The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect choice for someone who doesn't have barista expertise but would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and digital convenience. They heat quickly, and they don't require any counter space.
The model is programmable for volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It also comes with steam wand as well as a commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its adorable name, is a serious machine. It is packed with features that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or need a more automated alternative than manual.
It has a PID controller to do the hard work of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready to drink the moment you press the button. It also makes use of a technology called Thermo Jet which allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds, which means you can enjoy your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine was built with simplicity in mind, so there's only one button that controls everything. You can choose a single or double shot as well as choose the brewing time that you're required to do manually like other espresso machines in this price range. The brushed stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with a small counter space or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to begin making your own. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that can do this, and it demonstrates that Breville is committed to making their products as secure as they can. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it, ensuring it can run smoothly.
If you're a novice to espresso coffee, the Bambino Plus is arguably the ideal basic home espresso machine. It's easy to use, warms up quickly, and then automatically sends milk to you. Its price is out of reach for many people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's suitable for both coffee lovers and beginners alike. It's easy to use, looks nice on the countertop, and makes excellent espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it has a few drawbacks that should be considered.
In our brewing metrics we found that the Stilosa scored average to below-average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, and the lack of a temperature control. Both of these issues restrict your ability to adjust the extraction. We did however like the fact that it doesn't take long for the machine to heat up and that it offers an excellent amount of adjustment in the spout's spout's height.
The unit also has a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has an inbuilt level indicator to let you know when to refill. It's also movable, which is helpful if you want to clean the tank or when there's no sink in the vicinity. The model also comes with a drip pan that is removable, which allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of steam, and lack of pre-infusion features. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite its shortcomings we liked the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. For its price and performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. Coffeee 's much easier to use than other models we've seen and can save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful do you not think?) This machine is intended for people who are new who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it simple for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency in the brewing.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of adjusting the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its simple-to-use controls. You can select between double or single shots, as well as your preferred temperature. A built-in thermocoil heating system guarantees that your espresso will be ready to drink in about 30 seconds which is much quicker than the half hour that the majority of traditional single boiler machines take to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that is integrated with the tamper dials in the right amount of ground coffee for each shot. The system utilizes sensors to determine the depth of the basket and adjusts how much ground coffee is dispersed. If you're not sure that you can control the grind size and water temperature manually, the machine has presets that can help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the famous single hole steam wand which can create impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without being too intimidating or taking the joy from making espresso. I'm pleased with it and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who prioritize quality design, aesthetics and convenience. Its sleek design, professional grade components and consistent performance make it a striking addition to your coffee bar. It's also a great choice for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to master the ins and outs of steaming and espresso without getting overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
This machine's PID-controlled brew heater is one of its most striking features. It ensures rapid warming-up times and stable temperatures of water. This is particularly important for espresso, as small variations in temperature of the water can have a huge impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
Another notable feature is separate thermoblock in Diletta's steaming that allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This can be a major time-saver and helps to ensure that your milk has the perfect texture for your beverages. This helps conserve energy as it only uses energy when it is needed.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice touch, as it lets you monitor the pressure of your extraction in real time. You can adjust the OPV for a finer extraction. This is a feature normally reserved for machines that cost more.
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. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which results in less waste and lower energy costs.
However, some users have reported issues with the longevity of the machine as well as long repair times. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer support and difficulty in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic espresso machine comes with a dizzying variety of specially-programmed drinks that can be accessed by pressing the button. It also makes ristretto, cappuccino, macchiato and flat whites alongside hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its innovative brewing technology and its elegant color display are only a few of the features that separate this machine from other machines.
The E8 makes use of the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It has eight grind settings, which might appear to be a lot when contrasted with other super automatics with just 3 or 4. But the reality is that the higher settings give 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 making a top-quality cup of espresso each time. The PEP process forces water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavor to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and richer than instant coffee made with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide variety of drinks and it does so very well. It makes a powerful smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it cannot produce the proper latte that requires high pressure of steam boilers to produce an extremely thick foam.
As with most super-automatics that are available, this one requires some maintenance, however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean and descale after each use and it can be easily programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice per year. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.