The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista training but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines come with automated features and digital convenience. They also heat up quickly and don't take up much counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It also includes a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its adorable name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It is packed with features, making it a great option for those looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or want an alternative that is more automated than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to brew when you press the button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet which allows it heat up in only 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind, so there's only one button to control everything. You can select one or two shots and also set the brewing time that you're required to do manually with other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a classy look, and its compact size makes it ideal for those with limited countertop space or a tight kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the equipment you require to start brewing, including an tamper made of metal measuring 54 millimeters and a dose trimmer tool. It's the only machine in this category that does this, and it shows that Breville is committed to making their products as secure as possible. It has reminders to descaling and clean it, ensuring that it runs efficiently.
If you're a novice to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the most suitable affordable home espresso machine. It's easy to use and has a quick heat-up time, and does a good job of automatically texturing milk for you. The high cost of the product could be difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an excellent, budget-friendly choice that's perfect for both beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's easy to use, looks nice on the countertop, and produces excellent espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks, which should be taken into consideration.
The Stilosa was below average for its brew control and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was mostly due to its small filter baskets and lack of temperature control, which both make it difficult to alter the extraction process. We did however like the fact that it doesn't take long for the machine to heat up and it has an excellent amount of adjustment in the spout's spout's height.
The model also comes with a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. like this has a built in level indicator to let you know when to refill. It's removable, which is helpful if you want to clean the tank or when you don't have a sink close by. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you place taller cups underneath the spout.
In our steaming metrics, the Stilosa also came up short. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of steam, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite these issues we were pleased with the fact that it doesn't need regular maintenance and is backed by a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to a home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than some other models we've tested and will save you money on paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name do you not think?) is a machine designed specifically for those who are interested in learning about espresso. This single pump-driven boiler is designed to make it easy for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency of the brewing.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its easy-to-use controls. You can select between double and single shots, and your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater built-in ensures that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that works with the tamper dials in the correct amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system uses sensors to measure the depth of the basket, and then alters how much ground coffee is dispersed. If you're a little less confident in the ability to control the grind size, water temperature and dosing, the machine offers various presets to help.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that can produce some stunning Latte art also. It's the same wand you can find in Breville's advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it works a treat.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming too intimidating or taking the joy from making espresso. I'm pleased to give it a thumbs up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who prioritize quality, design and ease of usage. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a striking addition to your coffee area. Beginners can also benefit from this machine because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or complexity.
One of the most impressive features of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID that ensures rapid warm-up times and a stable temperature. This is especially important for espresso, as small variations in temperature of the water can have a huge impact on the taste and quality of your coffee.
Another standout feature is the Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This is a huge time-saver, and it helps ensure that your milk has the perfect texture for your beverages. This can save energy since it only uses energy when it is needed.
This machine comes with an indicator of pressure on the head of the group. It's a nice addition, as it allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
The Diletta also has an easy-to-clean side tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes up to two hours. The insulated wrap helps reduce heat loss, and its dual temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and low durability of this machine. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer support and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers many different specialty drinks that can be prepared at the push of one button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, and teas, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and sleek color display.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that provide three or four. The higher range allows you to regulate the size and consistency, which is crucial to a perfect cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an advanced pre-infusion process. These two components are responsible for producing a cup of espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The result is a cup that is more rich, fuller, and more flavorful than your typical instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and does it extremely well. It produces excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only downside is that it's unable to make an espresso. This requires a high pressure steam boiler in order to create a thick, foamy the foam.
Like most super automatics however, this one does require some attention, however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically descale and clean itself after every use. It is easy to program it to do more thorough cleaning at least once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after 80 drinks.