continuous use, you will notice that the brewer is starting to rust or corrode. However, stainless steel models feature a much heavier design, are more durable and offer high resistance to rust and corrosion. They are more expensive but provide amazing value for the money.
Benefits Of Having A Stainless Steel Machine
This material offers many benefits that make it a desirable choice. Here are a few:
- attractive appearance – we are all attracted to appliances by their appearance. Stainless models offer a sleek look and provide a bit more elegance to any room.
- lasting lifespan – stainless steel’s durability level ensures that the machine has a lasting lifespan. If you do decide to invest in a stainless espresso brewer you won’t have to worry about buying another machine any time soon.
- no odor or burned plastic smell – stainless steel is a completely odorless material. However, some espresso brewers might be made out of a combination of stainless steel and plastic. If possible, you want to avoid this to ensure that nothing affects the quality of the brewed espresso.
- low maintenance – we all want an espresso machine that is easy to clean in a couple of minutes. Since steel is truly stainless, you will only have to clean the machine’s brewing system.
Things To Consider Before You Choose “The” Espresso Maker
While espresso machines made out of steel look like an amazing choice, there are some features you should think about before you decide which one you want to buy.
Ease Of Use
First things first, you don’t want to buy a steel espresso brewer you don’t know how to use. For instance, if you are only a beginner, you won’t have any use of too many programmable functions. In this case, opt for a brewer that comes with versatile but pre-programmed functions. On the other hand, if you already have some experience in brewing espresso, you might appreciate the higher control that the models with programmable features offer.
Power Rating
For a basic home espresso brewer, a power rating anywhere from 600 to 1200 Watts is a great choice. However, if you want a stainless steel model that provides pro-level performance, consider choosing one with a power rating of around 1500 Watts or even higher.
Brewing Capacity
In general, an espresso machine can pull either a single or a double espresso shot at a time. However, its brewing capacity is determined by the capacity of its water reservoir. It tells you how many espresso shots you can make before needing to refill it. For instance, a 2 liter/68 oz reservoir allows you to brew up to 17 4-oz espresso servings while a 32 oz one provides only up to 8 4-oz cups.
Temperature Control
When it comes to espresso, precise brewing temperature is the most important thing you need to master. For that reason, you want a model with a PID temperature control system that allows you to make precise adjustments. To get the best espresso brewing results, your temperature should be set around 165°F.
Extraction Pressure
Another important feature is extraction pressure. A 9 bar model can easily provide a flavorful espresso brew. However, a more powerful 15 to 20 bar espresso machine allows you to brew barista-style beverages you can only enjoy in professional coffee shops.
Pressure Gauge
This is not a must-have but is an amazing additional feature. A pressure gauge allows you to check exactly how much extraction pressure the machine uses to pull a perfect espresso shot.
Coffee Bean Grinder
A coffee grinder is an amazing addition to any espresso machine. It allows you to brew espresso with the freshest grinds possible. Make sure that the grinder provides versatile settings to ensure that you can choose how coarse or fine you want your grinds to be. To make a perfect espresso shot, you need a fine coffee powder.
Frothing Mechanism
Onto the frothing mechanism, it can either be automatic or manual. Automatic frothing mechanisms don’t provide you with too much room for adjustments but they do the job for you and dispense perfect froth straight into your cup. Manual frothing wands, on the other hand, provide a much higher control level and are more suitable for experimenting with latte art.
User-Friendly Features & Controls
There are versatile user-friendly features and controls that stainless steel brewers for espresso offer. These include:
- adjustable cup sizes
- brew-strength control
- smart tamping station
- versatile coffee grind compatibility
- height-adjustable dispensing spout
- steam control for the frothing system
- the removable bottom drip tray
5 Best Stainless Steel Espresso Machines
The first brewer below comes with a coffee bean grinder and provides amazing semi-automatic performance. The last one is automatic and provides the highest 20 bar extraction pressure. Read on for more detailed information.
Breville Barista Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Weight: 23 Pounds
Wattage: 1600 Watts
Capacity: 4 Pounds
Frother: Manual Wand
This semi-automatic machine provides a very powerful 1600 Watt performance. It uses a specially designed 4-key formula to provide you with versatile barista-style espresso-based beverages. Apart from an espresso, it can brew a delicious cappuccino, latte, and even dispense hot water for americanos, hot chocolate, or tea.
The amazing thing about this model is that it comes with an integrated conical burr grinder that can grind your favorite coffee beans on demand. Its simple grind size dial control allows you to adjust the size of your grinds to your likings.
With its dose control system, the machine automatically grinds and dispenses a perfect amount of coffee, exactly 22 grams, straight into the portafilter. As a result, you will be able to make the perfect espresso shot with every single use.
Pressure:
Functionality:
Safety:
PRICE RANGE
from $300 to $800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- It features a precise digital temperature control system.
- Comes equipped with an integrated smart tamping station.
- A water filter is included in the package to ensure you always get a flavorful espresso brew.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Its milk frothing mechanism does not come with temperature control.
