The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect choice for someone who doesn't have barista skills but still would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines come with automated features and digital convenience. They heat up quickly and don't take up much counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes 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 packed with features that make it a good pick for anyone wanting to move up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who prefer a more automated option than manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the heavy lifting of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to brew the moment you press the button. It also uses the technology known as Thermo Jet that allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, so you can enjoy your espresso faster than most other espresso machines at home (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can choose a single or double shot and also set the brewing time that you're required to manually like other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a luxurious appearance, and its small size makes it perfect for those who have small countertop space or a cramped kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all the tools you need to begin brewing, including an tamper made of metal measuring 54 millimeters and a dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It demonstrates how Breville wants to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as they can. It has reminders to descaling and clean it, ensuring that it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most basic espresso machine for those who are new to the world of espresso. It's easy to use, warms up quickly, and automatically texts milk for you. Its price is difficult for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's ideal for beginners and coffee aficionados alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes great espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. It does have some drawbacks, which should be taken into consideration.
In our brewing metrics, the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets and the absence of temperature control. Both of these issues make it difficult to customize extraction. However, we did like the fact that it takes only a few minutes for the machine to heat up and that it offers the ability to adjust on the spout's height.
The unit also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has a built in indicator for level that lets you know when to refill. It's removable and can be used when you need to clean the tank, or if there's no sink close by. The model also comes with a drip pan that is removable, which allows you to use taller cup sizes underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming measurements. This was due to its limited control of the temperature of the steam, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost much more. Despite its shortcomings, we appreciated that it is easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. For its price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's much easier to use than other models we've tested and will save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful, don't you think?) is a machine designed specifically for those who are interested in learning about espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine is designed to make it simple for anyone to pull a decent espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings with its simple-to-use controls. You can also select between double or single shots and select your preferred temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system ensures your espresso will be ready to go in around 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half-hour the majority of single boiler machines need to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-andamping system that works with the tamper dials in the right amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses sensors to determine the depth of the basket and alters how much ground coffee is dispensed. If you're less confident about your ability to manually control the size of the grind, water temperature, and dosing, the machine offers several presets to help.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that can create some pretty impressive latte art also. The same wand will find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming too intimidating or taking the joy out of making an espresso. I'm happy with that and I'm giving it a thumbs-up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who prioritize quality design, aesthetics, 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. It's also a good option for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to understand the basics of espresso and steaming without getting overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler that ensures quick warm up times and stable water temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a big impact on the taste and quality of your beverage.
Another standout feature is the steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta that lets you prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time. This could save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. It also conserves energy by only consuming energy when it is needed.
This machine comes with an indicator of pressure on the head of the group. It's a nice addition, as it lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can adjust the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines costing much more.
Other noteworthy characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean side-accessible water tank, as well as its optional energy saver mode, which is adjustable in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, and its dual temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower costs.
However, coffeee.uk have complained about the longevity of the machine as well as long repair times. Some have also experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have had trouble in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers many different specialty drinks that can be prepared at the push of just a single button. It also makes macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, and teas and plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its modern brewing technology and stylish color display are just some of the features that separate this machine from other machines.
The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans with speed and precision. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that provide three or four. However, the higher setting gives you greater control over the size and the consistency of your grind and this is crucial for creating a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an advanced pre-infusion process. These two elements are the reason for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process uses 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 the average instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks and does it very well. It makes a powerful, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which really needs the high pressure from steam boilers to make the thick foam.
Like most super automatics that are available, this one requires a bit of maintenance however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and clean itself after every use. You can program it to perform more thorough cleaning at least every two or three times a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after 80 drinks.