The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There's no one-size-fits-all espresso machine. This is why we've compiled our top picks for your home, from a super-automatic that grinds and packs your beans, to semi-automatics that give you the most control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch strikes the perfect balance between automatizing the process while needing you to be proficient in the art of espresso-making. This is our top choice for a coffee-to-cup machine.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a great option for those looking to make espresso at home without sacrificing quality. This espresso machine with a small footprint was created for those with little counter space. It combines excellent build quality and a small footprint. It comes equipped with a 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler and commercial E61 group heads so that you can steam milk and brew espresso at the same time.
The machine looks fantastic too, and comes with an insert for the side of the machine with the engraved steam and hot water spouts. This is a fresh update on the classic look of Rocket and is already impressive for a machine that is so small. It also includes the black pressure gauge, which shows when the boiler is ready to use.
The water reservoir and drip tray are smaller on this machine than other models. This means that you will be more cautious about emptying and refilling the machine, particularly when you are using it regularly. This is a sacrifice that comes with having less footprint. This is not something that is unique to this model.
This machine is capable of handling the demands of your coffee. However, we would recommend investing in a good grinder, like the Baratza Sette Gigante for increased consistency and flavor. You can also pair the machine with a Rocket Portafilter to increase tamping.
Rocket Appartamento, as a prosumer machine, makes excellent drinks and is easy to make latte arts. It's important to note that this machine isn't intended for novices. There is a small learning curve for those upgrading from appliance-grade espresso machines. The heat exchange boiler could be a little tricky to control and you'll need to master the ins and outs of cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca as well as the Rocket Appartamento have the option to connect to a water source, allowing you to be capable of drinking cold and filter-filtered water. The latter has a 2.25-liter water tank, which is more difficult to fill than its competitors.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This machine is built to Lavazza's top standards. The machine can reach the temperature for brewing quickly, which means you can prepare your first cup in less than 35 second. The water tank can be easily refilled, as the lid can be removed to make a large hole. You can fill it up with tap water depending on what you prefer.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest of the models, but it packs a punch. It's priced at less than PS100 at the full price and is much less expensive than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. The Jolie is a great option for those who don't have the space or funds for traditional espresso machines however still want to enjoy a real Italian espresso.
The Jolie is simple to use and takes up small counter space. You just need to press one button to start the machine, then again to start dispensing your chosen brew. The button has a backlight to let you know how much you have consumed. You can also stop the process, in case you wish to drink the pod in smaller amounts.
There's no steam wand included on this model, however you can add a milk frother (available separately) to add some creamy froth if you like. The machine is quiet, too and can be utilized in a small workspace or in a kitchen with flatshare without disturbing others.
They aren't inexpensive, but there's a variety of blends available to satisfy everyone from mildest to the most demanding espresso drinkers. They are available in most supermarkets, along with regular coffee beans and grounds coffee. You can also buy Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods on the internet.
The Jolie and milk is a sleek capsule that comes with an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm power cord and plug as well as a quick-guide and warranty card, as well as a test box that contains nine Lavazza pods which include six roasts (two Qualita Rossa, two Lungo Dolce and two Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso). The machine is small enough to fit under a cupboard or flat surfaces.
3. Breville BES870XL
At first glance at first glance, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso machine that is not within the budget of a majority of consumers. If you're willing invest the time to learn how to use it, this is an excellent do-it-all home espresso maker that is more efficient than some of the more expensive models available. It's the most affordable in its class, and it's especially suitable for those who do not have an espresso maker yet. This could easily set them back another $100 or more.
The model is just below the top of the range for Breville (their Oracle is the most expensive at $2,199) however, it's a solid choice for home baristas on a budget. It's loaded with customizable features and even an integrated burr mill, which makes it more affordable. It is also a single-boiler machine, which means that it can only handle one thing at a time.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the market for espresso machines, Breville has quickly made an impact with their high-quality appliances. This machine is no exception, and it has just enough control to let budding baristas improve their abilities without spending more than is necessary.
The unit does not come without its quirks. The hopper is situated on the side, not the top, of this model. It's not a huge issue, but it can be a hassle if you need to dispense multiple shots at once. The rear position of the tank makes it difficult to see the amount of liquid left.
If you're willing to invest time learning to use the Breville Barista Express then it's an excellent appliance for any coffee lover at home. The only downside is the price, which could be a turnoff for certain buyers. If you're looking for an affordable option, we recommend the Gaggia Classic and the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines are similar in capability and offer a bit more control than the Barista Express. However, they are a fraction of the price.
4. OXO Brew 9 Cup
A high-tech, smart coffee machine that makes great coffee using a simple interface. Its sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED screen give a stylish look to your kitchen. It comes with only one dial to program how many cups you want it to make and includes a 2-4 cup setting and a 5-9 cup setting. Its brewing process is similar to pour-over, which most coffee enthusiasts believe makes the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the perfect temperature and then poured over grounds with a shower-head for uniform saturation. The brewed coffee is then stored in the double-walled thermal carafe and can be stored for up to 60 minutes. The pause and pour feature allows you to remove the carafe while brewing to fill your cup to the brim. The machine pauses the brewing process, and displays a red light on its LED interface, until you return the carafe. The machine then begins brewing.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup is certified by SCAA, which means it meets the organization's rigorous technical standards. Its brew time is approximately longer than the Bodum BISTRO and Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, but it provides more control over temperature, brewing time and also quality.
In our tests in our tests, the OXO Brew 9 Cup produced an excellent pot of drip coffee, with a carafe full in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is a bit longer than the 6 minutes or less that the Bonavita Connoisseur and the Moccamaster require, but still within the range that coffee experts suggest for a decent cup of drip.
It is also necessary to grind your beans before brewing. You can use a manual coffee grinder or opt for a more automatic model, such as the Baratza Encore, read more which has various grind settings as well as the hopper can hold entire beans.
The only drawback is that the carafe and the water reservoir aren't dishwasher safe this could be a issue for some users. The stainless steel is still easily cleaned by hand, however. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek aesthetic and easy-to-use interface make it a top contender among the best drip coffee makers.