The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is an ideal choice for someone who doesn't have barista experience but is looking to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines come with electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat quickly and don't take up any counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. 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's packed with features that make it a good pick for anyone wanting to move up from the standard Breville espresso machines or who prefer a more automated option than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, so it's ready for brewing the moment you push the button. It also has the technology known as Thermo Jet that lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, which means you can make your espresso quicker than other home espresso machines (which take between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was created with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to control everything. You can choose between one shot or a double shot, and set the brewing times which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless finish gives it a premium appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with a small counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the tools you need to begin brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and the dose trimmer tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and it shows 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 that it is running efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's simple to use and has a fast heating time, and does a good job of automatically blending milk for you. Its price is too expensive for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter, and produces excellent cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks that need to be considered.
The Stilosa scored below average for its brew control and quality in our metrics for brewing. This was mostly due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, both of which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We liked that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.
It also comes with a handy water tank that can hold up 34 ounces. It also comes with a built-in indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also removable, which is helpful when you need to clean the tank, or in the event that you don't have a sink close by. Another feature new to this model is a movable drip tray that allows you to place taller cups underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment on our steaming measurements. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of the steam, and lack of pre-infusion features. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost much more. Despite these issues we were pleased with the fact that it doesn't require much maintenance and is backed by a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than some other models we've tested and will reduce the cost of paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite Read This method a mouthful, don't you think?) is a machine specifically designed for people who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine is designed to make it easier for anyone to pull a decent shot of espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of setting the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its easy-to-use controls. You can choose between double and single shots, and the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater in the machine makes sure that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to be at temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system, which works with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes sensors to determine the basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. And if you're feeling less confident about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, water temperature and dosing, the machine has various presets that can help.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some stunning latte art, too. The same wand will find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
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 being too daunting or removing the enjoyment of making a good shot of espresso. I'm satisfied with it and I'm giving it a thumbs-up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who value quality, design and convenience. Its sleek design, professional grade components, and consistent performance make it an eye-catching addition to your coffee corner. Beginners will also benefit from this machine, because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or the complexity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is especially important for espresso, as small variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your coffee.
Another noteworthy feature is Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that allows you to make espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This is a huge time saver, and also helps to ensure that your milk is of the proper texture for your drinks. This can save energy since it only requires energy when it is needed.
This machine also features 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 adjust the OPV for a finer extraction. This is usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
The Diletta also comes with an easy-to-clean side tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes up to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature technology reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy costs.
Some users have complained about the long repair time and the poor quality of this machine. Additionally, some have experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have had trouble in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic espresso maker comes with a dizzying variety of specially-programmed drinks at the touch of a button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos, flat whites and teas and plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and stylish color display are just a few of the attributes that set this machine apart from the rest.
The E8 utilizes an Aroma G3 grinder for a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. It has eight grind settings that may appear to be a lot when compared to other super automatics with just three or four. The higher settings allow you to regulate the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential for a great cup.
In addition to the 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 both responsible for delivering a premium cup of espresso every time. The PEP process utilizes short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing for full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich and fuller, as well as more flavorful than your typical instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a variety of drinks and it does so very well. It makes a powerful smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only downside is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which requires the pressure of steam boilers to make the thick foam.
As with most super-automatics, this machine does require some maintenance, however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean itself and descale after every use, and it can be programmed to do a deeper cleaning once or every two years. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.