The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who do not have barista experience but still would like to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They also are quick to heat up and don't take up a lot of counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It comes with steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name is an actual machine. It's packed with features that make it a great option for those wanting to move up from the standard Breville espresso machines or who want a more automated option than a manual.
It is equipped with an PID controller that handles the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready for brewing at the push of a button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet, which lets it get hot in just 3 seconds. This means that you will make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines for home use.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to manage everything. You can select a single shot or a double shot, and set the brewing time which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price point. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious look, and its compact size makes it ideal for anyone with little countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the accessories you need to get started brewing, such as an tamper made of metal measuring 54 millimeters and the dose trimmer tool. It's the only machine in this category that does this, and it demonstrates that Breville is committed to making their products as secure as is possible. It has reminders to descaling and clean it so that it runs smoothly.
If you're new to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the most suitable entry-level home espresso machine. It is easy to use, heats up quickly, and then automatically sends milk to you. Its high price may be difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's easy-to-use, looks good on the counter, and can make fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks which must be taken into consideration.
The Stilosa scored below average in its brew control and quality in our metrics for brewing. This was due to the small filter baskets and the absence of a temperature control. Both of these aspects limit your ability customize extraction. We were impressed by the fact that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces and has a built-in level indicator so you can tell when it's time to refill. It's removable, which can be beneficial if you have to clean it or don't have access to a sink. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you hold taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming measurements. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of the steam, and lack of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite its shortcomings we were pleased to see the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a 1-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's more user-friendly than other models we've tried and will help you save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is designed for beginners who are interested in espresso. Coffeee , pumps-driven machine is designed to make it easy for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
Its easy-to-use controls make it easy to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can select between double and single shots, and your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heating feature built-in makes sure that your espresso is ready in less than 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half hour that most traditional single boiler machines take to get to temperature.
Another feature that is important is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper in order to dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. The system makes use of sensors to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're not sure about your ability to control the grind size and water temperature manually, the machine has presets that can be helpful.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the well-known single hole steam wand which can create stunning latte art. The same wand can find in Breville's sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it claims to do without being too intimidating or taking the joy out of making an espresso. I'm glad to give it a thumbs-up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who are adamant about quality, design and convenience. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee corner. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, as it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without having to worry about programming or complexities.
One of the most impressive features of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID that guarantees quick warm up time and a steady temperature. This is especially important for espresso drinks, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your coffee.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another unique feature. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. 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.
This machine comes with an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice touch because it allows you to monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, which gives you an option of personalization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
Other important features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank and its optional energy saver mode, which can be adjusted 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. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the long repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic espresso maker is equipped with a wide variety of specially-programmed drinks that can be accessed by pressing a button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate, and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and elegant display in color.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans with speed and precision. It comes with eight grind settings which may seem like a lot if compared to other super automatics with just three or four. However, the higher setting gives you greater control over the size and the consistency of your grind and this is important for creating a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two components are responsible for producing an espresso cup that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The coffee is more full and more luscious than instant coffee brewed with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks, and it does this exceptionally well. It makes excellent, strong espresso as well as a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only downside is that it cannot produce an adequate latte, which really needs the high pressure of steam boilers to produce a thick foam.
As with most super-automatics however, this one does require some attention, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will automatically descale and clean itself after each use. It is easy to program it to do a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.