The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista experience, but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They heat up quickly and don't take up much counter space.
The model is programmable for volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It also comes with a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name is an actual machine. It's loaded with features that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or wants an alternative that is more automated than a manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It also has the technology known as Thermo Jet, which allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, which means you can enjoy your espresso faster than most other home espresso machines (which take between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, which is why there's only one button to control everything. You can select one shot or a double shot and set the brewing time which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its compact dimensions are ideal for those who have limited counter space or a smaller kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the equipment you require to start brewing, including the 54mm tamper from a steel and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only machine in this class that can do this, and shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as foolproof as they can. It will remind you to descal and clean it, so it can run smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most basic espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's easy to use and has a fast heating time, and does a good job of automatically blending 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 an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. There are some disadvantages which must be considered.
The Stilosa scored below average in its control of brew and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, as well as the lack of a temperature control. Both of these issues make it difficult to customize extraction. We liked the fact that this unit heats up quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to an ideal height.
The unit also comes with an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has a built in indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's removable which is useful when you need to clean the tank, or when you don't have a sink in the vicinity. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was due to its insufficient control of the steam temperature, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite its flaws, we appreciated the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's much easier to use than other models we've tested 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?) is a machine specifically designed 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 consistency of the brewing.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of setting the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings with its easy-to-use controls. 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 in less than 30 seconds which is much faster than the half-hour that most traditional single boiler machines take to reach temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that works with the tamper in order to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of a sensor to measure the depth of the basket, and then adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispersed. If you are not confident of your ability to regulate the size of the grind as well as the water temperature manually, the machine has presets that can be helpful.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand, that can create impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand is found in Breville's top-of-the-line Barista Express machines, and it's great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods, however, the Impress does what it's designed to do without being too daunting or removing the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm pleased with it and I'm giving it a thumbs-up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who are devoted to quality design, style, and ease of use. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and constant performance make it a stunning addition to your coffee bar. Beginners can also benefit from this machine since it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without having to think about programming or complexity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler that ensures quick warm up time and a steady temperature. This is crucial for espresso, as small fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your beverage.
Another noteworthy feature is Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that lets you make espresso and steam milk at the same time. This is a huge time saver, and also helps ensure that your milk has the perfect texture for your drinks. This saves energy as it only draws energy when it is needed.
The machine has an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice addition, as it lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can also adjust the OPV to achieve a better extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
Other notable characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, accessible water tank on the side and its energy saving mode, which can be set in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two Main Page 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.
However, some customers have complained about the longevity of the machine as well as long repair times. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer support and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic espresso maker is equipped with a wide array of pre-programmed specialty drinks that you can choose from the click of one button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, teas and flat whites along with plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge technology for brewing and stylish display in color.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder for a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. It also has 8 grind settings, which may seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that only offer 3 or 4. However, the higher setting gives you more control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is essential for creating a great cup of coffee.
In addition to the powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and a pulse extraction process that are both responsible for delivering a premium cup of espresso each time. The PEP process makes use of short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing full flavor extraction. The result is more full and more luscious than instant coffee brewed with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and it does it exceptionally well. It makes a robust, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only issue is that it's unable to make a latte. This requires a steam high pressure boiler to make a thick, foamy bubble.
The machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super-automatics. It will automatically clean itself and descale after every use. It can also be programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.