The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect option for those who don't have barista expertise but would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines have electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat up quickly and don't take up large counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It also includes steam wand as well as a commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name is a serious machine. It's loaded with features that make it an ideal pick for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or who require a more automated option than a manual.
It has a PID controller to do the hard work of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready to brew the moment you press the button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet which allows it get hot in just 3 seconds. This means you can make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines for home use.
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, so there's only one button that controls everything. You can choose between one shot or a double shot, and set the brewing time which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious look, and the small size makes it ideal for those with small space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the equipment you require to get started brewing, such as the 54mm tamper from a steel and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and it demonstrates that Breville is committed to making their products as reliable as possible. It will remind you to descal and clean it so that it runs efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's simple to use, has a fast heat-up time and does a great job of automatically blending 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 and budget-friendly manual espresso machine that is suitable for both coffee lovers and beginners alike. It's easy to use, looks nice on the counter, and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso and lattes. It does have some drawbacks, which should be taken into consideration.
In our brewing metrics The Stilosa scored between average and below average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets and lack of temperature control, which both limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We liked that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout is able to be adjusted to a suitable height.
The unit also comes with a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with a built in indicator for level that lets you know when it's time to refill. It's also removable, which is helpful in the event that you want to clean the tank, or if there's no sink in the vicinity. It also has an adjustable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also fell short. This was due to its insufficient control of the steam temperature and the absence of pre-infusion features. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see its ease of maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's easier to use than other models we've tested and will save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you think?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in coffee. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it easy for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
Its easy-to-use controls allow you to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can select between double and single shots, as well as your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater built-in makes sure that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system that is integrated with the tamper, adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes a sensor to measure the basket depth and alters how much ground coffee is dispersed. If you're a little less confident in your ability to manually control the size of the grind, the water temperature and dosing, the machine has a variety of presets to aid you.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some stunning latte art also. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods but the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming daunting or removing the fun of preparing an excellent espresso. 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 are devoted to quality, design and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it a striking addition to your coffee bar. It's also a great choice for those who are just beginning to understand the basics of espresso and Article steaming without being overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is one of its most impressive features. It ensures rapid warm-up time and stable temperature water. This is important, especially for espresso because even tiny changes in water temperature can impact the taste and quality.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another feature that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and make espresso at the same time. This could help you save time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. This helps conserve energy as it only uses energy only when it is required.
This machine also features an indicator of pressure at the group head, which is a nice feature that lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, giving you a level of customization that's normally reserved for 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, and its dual-temperature control system minimizes static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair time and the poor quality of this machine. Additionally, some have had poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering many different specialty drinks that can be made at the push of a single button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto, and flat whites, along with tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and stylish display in color.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans with speed and precision. It has eight grind settings which may seem like a lot if compared to other super automatics which have only three or four. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency of your cup, which is vital for a great cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements are responsible for producing an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process uses short bursts in water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich and fuller as well as more flavorful than typical instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and it does it extremely well. It makes a powerful smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it cannot produce the proper latte that really needs the high pressure from steam boilers to produce an extremely thick foam.
Like many super automated machines, this machine does require some maintenance, however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean and descale after each use and it can be programmed to perform more thorough cleaning at least twice per year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.