The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who do not have barista experience, but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines have automated features and digital convenience. They heat quickly, and they don't require large counter space.
This model comes with a programmable volumetric dose as well as an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes steam wand, commercial grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is a serious machine. It's packed with features, making it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or wants an automated alternative to manual.
It comes with a PID controller that does the heavy lifting of temperature and pressure control so that it's ready for brewing at the time you press the button. It also makes use of the technology known as Thermo Jet which lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can enjoy your espresso quicker than other home espresso machines (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind. There is only one button to control everything. You can select one or two shots, and you can also choose the brewing time that you have to do manually like other espresso machines in this price range. The brushed stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its small dimensions are ideal for those with a small counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the accessories you need to begin brewing, including a metal 54 mm tamper and the dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind to do this. It shows how Breville intends to make their products as foolproof and reliable as is possible. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure it runs smoothly.
If you're just beginning to learn about espresso coffee, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an basic home espresso machine. It's easy to use, warms up quickly, and automatically texts 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, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that's suitable for both coffee lovers and beginners alike. It's user-friendly and looks good on the countertop, and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso, and lattes. However, it has a few drawbacks that should be considered.
The Stilosa was below average for its control of brew and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to the tiny filter baskets, as well as the lack of a temperature control. Both of these aspects restrict your ability to adjust the extraction. We liked that this machine is quick to heat up and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.
It also comes with a handy water tank that holds up to 34 ounces and has a built-in level indicator to tell you when it's time to refill. It's also movable, which is helpful in the event that you want to clean the tank or in the event that you don't have a sink in the vicinity. Another feature new to this model is a movable drip tray that allows you to put taller cups on the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming metrics. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of steam and the absence 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 over the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's a mouthful more info 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 easy for anyone to make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.
Its easy-to-use controls make it simple to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can also choose between double or single shots and pick your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine makes sure that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that works with the tamper, dials in the right amount of ground coffee for each shot. The system makes use of sensors to determine the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispersed. If you're not sure about your ability to control the size of the grind and water temperature manually, the machine has presets that can be helpful.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand which can create impressive latte artwork. This is the same wand that is found in Breville's top-of-the-line Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods but the Impress does what it's designed to do without becoming daunting or removing the enjoyment of making a good shot of espresso. I'm glad to give it a thumbs-up for that!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components, and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee corner. It's also a good option for those who are just beginning to master the basics of steaming and espresso without getting overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID that ensures rapid warm-up times and a stable temperature. This is particularly important for espresso drinks, since even small variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of your drink.
Another notable feature is steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta that lets you brew espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This can help you save time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This helps conserve energy as it only uses energy only when it is required.
The machine has an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice addition that lets you check the pressure of your extraction live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, which provides you with a level of customization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean accessible water tank on the side and its optional energy saver mode, which can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy costs.
However, some users have complained about the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. In addition, some have received poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic machine offers a wide variety of specialty drinks that are made at the push of a single button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, teas and flat whites and plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge technology for brewing and elegant color display.
The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans with speed and precision. It also comes with 8 grind settings, which may seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics that provide 3 or 4. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential for a great cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements make for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The coffee is more full and more flavorful than instant coffee brewed with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does so very well. It produces a strong smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it's not able to make the proper latte that requires high pressure from steam boilers to make the thick foam.
This machine isn't as difficult to clean as other super-automatics. It will automatically clean itself and descale after each use and it can be easily programmed to do an additional cleaning once or every two years. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.