The Best Home Espresso Machine
A superautomatic espresso machine is the perfect choice for someone who doesn't have barista expertise but would like to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at home. These machines are equipped with automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They heat up quickly and don't need large counter space.
This model has a programmable volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It includes steaming wand as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
Despite its adorable name, the Bambino Plus is a serious espresso machine. It's packed with features that make it a good choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or need an alternative that is more automated than a manual.
It uses a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready for brewing the moment you push the button. It also uses a technology called Thermo Jet which allows it to heat up in just 3 seconds, meaning you can enjoy your espresso quicker than other espresso machines for home use (which require between 10 and 30 minutes to warm up).
This machine is built with simplicity in mind, and so there's only one button that can control everything. You can select a single shot or a double shot, and determine the brewing time, something that you cannot do with other espresso machines at this price point. The brushed stainless finish gives it a premium appearance, and its compact size is perfect for those who have limited counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus comes with everything you require to get started making your own. This includes a metal 54mm tamper and a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this class that can do this, and it shows that Breville is dedicated to making their products as reliable as is possible. It will remind you to descal and clean it, so that it runs efficiently.
The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those who are new to espresso. It's simple to use, heats up quickly, and it automatically texts 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 simple to use, looks great on the counter, and can make excellent cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. However, it has a few drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.
The Stilosa scored below average in its control of brew and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to its small filter baskets as well as its lack of temperature control, which both make it difficult to alter the extraction process. We liked that this machine heats up quickly and that the spout can be adjusted to a suitable height.
It also comes with a handy water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces and comes with a built-in indicator for the level so you can tell when it's time to refill. It's also movable which is useful if you want to clean the tank, or if you don't have a sink nearby. Another feature that's new to this model is a movable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
In our steaming performance metrics, the Stilosa also came up short. This was due to its limited control over the steam temperature as well as the absence of a pre-infusion function, both of which are typical features on more expensive machines. Despite these issues we did like the fact that it doesn't need much maintenance and is backed by a one-year guarantee. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to a home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than other models we've tested, and will save you money over paying for cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you think?) is a machine made specifically for espresso-curious beginners. 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 also select between double or single shots and pick your preferred temperature. The built-in thermocoil heater ensures that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to get to temperature.
The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system, which works with the tamper, automatically dials in the correct amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to gauge basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're not sure about your ability to control the grind size and water temperature manually, the machine has presets that may help.
Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the infamous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some stunning artworks of latte as well. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it's a great tool.
I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automatic machines or even pods, however the Impress does what it sets out to do without becoming daunting or removing the pleasure of making a good shot of espresso. I'm satisfied with it and recommend it to everyone!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great choice for home baristas who value quality design, aesthetics and user-friendliness. Its sleek and modern design, high-end components, and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee area. Beginners can also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to worry about programming or the complexity.
This machine's PID-controlled brew heater is one of its most striking features. It ensures rapid warm-up times and stable temperature water. This is especially important for espresso drinks, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your coffee.
Another notable feature is Diletta's separate thermoblock for steaming, which allows you to brew espresso and steam your milk at the same time. This could help you save time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. It also conserves energy by only using power when it's needed.
This machine comes with a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice feature that lets you check the pressure of your extraction live. You can also adjust the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature that's usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
The Diletta also has an easy-to-clean side tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be adjusted in increments of 10 minutes to 2 hours. Its insulated wrap reduces heat loss, while 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 low durability of this machine. Additionally, some have received poor customer service from Diletta and have experienced difficulties resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This top-quality super-automatic espresso machine comes with a dizzying assortment of specially-programmed drinks that can be accessed by pressing one button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto, and flat whites, along with tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and stylish color display are just a few of the features cheap espresso machine that distinguish this machine from other machines.
The E8 utilizes an Aroma G3 grinder for a quick and accurate grind of whole beans. It also has 8 grind settings, which might seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics that only offer three or four. However, the higher setting gives you more control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is crucial for creating a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion procedure. These two features make for an espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process pushes water through the ground coffee in short bursts, which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and more flavorful than instant coffee brewed with the Keurig.
The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks and does so extremely well. It produces excellent, strong espresso as well as a silky-smooth cappuccino. The only issue is that it's not able to make a latte. This requires a high pressure steam boiler to make the thick, fluffy foam.
As with most super-automatics however, this one does require a bit of maintenance however it is relatively easy to keep clean. It will automatically clean itself and descale after every use and it can be programmed to do an additional cleaning once or twice a year. It will also remind you to change the filter after 80 drinks.