The Best Home Espresso Machine Awards: The Most, Worst, And Weirdest Things We've Ever Seen
The Best Home Espresso Machine Awards: The Most, Worst, And Weirdest Things We've Ever Seen
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The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic option for those who don't have barista training but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with electronic features that are automatic and provide convenience. They are quick to heat up and don't take up large counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It also comes with a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is a serious machine. It's loaded with features and makes it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or need a more automated alternative than manual.
It comes with a PID controller that does the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to drink at the time you press the button. It uses a technology known as Thermo jet which allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.
This machine was built with simplicity in mind, which is why there's just one button to control everything. You can select a single or double shot, and you can also choose the brewing time, which is something you have to do manually with other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its compact dimensions are ideal for those with limited counter space or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started making your own. This includes a steel 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that does this, and it shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as secure as possible. It also comes with built-in reminders for descaling and cleaning to keep it running smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those new to the world of espresso. It's user-friendly and has a quick heat-up time, and does a good job of automatically blending milk for you. However, its high price tag may put it out of reach for a few people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an excellent, budget-friendly choice that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter and makes excellent espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. It does have some drawbacks that should be considered.
In our brewing metrics The Stilosa scored below average to average for its brew quality and control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, which both limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We liked that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout is able to be adjusted to a good height.
The unit also comes with an easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an integrated level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It's removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to an indoor sink. This model also has a removable drip pan that allows you to use taller cup sizes underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming metrics. This resulted from its lack of control of the temperature of the steam and the lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings we were pleased to see the fact that it's easy to maintain and comes with a 1 year warranty. For the price and the performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than 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 designed for beginners who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine is designed to make it simple for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor and consistency in the brewing.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper and brew group settings with its easy-to-use controls. You can choose between double and single shots, as well as the temperature you prefer. The thermocoil heater built-in guarantees that your espresso will be ready to go within 30 seconds. This is much faster than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines need to reach temperature.
Another important feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that works with the tamper to dial in the right dose of ground coffee per shot. This system makes use of discover here an integrated sensor to measure basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you're not sure of your ability to regulate the grind size and water temperature manually the machine has presets that can be helpful.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which is capable of churning out some impressive artworks of latte, too. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it's a great tool.
I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines, or even pods, however, the Impress does what it sets out to do without being too intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm happy with that 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 user-friendliness. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components and consistent performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee corner. Beginners can also benefit from this machine because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without having to think about programming or complexities.
One of the most striking features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler, which ensures quick warm up times and a stable temperature. This is important, especially for espresso, because even minor changes in water temperature can affect the taste and quality.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another thing that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. This will save you lots of time and ensure that your milk is the right texture. This can save energy since it only draws energy when it is needed.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice feature, as it allows you to monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you a level of customization that's typically reserved for more expensive machines.
Other notable characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank and its energy-saving mode, which is adjustable in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature technology reduces static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy costs.
However, some customers have reported issues with the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. Some have also had poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic espresso machine has a dazzling assortment of specially-programmed drinks at the touch of one button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and stylish color display are just a few of the attributes that distinguish this machine from the rest.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder that provides a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. 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 setting allows you to manage the size and consistency, which is essential to a perfect 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 of high-quality. The PEP process pushes water through ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The coffee is more full and richer than instant coffee brewed with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does it very well. It produces a strong smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make an espresso. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy the foam.
Like most super automatics that are available, this one requires some maintenance, however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and self-clean after every use. You can easily program it to do a more thorough cleaning every year, or at least twice. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.