The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There's no universally-fit-all coffee maker that is perfect for every. We've rounded-up our top picks, from a superautomatic that grinds your beans and packs them to semi-automatic machines that give you the best control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch is the perfect blend between automation and needing to know the ropes of espresso-making. It's our top pick for a machine that makes coffee.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a top option for those looking to make espresso at home without making big sacrifices in terms of quality. This small-footprint espresso machine was specifically designed for people with small counter space. It combines excellent build quality and a small footprint. It is equipped with a 1.8 liter copper heat-exchange boiler and commercial E61 Group Head so you can steam your milk and brew coffee at the same time.
The machine also looks great and has a circular panel on the side with engraved steam and hot water spouts. This is a refreshing update on the classic look of Rocket and is already impressive for a small machine. It also has a black boiler pressure gauge to indicate when the boiler is ready to use.
One downside to this small machine is that the drip tray and water reservoir are smaller than most other machines. It is important be extra cautious when emptying and re-filling the machine. This is particularly true if you use it frequently. This is a natural trade-off for a smaller footprint, though it is not a problem specific to this model.
This machine is able to handle the demands of your coffee. We recommend buying a good grinder, such as the Baratza Sette Gante, to improve consistency and taste. You can also use the machine in conjunction with a Rocket Portafilter to improve the tamping.
Rocket Appartamento, as a prosumer machine, can make delicious drinks and it is simple to make latte arts. It's important to note that this machine isn't intended for novices. There is a slight learning curve for those upgrading from espresso machines that are appliance-grade. The heat exchanger can be difficult to operate, and you'll need to learn how to perform cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento offer the option of connecting to a water supply, which allows you to always have clean, cold filtered water on hand for your drinks. The latter comes with smaller 2.25-liter tank that can be difficult to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you might expect from a Lavazza machine this one has been designed with quality in mind. The machine is able to reach the temperature of brewing quickly, which means you can prepare your first cup in just 35 second. The water tank can be filled easily by removing the lid. be removed to create an enormous hole. You can fill it up with tap water, should you wish.
This is the smallest machine in the Lavazza A Modo Mio range, but it still has a lot of punch. It's priced less than PS100 at the full price - that's less than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. The Jolie is a great alternative for those who do not have the space or budget for an espresso machine of the traditional type however still want to experience the authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is extremely simple to operate and takes up very little counter space. Pressing one button will begin the process. Pressing it again will start dispense the pod you've selected. The button is illuminated so you can see the amount you've consumed. You can also manually stop the process in case you wish to drink the pod in smaller amounts.
There's no steam wand on this model, however you can add a milk frother (available separately) to add some creamy froth, if you'd like. The machine is very quiet as well and can be utilized in a small workspace or in a kitchen with flatshare without causing any disturbance to anyone else.
Pods aren't cheap, but there is a variety of blends that will satisfy everyone from the mildest to the most demanding espresso drinkers. You can find them in most supermarkets, along with regular grounds coffee and coffee beans. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods on the internet.
The Jolie and milk is a sleek capsule machine that has an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm power cable and plug as well as a quick-guide and warranty card, as well as a test box containing nine Lavazza pods which include six roasted (two Qualita Rossa, two Lungo Dolce and two Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso). The machine is small enough to fit under a cupboard or on flat surfaces.
3. Breville BES870XL
At first glance at first, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso machine that's out of the budget of a majority of consumers. If you're willing and able to learn how to use it, then this is a fantastic home espresso maker. It's more efficient than many of the more expensive models. It's the most affordable in its class, and is especially suitable for those who don't have an espresso machine yet--which can easily set them back another $100 or more.
This model is priced less than the top-of-the-line Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is an excellent choice for baristas who are on a tight budget. It delivers plenty of tweakable features, and has a built-in burr grinder to make the entire experience more affordable. It's also a single boiler, which means it can only be used for brewing or steaming at one time.
Although it is a relatively newcomer to the espresso machine market, Breville has quickly made their mark by offering top-quality equipment. This machine is no different and it comes with enough control to let budding baristas hone their abilities without spending a lot more than is necessary.
It's not without its flaws however. For instance, the hopper on this model is placed on the side of the unit, instead of on top. This isn't significant however it can be annoying if you're trying give multiple shots at once. It's also not very easy to determine how much water remains in the tank because of its rear position.
If you're willing some time in learning how to make use of the Breville Barista Express then it's an excellent appliance for any espresso lover at home. The only drawback is the price, which could be a nagging issue for certain buyers. For those looking for a lower-cost alternative, read our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both are equally capable and provide a bit more control than the Barista Express, but they'll cost you a fraction of what this Breville model can do.
4. OXO Brew 9-Cup
A high-tech smart coffee maker with a simple user interface that produces excellent coffee. The sleek stainless steel design with backlit LED display creates a chic kitchen appearance. It has only one dial to program the amount of cups you want to make. It comes with a 2-4 cup setting and a 5-9 cup setting. The brewing method is similar to pour over, which most coffee enthusiasts believe produces the best tasting coffee. The water is heated to the perfect temperature and then poured over grounds using a showerhead to ensure uniform saturation. The brewed coffee then collects in the thermal, double-walled carafe for up to 60 minutes. The pause-and pour feature lets you remove the carafe while making your coffee and filling it with the right amount. The machine pauses the brewing process and displays a red carafe light on its LED interface until you return it. then resumes and finishes brewing.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup is certified by SCAA, which means it meets the rigorous standards of SCAA's technology. Its brew time is approximately the same length as the Bodum read more BISTRO and the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, but it provides greater control over temperature, brewing time and quality.
In our tests, the OXO Brew 9-Cup made an excellent drip coffee with a full-carafe of coffee in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is a bit more than the 6 minutes that the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but still within the range of time that coffee experts suggest for making a quality cup.
It is also necessary to grind your own beans prior to brewing. You can opt for an manual grinder or an automated model like the Baratza Encore. It has different grind settings and an hopper for beans that are whole.
The only downside is that the carafe and the water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe and could cause hassle for some users. The stainless steel is easy to clean by hand, but. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek style and user-friendly interface make it an undisputed contender among the top drip coffee makers.