The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic option for those who don't have barista training but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines have electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat up quickly and don't take up any counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes steam wand as well as a 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 great pick for anyone looking to step up from the basic Breville espresso machines or who prefer a more automated option than a manual.
It has an PID controller that performs the heavy lifting of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready for brewing at the time you press the button. It also makes use of the technology known as Thermo Jet that allows it to heat up in only 3 seconds, meaning you can make your espresso quicker than other home espresso machines (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine was built with simplicity in mind, so there's only one button that can control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot and determine the brewing time, something that you cannot do with other espresso machines at this price point. The brushed stainless finish gives it a classy appearance, and its compact size is ideal for those with limited counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also includes all the accessories you need to start brewing, including the 54mm tamper from a steel and a dose trimmer 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 to clean and descale to ensure it runs smoothly.
If you're new to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal affordable home espresso machine. It is easy to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically sends milk to you. However, its cost could make it out of reach for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's ideal for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's easy to use and looks good on the counter and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso and lattes. It does have some drawbacks which must be considered.
In our brewing metrics, the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets, and the lack of temperature control. Both of these aspects restrict your ability to adjust the extraction. However, we liked the fact that it doesn't take long for the machine to heat up and it has a nice amount of adjustability on the spout's height.
The unit also has a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It has an integrated indicator for level that lets you know when it's time to refill. It's removable and can be used in the event that you want to clean the tank, or when you don't have a sink close by. Another feature new to this model is a removable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its limited control of the steam temperature and the lack of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost much more. Despite its flaws we liked the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than the other models we've tested, and will save you money on paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful I bet!) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it simple for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency of the brewing.
The simple controls make it simple to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can choose between double and single shots, as well as your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine ensures that your espresso is ready to use in 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that works with the tamper, automatically adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes a sensor to measure the depth of the basket, and then adjusts how much ground coffee is dispersed. If you're feeling a little less confident in the ability to control the grind size, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers various presets to aid you.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can produce some pretty impressive artworks of latte as well. The same wand can find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods, but the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too daunting or removing the enjoyment of making an excellent espresso. I'm pleased with it and I'm giving it a thumbs-up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that prioritize quality, design 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 corner. Beginners will also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or the complexity.
One of the most impressive features of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID that ensures rapid warm-up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial for espresso, as small fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another feature that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. This can be a major time-saver and assists in ensuring that your milk is of the proper texture for your drinks. It also helps conserve energy by only consuming energy when it is needed.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the group head. It's a nice touch because it lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can alter the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
Other noteworthy 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 increments of 10 minutes to two hours. Its insulated boiler machine espresso wrap further reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have complained about the durability of this machine and long repair times. Additionally, some have had poor customer service from Diletta and have had trouble resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers a wide variety of specialty drinks that are made at the push of a single button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto, and flat whites, as well as tea, hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and elegant color display are only a few of the attributes that set this machine apart from other machines.
The E8 utilizes an Aroma G3 grinder for an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It comes with eight grind settings, which might seem a lot when you compare it to other super-automatics which have only 3 or 4. However, the higher settings give you more control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is crucial for creating a great cup of coffee.
In addition to its powerful burr grinder in addition to its powerful burr grinder Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and a pulse extraction process that are responsible for making a top-quality cup of espresso every time. The PEP process is a method of forcing water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The result is more full and more luscious than instant coffee made with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide variety of drinks and it does so extremely well. It produces a strong smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's not able to make an espresso. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make a thick, foamy the foam.
Like many super automated machines however, this one does require some attention, however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically descale and clean itself after every use. It is easy to program it to do a more thorough cleaning every two or three times a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.