The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There's no one-size-fits-all espresso machine. This is why we've compiled our favorite picks for your home, ranging from a super-automatic that grinds and packs your beans, to semi-automatic machines that give you the most control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch strikes the perfect balance between automatizing the process and needing you to be knowledgeable about the art of making espresso. This is our top choice for a machine that makes coffee.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a fantastic choice for those looking to make espresso at home without having to compromise on quality. This small-footprint espresso machine was designed for those with limited counter space. It combines excellent build quality and a small footprint. It comes with a 1.8 milliliter copper heat exchange boiler and commercial E61 Group Head so you can steam your milk and brew coffee at the same time.
The machine looks fantastic and has a circular panel on the side with engravings of steam and hot water spouts. This is a fresh update on the classic design of Rocket that is already impressive for a machine that is so small. It also has a black boiler pressure gauge to show when the boiler is ready for use.
The water reservoir and drip tray are smaller on this model than others. You'll need be cautious when emptying and refilling the machine. This is particularly true in the event that you frequently use it. This is a normal trade-off for having a smaller footprint, though, and not an issue specific to this model.
You can still make a large amount of coffee with this machine, and it will easily keep up with the demands. However, we would suggest investing in a good grinder, like the Baratza Sette Giante, for greater consistency and flavor. You can also pair the machine with an Rocket Portafilter to enhance tamping.
As a professional espresso machine, the Rocket Appartamento is capable of making some great drinks, and is easy to make the latte art. However, it's worth noting that the machine isn't made for beginners and has an enlightening curve for those upgrading from appliances. The heat exchanger can be difficult to operate and you'll have to master the art of cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento allow connecting to a water supply, which means you'll always have fresh, cold filtered water on hand for your drinks. The latter, however, comes with a 2.25-liter water tank that can be more difficult to refill than some of its competitors.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you might expect from the Lavazza machine, this one is made with quality in mind. It is quick to reach the brewing temperature, which allows you to prepare your first cup of coffee in just 35 minutes. The water tank is also quick and easy to fill, with the lid detaching completely to make a wide opening. You can even fill it up with tap water if you prefer.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest model in the range, but it packs a punch. It's priced at less than PS100 at the full price which is less than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. This makes the Jolie an ideal choice for those who don't have the money or space to buy a traditional espresso maker, but are looking to enjoy the benefits of authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is simple to use and requires little counter space. Pressing a single button will start the machine. When you press it again, it will begin dispensing the specific pod you've chosen. The button is illuminated so that you can see how much you have consumed. You can also stop the process in case you wish to drink the pod in smaller portions.
This model doesn't come with a steam wand, but you can add some creamy foam to your milk with an optional milk frother. The machine is quiet also and can be utilized in a small space or in a flatshare kitchen without disturbing others.
The pods are not inexpensive, but they come in a variety of blends that can be used by everyone - from the mildest espresso drinker to the most demanding. They are readily available in many supermarkets, along with regular ground coffee and coffee beans and you can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio compatible pods online.
The Jolie and Milk is a stylish capsule machine that includes a milk warmer and frother. It includes a 75cm plug and power cable, a warranty card and a quick reference, and a test pack of nine Lavazza pods. Six are roasts (two Qualita Rossa and two Lungo Dolce) and two are decaffeinated. The machine is small enough to be placed under a cupboard or on the floor.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express appears to be a high-priced espresso machine. If you're willing put in the work to master its use this is a great do-it-all home espresso maker that performs better than many of the more expensive models on the market. It's the best value in its class, and it's especially suitable for those who don't have an espresso machine yet--which can easily cost them another $100 or more.
This model is priced below the top-of-the-line Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) However, it's an excellent choice for baristas who are on a budget. It comes with a variety of customizable features and even an integrated burr mill, which makes it more affordable. It's also a single boiler, which means it can only be used for steaming or brewing at the same time.
Although it is a relatively newcomer to the market of espresso machines, Breville has quickly made a name for themselves by offering top-quality equipment. This machine is no exception and has enough control to let new baristas develop their abilities without spending a lot more than is necessary.
There are some quirks, though. The hopper is located on the side, not the top of the model. It's not a major issue, but it can be frustrating if you want to dispense several shots at a time. It's also not very easy to know how much water remains in the tank, because of its position at the rear.
If you're willing time learning to use the Breville Barista Express then it's an excellent appliance for any coffee lover at home. The only issue is the cost, which can be a deterrent for certain buyers. If you're looking for a budget alternative, we recommend the Gaggia Classic and the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines have similar capabilities and provide a bit more control than the Barista Express. However, they cost less than the price.
4. OXO Brew 9-Cup
A high-tech smart machine for coffee with a simple user interface that produces great coffee. The sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED display provides your kitchen with a stylish appearance. It comes with one dial to set how many cups you want it to make. It also comes with the 2-4 cup setting as well as a 5-9 cup setting. Its brewing method is similar to pour-over brewing, which coffee enthusiasts believe makes the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the right temperature, then evenly poured over the coffee grounds with a shower head. The brewed coffee then collects inside the double-walled thermal carafe for up to 60 minutes. Its pause and pour feature lets you take out the carafe while brewing to fill your individual cup. The machine pauses the brewing process and shows a red light on its LED interface until you return the carafe. The machine then begins the brewing process.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup coffee maker is certified by SCAA, which means it complies with the rigorous standards of SCAA's technology. Its brew time is approximately as long as those of the Bodum BISTRO and Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, however, it has more control over temperature, brewing duration and also quality.
In our tests, the OXO Brew 9-Cup made an excellent drip coffee with a full-carafe of coffee in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is a bit more than the time that the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but within the range of time that experts in the field recommend for making a quality cup.
You should also grind your beans before brewing. You can make use of a manual coffee grinder, or go for a more automated model like the Baratza Encore, which has different grind settings and the hopper can hold entire beans.
The only drawback to this product is that it's not dishwasher safe. This could pose a problem for some customers. The stainless professional coffee machine steel can be cleaned by hand. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek aesthetic and user-friendly interface make it a top contender among the best drip coffee makers.