The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect choice for someone who doesn't have barista expertise but would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They also are quick to heat up and don't take up a lot of counter space.
This model comes with a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes steam wand, commercial grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its adorable name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's loaded with features that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or need an alternative that is more automated than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to do the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to brew when you press the button. It utilizes a technology known as Thermo jet which allows it heat up in only 3 seconds. This means that you will make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines for home use.
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to control everything. You can select a single or double shot, and you can also determine the time of brewing that you have to do manually like other espresso machines in this price range. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a classy look, and the small dimensions make it ideal for anyone with limited countertop space or a tight kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to begin brewing. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper and a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and it shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as foolproof as possible. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it, ensuring that it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those who are new to the world of espresso. It's easy to use, warms up quickly, and then automatically texts milk for you. The high cost of the product could be difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an affordable and well-rounded manual espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it does have a few disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration.
In our metrics for brewing, the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We liked the fact that this unit can be heated quickly and that the spout is able to be adjusted to a good height.
The unit also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It is removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access a sink. The model also comes with an adjustable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming measurements. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of the steam, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see that it is easy to maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to a home coffee bar. It's easier to use than other models we've tried and can save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name, don't you think?) This machine is designed for beginners who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pump-driven machine is designed to make it easier for anyone to get a decent espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of setting the grinder, tamper and brew group settings by using its easy-to-use controls. You can select between single and double shots, and the temperature you prefer. A thermocoil heating system built into the machine guarantees that your espresso will be ready in less than 30 seconds, which is a lot quicker than the half hour that the majority of traditional single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that is integrated with the tamper, automatically adjusts the amount of ground coffee for each shot. The system makes use of sensors to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're less confident about the ability to control the grind size, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets to help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the well-known single hole steam wand, which can produce some pretty stunning latte art. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods however, the Impress does what it sets out to do without becoming intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making an excellent espresso. I'm satisfied with it and I'm giving it a thumbs-up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who value quality design, style and convenience. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and constant performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee bar. Beginners will also benefit from this machine as it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is especially important for espresso, as small fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a huge impact on the taste and quality of your coffee.
Another noteworthy feature is separate thermoblock in Diletta's steaming that allows you to make espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This can help you save time and ensure that your milk has the right consistency. This can save energy since it only draws energy only when it is required.
This machine also features an indicator of pressure at the head of the group, which is a nice feature that lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can also adjust the OPV for a finer extraction. This is a feature normally reserved for machines that cost more.
Other important features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean side-accessible water tank and its energy-saving mode, which can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some customers have reported issues with the longevity of this machine and long repair times. In addition, some have received poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering a wide variety of specialty drinks that can be prepared with a single button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto and flat whites along with tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and sleek color display.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans with speed and precision. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics that only offer 3 or 4. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency, which is essential for a great cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an advanced pre-infusion process. These two components make for a cup of espresso that is consistently high quality. The PEP process is a method of forcing water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The resulting cup is richer and fuller, as well as more flavorful than your typical instant coffee made by Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and does it very well. It produces excellent, strong espresso as well as a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only real drawback is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which really needs the high pressure of steam boilers to make the thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as most super-automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after every use, and it can be programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind to change the espresso makers filter every 80 drinks.