The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is a great option for those who don't have barista experience but wants to enjoy quality coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They also heat up quickly and don't take up a lot of counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes a steaming wand and a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its adorable name, is an actual machine. It's packed with features that make it a good option for those wanting to move up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who prefer an automated alternative to manual.
It comes with an PID controller that performs the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to brew the moment you press the button. It also makes use of a technology called Thermo Jet, which allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, so you can make your espresso faster than most other espresso machines for home use (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was created with simplicity in mind. There is just one button that controls everything. You can choose either a single or double shot and also determine the time of brewing that you have to do manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a classy appearance, and its small dimensions are ideal for those with limited counter space or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started with brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only machine in this category that does 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 most basic 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 decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. However, its price could put it beyond the reach of some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that's perfect for both novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and produces great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it does have a few disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration.
In our brewing metrics, the Stilosa scored below average to average for its brew quality and control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets and lack of temperature control, which both restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked the fact that this unit heats up quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to a suitable 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 to refill. It is removable, which is useful if you need to clean it or don't have access an indoor sink. The model also comes with an adjustable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming metrics. This resulted from its lack of control of the steam temperature and the lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings we liked its ease of maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to a home coffee bar. It's more user-friendly than other models we've tested and will save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name do you not think?) is a machine designed specifically for people who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
The simple controls allow you to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also choose between double or single shots and choose the desired temperature. The thermocoil heating feature built-in makes sure that your espresso is ready to go in around 30 seconds, which is a lot faster than the half-hour that most traditional single boiler machines take to get to temperature.
Another feature that is important is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper in order to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of sensors to measure the depth of the basket, and then adjusts how much ground coffee is dispensed. If you're less certain about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, the water temperature, and dosing, the machine has various presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the famous single hole steam wand, which can create impressive latte artwork. The same wand will find in Breville's more advanced, high-end Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
I'm not one who advocates for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods, however, the Impress does what it sets out to do without becoming difficult or removing the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm glad to give it a thumbs-up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who focus on design, quality and user-friendliness. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components, and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee corner. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or complexity.
The brew heater controlled by PID is among its most impressive features. It guarantees quick warm-up time and stable temperature water. This is especially important for espresso drinks, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can have a big impact on the taste and quality of your coffee.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another thing that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. This can help you save time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This helps conserve energy as it only draws power when needed.
The machine has a pressure gauge on the head of the group. 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 provides you with the ability to customize your extraction, something that is typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
Other important characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, other accessible water tank on the side and its optional energy saver mode, which can be adjusted in 10-minute increments up to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature technology reduces static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have reported issues with the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. In addition, some have had poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic espresso machine is equipped with a wide variety of specially-programmed drinks that you can choose from the click of one button. It can also make ristretto, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat whites, along with tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and elegant color display.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder to provide an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics which only provide 3 or 4. However, the higher setting gives you more control over the size and the consistency of your grind and this is essential for creating a great cup of coffee.
In addition to its powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and pulse extraction process that are both responsible for delivering a premium cup of espresso each time. The PEP process utilizes short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing full flavor extraction. The resulting cup is richer and fuller as well as more flavorful than the average instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and does it exceptionally well. It makes an excellent, strong espresso and a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a proper latte, which requires the pressure of a steam boiler to create an extremely thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as super-automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after each use, and it can be programmed to perform more thorough cleaning at least every two years. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.