The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is an ideal choice for someone who doesn't have barista expertise but is looking to enjoy premium coffee at home. They have features that are automatic and are also digitally-controlled. They heat up quickly and don't need much counter space.
The model is programmable for volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It comes with a steaming wand and a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name is a serious machine. It's loaded with features that make it a good option for those looking to step up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who prefer a more automated option than manual.
It has an PID controller that performs the heavy lifting of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready for brewing the moment you press the button. It also makes use of the technology known as Thermo Jet that allows it to warm up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can make your espresso faster than most other home espresso machines (which take between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot and determine the brewing time which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious appearance, and its small size makes it perfect for those who have small space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the equipment you require to begin brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only one in this category that does this, and it shows that Breville is committed to making their products as foolproof as possible. It also comes with built-in reminders for descaling and cleaning to keep it running smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those new to the world of espresso. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically texts milk for you. However, its price could put it beyond the reach of some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's easy to use and looks great on the counter, and produces excellent espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. It does have some drawbacks, which should be considered.
In our metrics for brewing we found that the Stilosa scored between average and below average for its quality of brewing and control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. However, we liked the fact that it doesn't take long for this machine to preheat and also that it provides a nice amount of adjustability on the spout height.
The unit also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It has an inbuilt level indicator to let you know when to refill. It is removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to an indoor sink. Another new feature on this model is a movable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of the steam and the absence of pre-infusion features. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see its ease of maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than some other models we've tested, and will save you money over paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine hopes to make it simple for anyone to get a decent espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of adjusting the grinder, tamper and brew group settings using its simple-to-use controls. You can also select between single or double shots and pick your preferred temperature. The built-in thermocoil heater makes sure that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is much faster than the typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to gauge the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you're less confident about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, water temperature, and dosing, the machine comes with various presets that can help.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can create some impressive artworks of latte also. It's the same wand you will find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it works a treat.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or pods. However, the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming daunting or taking the enjoyment out of preparing an espresso. I'm pleased to give it a thumbs-up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components and consistent performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee corner. Beginners will also benefit from this machine, because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without having to worry about programming or complexities.
The brew heater controlled by PID is one of its most striking features. It ensures rapid warm-up time and stable temperature water. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even tiny changes in water temperature can impact the taste and quality.
Another standout feature is the Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that lets you prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This will help you save time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. 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 addition that allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, which gives you an option of personalization that's normally reserved for more expensive machines.
Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank, as well as its optional energy saver mode, which can be set in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. Its insulated wrap reduces heat loss, while its dual-temperature control system helps reduce static electricity. click to find out more 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 for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers an array of specialty drinks that can be made by pressing a single button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites along with tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its innovative brewing technology and its elegant color display are only some of the features that separate this machine from the rest.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It has eight grind settings, which might seem like a lot if you compare it to other super-automatics which have only 3 or 4. However, the higher settings give you more control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is crucial for creating a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an advanced pre-infusion process. These two elements make for an espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process uses short bursts in water to force the coffee through the grinder, which allows for full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich, fuller, and more flavorful than your typical instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks, and it does it very well. It produces excellent, strong espresso and a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only downside is that it can't produce an espresso. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy foam.
Like many super automated machines that are available, this one requires a bit of maintenance however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean itself and descale after every use, and it can be easily programmed to do a deeper cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.