The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great option for those who don't have barista training but desire to enjoy top-quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are digitally dependable. They are quick to heat up and don't take up large counter space.
This model is programmable with a volumetric dose as well as an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes 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's packed with features that make it a good choice for anyone looking to step up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who prefer a more automated option than a manual.
It uses a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready to make espresso the moment you push the button. It also has the technology known as Thermo Jet which allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, which means you can get your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which take between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, and so there's just one button to control everything. You can choose between a single shot or a double shot, and set the brewing times, something that you cannot do with other espresso machines at this price point. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and the small size makes it perfect for those with small space for countertops or a small kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started with brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper, as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only machine in this category that can do this, and shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as secure as possible. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure that it is running efficiently.
If you're new to espresso coffee, the Bambino Plus is arguably the most suitable entry-level 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. The high cost of the product could be too expensive for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's user-friendly, looks nice on the counter, and makes excellent cappuccinos, espressos, 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 control. This was primarily due to its small filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which limit your ability to customize the extraction process. We were impressed by the fact that this machine is quick to heat up and that the spout is able to be adjusted to an ideal height.
The unit also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It has a built in level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also removable and can be used if you want to clean the tank or if there's no sink close by. Another feature new to this model is a removable drip tray that allows you to put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was mainly due to its lack of control over steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion function that are common features on more expensive machines. Despite these shortcomings we did like the fact that it doesn't need any maintenance and is covered by a one-year guarantee. For its price and performance the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's much easier to use than other models we've tried and can save money on cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you agree?) is a machine specifically designed for those who are interested in learning about espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine is designed to make it easy for anyone to get a decent shot of espresso without sacrificing flavor or consistency.
Its easy-to-use controls make it easy to adjust the settings of the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can choose between double or single shots, and your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine ensures that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines require to reach temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system, which works with the tamper, adjusts the amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system makes use of an integrated sensor that measures the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispersed. If you're not sure about your ability to control the grind size and water temperature manually the machine has presets that may 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 you will find in Breville's more advanced, high-end Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a big fan of coffee shortcuts, fully-automatic machines or pods. However, the Impress does exactly what it says without becoming too intimidating or taking the joy small espresso machine from making espresso. I'm pleased to give it a thumbs-up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who prioritize quality, design and convenience. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and consistent performance make it a conversation piece for your coffee bar. Beginners will also benefit from this machine because it lets them learn about steaming and espresso without having to think about programming or the complexity.
The brew heater controlled by PID is one of its most striking features. It guarantees quick warm-up times and stable temperature water. This is crucial for espresso drinks, since even small variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your beverage.
Another notable feature is Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming that lets you make espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This will help you save time and ensure that your milk has the right consistency. This helps conserve energy as it only requires power when needed.
This machine comes with an indicator of pressure on the head of the group. It's a nice feature that allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can alter the OPV to achieve a better extraction. This is usually reserved for machines costing much more.
The Diletta also has a side-accessible, easy-to-clean water tank, as well as an energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes up to two hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, and its dual temperature control system helps reduce static electricity. This means less waste and lower costs.
However, some customers have complained about the durability of the machine as well as long repair times. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer support and inability to resolve warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic machine provides a wide variety of specialty drinks that can be prepared with just a single button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino and ristretto, and flat whites, along with tea, hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and stylish color display are just some of the features that set this machine apart from the rest.
The E8 utilizes an Aroma G3 grinder to provide a quick and accurate grind of whole beans. It has eight grind settings, which might seem like a lot if compared to other super automatics with just three or four. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency of your cup, which is crucial to a perfect cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two features make for an espresso cup that is consistently high quality. The PEP process forces water through the ground coffee in short bursts which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The result is more full and more luscious than instant coffee made with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide variety of drinks and it does it very well. It makes an excellent, strong espresso and smooth cappuccino. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a proper latte, which requires high pressure from steam boilers to produce the thick foam.
As with most super-automatics that are available, this one requires a bit of maintenance however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will automatically self-clean 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 80 drinks.