The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is a great choice for someone who doesn't have barista skills but still would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines have electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat up quickly and don't take up large counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its adorable name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's loaded with features that make it a great choice for anyone wanting to move up from the standard Breville espressi machines, or for those who prefer a more automated option than manual.
It uses a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, so it's ready for brewing at the push of a button. It makes use of a technology referred to 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.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose one or two shots, and you can also determine the time of brewing that you're required to do manually with other espresso machines in this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its small dimensions are ideal for those with limited counter space or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you require to get started brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only machine in this category that does this, and shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as secure as they can. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it so it can run smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those who are new to the world of espresso. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and then 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 a well-rounded and budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's suitable for coffee novices and coffee enthusiasts alike. It's user-friendly and looks good on the counter and makes excellent cappuccinos, espresso, and lattes. However, it has a few drawbacks that should be thought about.
In our brewing metrics, the Stilosa scored between average and below average for its quality of brewing and control. This was due to the small filter baskets, as well as the lack of temperature control. Both of these issues make it difficult to customize extraction. We liked that this machine is quick to heat up and that the spout is able to be adjusted to an ideal height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that holds up to 34 ounces and includes a built-in level indicator so you can tell when it's time to refill. It is removable, which can be beneficial if you have to clean it or don't have access an indoor sink. It also has an adjustable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment on our steaming metrics. This was mainly due to its insufficient control over steam temperature and lack of a pre-infusion option, both of which are typical features on more expensive machines. Despite these shortcomings we did like the fact that it doesn't require any maintenance and is covered by a one-year guarantee. In terms of price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's a little simpler to use than some other models we've tried and will reduce the cost of the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful I bet!) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine is designed to make it simple for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
The simple controls make it easy to alter the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also choose between single or double shots and pick the desired temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system makes sure that your espresso is 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.
Another important feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper to dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. This system uses sensors to determine the depth of the basket and alters how much ground coffee is dispersed. And if you're feeling a little less confident in your ability to control manually the size of the grind, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets to help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the famous single hole steam wand, which can create stunning latte art. This is the same wand that you can find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods, however the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making a good shot of espresso. I'm happy to give it a thumbs-up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who are devoted to quality design, aesthetics, and ease of use. Its sleek design, professional grade components, and constant performance make it a striking addition to your coffee bar. Beginners will also benefit from this machine as it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to think about programming or the complexity.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is one of its most impressive features. It provides quick warming-up times and stable temperatures of water. This is essential, especially for espresso, because even tiny changes in water temperature can impact the taste and quality.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another feature that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and make espresso at the simultaneously. This can be a major time-saver, and it assists in ensuring that your milk is of the proper texture for your drinks. It also helps conserve energy espresso machines for home by only consuming power when it's required.
This machine comes with an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice touch that allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can alter the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines that cost more.
Other important features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank and its energy-saving mode, which is adjustable in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. The insulated wrap helps reduce heat loss, while its dual-temperature control system minimizes static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
However, some users have reported issues with the longevity of this machine and long repair times. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering a wide variety of specialty drinks that can be prepared with just a single button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and sleek color display are just some of the features that distinguish this machine from other machines.
The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and accurately. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics which only provide three or four. However, the higher settings give you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is important to ensure a perfect cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as 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 ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavor to be fully extracted. The resultant cup is richer and fuller, as well as more flavorful than the average instant coffee made by Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does so extremely well. It makes a robust, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make the latte. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy bubble.
As with most super-automatics that are available, this one requires some attention, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and self-clean after every use. You can easily program it to do an additional thorough cleaning every year, or at least twice. It will remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.