The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista experience, but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines have electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They also are quick to heat up and don't occupy much counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also comes with a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is a serious machine. It's loaded with features that make it an ideal pick for anyone wanting to move up from the basic Breville espressi machines, or for those who prefer an automated alternative to a manual.
It is equipped with an PID controller that handles the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready to brew at the push of a button. It utilizes a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to get hot in just 3 seconds. This means you can get your coffee faster than other espresso machines at home.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button that controls everything. You can select a single or double shot and also choose the brewing time as well, which is something you have to do manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a classy look, and the small size makes it ideal for those with little space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the accessories you need to start brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only one in this category that can do this, and shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as foolproof as is possible. It will remind you to descal and clean it, ensuring that it runs efficiently.
If you're a novice to espresso, the Bambino Plus is arguably the most suitable affordable home espresso machine. It is easy to use, warms up quickly, and it automatically sends milk to you. Its high price may be too expensive for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's perfect for both novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be thought about.
The Stilosa was below average for its brew control and quality in our brewing metrics. This was due to its small filter baskets and lack of temperature control, both of which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We were impressed by the fact that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.
The unit also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has a built in indicator for the level to let you know when to refill. It's also removable which is useful in the event that you want to clean the tank or when you don't have a sink nearby. This model also has a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming metrics. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of steam and the absence of pre-infusion features. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings, we did appreciate the fact that it doesn't need much maintenance and is backed by a one-year warranty. For the price and the performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a little simpler to use than the other models we've tested, and will save you money over the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, don't you agree?) is a machine made specifically for espresso-curious beginners. This single boiler, pump-driven machine aims to make it simple for anyone to make an espresso shot that is decent without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper and brew group settings using its simple-to-use controls. You can also select between single or double shots and choose the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater in the machine ensures that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system that is integrated with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee for each shot. The system utilizes an integrated sensor to gauge basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If stovetop espresso maker are not confident that you can control the size of the grind and water temperature manually The machine comes with presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the well-known single hole steam wand, that can create stunning latte art. It's the same wand you will find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it works a treat.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or pods. But the Impress does exactly what it claims to do without being too intimidating or taking the joy from making espresso. I'm happy to give it a thumbs up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who are adamant about quality, design and ease of usage. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components and consistent performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee area. It's also a good option for beginners who want to understand the basics of espresso and steaming without being overwhelmed by the complexity of programming and programming.
One of the most striking features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler, which ensures quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a huge impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
Another standout feature is the steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta, which allows you to prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time. This can save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. It also saves energy by only consuming power when it's needed.
This machine also has a pressure gauge on the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, which gives you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is normally reserved for more expensive machines.
Other noteworthy characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank, as well as its energy-saving mode, which can be set in 10-minute increments up to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some customers have complained about the longevity of the machine as well as long repair times. Additionally, some have experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties solving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers a wide variety of specialty drinks that are made at the push of one button. It also makes macchiatos, ristrettos and cappuccinos flat whites, and teas, as well as plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. Its modern brewing technology and sleek color display are just a few of the attributes that set this machine apart from the rest.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and accurately. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics which only offer three or four. But the fact is, the higher range gives you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is important to make a great cup of coffee.
In addition to the powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and a pulse extraction process, both responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process uses short bursts in water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing for full flavor extraction. The coffee is more full and more flavorful than instant coffee made with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks and does so extremely well. It makes excellent, strong espresso as well as a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only drawback is that it cannot produce an adequate latte, which requires high pressure from a steam boiler to create the thick foam.
The machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after each use and it can be programmed to perform an additional cleaning once or twice a year. It will remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.