The Best Home Espresso Machine

Superautomatic espresso machines are an excellent option for those who don't have barista training but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines have automated features and digital convenience. They heat quickly, and they don't require large counter space.

This model is programmable with a volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It also includes a steam wand and commercial-grade group head.

1. Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is an actual machine. It's loaded with features that make it a great option for those wanting to move up from the standard Breville espressi machines or those who prefer an option that is more automated than manual.

It is equipped with an PID controller that performs the hard work of temperature and pressure control so that it's ready for brewing when you press the button. It utilizes a technology known as Thermo jet, which lets it to heat up in just 3 seconds. This means that you will get your coffee faster than other home espresso machines.

The machine was built with simplicity in mind. There is just one button that controls everything. You can select a single or double shot as well as choose the brewing time that you're required to do manually with other espresso machines of this price range. The brushed stainless finish gives it a high-end appearance, and its compact size is perfect for those who have limited counter space or a smaller kitchen.

The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the tools you need to begin 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 shows how Breville intends to make their products as foolproof and reliable as is possible. It will remind you to descal 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 basic home espresso machine. It's easy to use and has a quick heat-up time and does a decent job of automatically texturing 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 an excellent, budget-friendly choice that's perfect for both beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's simple to use and looks great on the counter and makes good espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. However, it does have a few drawbacks that should be considered.

In our metrics for brewing we found that the Stilosa scored between average and below average for its quality of brewing and its control. This was due to the small filter baskets, and the lack of a temperature control. Both of these aspects restrict your ability to adjust the extraction. We were impressed by the fact that this machine is quick to heat up and that the spout can be adjusted to a good height.

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

Stilosa was also a disappointment when it came to our steaming metrics. This was due to its limited control of the steam temperature, and lack of pre-infusion functions. Both of these are standard features in machines that cost much more. Despite its shortcomings we liked that it is easy to maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great addition to your home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than the other models we've tested and will save you money on the cost of cafe drinks.

3. Breville Barista Express Impress

The Breville Barista Express Impress (that's an impressive name do you not think?) This machine is designed for beginners who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it easy for anyone to take an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or brewing consistency.

First of all, it takes the guesswork out of setting the grinder, tamper and brew group settings with its easy-to-use controls. You can also select between single or double shots and select your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater built-in ensures that your espresso is ready to use in 30 seconds. This is much faster than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines require to get to temperature.

The "impressive" dosing-and-tamping system that works with the tamper, automatically adjusts the amount of ground coffee per shot. This system uses an integrated sensor to measure basket depth and adjusts the amount of ground coffee dispensed. If you aren't sure that you can control the size of the grind and water temperature manually the machine has presets that can help.

The Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand that is capable of churning out some impressive latte art, too. This is the same wand that you'll find in Breville's premium Barista Express machines, and it works great.

I'm not one who advocates for coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or even pods however, the Impress does exactly what it's supposed to do without becoming intimidating or taking away the pleasure of making an espresso shot that is delicious. I'm happy with that and recommend it to everyone!

4. Diletta Mio

The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who prioritize quality design, style and convenience. Its sleek design, professional grade components and constant performance make it a striking addition to your coffee area. Beginners will also benefit from this machine, since it allows them to learn about steaming and espresso without having to think about programming or complexities.

One of the most impressive features of this machine is its brew boiler controlled by PID that ensures rapid warm-up times and a stable temperature. This is essential, especially for espresso, as even tiny variations in temperature of the water can affect the taste and quality.

The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another unique feature. It allows you to steam milk and brew espresso at the simultaneously. 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 comes with an indicator of pressure on the group head. It's a nice feature, as it lets you monitor your extraction pressure live. You can adjust the OPV to fine-tune the extraction, giving you a level of customization that's normally reserved for more expensive machines.

Other noteworthy features of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean side-accessible water tank, as well as its energy-saving mode, which is adjustable in increments of 10 minutes that can last up to two hours. The boiler wrap that is insulated reduces heat loss and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy costs.

However, some customers have complained about the longevity of this machine and long repair times. Some have also received poor customer service from Diletta and have had difficulty resolving 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 ristrettos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, flat whites and teas, as well as plain coffee, hot chocolate and plain espresso. This machine is distinguished by its cutting-edge brewing technology and elegant color display.

The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind beans with speed and precision. It also has 8 grind settings, which could seem like a lot when compared to other super-automatics that only offer three or four. The higher settings allow you to regulate the size and consistency of your cup, which is essential for espresso machine with grinder a good cup.

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 the Keurig.

The Jura E8 is designed to make a wide range of drinks, and it does so very well. It makes a robust smooth cappuccino, as well as an excellent espresso. The only real drawback is that it's not able to make the proper latte that really needs the high pressure from steam boilers to produce a thick foam.

The machine isn't as difficult to clean as most super automatics. It will automatically descale and self-clean after every use. It is easy to program it to do an additional thorough cleaning every year, or at least twice. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.