Buying an espresso machine is a decision that stays with you for a while. The machine is on the counter every morning. It's worth understanding what you're choosing.

The difference is in the degree of control. With the Sage Barista Express or Barista Pro, the grinder is built in and you decide how fine and how much. You get to know the coffee by working with it. With machines like the Sage Dual Boiler or the Lelit Bianca, you have two boilers - one for espresso, one for steam. That means you have steam power ready immediately and can prepare coffee and milk at the same time. The Lelit Bianca adds flow control on top of that: you decide how the water moves through the coffee bed. More variables, more possibilities - and more to learn.

For those who want to go further: Wendougee. Blommers is the Dutch importer of this brand. The Lita and the Data S are prosumer machines - built for home use, but without compromise on precision. Two boilers, solid construction, designed for the long term.

What sets them apart is E-Bar connectivity. Control pressure, flow and temperature from your phone or tablet, build profiles and save what works. The machines communicate with the Milo Play grinder, so every variable in the process is adjustable - from grind to extraction. As precise or as straightforward as you want it to be.

This is the segment for the home barista who takes the hobby seriously.

There is no best espresso machine. Just one that fits how much control you want, how much you want to learn and how long you want it to last.

At Blommers we sell machines we know ourselves. During our barista workshops you learn to understand espresso dialling. If you're unsure about your choice, we're here to help.