The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic option for those who don't have barista training but would like to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines come with electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat quickly and don't need any counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its cute name the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's packed with features that make it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to move up from the basic Breville espressi machines or those who want a more automated option than a manual.
It's a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It also uses the technology known as Thermo Jet, which allows it to warm up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can get your espresso faster than most other home espresso machines (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was created with simplicity in mind. There is just one button to control everything. You can select a single or double shot as well as choose the brewing time as well, which is something you're required to do manually with other espresso machines in this price range. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a classy look, and the small size makes it ideal for those with limited countertop space or a tight kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you require to get started brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind that does this. It demonstrates how Breville wants to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as possible. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it, ensuring it can run smoothly.
If you're a novice to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal entry-level home espresso machine. It's user-friendly and has a quick heat-up time and does a decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. The high cost of the product could be out of reach for many people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's simple to use and looks great on the counter and makes excellent espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. It does have some drawbacks that 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 mostly due to the small size of the filter baskets and lack of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We were impressed by the fact that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to a good height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with a built-in indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also movable and can be used if you want to clean the tank, or in the event that you don't have a sink close by. The model also comes with a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cup sizes underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This was largely because of its lack of control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion option which are both standard features on much more expensive machines. Despite these flaws, we did appreciate the fact that it doesn't need much maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. In terms of price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we've tested and will save you money on paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine is designed to make it simple for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
The simple controls make it simple to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can choose between single and double shots, and the temperature you prefer. 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 get to temperature.
Another important feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that communicates with the tamper to automatically dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. This system uses a sensor to measure the depth of the basket and alters how much ground coffee is dispersed. If you're less confident about your ability to manually control the grind size, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the famous single hole steam wand, that can create impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand that you will find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines, or pods. However, the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming too intimidating or taking the joy from making espresso. I'm pleased with it and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who prioritize quality, design and convenience. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee area. It's also a good option for beginners who want to master the basics of espresso and steaming without getting overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that ensures quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, since even small fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a huge impact on the flavor and quality of your beverage.
Another standout feature is the steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that your milk has the right consistency. It also saves energy by only using power when it's needed.
The machine also has a pressure gauge on the group head, which is a nice addition that lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can also adjust the OPV to achieve a better extraction. This is usually reserved for machines that cost more.
The Diletta also comes with a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have complained about the longevity of the machine as well as long repair times. Diletta has also been criticized for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic espresso machine has a dazzling array of pre-programmed specialty drinks at the touch of the button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and elegant color display are only some of the features that distinguish this machine from the rest.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which may seem Click Home like a lot when compared to other super-automatics which only offer three or four. But the reality is that the higher setting gives you greater control over the size and the consistency of your grind and this is important to ensure a perfect 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 creating a high-quality cup of espresso every time. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and richer than instant coffee made with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks and does it very well. It produces a strong, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it cannot produce the proper latte that requires high pressure from steam boilers to produce an extremely thick foam.
This machine is not as difficult to clean as super-automatics. It will descale automatically and self-clean after every use. It is easy to program it to perform a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.