The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista training but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automated features and digital convenience. They are quick to heat up, and they don't require any counter space.
This model comes with a programmable volumetric dose as well an adjustable preinfusion. It also comes with steam wand, 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 those looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or wants an alternative that is more automated than a manual.
It's an PID controller that handles the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready for brewing the moment you push the button. It also uses the technology known as Thermo Jet, which allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can make your espresso faster than most other espresso machines at home (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was created with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to manage everything. You can select one shot or a double shot, and determine the brewing time which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious look, and its compact size makes it ideal for those who have little countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to begin brewing. This includes a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that can do this, and it shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as foolproof as they can. It also has built-in reminders for descaling and cleaning to ensure that it is running efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those who are new to the world of espresso. It is easy to use, warms up quickly, and automatically sends milk to you. However, its high price tag may put it out of reach for a few people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an affordable and well-rounded manual espresso machine that's suitable for coffee novices and coffee enthusiasts alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make excellent cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. It does have some drawbacks, which should be considered.
The Stilosa scored below average in its control of brew and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We did however like the fact that it's not a long time for this machine to preheat and that it offers an excellent amount of adjustment on the spout's height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that holds up to 34 ounces and includes a built-in level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also removable and can be used when you need to clean the tank or if you don't have a sink nearby. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you place taller cups underneath the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was mainly due to its insufficient control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion feature, both of which are typical features on more expensive machines. Despite these shortcomings we did like the fact that it doesn't need any maintenance and is covered by a one-year warranty. For the price and the performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than some other models we've tested, and will save you money over 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 made specifically for espresso-curious beginners. This single boiler, pump-driven machine hopes to make it easy for anyone to make a decent shot of espresso without sacrificing flavor or 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 double and single shots, and the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater built-in guarantees that your espresso will be ready to go within 30 seconds. This is much faster than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines need to be at temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that works with the tamper to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of sensors to measure the basket depth and adjusts how much ground coffee is dispensed. If you aren't sure that you can control the grind size and temperature of the water, the machine has presets that can be helpful.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can create some impressive artworks of latte as well. This is the same wand that is found in Breville's top-of-the-line Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods, however the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming difficult or removing the pleasure of making a good shot of espresso. I'm pleased with it and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components, and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee bar. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, since 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 brew boiler controlled by PID that guarantees quick warm up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial for espresso, as small variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your coffee.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another thing that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at simultaneously. This will save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This can save energy since it only uses power when needed.
This machine also has a pressure gauge at the head of the group. This is a nice feature that lets you track the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
The Diletta also comes with an accessible side-by-side, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, and its dual temperature control system helps reduce static electricity. This means less waste and lower costs.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. In addition, some have experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic espresso machine has a dazzling array of pre-programmed specialty drinks that can be accessed by pressing one button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto, and flat whites, as well as tea, hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and stylish color display are just a few of the features that set this machine apart from the rest.
The E8 utilizes an Aroma G3 grinder that provides a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. It comes with eight grind settings, which might appear to be a lot when you compare it to other super-automatics with just three or four. But the reality is that the higher settings give you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is important for creating a great cup of coffee.
In addition to its powerful burr grinder In addition to its powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and a pulse extraction process, both responsible for making a top-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process uses short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, which allows for full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich 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 it does this exceptionally well. It produces excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only downside is that it's not able to make the proper latte that requires the pressure of steam boilers to make a thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as other super-automatics. It will automatically clean and descale after each use and it can be programmed to do a deeper cleaning moved here once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.