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. These machines have automatic features and are digitally dependable. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up a lot of counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It includes steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its cute name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's packed with features that make it an ideal option for those looking to step up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who require a more automated option than manual.
It uses an PID controller that handles the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready to make espresso the moment you push the button. It uses a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to get hot in just 3 seconds. This means that you will make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, so there's only one button to control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot and set the brewing times which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious look, and its compact size makes it ideal for those who have small countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you require to get started brewing. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only machine in this category that does this, and it demonstrates that Breville is committed to making their products as foolproof as is possible. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it, ensuring it can run smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most basic espresso machine for those who are new to espresso. It's easy to use and has a fast heating time and does a decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. However, its price could put it out of reach for a few 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 produces great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.
In our metrics for brewing we found that the Stilosa scored average to below-average for its quality of brewing and control. This was mostly due to its small filter baskets and lack of temperature control, both of which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. 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 height.
The unit also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt indicator for the level to let you know when to refill. It is removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access a sink. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you hold taller cups under the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was mainly due to its lack of control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion feature that are common features on more expensive machines. Despite these issues we did like the fact that it doesn't require much maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. For its price and performance it's a great choice. De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's more user-friendly than other models we've seen and will help you save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you agree?) is a machine specifically designed espresso machine with grinder for those who are interested in learning about espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine is designed to make it easy for anyone to make a decent espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
Its simple-to-use controls allow you to alter the settings for the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also choose between double or single shots and pick the desired temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system guarantees that your espresso will be ready to drink in about 30 seconds, which is a lot faster than the half-hour that the majority of traditional single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that works with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to measure basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you are not confident about your ability to control the grind size and water temperature manually, the machine has presets that may help.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can produce some stunning latte art, too. The same wand will find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a big fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines or pods. However, the Impress does exactly what it claims to do without being intimidating or taking the fun from making espresso. I'm happy to give it a thumbs up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistently high-quality performance make it an eye-catching addition to your coffee area. Beginners can also benefit from this machine because it lets them learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or the complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler that ensures rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in water temperature can have a big impact on the taste and quality of your beverage.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another unique feature. It lets you steam milk and make espresso at the simultaneously. This can save you a lot of time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. This saves energy as it only requires energy only when it is required.
This machine has an indicator of pressure on the head of the group. It's a nice feature, as it allows you to 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 comes with an accessible side-by-side, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy costs.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer support and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers an array of specialty drinks that are made with a single button. It also makes macchiatos, ristrettos and cappuccinos, flat whites and teas, as well as plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and elegant display in color.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans quickly and precisely. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics which only offer three or four. The higher settings allow you to manage the size and consistency, which is essential for a great cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements are the reason for an espresso cup that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and more flavorful than instant coffee brewed with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks and does so very well. It makes an excellent, strong espresso and smooth cappuccino. The only downside is that it's not able to make a latte. This requires a steam high pressure boiler in order to create an extremely thick, foamy foam.
Like many super automated machines, this machine does require some maintenance, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and self-clean after every use. It is easy to program it to perform a more thorough cleaning every year, or at least twice. It will remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.