The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic alternative for those who do not have barista training but would like to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and digital convenience. They also are quick to heat up and don't occupy much counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It comes with steaming wand, as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its adorable name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's loaded with features and makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or wants an alternative that is more automated than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready for brewing at the push of a button. It also makes use of the technology known as Thermo Jet that lets it heat up in only 3 seconds, so you can enjoy your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind, which is why there's just one button to control everything. You can choose between 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 finish gives it a premium appearance, and its compact size is perfect for those with a small counter space or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to begin brewing. This includes a metal 54mm tamper and a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind that can do this. It demonstrates how Breville strives to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as they can. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it so that it runs efficiently.
If you're new to espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and then automatically texts milk for you. However, its cost could make it out of reach for some people.
2. Coffeee is an excellent, budget-friendly choice that is ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's easy-to-use, looks good on the counter, and makes great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. There are some disadvantages which must be taken into consideration.
In our metrics for brewing we found that the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, which both restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.
It also includes a convenient water tank that holds up to 34 ounces and comes with a built-in indicator for the level to let you know when it's time to refill. It's removable, which is useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to the sink. Another new feature on this model is a movable drip tray that lets you hold taller cups under the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This was due to its limited control of the temperature of steam, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost more. Despite these flaws we did like the fact that it doesn't need regular maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a little simpler to use than other models we've tested, and will save you money over paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you agree?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in coffee. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
Its simple-to-use controls make it simple to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also select between double or single shots and choose your preferred temperature. A thermocoil heating system built into the machine makes sure that your espresso is ready to go in around 30 seconds which is considerably faster than the half-hour that the majority of single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system, which works with the tamper adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes an integrated sensor to gauge the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you're feeling less confident about your ability to manually control the size of the grind, the water temperature and dosing, the machine comes with several presets to help.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some pretty impressive artworks of latte also. It's the same wand you can find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's a great tool.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods, however the Impress does what it sets out to do without being too intimidating or taking away the pleasure of making a good shot of espresso. I'm happy with that and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who prioritize quality, design, and ease of use. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and consistent performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee bar. Beginners will also benefit from this machine since it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or the complexity.
One of the most impressive features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that ensures quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is essential, especially for espresso because even tiny variations in temperature of the water can alter the taste and quality of the espresso.
Another notable feature is steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta that allows you to prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time. This will save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This saves energy as it only uses power when needed.
This machine also features a pressure gauge at the head of the group. This is a nice addition that lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, which provides you with a level of customization that's typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
The Diletta also has an easy-to-clean side tank, as well as an energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes up to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy costs.
However, some users have reported issues with the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. Some have also received poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty solving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers a wide variety of specialty drinks that are made at the push of just a single button. It also makes macchiatos, ristrettos and cappuccinos, flat whites and teas along with plain hot chocolate, plain coffee and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge technology for brewing and sleek color display.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans quickly and precisely. It comes with eight grind settings that may appear to be a lot when contrasted with other super automatics that only have 3 or 4. But the reality is that the higher setting gives you more control over the size and the 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 responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavor to be fully extracted. The result is a cup that is more rich and fuller as well as more flavorful than your typical instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a variety of drinks and it does so very well. It produces excellent, strong espresso and smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it cannot produce the proper latte that really needs the high pressure from steam boilers to make a thick foam.
This machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super automatics. It will automatically clean itself and descale after every use. It can also be programmed to perform a deeper cleaning once or twice per year. It will remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.