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. They have features that are automatic and are digitally convenient. They also are quick to heat up and don't take up much counter space.
The model is programmable for volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name is a serious 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 an automated alternative to a manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to do the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to drink at the time you press the button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet that allows it to get hot in just 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other home espresso machines.
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, and so there's just one button that controls everything. You can select a single shot or a double shot, and set the brewing times which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and its compact dimensions make it ideal for those who have little space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the accessories you need 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 foolproof as is possible. It also has built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to ensure that it is running efficiently.
If you're a novice to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal affordable home espresso machine. It's simple to use and has a quick heat-up time and does a great job of automatically texturing milk for you. The high cost of the product could be too expensive for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's perfect for both novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes excellent cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. However, it does have a few disadvantages that need to be thought about.
The Stilosa scored below average in its brew control and quality in our brewing metrics. This was mostly due to the small size of the filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. However, we liked the fact that it takes only a few minutes for the machine to warm up and also that it provides the ability to adjust on the spout's height.
The unit also comes with a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It has a built in level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also removable, which can be beneficial if you have to clean it or don't have access the sink. This model also has a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming metrics. This was due to its limited control of the steam temperature, and lack of pre-infusion features. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see that it is easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than other models we've tried and will save you money on paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's quite a mouthful do you not think?) is a machine made specifically for espresso-curious beginners. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency of the brewing.
Its easy-to-use controls make it easy to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also select between double or single shots and pick 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 typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines require to be at temperature.
Another important feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that communicates with the tamper in order to dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor that measures basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you're not sure that you can control the size of the grind as well as the temperature of the water manually, the machine has presets that may help.
The Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that can create some stunning Latte art, too. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not one who advocates for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines, or even pods, but the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming difficult or removing the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm happy with that and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who prioritize quality design, style, and ease of use. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee area. Beginners will 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 the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial for espresso drinks, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can have a big impact on the flavor and quality of your drink.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another thing that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. This could save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This can save energy since it only requires power when needed.
This machine also features an indicator of pressure at the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you track the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, giving you an option of personalization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
The Diletta also comes with an easy-to-clean side tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in 10-minute increments to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy costs.
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 high-end super-automatic espresso maker comes with a dizzying array of pre-programmed specialty drinks that can be accessed by pressing one button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, and teas, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and sleek color display are just a few of the features that set this machine apart from other machines.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and accurately. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which may seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that provide 3 or 4. The higher range allows you to manage the size and consistency of your cup, which is vital to a perfect cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements sites make for an espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process is a method of forcing water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and richer than instant coffee made with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks and does so very well. It produces a strong smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which requires high pressure from steam boilers to produce an extremely thick foam.
The machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super-automatics. It will descale automatically and clean itself after every use. You can easily program it to do a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.