De’Longhi Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Weight: 9.3 Pounds
Wattage: 1300 Watts
Capacity: 1 Liter
Frother: Manual Wand
This stainless steel brewer for espresso and cappuccino features a bit more sleek, space-saving design. This feature makes it an amazing choice for use in somewhat smaller spaces. It features a frothing wand and comes with a small stainless steel milk carafe that will help you make the perfect froth.
It comes equipped with a specially designed 3in1 filter holder you can use to brew a single or a double espresso cup. You can even use it to brew espresso using ESE pods. It uses a high, 15 bar extraction pressure to pull all the delicious flavors from the grinds you use.
Another thing worth knowing is that this brewer is fairly easy to clean. Both its water reservoir and drip tray are completely removable from the machine. Most importantly, they are dishwasher-safe so you don’t have to waste your time cleaning them manually.
Pressure:
Functionality:
Safety:
PRICE RANGE
from $200 to $450
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Features a convenient design with a slim profile.
- Provides you with 3 different temperature settings.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- It is very lightweight so it doesn’t have the needed stability.
- Its frothing results are a bit inconsistent.
Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Weight: 15.42 Pounds
Wattage: 1350 Watts
Capacity: 2 Liters
Frother: Manual Wand
This machine is ideal for home use since it features a simple dial control knob. It allows you to choose whether you want to make a single or a double espresso shot. It also allows you to switch between the steam and hot water option. The small light indicators next to the control dial will let you know when the machine is ready to brew or steam.
With its powerful thermoblock heating technology, it allows you to make a perfect espresso cup with a precise brewing temperature. Most importantly, it provides consistent brewing results so you get to make perfect brew shot after shot.
The top of the machine works as a convenient cup warming tray. This is an amazing feature as it heats your espresso cups. Once heated, they help to maintain the temperature of the brewed espresso for a much longer time.
Pressure:
Functionality:
Safety:
PRICE RANGE
from $280 to $350
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Its shot volume can be calibrated.
- Comes equipped with a consistent thermoblock heating system.
- It provides very efficient and quick heating performance.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Its group head tabs are made out of plastic and are easily damaged.
- The machine does not come with a water sensor.
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Weight: 20 Pounds
Wattage: 1425 Watts
Capacity: 2,1 Liters
Frother: Manual Wand
Apart from its rugged brushed stainless steel housing, this Italian machine also features a commercial-grade three-way solenoid valve, a chrome-plated 58mm brass portability, brew group, and a manual frother. As a result, you get to enjoy exceptional durability levels.
Its milk frothing wand features two holes that are specially designed to provide the perfect amount of steam during the frothing cycle. Thanks to this feature you will be able to choose whether you want to make a silky smooth froth perfect for latte art or a thick froth for cappuccinos.
Although it does not come with an adjustable control panel, this machine for espresso does come with simple rocker switch controls you can use to switch from the brewing to the frothing system. It also has a steam control knob you can rotate to control the amount of pressure that is used to froth the milk.
Pressure:
Functionality:
Safety:
PRICE RANGE
from $450 to $800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- It features simple rocker switch controls.
- Its solenoid valve ensures perfect extraction pressure throughout the brewing process.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- It does not offer any advanced programmable features.
Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine
SPECIFICATION:
Weight: –
Wattage: 1350 Watts
Capacity: 35 Oz
Frother: Manual Wand
Compared to the previously reviewed models, this stainless steel machine under $200 provides the highest extraction pressure during the brewing process. It uses 20 bars to capture all the delicious flavors and coffee oils from the grounds you put into the portafilter.
Another thing worth mentioning is that it uses a low-pressure pre-infusion process. This means that it saturates the grounds at first and then pushes pressurized water through. All this happens very quickly and you are provided with a perfect brew in less than a minute (not including the heating mode).
Even though its water reservoir is located in the back of the machine, it is completely removable. Thanks to this feature you won’t have any trouble refilling it when needed. This also makes it much easier to clean at the end of the day.
Pressure:
Functionality:
Safety:
PRICE RANGE
from $180 to $300
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
REASONS TO BUY:
- Its steaming performance is stable and provides consistent results.
- It provides an additional hot water function.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- It creates as much noise like a coffee grinder.
Life Expectancy Of Stainless Espresso Brewers
This type of machine can easily last you from 5 to 15 years. Apart from the maintenance, you do, and the frequency at which you use it, its lifespan is additionally influenced by the type and the complexity of the machine, and the quality of the brand itself.
How To Make Steel Machine Last Even Longer?
Your stainless espresso maker can last even longer if you maintain its surface properly. Stainless steel material doesn’t require a lot of cleaning, but it’s crucial to clean it properly not to damage the machine. While maintaining it, keep in mind these things:
- You can use mild detergent and warm water.
- Wash it with a soft sponge.
- Be careful not to scratch the surface.
- Don’t forget to switch out the electric machine and remove the cable from the outlet.
- Before next use, dry the machine properly.
To Wrap It Up
To sum everything up, you can not go wrong with Breville Barista Espresso Machine. It comes equipped with a coffee bean grinder, provides you with versatile programmable features and functions, and comes with a frothing wand you can use to make cappuccinos, lattes, etc. Since all models offer exceptional quality and durablity of stainless steel, any of them will last you a long time.
