The Best Home Espresso Machine

Superautomatic espresso machines are a fantastic option for those who don't have barista experience but still would like to enjoy premium coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and are also digitally-controlled. They are quick to heat up and don't take up large counter space.

This model comes with a programmable volumetric dose as well as an adjustable preinfusion. 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 loaded with features and makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade from the standard Breville espresso machines or wants an alternative that is more automated than manual.

It comes with a PID controller to do the hard work of controlling temperature and pressure so that it's ready to drink the moment you press the button. It also uses a technology called Thermo Jet which allows it to warm up in only 3 seconds, so you can get your espresso quicker than other home espresso machines (which take 10 to 30 minutes to warm up).

This machine is built with simplicity in mind, which is why there's only one button to control everything. You can select one shot or a double shot and determine the brewing time, something that you cannot do with other espresso machines at this price. The polished stainless finish gives it a classy appearance, and its compact size is perfect for those with limited counter space or a tighter kitchen.

The Bambino Plus comes with everything you need to begin with brewing. It comes with a metal 54mm tamper as well as a dose trimming tool. It's the only one in this category that does this, and it demonstrates that Breville is dedicated to making their products as foolproof as they can. It has reminders to descaling and clean it, ensuring it can run smoothly.

The Bambino Plus may be the most affordable espresso machine for those new to espresso. It's easy to use and has a fast heating time and does a decent job of automatically texturing milk for you. However, its high cost could make it out of reach for a few 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 easy to use, looks nice on the counter and makes excellent cappuccinos, espresso, and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be considered.

In our brewing metrics The Stilosa scored average to below-average for its quality of brewing and control. This was mostly due to its small filter baskets and the absence of temperature control, which restrict your ability to modify the extraction process. We liked the fact that this unit is quick to heat up and that the spout can be adjusted to an ideal height.

The unit also has a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has a built in level indicator to let you know when to refill. It's also removable and can be used when you need 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 allows you to put taller cups on the spout.

In our steaming 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 feature which are both typical features on more expensive machines. Despite its flaws we liked that it is 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 more user-friendly than other models we've seen and can save money on cafe drinks.

3. Breville Barista Express Impress

The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's 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 easy for anyone to pull a decent shot of espresso without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.

Its easy-to-use controls make it simple to adjust the settings for the grinder, tamper, and brew groups. You can also select between single or double shots and pick the desired temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine ensures that your espresso is ready to drink in just 30 seconds. This is much faster than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to be at temperature.

The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that is integrated with the tamper, dials in the right amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to gauge the depth of the basket, and adjusts amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're feeling less certain about your ability to control manually the grind size, water temperature, and dosing, the machine has a variety of presets that can help.

In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some impressive Latte art as well. The same wand can find in Breville's more sophisticated, premium Barista Express models, and it works a treat.

I'm not a big advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods, however the Impress does what it's designed to do without being too daunting or removing the pleasure of making a good shot of espresso. I'm pleased with it and give it a thumbs up!

4. Diletta Mio

The Diletta Mio makes a great alternative for home baristas who focus on design, quality and user-friendliness. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee area. Beginners will also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about espresso and steaming without worrying about programming or complexities.

This machine's PID-controlled brew heater is one of its most striking features. It ensures rapid warm-up time and stable temperature water. This is especially important for espresso drinks, since even small fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your beverage.

The Diletta's separate steaming thermoblock is another feature that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. This will save you lots Full Content of time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. It also helps conserve energy by only using power when it's needed.

This machine also has an indicator of pressure at the group head, which is a nice feature that lets you check the pressure of your extraction in real-time. You can adjust the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature normally reserved for machines costing much more.

The Diletta also has an accessible side-by-side, easy-to-clean water tank, and an optional energy-saving mode that can be set in 10-minute increments to two hours. The boiler wrap is insulated, which reduces heat loss. Its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy bills.

Some users have complained about the lengthy repair times and poor durability of this machine. Diletta has also been criticized for its poor customer service and inability to resolve warranty issues.

5. Jura E8

This top-quality super-automatic machine provides an array of specialty drinks that are made by pressing one button. It also makes macchiato, cappuccino, ristretto and flat whites as well as tea, hot chocolate and plain coffee. Its modern brewing technology and elegant color display are only a few of the attributes that separate this machine from other machines.

The E8 makes use of an Aroma G3 grinder for a fast and precise grinding of whole beans. It also has 8 grind settings, which may seem like a lot compared to other super-automatics that only provide three or four. The higher setting allows you to control the size and consistency, which is crucial for a great cup.

The Jura E8 is equipped with a powerful burr grinder as well as an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two components are responsible for producing an espresso that is consistently high quality. The PEP process utilizes short bursts in water to force the coffee through the grinder, allowing for full flavor extraction. The result is a cup that is more rich and fuller as well as more flavorful than the average instant coffee that comes from a Keurig.

The Jura E8 is designed to create a range of drinks, and it does so extremely well. It produces an excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only issue is that it can't produce an espresso. This requires a high-pressure steam boiler to make a thick, foamy foam.

This machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super automatics. It will automatically clean and descale after each use and it can be programmed to do a deeper cleaning once or twice per year. It will also remind you to change the filter every 80 drinks.