The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect option for those who don't have barista skills but still is looking to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automated features and digital convenience. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up much counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also comes with 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 is packed with features, making it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or need an alternative that is more automated than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, so it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It also has a technology called Thermo Jet, which allows it to heat up in only 3 seconds, meaning you can make your espresso quicker than other espresso machines at home (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to control everything. You can select a single or double shot as well as determine the time of brewing that you have to do manually like other espresso machines in this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with limited counter space or a smaller kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the accessories you need to begin brewing, including the 54mm tamper from a steel and the dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind that does this. It demonstrates how Breville wants to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as possible. It has reminders to descaling and clean it, ensuring that it runs efficiently.
If you're just beginning to learn about espresso, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an basic home espresso machine. It's easy to use, warms up quickly, and automatically texts milk for you. However, its price tag may put it beyond the reach of some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that is ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. There are some disadvantages which must be considered.
The Stilosa scored below average for its control of brew and quality in our metrics for brewing. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, and the lack of a temperature control. Both of these issues limit your ability customize extraction. However, we did like the fact that it's not a long time for the machine to warm up and also that it provides the ability to adjust in the spout's spout's height.
The unit also has a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's removable which is useful if you want to clean the tank or when you don't have a sink in the vicinity. This model also has a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
In our steaming metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was due to its limited control of the temperature of the steam, and lack of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we liked that it is easy to maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. For its price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than other models we've tested and will save you money over paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name, don't you think?) is a machine specifically designed for espresso-curious beginners. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency in the brewing.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings by using its simple-to-use controls. You can choose between single and double shots, and your preferred temperature. A thermocoil heating system built into the machine ensures your espresso will be ready to drink in about 30 seconds which is considerably faster than the half-hour that most traditional single boiler machines take to get to temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that works with the tamper in order to adjust the correct amount of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of a sensor to measure the depth of the basket, and then alters how much ground coffee is dispensed. If you're feeling less confident about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, the water temperature and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets that can help.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that can create some stunning latte art as well. The same wand will find in Breville's more advanced, high-end Barista Express models, and it works a treat.
I'm not one who advocates for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods, however, the Impress does what it sets out to do without becoming daunting or removing the pleasure of making a good shot of espresso. I'm satisfied with it and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who focus on design, quality and user-friendliness. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components, and constant performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee bar. It's also a great option for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to master the ins and outs of espresso and steaming without being overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warm-up time and a steady temperature. This is important, especially for espresso because even tiny changes in the temperature of water can affect the taste and quality.
Another noteworthy feature is Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming, which allows you to prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time. This can be a major time saver, and also helps ensure that your milk has the right texture for your drinks. It also conserves energy by only consuming power when it's required.
This machine also features a pressure gauge on the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you track your extraction pressure in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, giving you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is typically reserved for more expensive machines.
The Diletta also has a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, and its dual temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower costs.
However, some customers have complained about the durability of the machine as well as long repair times. Additionally, some have experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties solving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides a wide variety of specialty drinks that can be made by pressing one button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, teas and flat whites along with plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge technology for brewing and sleek color display.
coffee machine espresso makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans with speed and precision. It has eight grind settings that may seem like a lot if you compare it to other super-automatics that only have 3 or 4. But the reality is that the higher setting gives you greater control over the size and the consistency of your grind and this is crucial to ensure a perfect cup of coffee.
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 utilizes 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 typical instant coffee made by Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks, and it does this extremely well. It makes excellent, strong espresso as well as a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a latte. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler to produce a thick, foamy foam.
As with most super-automatics however, this one does require some attention, however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically descale and clean itself after every use. You can easily program it to do an additional thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will remind you to change the filter after 80 drinks.