The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have barista experience but still want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. They have features that are automatic and are also digitally-controlled. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up much counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose as well an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes steam wand, commercial grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is an actual machine. It's packed with features that make it a good option for anyone looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or need a more automated alternative than a manual.
It has a PID controller that does the hard work of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It also uses the technology known as Thermo Jet which allows it to warm up in just 3 seconds, so you can get your espresso quicker than other home espresso machines (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button that controls everything. You can choose a single or double shot, and you can also determine the time of brewing as well, which is something you have to do manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and its compact size makes it ideal for anyone with little space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the tools you need to start brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and the dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It demonstrates how Breville strives to make their products as foolproof and reliable as they can. It also has built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to keep it running smoothly.
If you're a novice to espresso, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal basic home espresso machine. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically texts milk for you. However, its high cost could make it beyond the reach of some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the countertop, and makes good espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. There are some disadvantages that should be taken into consideration.
In our brewing metrics The Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets, and 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.
It also comes with a handy water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces and includes a built-in level indicator to tell you when it's time to refill. It's removable and can be used when you need to clean the tank, or in the event that there's no sink close by. Another new feature on this model is a removable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its insufficient control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion feature, both of which are standard features on much more expensive machines. Despite these shortcomings we did like the fact that it doesn't funny post need any maintenance and is covered by a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we've tested and will reduce the cost of paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's quite a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pump-driven machine aims to make it simple for anyone to make 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 select between double and single shots, and your preferred temperature. The built-in thermocoil heater ensures that your espresso is ready to use in 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
Another feature that is important is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper to adjust the correct amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes an integrated sensor to measure basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you are not confident that you can control the size of the grind and temperature of the water manually The machine comes with presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some stunning latte art as well. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines, or even pods, but the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too daunting or removing the fun of preparing an excellent espresso. I'm happy to give it a thumbs up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who are adamant about quality, design and ease of usage. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece in your coffee corner. Beginners will also benefit from this machine as it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without having to think about programming or complexities.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is among its most impressive features. It guarantees quick warm-up times and stable temperature water. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your beverage.
Another standout feature is the Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that allows you to make espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This can save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right consistency. It also conserves energy by only using power when it's required.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the group head. It's a nice touch that allows you to monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, which gives you an option of personalization that's typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
Other notable features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank and its energy-saving mode, which can be set in increments of 10 minutes to two hours. The insulated wrap helps reduce heat loss, while its dual-temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
However, some customers have complained about the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. Some have also received poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty 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 one button. It can also make ristrettos, cappuccinos, macchiatos flat whites, and teas along with plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge technology for brewing and elegant display in color.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder that provides a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. It has eight grind settings, which might seem like a lot if compared to other super automatics with just 3 or 4. The higher setting allows you to manage the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential for a good cup.
In addition to its powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and a pulse extraction process that are responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process makes use of short bursts of water to push the coffee through the grinder, which allows for full flavor extraction. The cup produced is fuller and more luscious than instant coffee brewed with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and it does it extremely well. It produces an excellent, strong espresso and a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which really needs the high pressure from a steam boiler to create an extremely thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as super-automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after every use, and it can be easily programmed to do an additional cleaning once or every two years. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.