The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have barista experience, but would like to enjoy premium coffee at home. They have features that are automatic and are also digitally-controlled. They also heat up quickly and don't take up much counter space.
The model is programmable for volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It also includes steam wand, commercial grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its adorable name, is a serious machine. It's loaded with features that make it a good option for anyone looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or wants an automated alternative to manual.
It's a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready to make espresso the moment you push the button. It also makes use of a technology called Thermo Jet, which lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can get your espresso faster than most other espresso machines at home (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose between one shot or a double shot and set the brewing times which isn't something you can 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 a small counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the tools you need to begin brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and the dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind that can do this. It demonstrates how Breville intends to make their products as foolproof and reliable as possible. It will remind you to descal and clean it, so it can run smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those new to the world of espresso. It is easy to use, warms up quickly, and it automatically sends milk to you. However, its high price could put it out of reach for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an affordable and well-rounded manual espresso machine that is suitable for both coffee lovers and beginners alike. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter, and makes fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. There are some disadvantages, which should be considered.
The Stilosa was below average for its control of brew and quality in our metrics for brewing. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, as well as the lack of temperature control. Both of these aspects make it difficult to customize extraction. We liked the fact that this unit can be heated quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to a good height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that holds up 34 ounces. It also has a built-in level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It is removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to a sink. Another new feature on this model is a movable drip tray that lets you hold taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of steam and the lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost more. Despite its flaws we liked that it is easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. In terms of 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 on the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful don't you agree?) is a machine made specifically for people who are interested in espresso. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and brewing consistency.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper and brew group settings by using its easy-to-use controls. You can select between double or single shots, as well as the temperature you prefer. A built-in thermocoil heating system guarantees that your espresso will be ready in less than 30 seconds, which is a lot quicker than the half-hour the majority of traditional single boiler machines take to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device, which works with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes an integrated sensor that measures the depth of the basket, and adjusts amount of ground coffee dispersed. And if you're feeling a little less confident in your ability to manually control the size of the grind, the water temperature, and dosing, the machine has a variety of presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand, that can create impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand that you can find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it works a treat.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods, however, the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too difficult or removing the fun of preparing a good shot of espresso. I'm glad to give it a thumbs up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who value quality design, style and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it a striking addition to your coffee bar. It's also a good option for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to understand the basics of steaming and espresso without being overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler that guarantees quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is especially important for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in water temperature can have a huge impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another unique feature. Coffeee lets you steam milk and brew espresso at same time. This could save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This can save energy since it only uses energy when it is needed.
The machine also has a pressure gauge at the head of the group, which is a nice feature that lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can alter the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines costing much more.
The Diletta also has an accessible side-by-side, 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 helps reduce heat loss, while its dual-temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
However, some users have complained about the longevity of this machine and long repair times. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer service and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic espresso machine has a dazzling assortment of specially-programmed drinks that you can choose from the click of a button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto and flat whites as well as tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and stylish display in color.
The E8 uses an Aroma G3 grinder for a quick and accurate grind of whole beans. It has eight grind settings that may seem a lot when you compare it to other super-automatics with just 3 or 4. But the reality is that 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.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an intelligent pre-infusion procedure. These two features make for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. 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 coffee is more full and more flavorful than instant coffee that is made using the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a variety of drinks and it does so very well. It produces a strong smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it can't produce an espresso. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler in order to create a thick, foamy foam.
Like most super automatics, this machine does require some attention, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will automatically self-clean and descale after every use. It can also be programmed to do more thorough cleaning at least twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.