The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect option for those who don't have barista skills but still wants to enjoy quality coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are digitally convenient. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up much counter space.
This model features programmable volumetric dosing as well as an adjustable pre-infusion. It includes a steaming wand and a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is a serious machine. It's packed with features, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or want a more automated alternative than manual.
It comes with a PID controller to do the heavy lifting of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to drink the moment you press the button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet, which lets it heat up in only 3 seconds. This means you can make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind, and so there's just one button that can control everything. You can select a single or double shot and also choose the brewing time, which is something you're required to do manually with other espresso machines of this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a premium appearance, and its small dimensions are ideal for those with a small counter space or a smaller kitchen.
The Bambino Plus includes everything you need to get started brewing. This includes a steel 54mm tamper and a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind that can do this. It shows how Breville strives to make their products as foolproof and reliable as possible. It also comes with built-in reminders for cleaning and descaling to ensure that it is running efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those new to the world of espresso. It is easy to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically sends milk to you. However, its price could put it out of reach for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a well-rounded, budget-friendly manual espresso machine that is suitable for both coffee lovers and beginners alike. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and makes fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. There are some disadvantages, which should be considered.
In our metrics for brewing, 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 both limit your ability to customize the extraction process. However, we did like the fact that it takes only a few minutes for the machine to warm up and it has a nice amount of adjustability on the spout's height.
It also comes with a water tank that holds up 34 ounces. It also has a built-in level indicator so you can tell when it's time to refill. It's also removable and can be used if you want to clean the tank or if you don't have a sink close by. Another feature new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you place taller cups underneath the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also fell short. This was mainly due to its insufficient control over steam temperature as well as the absence of a pre-infusion option which are both common features on more expensive machines. Despite these issues we were pleased with the fact that it doesn't require much maintenance and is backed 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 a little simpler to use than some other models we've tested, and will save you money on paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, don't you think?) This machine is designed for beginners who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pump-driven machine aims to make it simple for anyone to get an espresso shot that is decent without sacrificing flavor or consistency.
First of all, it takes the guesswork out of changing the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its easy-to-use controls. You can select between single and double 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 be at temperature.
Another key feature is the "impressive" dosing and tamping system that works with the tamper to adjust the proper amount of ground coffee per shot. This system makes use of an integrated sensor that measures basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you're less confident about your ability to control manually the size of the grind, water temperature and dosing, the machine offers several presets to aid you.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some impressive Latte art as well. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it works great.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods, but the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without being too intimidating or taking away the enjoyment of making an excellent espresso. I'm pleased to give it a thumbs up for this!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great option for home baristas that are adamant about quality, design and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional grade components, and consistent performance make it an eye-catching addition to your coffee corner. It's also a great choice for those who are just beginning to master the ins and outs of espresso and steaming without being overwhelmed by programming and complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is its PID-controlled brew boiler that guarantees quick warm up times and a stable temperature. This is crucial, particularly for espresso, as even minor changes in water temperature can alter the taste and quality of the espresso.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another thing that stands out. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at same time. This is a huge time saver, and also helps ensure that your milk has the perfect texture for your drinks. This helps conserve energy as it only draws energy when it is needed.
The machine also has an indicator of pressure at the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you monitor your extraction pressure in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you the ability to customize your extraction, something that is typically reserved for much more expensive machines.
The Diletta also comes with an easy-to-clean side tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in 10-minute increments to two hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature system minimizes static electricity, which results in 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 experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties solving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This premium super-automatic espresso machine is equipped with a wide array of pre-programmed specialty drinks that can be accessed by pressing one button. It can also make macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites alongside hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its innovative brewing technology and its sleek color display are just a few of the features that distinguish this machine from other machines.
The E8 uses an Aroma G3 grinder to provide an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It comes with eight grind settings that may seem a lot when contrasted with other super automatics that only have 3 or 4. The higher range allows you to regulate the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential for a good cup.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two features are the reason for an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The resultant cup is richer and fuller as well as more flavorful than your typical instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks coffee for espresso machine and it does it extremely well. It makes a powerful smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a latte. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make an extremely thick, foamy bubble.
Like most super automatics however, this one does require some maintenance, however, it is quite easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and clean itself after each use. It is easy to program it to perform an additional thorough cleaning every two or three times a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after 80 drinks.