The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is an ideal choice for someone who doesn't have barista skills but still wants to enjoy quality coffee at home. These machines come with electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They also are quick to heat up and don't occupy much counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose as well as an adjustable preinfusion. 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, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or wants an automated alternative to manual.
It is equipped with an PID controller that handles the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready to brew when you press the button. It also has the technology known as Thermo Jet that allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, meaning you can enjoy your espresso quicker than 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 only one button to control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot, and determine the brewing time which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a classy appearance, and its small size makes it perfect for anyone with limited countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to get started with brewing. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that does this, and shows that Breville is committed to making their products as reliable as possible. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most basic espresso machine for those who are new to espresso. It's simple to use, heats up quickly, and then automatically texts milk for you. The high cost of the product could be difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded and budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's suitable for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's user-friendly and looks great on the countertop, and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso, and lattes. It does have some drawbacks which must be considered.
The Stilosa scored below average in its control of brew and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to the small filter baskets, and the lack of temperature control. Both of these aspects limit your ability customize extraction. We liked that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout is able to be adjusted to a suitable height.
The model also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It is removable, which can be beneficial if you have 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 underneath the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its limited control over the steam temperature as well as the absence of a pre-infusion function that are typical features on more expensive machines. Despite these flaws, we did appreciate the fact that it doesn't need any maintenance and is covered by a one-year warranty. For its price and performance it's a great choice. De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a little simpler to use than some other models we've tried and will save you money over the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful I bet!) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in coffee. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it simple for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency of the brewing.
The simple controls allow you to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also select between single or double shots and choose the temperature you prefer. A built-in thermocoil heating system guarantees that your espresso will be ready to go in around 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half hour that most traditional single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system 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 that is dispensed. If you're not sure of your ability to regulate the grind size and temperature of the water The machine comes with presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that can create some stunning Latte art as well. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods, however the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming intimidating or taking away the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm happy to give it a thumbs-up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who are devoted to quality, design and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee area. It's also a great choice for those who are just beginning to master the basics of steaming and espresso without getting overwhelmed by the programming and complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up time and a steady read on temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, since even small variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
Another notable feature is steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta, which allows you to prepare espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This could save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. This can save energy since it only requires energy when it is needed.
This 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 alter the OPV for a finer extraction. This is usually reserved for machines costing much more.
The Diletta also has an easy-to-clean side tank, as well as an energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have reported issues with the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer support and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality 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 macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos, flat whites and teas, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and sleek color display are just a few of the attributes that separate this machine from other machines.
The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans quickly and accurately. It comes with eight grind settings that may seem a lot when compared to other super automatics with just 3 or 4. But the fact is, the higher settings give you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is essential to make a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements make for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The resulting cup is richer and fuller, as well as more flavorful than typical instant coffee made by Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and does it exceptionally well. It makes an excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only issue is that it can't produce a latte. This requires a steam high pressure boiler to produce the thick, fluffy foam.
Like many super automated machines that are available, this one requires some attention, however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically descale and self-clean after every use. You can easily program it to do an additional thorough cleaning every year, or at least twice. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.