The Best Home Espresso Machine

A superautomatic espresso machine is a great option for those who don't have barista skills but still wants to enjoy quality coffee at home. These machines have automatic features and are digitally convenient. They heat up quickly and don't take up much counter space.

This model features programmable volumetric dosing and a variable pre-infusion. It includes steaming wand, as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.

1. Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is an actual machine. It's loaded with features that make it a good pick for anyone wanting to move up from the basic Breville espressi machines, or for those who want an automated alternative to manual.

It comes with an PID controller that performs the hard work of temperature control and pressure control so that it's ready to brew when you press the button. It utilizes a technology known as Thermo jet that allows it to get hot in just 3 seconds. This means you'll be able to make your coffee quicker than other espresso machines at home.

This machine was built with simplicity in mind, which is why there's only one button that controls everything. You can select one or two shots and also determine the time of brewing that you're required to do manually with other espresso machines in this price range. The polished stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with a small counter space or a small kitchen.

The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the tools you need to start brewing, including an tamper made of metal measuring 54 millimeters and the dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind that can do this. It demonstrates how Breville intends to make their products as foolproof and reliable as they can. It has reminders to descaling and clean it so that it runs efficiently.

If you're new to espresso coffee, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It's user-friendly and has a quick heat-up time and does a great job of automatically texturing milk for you. Its price is too expensive for some people.

2. De'Longhi Stilosa

The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is an affordable, well-rounded option that is ideal for novices and coffee lovers. It's user-friendly and looks good on the counter, and produces excellent espresso, cappuccinos and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be thought about.

In our brewing metrics we found that the Stilosa scored below average to average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets and the absence of temperature control. Both of these issues limit your ability customize extraction. We liked the fact that this unit heats up quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to a suitable height.

The model also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It comes with an integrated level indicator to let you know when to refill. It's also removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to the sink. It also has an adjustable drip pan that allows you to use taller cups underneath the spout.

Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming metrics. This was due to its limited control of the temperature of steam, and lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings, we appreciated its ease of maintain and comes with a 1-year warranty. For the price and the performance, the De'Longhi Stilosa makes a great addition to any home coffee bar. It's a little easier to use than other models we've tested and will save you money on the cost of cafe drinks.

3. Breville Barista Express Impress

The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn'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.

First of all it takes the guesswork out of setting the grinder, tamper, and brew group settings using its simple-to-use controls. You can select between double and single shots, as well as your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine guarantees that your espresso will be ready to use in 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the typical wait of 30 minutes single boiler machines need to be at temperature.

The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping device that works with the tamper, automatically dials in the right amount of ground coffee for each shot. This system makes use of an integrated sensor to gauge the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you are not confident that you can control the size of the grind and water temperature manually the machine has presets that can be helpful.

Finally, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which can produce some pretty impressive Latte art, too. This is the same wand you'll find in Breville’s high-end Barista Express machines, and it's great.

I'm not one to advocate for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods however, the Impress does what it's designed to do without being too difficult or removing the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. 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 prioritize quality, design and ease of usage. Its sleek design, professional-grade components and constant performance make it a conversation piece in your coffee bar. Beginners will 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 impressive aspects of this machine is the brew boiler that is controlled by PID that guarantees rapid warming up time and a steady temperature. This is crucial for espresso drinks, as even tiny fluctuations in the temperature of water can have a huge impact on the flavor and quality of your beverage.

The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another feature that stands out. It lets you steam milk and make espresso at the same time. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that your milk has the right texture. This saves energy as it only requires energy when it is needed.

This machine has an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice feature, as it lets you check your extraction pressure live. You can alter the OPV to get a more precise extraction. This is a feature normally reserved for machines costing much more.

Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, accessible water tank on the side and its energy saving mode, which can be set in 10-minute increments up to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature technology reduces static electricity, which means less waste and lower energy costs.

However, some customers have complained about the durability of this machine and long repair times. Diletta has been criticized for its poor customer support and inability to resolve warranty issues.

5. Jura E8

This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering many different specialty drinks that are made with just a single button. It can also make macchiatos, ristrettos, cappuccinos, flat whites and teas, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. Its cutting-edge brewing technology and sleek color display are just a few of the features that separate this machine from other machines.

The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans with speed and precision. It has eight grind settings, which might seem like a lot if contrasted with other super automatics that only have three or four. The higher settings allow you to control the size and consistency of your cup, which is crucial for a great cup.

The Jura try this out E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two elements are responsible for producing an espresso that is consistently top-quality. The PEP process forces water through ground coffee in short bursts which allows the flavors to be fully extracted. The cup produced is fuller and more luscious than instant coffee that is made using a Keurig.

The Jura E8 is designed to create a variety of drinks and it does it very well. It makes a powerful, smooth cappuccino and an excellent espresso. The only drawback is that it's unable to make a proper latte, which requires the pressure of a steam boiler to create an extremely thick foam.

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