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 automatic features and digital convenience. They heat quickly, and they don't require large counter space.
This model comes with programmable volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It also comes with 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 option for anyone looking to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or want an automated alternative to manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller that does the temperature and pressure control, meaning it's ready for brewing the moment you push the button. It also makes use of a technology called Thermo Jet which lets it heat up in just 3 seconds, so you can make your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).
The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is just one button that controls everything. You can choose between one shot or a double shot and determine the brewing time which isn't something you can do with other espresso machines at this price. The polished stainless steel finish gives it a classy appearance, and its small size makes it perfect for anyone with limited countertop space or a tight kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to get started with brewing. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. This is the only machine of its kind that does this. It shows how Breville strives to make their products as foolproof and reliable as is possible. It also has built-in reminders to clean and descale to ensure it runs smoothly.
The Bambino Plus may be the best entry-level espresso machine for those who are new to espresso. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically texts milk for you. The high cost of the product could be out of reach for many people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that is ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's simple to use, looks great on the counter, and produces fantastic cappuccinos, great espresso and lattes. However, it does have a few disadvantages that need to be thought about.
The Stilosa was below average for its control of brew and quality in our metrics for brewing. This was due to the small filter baskets, and the lack of temperature control. Both of these aspects restrict your ability to adjust the extraction. However, we liked the fact that it's not a long time for the machine to warm up and it has the ability to adjust on the spout's height.
The unit also comes with a water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has an inbuilt level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. It's also movable and can be used if you want to clean the tank, or in the event that you don't have a sink close by. The model also comes with a drip pan that is removable, which allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment in our steaming measurements. This was mainly due to its limited control over the steam temperature and the absence of a pre-infusion option which are both standard features on much more expensive machines. Despite these shortcomings, we appreciated that it is easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's more user-friendly 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 don'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 make an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
The simple controls make it simple to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper and brew groups. You can select between single and double shots, as well as your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine guarantees that your espresso will be ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much quicker than the 30 minutes that most single boiler machines require to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that is integrated with the tamper dials in the correct amount of ground coffee for each shot. The system utilizes an integrated Read the Full Write-up sensor to gauge the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're feeling less confident about your ability to control manually the grind size, water temperature and dosing, the machine comes with various presets to help.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can produce some impressive artworks of latte, too. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium 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 what it's designed to do without being too daunting or removing the enjoyment of making a good shot of espresso. I'm satisfied with it and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio makes a great choice for home baristas who focus on design, quality and user-friendliness. Its sleek design, professional-grade components, and consistently high-quality performance make it a stunning addition to your coffee corner. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, because it lets them learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or the complexity.
One of the most striking features of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up times and stable water temperature. This is especially important for espresso, as small fluctuations in water temperature can have a big impact on the taste and quality of your coffee.
The Diletta's steaming thermoblock is another unique feature. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. This can be a significant time saver, and also helps ensure that your milk has the right texture for your beverages. It also saves energy by only consuming energy when it is needed.
This machine also has a pressure gauge on the head of the group, which is a nice touch that lets you track the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune your extraction, giving you a level of customization that's normally reserved for more expensive machines.
Other notable features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean accessible water tank on the side and its optional energy saver mode, which can be adjusted in 10-minute increments up to two hours. The insulated wrap minimizes heat loss, and its dual-temperature control system reduces static electricity. This means less waste and lower cost.
Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has been criticized as well for its poor customer service and difficulty in resolving warranty problems.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic espresso maker has a dazzling array of pre-programmed specialty drinks at the touch of a button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos flat whites, teas and flat whites, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and sleek display in color.
The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder to provide an efficient and precise grind of whole beans. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that only 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.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an advanced pre-infusion process. These two features are the reason for a cup of espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the coffee's flavors to be fully extracted. The result is more full and richer than instant coffee brewed with a Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks, and it does so 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 the pressure of a steam boiler to create a thick foam.
Like many super automated machines that are available, this one requires some attention, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and clean itself after each use. You can program it to perform more thorough cleaning at least every two or three times a year. It will remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.