Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn a knob and press one button to drink the perfect beverage. This machine won't win any beauty contests, but it can make a delicious cup of espresso that our testers found to be more like coffee than other machines.
It also takes more effort than the other models we've looked at. It's still worth the effort for the hands-off java fan.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you're a coffee lover looking for consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is simple to use. Simply place a capsule in, press brew and enjoy your beverage. The machine adjusts the brewing parameters automatically to maximize extraction based on the barcode of the capsule. This is an important selling point for Nespresso Vertuo, as you do not have to be concerned about adjusting temperatures or pressures to suit each type. However, home espresso machine restricts your options to only Nespresso pods and doesn't come with the built-in milk maker.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a smooth and rich crema. The machine spins up to 7000 rpm to extract the full range of aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also pours hot water while it is heating, which allows you to make American-style drip coffee as well as espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is more affordable than the Creatista Pro, which makes it the perfect choice for those who are looking for a basic upgrade to their existing Nespresso experience. It also comes with a smaller 40-ounce water tank, compared to the deluxe model's 60 ounce tank. However, if you plan on making large drinks frequently or sharing with guests, the deluxe model is a good option.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville's Barista Express Impress is an attractive machine that has a stylish design and useful features. Its smart dosing and assisted tamping helps beginners make the process easier by automating a portion of it, making it easier for anyone to create an excellent espresso. It can also make small adjustments to the temperature of water, which more experienced baristas will appreciate since even a couple of degrees can alter the taste of the coffee.
The machine is equipped with a conical burr grinder of top quality with 25 grind settings for any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug, as well as one-cup and two-cup single-and double-wall filtering baskets, so you can select the number of shots you want to make at once. You can also use the frothing arms to create micro-foam to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The interface of the espresso machine is easy to use and clearly explains each step. We also liked the fact that the machine is constructed of durable plastic and doesn't use lots of. It's not cheap, but it's definitely a well-built and feature-packed machine that will last for a long time to come. It also comes with a great warranty that covers any mechanical problems for one year after the date of purchase. This is quite impressive for a machine this cost. If you're looking to make espresso frequently, it's worth the investment.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia's Classic made its debut in 1991, and quickly gained a fan base due to its minimalist style and, of course, its ability to make a delicious cup of espresso. Almost three decades later it's back stronger than ever before with the brand new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as sophisticated as other lower-end machines however it is able to deliver cafe-quality espresso thanks to the professional portafilter and group. As it's a single boiler, you won't be able to make a steam and brew simultaneously. You'll have to wait for a while before you pull shots.
With a sleek, industrial style that looks chic and feels solid in your hand, the Classic Pro features simple switches for On/Off as well as brewing/steam, with dedicated indicator lights making it easy to get familiar with. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, resulting in it an excellent feel.
In terms of accessories the Classic Pro doesn't come with a lot but the commercial-standard portafilter 58 millimeter and the plastic tamper are great addition. A three-way solenoid valve is also a nice addition that helps prevent water pressure fluctuations and assists in getting rid of sloppy coffee pucks which less expensive machines struggle with. Gaggia also has a steam wand which does fantastic job of frothing milk for latte art.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This machine from De'Longhi is a excellent choice for those who wish to make barista quality coffee at home. It is easy to use, and has many features. It has a stainless-steel boiler, brewhead and portafilter as well being a water tank that is removable. The machine is compact and can be placed on counters with a wide range of.
This espresso machine features a 15 bar pressure pump that ensures steady results. It is also able to warm up within less than 40 seconds, which can save you time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks gorgeous on any kitchen counter. The De'Longhi is the ideal choice for those who love coffee and want to make their own coffee at home.
It's a complete espresso and coffee maker that can make two cups at one time. Dual heating allows you to brew espresso and drip coffee at the same time. This is a fantastic feature for parties, since it allows you to serve your guests with their favorite drinks at the same time.
The espresso machine comes with a milk frother which can be used to make delicious and creamy cappuccinos as well as Latte. The machine is simple to operate using its simple touchscreen and buttons. It is also quiet and doesn't produce lots of noise when it's in use.