The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There is no one-size-fits-all coffee machine. We've rounded-up our top picks, starting with an automatic that grinds your beans and packs them into a semiautomatic which gives you the most control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch achieves the perfect balance between automation and the need to be able to master the art of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to-cup machine we've seen.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a top pick for those looking to make espresso at home without having to make huge sacrifices in terms quality. This espresso machine for prosumers is designed with limited counter space in mind. It is built to last with a high-end build quality and a very small footprint. It comes with an 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler and commercial E61 group heads so that you can steam milk while making espresso at the same time.
The machine also looks great and has a round design on the side panel with engraved steam and hot water spouts. This is a modernization of Rocket's original design, which is already impressive for a compact appliance. It also includes the black pressure gauge, which shows when the boiler is ready to use.
One drawback of this compact machine is that the drip tray and reservoir for water are smaller than the majority of machines. This means that you will have to be vigilant about emptying and refilling the machine, particularly when you are using it regularly. This is a natural trade-off for less footprint, however it is not a problem that is unique to this model.
You can still brew a lot of coffee using this machine, and it can easily keep up with your demands. However, we would recommend investing in a good grinder, like the Baratza Sette Gigante, to ensure consistency and better flavor. You can also pair the machine with an Rocket Portafilter to enhance tamping.
As a prosumer espresso machine, the Rocket Appartamento is capable of making great drinks, and it's easy to make latte art. However, it's worth noting that the machine was not designed for
4182051 novices, and there is an enlightening curve for those who are upgrading from appliance-grade machines. The heat exchange boiler may be a little tricky to operate and you'll need to learn the ins and outs of cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento allow connecting to a water supply which allows you to always have clean, cold filtering water available for
4182051.xyz your drinks. The latter comes with smaller 2.25-liter tank that can be difficult to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you would expect from the Lavazza machine this one has been made with quality in mind. It is quick to reach brewing temperature, allowing you to make your first cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds. The water tank is also quick and easy to fill by removing the lid completely to make a wide opening. You can even fill it with tap water if you prefer.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest of the range, but it is a powerful machine. At its full price, it's priced at PS100 which is lower than the Nespresso Essenza and similar machines from SMEG and Desea. The Jolie is a great choice for those who don't have the space or budget for a traditional espresso machine however, they still want to experience a real Italian espresso.
The Jolie is incredibly simple to use and occupies just a little counter space. It's as easy as pressing one button to turn on the machine, then again to start dispensing the chosen pod. There's a light on the button, so you are able to see clearly the amount of liquid that has been dispersed, and you can stop the process at any time in case you prefer drinking your pod in smaller doses.
There's no steam wand on this model, however you can make use of an optional milk frother (available separately) to add some creamy froth if you like. The machine is quiet also and can be utilized in a small space or in a flatshare kitchen without causing any disturbance to anyone else.
The pods are not cheap, but they come in a range of blends that can be used by all - from the lightest espresso drinker to the most demanding. They are available in the majority of supermarkets, along with regular grounds coffee and coffee beans. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods online.
The Jolie and milk is a sleek capsule machine that comes with an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm plug and power cable, a warranty sheet and a quick reference, and a tester pack comprising nine Lavazza pods. Six are roasted (two Qualita Rossa and two Lungo Dolce) and two are decaffeinated. The machine is small enough to be able to be stowed on the floor or placed under the cupboard.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express appears to be a high-priced espresso machine. If you're willing and able learn to use it, then this is a great home espresso maker. It's far superior to many of the more expensive models. It's a good price for the class and is especially useful for those who are new to the field and don't have an espresso maker, which can cost up to $100.
The model is priced lower than the top-of-the-line Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is a good choice for baristas on a tight budget. It delivers plenty of tweakable features, and comes with a built-in burr grinder, making the whole experience much less expensive. It's also a single boiler, which means it can only be used for steaming or brewing at one time.
Although it is a relatively newcomer to the espresso machine market, Breville has quickly made a name for
4182051 themselves through their top-quality machines. This machine is no different, and it offers just enough control that it can be adjusted to let baristas who are aspiring improve their abilities without spending more than they should.
It's not without its quirks, though. One example is that the hopper on this model is placed on the side of the unit, instead of on top--which isn't a huge deal however it can be a little frustrating if you're trying to dispense multiple shots at once. The rear position of the tank makes it difficult to determine the amount of liquid left.
If you're willing some time to learn how to use the Breville Barista Express then it's an excellent appliance for anyone who loves espresso at home. The only drawback to the Breville Barista Express is its price, which may be a deterrent for some buyers. If you're seeking a cheaper alternative, read our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines are similar in capability and
4182051 offer a bit more control than the Barista Express. However, they cost a fraction of the price.
4. OXO Brew 9-Cup
A high-tech smart coffee maker with a simple user interface that produces excellent coffee. The sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED screens creates a chic kitchen look. It has only one dial to program how many cups you want it to make and includes the 2-4 cup setting as well as a 5-9 cup setting. The brewing process is similar to pour-over, which many coffee enthusiasts believe makes the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the ideal temperature and then poured over grounds with a shower-head for uniform saturation. The coffee is then brewed in the thermal, double-walled carafe, which can last up to 60 minutes. The pause-and-pour function lets you remove the carafe while brewing and then fill your cup. The machine stops brewing and displays a red carafe light on its LED interface until you return it. then it resumes and completes brewing.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup coffee maker is a SCAA-certified coffee maker, which means it meets the rigorous standards of SCAA's technology.