Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn the knob, press an icon, and a delicious beverage is at your fingertips. This machine isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it can make a tasty cup of espresso that our tasters discovered to be more coffee-like than some others.
It also requires a bit more effort to operate than other models we've looked at. Still, it's worth the effort for the hands-off Java lover.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best Nespresso machine to buy if you're a coffee lover who wants consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Simply place a capsule in, press brew and enjoy your beverage. The machine recognizes the barcode on the capsule and then automatically adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure the best extraction. This is an important selling point for Nespresso Vertuo, as you don't have to worry about adjusting the temperature or pressures for each type. However, it does limit the options to Nespresso pods and doesn't come with an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to produce a rich smooth, creamy crema. The machine spins at speeds of up to 7000 rpm, which allows you to extract the full range of flavors and aromas in each capsule. It also dispenses hot water as it heats, which allows you to make drip coffee, as well as espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is cheaper than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for people looking to enhance their Nespresso experience. It also has a smaller 40 ounce water tank, which is smaller than the premium model's 60 ounce tank. If you plan on making large drinks often or sharing with guests, the premium model may be a better choice.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville's Barista Express Impress is an eye-catching machine with a premium design and useful features. Its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping can help beginners automatize elements of the process making it much easier for anyone to make a good espresso. It can also make small adjustments to the temperature, which more experienced baristas will appreciate since even a couple of degrees can alter the flavor of the coffee.
The machine has a conical burr grinder of premium quality with 25 grind settings for every kind of coffee. The machine also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug, as double-wall and single-wall filter baskets that can be used for one- and two cup sizes. You can also use the frothing arm to make micro-foam for cappuccinos and lattes.
We liked that the interface of the espresso machine is simple to use and clearly walks you through every step. We also appreciated that the machine is made from durable plastic and doesn't use many. It's not cheap but it's a very well-constructed machine with many features that will last for many years. It comes with a fantastic warranty that covers mechanical problems up to a year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine at this value. It's definitely worth the money in case you're looking to test making espresso regularly.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia's Classic made its debut in 1991, and quickly gained a fan base due to its minimalist design and - of course - ability to brew a tasty cup of espresso. More than three decades later, it has returned better than ever with the new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as modern as some models however it is able to provide a high-quality espresso due to the professional portafilter and group. As only a single boiler unit, it's not able to make a steam and brew at the same time. You'll have to wait for a while before pulling an espresso.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and a feel that is elegant and sturdy in the hand. It has simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew/steam, and has indicator lights. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, resulting in it an elegant feel.
The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, get more info but the 58-millimeter portafilter is a great addition. Also, the plastic tamper is a nice feature. A 3-way solenoid valve also a nice addition that helps prevent water pressure fluctuations and assists in getting rid of sloppy coffee pucks which cheaper machines struggle with. Gaggia has also added an elegant steam wand that is excellent at creating a frothy milk drink to create the art of latte.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This machine from De'Longhi is a excellent choice for those who want to make barista quality coffee at home. It is easy to use, and has many features. It has a stainless steel boiler, brewhead and portafilter as well with a water tank that can be removed. The machine is small and can be easily positioned on the counters of most.
This espresso machine has a 15 bar pressure pump which guarantees steady results. It can also warm up in less than 40 seconds, saving you time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks great on any kitchen counter. The De'Longhi is an excellent option for coffee lovers looking to make their own coffee at home.
This is a combination coffee maker and espresso maker that can make up two cups of coffee at the same time. Dual heating allows you to make espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for parties as it lets you serve your guests their favorite drinks at the same time.
The espresso machine comes with a milk mixer that can create creamy and delicious cappuccinos and lattes. It's also easy to use, with simple buttons and a touchscreen. It is also quiet and doesn't generate lots of noise when it's in use.