The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who don't have barista experience, but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automated features and digital convenience. They heat quickly, and they don't require much counter space.
This model comes with a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes steam wand as well as a commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its adorable name, is an actual machine. It is packed with features that make it a good option for those looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or wants an automated alternative to a manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, so it's ready to make espresso the moment you push the button. It also makes use of a technology called Thermo Jet, which lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, which means 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 built with simplicity in mind. There is just one button that controls everything. You can select a single or double shot, and you can also choose the brewing time as well, which is something you're required to do manually with other espresso machines in this price range. The brushed stainless finish gives it a classy appearance, and its compact size is ideal for those with limited counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to begin with brewing. This includes a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It shows how Breville strives to make their products as foolproof and reliable as is possible. It also comes with built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to ensure it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most basic espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's easy to use, has a fast heat-up time and does a great 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 is a well-rounded and budget-friendly manual espresso machine that is suitable for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it has some drawbacks, which should be considered.
machine espresso was below average for its control of brew and quality in our brewing metrics. This was primarily due to the small size of the filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, which both restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. However, we did like the fact that it takes only a few minutes for this machine to preheat and it has the ability to adjust on the spout height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that holds up 34 ounces. It also comes with a built-in indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's removable, which can be beneficial if you have to clean it or don't have access a sink. This model also has a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This was mainly due to its insufficient control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion option, both of which are 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 warranty. In terms of price and performance the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's easier to use than other models we've seen and will save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful don't you think?) is a machine specifically designed for people who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine aims to make it simple for anyone to pull a decent shot of espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper and brew group settings by using its easy-to-use controls. You can choose between single and double shots, as well as the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater in the machine makes sure that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines require to get to temperature.
Another important feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping mechanism that works with the tamper to dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes an integrated sensor that measures the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you're feeling less confident about the ability to control the grind size, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers a variety of presets to aid you.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some pretty impressive Latte art also. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it's great.
I'm not a big fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming daunting or taking the enjoyment out of preparing an espresso. I'm glad to give it a thumbs up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and consistent performance make it a striking addition to your coffee area. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or the complexity.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is one of its most striking features. It guarantees quick warming-up times and stable temperatures of water. This is important, especially for espresso, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can impact the taste and quality.
Another standout feature is the Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This is a huge time-saver, and it helps to ensure that your milk is of the proper texture for your drinks. It also conserves energy by only using power when it's required.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the group head. It's a nice touch because it lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can also adjust the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is usually reserved for machines that cost more.
The Diletta also has a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. Its insulated wrap reduces heat loss, and its dual temperature control system minimizes static electricity. This means less waste and lower costs.
However, some customers have reported issues with the durability of the machine and lengthy repair times. In addition, some have received poor customer service from Diletta and have had trouble solving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic espresso machine comes with a dizzying assortment of specially-programmed drinks at the touch of a button. It can also make ristrettos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, flat whites and teas and plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. Its innovative brewing technology and its elegant color display are only some of the features that set this machine apart from other machines.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder to provide a quick and accurate grind of whole beans. It has eight grind settings that may seem a lot when contrasted with other super automatics which have only three or four. But the fact is, the higher setting gives you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is crucial to ensure a perfect cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion procedure. These two features are responsible for producing a cup of espresso that is consistently high quality. The PEP process utilizes short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, which allows for full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich, fuller, and more flavorful than the average instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does so extremely well. It produces a strong, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only downside is that it's not able to make a latte. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy foam.
As with most super-automatics however, this one does require some attention, however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean and descale after each use and it can be programmed to perform a deeper cleaning once or every two years. It will remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.