The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have barista experience, but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. They have features that are automatic and are digitally convenient. They heat quickly and don't need much counter space.
This model is programmable with a volumetric dose as well as an adjustable preinfusion. 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 packed with features that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or want an alternative that is more automated than manual.
It's a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, which means 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 heat up in only 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other home espresso machines.
The machine was created with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to manage everything. You can select one shot or a double shot, and determine the brewing time, something that you cannot 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 anyone with small countertop space or a tight kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the tools you need to begin brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and a dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind that can do this. It shows how Breville intends to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as they can. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure that it is running efficiently.
If you're a novice to espresso, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It's easy to use, has a fast heat-up time and does a decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. However, its price tag may 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 is ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter, and can make fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks that need to be taken into consideration.
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 lack of temperature control, both of which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. However, we liked the fact that it doesn't take long for this machine to preheat and also that it provides an excellent amount of adjustment on the spout's height.
The unit also has a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has an integrated indicator for level that lets you know when to refill. It's removable, which is helpful if you want to clean the tank or if there's no sink close by. Another feature new to this model is a removable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This resulted from its lack of control of the steam temperature and the absence of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see that it is 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 more user-friendly than other models we've tried and will help you save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful do you not think?) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine is designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency of the brewing.
The simple controls make it easy to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also select between single or double shots and select your preferred temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system ensures your espresso will be ready to drink in about best espresso machine 30 seconds, which is a lot quicker than the half hour that the majority of single boiler machines take to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system that works with the tamper, dials in the right amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're not sure that you can control the size of the grind as well as the temperature of the water The machine comes with presets that can be helpful.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand which can produce some pretty impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods, but the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm pleased with it and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who prioritize quality design, style and user-friendliness. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it a 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.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID, which ensures quick warm up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even tiny changes in water temperature can impact the taste and quality.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another feature that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at simultaneously. This can be a major time-saver, and it helps ensure that your milk has the right texture for your beverages. This helps conserve energy as it only requires energy only when it is required.
The machine also has a pressure gauge on the group head, which is a nice touch that lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to achieve a better extraction. This is usually reserved for machines costing much more.
Other noteworthy characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, accessible water tank on the side and its energy saving mode, which can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to two hours. The insulated wrap helps reduce heat loss, and its dual-temperature control system minimizes static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer service and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides many different specialty drinks that are made with one button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites as well as tea, hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and sleek color display are just a few of the features that set this machine apart from other machines.
The E8 uses an Aroma G3 grinder that provides an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It comes with eight grind settings that may appear to be a lot when compared to other super automatics which have only three or four. But the fact is, 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 as well as a pulse extraction process, both responsible for making a top-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process makes use of 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 the average instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and it does it extremely well. It makes excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only drawback is that it's unable to make the latte. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler to make a thick, foamy the foam.
Like many super automated machines however, this one does require some maintenance, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and clean itself after each use. You can program it to perform a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.