The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic alternative for those who do not have barista experience but still desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up much counter space.
This model is programmable with a volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also comes with a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its cute name the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's packed with features, making it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or want a more automated alternative than manual.
It uses a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready to brew at the push of a button. It uses a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to heat up in only 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to get your coffee faster than other home espresso machines.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind, which is why there's just one button that controls everything. You can choose a single or double shot and also choose the brewing time as well, which is something you're required to do manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a classy appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with limited counter space or a smaller kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to begin making your own. This includes a steel 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It demonstrates how Breville intends to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as they can. It has reminders to descaling and clean it, so that it runs smoothly.
If you're just beginning to learn about espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal entry-level home espresso machine. It's simple to use, warms up quickly, and then automatically sends milk to you. However, its high price tag may put it beyond the reach of some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an affordable and well-rounded manual espresso machine that's suitable for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.
The Stilosa was below average for its brew control and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, and the lack of a temperature control. Both of these factors make it difficult to customize extraction. However, we did like the fact that it's not a long time for the machine to warm up and also that it provides the ability to adjust in the spout's spout's height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with a built-in indicator for the level so you can tell when it's time to refill. It is removable, which is beneficial if you have to clean it or don't have access an indoor sink. This model also has a drip pan that is removable, which allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of steam and the lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings we did like the fact that it doesn't require any maintenance and is covered by a one-year warranty. In terms of price and performance the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than other models we've tried and will save you money over paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is designed for beginners who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and brewing consistency.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper and brew group settings with its easy-to-use controls. You can also choose between single or double shots and pick your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine guarantees that your espresso will be ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines require to be at temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that communicates with the tamper to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to measure basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you aren't sure about your ability to control the grind size and temperature of the water, the machine has presets that can be helpful.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the well-known single hole steam wand which can produce some pretty stunning latte art. The same wand can find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines, or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming daunting or taking the enjoyment out of preparing an espresso. I'm happy with that and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that prioritize quality, design and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional grade components and constant performance make it an eye-catching addition to your coffee corner. It's also a good option for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to master the ins and outs of espresso and steaming without getting overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
This machine's PID-controlled brew heater is among its most impressive features. It provides quick warming-up times and stable temperatures of water. This is essential, especially for espresso, because even minor changes in the temperature of water can impact the taste and quality.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another thing that stands out. It lets you steam milk and make espresso at the simultaneously. This could save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. Coffeee helps conserve energy as it only requires energy only when it is required.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the group head. It's a nice touch, as it allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, which gives you a level of customization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean side-accessible water tank, as well as its optional energy saver mode, which can be set in increments of 10 minutes to two hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, while its dual-temperature control system minimizes static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the long repair time and the poor quality of this machine. Diletta has also been criticized for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers many different specialty drinks that can be prepared by pressing a single button. It also makes macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, and teas, as well as plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and elegant color display.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans quickly and precisely. It also has 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that only provide 3 or 4. The higher setting allows you to regulate the size and consistency of your cup, which is vital to a perfect cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements make for a cup of espresso that is consistently high quality. The PEP process uses short bursts of water to push the coffee through the grinder, allowing full flavor extraction. The resultant 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 a strong, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it cannot produce the proper latte that really needs the high pressure from a steam boiler to create an extremely thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as other super-automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after each use and it can be easily programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice per year. It will remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.