The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have barista training but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are digitally dependable. They also are quick to heat up and don't occupy much counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and a variable 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 loaded with features that make it a great pick for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espressi machines, or for those who want an automated alternative to a manual.
It has a PID controller to do the hard work of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It uses a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to heat up in only 3 seconds. This means that you will get your coffee faster than other espresso machines for home use.
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose either a single or double shot, and you can also determine the time of brewing as well, which is something you're required to manually with other espresso machines in this price range. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and the small dimensions make it ideal for anyone with limited space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started with brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper and a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and it demonstrates that Breville is dedicated to making their products as secure as they can. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those who are new to the world of espresso. It's simple to use and has a quick heat-up time and does a great job of automatically blending milk for you. However, its high price could put it out of reach for a few 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 makes excellent cappuccinos, espressos, 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 control. This was mostly due to the small size of the filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked the fact that this unit can be heated quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to a suitable height.
The unit also has a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an integrated indicator for level that lets you know when it's time to refill. It is removable, which is useful if you need to clean it or don't have access an indoor sink. 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 on our steaming measurements. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of the steam and the 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 its ease of maintain and comes with a 1-year warranty. In terms of price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than other models we've tested and will save you money on the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name do you not think?) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and brewing consistency.
Its simple-to-use controls click now make it easy to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also choose between single or double shots and select the temperature you prefer. A built-in thermocoil heating system guarantees that your espresso will be ready in less than 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half hour that the majority of 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. This system uses an integrated sensor to gauge the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. And if you're feeling less certain about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, water temperature and dosing, the machine comes with a variety of presets to help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand which can create impressive latte artwork. The same wand will find in Breville's more advanced, high-end Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines or even pods. However, the Impress does exactly what it says without being too intimidating or taking the joy from making espresso. I'm happy 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 convenience. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a stunning addition to your coffee corner. It's also a great choice for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to understand the basics of steaming and espresso without being overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is one of its most striking features. It provides quick warm-up time and stable temperature water. This is important, especially for espresso, because even tiny changes in water temperature can affect the taste and quality.
Another standout feature is the Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that allows you to prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This can be a major time-saver and helps to ensure that your milk has the perfect texture for your drinks. It also saves energy by only using energy when it is needed.
The machine has a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice touch because it allows you to monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, which gives you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is normally reserved for more expensive machines.
Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean side-accessible water tank and its energy-saving mode, which can be adjusted in 10-minute increments up to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some users have complained about the longevity of this machine and long repair times. In addition, some have received poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic espresso machine has a dazzling variety of specially-programmed drinks that you can choose from the click of the button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate and plain coffee. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technologies and stylish display in color.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder to provide an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics that provide three or four. But the fact is, the higher settings give you more control over the size and consistency of your grind and this is important for creating a great cup of coffee.
In addition to its powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system as well as a pulse extraction process that are both responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process makes use of short bursts of water to push 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 your typical instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and it does it exceptionally well. It makes excellent, strong espresso as well as smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it cannot produce a proper latte, which really needs the high pressure of a steam boiler to create an extremely thick foam.
The machine isn't as difficult to clean as super-automatics. It will automatically self-clean and descale after every use, and it can be easily programmed to do more thorough cleaning at least twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.