The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have barista experience, but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines have 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 and an adjustable preinfusion. 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 is packed with features that make it a good option for those looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or wants an automated alternative to a manual.
It has an PID controller that performs the heavy lifting of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready to drink when you press the button. It also has the technology known as Thermo Jet which allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, so you can make your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which take between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine was built with simplicity in mind, and so there's just one button that controls everything. You can choose either a single or double shot and also choose the brewing time as well, which is something you're required to manually with other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and the small size makes it ideal for those who have small countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started making your own. This includes a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that does this, and it demonstrates that Breville is dedicated to making their products as secure as they can. It also comes with built-in reminders for descaling and cleaning to ensure it runs smoothly.
If you're a novice to espresso, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal affordable home espresso machine. It's simple to use and has a fast heating time, and does a good job of automatically texturing milk for you. However, its high cost could make it out of reach for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that's perfect for both novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. There are some disadvantages which must be considered.
The Stilosa was below average for its control of brew and quality in our brewing metrics. This was due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, both of which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked the fact that this unit is quick to heat up and that the spout could be adjusted to a good height.
The model also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt indicator for level that lets 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 to a sink. The model also comes with 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. espresso machine pods resulted from its lack of control of the steam temperature and the absence of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased with the fact that it doesn't need much maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's much easier to use than other models we've tried and will save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful don't you agree?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in espresso. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it simple for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and brewing consistency.
The simple controls make it simple to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also select between double or single shots and select the desired temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system ensures your espresso will be ready to drink in about 30 seconds which is much faster than the half-hour that the majority of traditional single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system that is integrated with the tamper, automatically dials in the correct amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system makes use of an integrated sensor to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that 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 has various presets to help.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that can produce some impressive latte art, too. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without being daunting or taking the enjoyment out of making an espresso. I'm satisfied with it and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who are devoted to quality design, style and convenience. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components, and constant performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee bar. It's also a great option for beginners who want to understand the basics of espresso and steaming without being 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 ensures rapid warm-up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even minor changes in the temperature of water can impact the taste and quality.
Another notable feature is separate thermoblock in Diletta's steaming that allows you to brew espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This can be a major time-saver and assists in ensuring that your milk has the perfect texture for your drinks. This helps conserve energy as it only draws energy when it is needed.
This machine has a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice touch that allows you to monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you a level of customization that's normally reserved for more expensive machines.
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 up to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy costs.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has also been criticized for its poor customer service and difficulty in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides many different specialty drinks that are made with one button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, and teas and plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. Its modern brewing technology and elegant color display are only a few of the attributes that separate this machine from the rest.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It has eight grind settings which may appear to be a lot when compared to other super automatics that only have 3 or 4. The higher setting allows you to regulate the size and consistency, which is vital to a perfect cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an advanced pre-infusion process. These two components are the reason for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavor to be fully extracted. The resulting cup is richer and fuller, as well as more flavorful than your typical instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does so extremely well. It produces excellent, strong espresso as well as a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only issue is that it's unable to make an espresso. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler to produce a thick, foamy foam.
The machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super-automatics. It will automatically descale and clean itself after every use. It is easy to program it to perform an additional thorough cleaning every two or three times a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.