The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic option for those who don't have barista experience but still want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines have electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They heat up quickly, and they don't require large counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and an adjustable pre-infusion. It comes with a steaming wand and a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its cute 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 an automated alternative to a manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to do the heavy lifting of temperature and pressure control so that it's ready for brewing at the time you press the button. It also uses a technology called Thermo Jet that lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, which means you can make your espresso faster than most other espresso machines at home (which require between 10 and 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 between a single shot or a double shot and set the brewing times which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price point. 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 comes with everything you require to get started making your own. This includes a steel 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming 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 also has built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to keep it running smoothly.
If you're just beginning to learn about espresso and want to learn more, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an basic home espresso machine. It's simple to use and has a quick heat-up time, and does a good job of automatically blending milk for you. Its high price may be out of reach for many people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's perfect for both novices and coffee lovers. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter, and makes good cappuccinos, espresso and lattes. It does have some drawbacks that should be considered.
In our brewing metrics The Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets, as well as the lack of a temperature control. Both of these factors make it difficult to customize extraction. We liked that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to a suitable height.
The unit also has a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an inbuilt level indicator to let you know when to refill. It's also removable which is useful in the event that you want to clean the tank, or when you don't have a sink in the vicinity. The model also comes with a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups under the spout.
In our steaming measurements, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its limited control of the temperature of steam and the absence of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost much more. Despite these shortcomings we liked the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a 1-year warranty. In terms of price and performance the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than some other models we've tested, and will reduce the cost of paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you think?) This machine is aimed at beginners who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency of the brewing.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of adjusting the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its easy-to-use controls. You can also choose between single or double shots and select the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater built-in 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 need to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that works with the tamper, automatically dials in the right amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. And if you're feeling a little less confident in your ability to control manually the grind size, water temperature and dosing, the machine has a variety of presets to help.
The Barista Express Impress also comes with the infamous single hole steam wand, which can create stunning latte art. 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 a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods but the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without becoming intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making an excellent espresso. I'm happy with that and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who focus on design, quality and ease of usage. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it an eye-catching addition to your coffee bar. It's also a great option for those who are just beginning to understand the basics of espresso and steaming without getting overwhelmed by the programming and complexity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even small changes in water temperature can impact the taste and quality.
Another notable feature is steaming thermoblock that is separate to the Diletta that lets you prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time. This can save you lots of time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. This can save energy since it only draws energy only when it is required.
The machine has a pressure gauge on the group head. It's a nice feature because it lets you check your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, which provides you with an option of personalization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
The Diletta also has a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, as well as an energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in 10-minute increments to two hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy costs.
Some users have complained about the long repair time and the poor quality of this machine. Diletta has also been criticized for its poor customer support and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering a wide variety of specialty drinks that can be made by pressing 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 brewing technology and sleek color display.
The E8 utilizes the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole 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 three or four. But the reality is that the higher settings give you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is essential to make a great cup of coffee.
In addition to the powerful burr grinder, the Jura E8 has an intelligent pre-infusion system and pulse extraction process that are both responsible for creating a high-quality cup of espresso every time. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The result is more full and more flavorful than instant coffee brewed with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks, and it does this very well. It makes an excellent, strong espresso and a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only downside is that it's unable to make a latte. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler in order to create an extremely thick, foamy foam.
As with most super-automatics cheap espresso machine that are available, this one requires a bit of maintenance however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean itself and descale after each use, and it can be programmed to do a deeper cleaning once or every two years. It will also remind you to change the filter after every 80 drinks.