The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is a great choice for someone who doesn't have barista skills but still would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and digital convenience. They are quick to heat up, and they don't require large counter space.
This model is programmable with a volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It comes with a steaming wand and a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its adorable name, is a serious machine. It's loaded with features and makes it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or need an automated alternative to manual.
It's a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready to brew the moment you push the button. It also makes use of the technology known as Thermo Jet that allows it to warm up in just 3 seconds, so you can get your espresso faster than most other espresso machines at home (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot, and set the brewing times which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price. Coffeee brushed stainless steel finish gives it a classy look, and its compact dimensions make it ideal for those who have small countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started making your own. This includes a metal 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It shows how Breville wants to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as they can. It also has built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to ensure 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 user-friendly, has a fast heat-up time, and does a good job of automatically texturing 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 coffee novices and coffee enthusiasts alike. It's easy to use and looks great on the counter and makes good espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks that need to be thought about.
In our brewing metrics, the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to its small filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which both limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We were impressed by the fact that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to a suitable height.
It also comes with a water tank that holds up to 34 ounces. It comes with a built-in indicator for the level to tell you when it's time to refill. It's also removable, which is helpful in the event that you want to clean the tank or if there's no sink nearby. Another new feature on this model is a movable drip tray that allows you to put taller cups on the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming measurements. This resulted from its lack of control of the steam temperature and the lack of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these flaws we did like the fact that it doesn't need regular maintenance and is backed by a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we've tested, and will reduce the cost of the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, don't you think?) is a machine designed specifically for espresso-curious beginners. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it easy for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
The simple controls make it simple to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also select between single or double shots and pick your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater built-in makes sure that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that works with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. This system makes use of an integrated sensor that measures the depth of the basket, and adjusts amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you're feeling less confident about your ability to manually control the size of the grind, water temperature and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets to help.
The Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that can produce some stunning Latte art as well. It's the same wand you will find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods, however the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too difficult or removing the enjoyment of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm satisfied with it and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who value quality design, style, and ease of use. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece in your coffee corner. Beginners can also benefit from this machine as it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or complexities.
One of the most impressive features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler, which ensures quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even small variations in temperature of the water can impact the taste and quality.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another thing that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. This saves energy as it only requires energy only when it is required.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice addition that lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can alter the OPV to achieve a better extraction. This is a feature normally reserved for machines that cost more.
The Diletta also comes with a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in 10-minute increments to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature technology reduces static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy costs.
However, some customers have complained about the durability of the machine and lengthy repair times. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides an array of specialty drinks that can be made by pressing just a single button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and elegant display in color.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans quickly and accurately. It also has 8 grind settings, which may seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics which only provide 3 or 4. The higher range allows you to manage the size and consistency, which is crucial for a good cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an advanced pre-infusion process. These two elements are responsible for producing an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The coffee is more full and richer than instant coffee that is made using the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide variety of drinks and it does so extremely well. It makes a robust smooth cappuccino as well as an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it's not able to make an adequate latte, which requires the 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 descale automatically and clean itself after every use. It is easy to program it to perform a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.