The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for the kitchen of your home and will complement your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are capacity, size, and design.
During our lab testing, this prosumer-level espresso maker wowed us by its speed and precision. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and produces excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
If you like the speed and convenience of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod maker is an excellent option. These machines remove the mess from making coffee by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that need to be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also typically require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and descaling the reservoirs of water a good idea.
These types of brewers have their limitations, but. They generally only work with a specific type of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if you stick to a particular brand of coffee but can be a problem if are looking to try different brands.
Pod machines are less durable and come with a smaller tank of water. They also take longer to brew. This isn't an issue if you're trying to get ready in the morning, but it could be a problem when you have a long day of work ahead.
It is recommended to think about the size of your coffee bar before purchasing a pod maker, since some are more compact than others and can fit in between other appliances on your counter. Think about how much you're willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to be able to make. Our former ecommerce editor Louise remains hydrated on a tight budget by using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which allows her to dispense espresso shots of either length or short and comes with a handy milk frother for lattes.
This elegantly sleek pod-machine by Sage provides the best of both worlds - high-end and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a fashionable addition to your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design is sure to stand out on your worktop. It can make five different drinks simply by pressing a button and each capsule is marked with a unique barcode on the underside that the machine reads to decide which beverage to serve. It's also a great option for eco-conscious people since the used pods breakdown and break down very quickly. the reused mug is a great feature.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be an enjoyable experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of high quality. They are also typically more durable than other types of coffee brewers. They have designs that can withstand the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically do not have precise temperature controls. It can be difficult to create consistently high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has a a steep learning slope, and can be expensive to buy and maintain.
If you are an avid coffee drinker who would like to learn more about manual Espresso, then try an espresso machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Some models come with an integrated grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them quite easy to use for those who are new to coffee. Some models come with an open reservoir that makes it easier to refill and clean. Some are programmed and allow you to choose the time to start the brewing process before you get up.
Some manual espresso machines can be quite large and are a good option for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people you are planning to serve at moment when you are deciding the size of your machine and also. If best coffee machines with pods have multiple roommates or family members who like to brew espresso, think about getting a larger model with a larger boiler.
The most affordable manual espresso machines include an adjustable milk frother, which can automatically heat and the milk to your desired consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It's important to remember that this type of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer a more substantial cup of espresso since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category, you'll find fully automatic espresso machines that control the entire brewing process from grinding to extraction. They feature user-friendly interfaces and require little maintenance other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are ideal for those who aren't keen on getting their hands dirty or have a small counter space to accommodate a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.
These models tend to have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control the machine from your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes with cost: Expect to spend more money on these devices than semi-automatic or manual options.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek, aesthetically appealing machine that occupies minimal space on your counter. Additionally, it scores 5 out of 5 on our ease-of-use ratings--second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine with three different grinding hoppers and hoppers. You can select which one you'd like to use by using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and automatically calibrates itself, meaning you can forget the hassle of turning a knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This small pill-shaped device uses centrifugal forces to make coffee and is a different approach to the traditional method of forcing water through grounds. It can make a variety of drinks, including cappuccino and Latte, with a bit of practice. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and received a perfect 5 on our tests for user-friendliness. It's also a teeny appliance according to espresso maker standards, so it's not going to take up much room on your counter.
It's worth exploring a few different types to find one that fits your style, budget, and available space. Also, take into consideration the aesthetics. You'll want something that blends in with your home decor, and also your coffee cart. Don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure your chosen machine will work with your countertop.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to brew your coffee that is completely controlled, a pour-over machine is a good choice. Manual pour-over devices, such as the Chemex Funnex or the Hario V60 can adjust a variety of variables (coffee grounds to ratio of water and filter type, brewing time) to make a customized brew. They also tend to produce more vivid aromas and flavors than automatic drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to give high-quality results. They have a thermometer which will measure the temperature of water to the nearest degree and a pressure gauge that tells you when the desired amount of water that has been brewed has been put into the brewer. They come with a portafilter that is large enough to accommodate the standard coffee mug, and have enough space between the portafilter and the drip tray that you can pour your brew directly into your cup of coffee.
The coffee makers also have a charcoal filter that can be removed to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important because a coffee maker with poor quality filters will result in a bitter taste to your cup. The top pour-over coffee makers are constructed of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher, and do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean, and should be a joy to use. We found that most models we tested were comfortable to hold in one hand, and had the right size and shape to fit on a kitchen counter. Some of the most basic models, such as the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe Filter have a handle that can be removed, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
We also like the Philips 3200 Series, which comes with a built-in grinder and a user-friendly display. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee with a push of a button. It also comes with an integrated steam wand that can be used for lattes and cappuccinos. This model comes with a range of settings that can be adjusted, including different sizes and strengths of the beverage. It can also start brewing up until 24 hours in advance.
