The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista experience, but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines come with electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They also heat up quickly and don't occupy much counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It also includes 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 loaded with features that make it a good option for those looking 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 that does the heavy lifting of temperature and pressure control so that it's ready for brewing the moment you press the button. It uses a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to get hot in just 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to manage everything. You can choose either a single or double shot, and you can also determine the time of brewing that you're required to manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and its compact size makes it ideal for those with limited countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also includes all the accessories you need to get started brewing, such as the 54mm tamper from a steel and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and shows that Breville is committed to making their products as reliable as they can. It also comes with built-in reminders for descaling and cleaning to ensure that it is running efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's easy to use, has a fast heat-up time and does a decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. Its high price may be difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso and lattes. However, it does have some drawbacks that need to be considered.
In our metrics for brewing The Stilosa scored average to below-average for its brew quality and control. This was mostly due to the small size of the filter baskets and lack of temperature control, both of which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to a suitable height.
The model also comes with an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with a built in indicator for level that lets you know when to refill. It is removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access an indoor sink. It also has a drip pan that is removable, which allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment on our steaming measurements. This was due to its lack of control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion feature that are standard features on much more expensive machines. Despite these issues we were pleased with the fact that it doesn't need much maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's easier to use than other models we've tested and will help you save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful I bet!) is a machine made specifically for people who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine is designed to make it easy for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and brewing consistency.
Its simple-to-use controls make it easy to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also choose between single or double shots and select the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heating feature built-in ensures your espresso will be ready to drink in about 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half hour that the majority of traditional single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
Another feature that is important is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that communicates with the tamper to automatically adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of a sensor to measure the depth of the basket, and then adjusts how much ground coffee is dispensed. If you aren't sure that you can control the grind size and water temperature manually The machine comes with presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the famous single hole steam wand, which can produce some pretty impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it claims to do without being too intimidating or taking the joy out of preparing an espresso. I'm satisfied with it and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who are adamant about quality, design and convenience. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee area. Beginners will also benefit from this machine because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without having to worry about programming or complexities.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID, which ensures rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is essential, especially for espresso, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can alter the taste and quality of the espresso.
Another notable feature is separate thermoblock in Diletta's steaming that allows you to make espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This can help you save time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. It also conserves energy by only using energy when it is needed.
The machine also has a pressure gauge on the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
Other notable features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean accessible water tank on the side and its energy saving mode, which can be set in 10-minute increments up to two hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have complained about the durability of the machine and lengthy repair times. Diletta has been criticized for its no title poor customer support and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides a wide variety of specialty drinks that are made at the push of just a single button. It can also make ristrettos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, flat whites and teas and plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and stylish color display are just a few of the features that distinguish this machine from other machines.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and accurately. It comes with eight grind settings that may seem a lot when compared to other super automatics with just three or four. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential to a perfect cup.
In addition to the powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and pulse extraction process that are responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavor to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and more luscious than instant coffee that is made using a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a variety of drinks and it does it very well. It makes a powerful, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a latte. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy the foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as most super automatics. It will automatically clean and descale after each use. It can also be programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.