Buying a coffee machine lets you enjoy a range of caffeinated beverages in the at-home convenience of your own. There's a coffee machine that will suit any budget and taste, regardless of whether you prefer filters or pods.
The bean-to-cup machine is a true workhorse. It gives you an amount of control that's not often seen for a high-end model. It's a great option if you're looking for convenience and milky options with no hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-priced bean-to-cup that has a built-in grinder, the Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a good choice for those who want to learn how to make coffee the right method (rather than using pods or an espresso machine) and also for those looking to upgrade from a lesser-than-capable manual machine. It can make both high-quality coffee and milk with a good texture.
The Barista max+ comes with a massive drip pan with a separate trough that can catch spilled grounds, and a convenient storage area for additional accessories. It's also a solid-looking and well-built machine, with all the parts that can be removed and clicking into place with ease. It's available in stylish silver and a more classic stainless steel.
It is made with a professional appearance and inspired by commercial machines. Its features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which delivers precise water temperature for each cup, as well as a Tap Go burr grinder on-demand with 30 settings. It also has the pre-infusion method that softly infuses ground beans to give an intense, balanced flavor.
In the instruction manual, you will find a guide to help you calibrate your machine. This is essential to ensuring a good cup of espresso. It also explains how to do the decalcification process which is crucial to ensure that your machine is clean and in working order.
The manual controls are easy to master and there's a knob that can set the machine to hot water (with a turn of the knob to the left) or begins dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout has enough height to fit a regular espresso cup or glass with a latte-style design however, it's not a jug, so you'll need to prepare and dispensing your milk prior to pouring your espresso into larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
One thing to keep in the mind is that Breville only provides a one year guarantee on this machine, which means that should something go wrong within that time frame you'll be responsible for repair costs. This might be a deterrent for some, given the cost of the machine when it was purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The iconic Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that exude retro 1950's style and quality. However, what's interesting is that until recently Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup maker. This was until the sleek BCC02 model launched in September.
The bean-to-cup machine can provide the entire range of your favourite drinks at the push of a button including espresso, ristretto and Americano plus hot water for tea and other hot drinks. All you need to do is place your desired quantity of ground beans in the hopper, choose your drink from the easy menu using the flat buttons and then press brew. It's quick and easy with no input required and has an alert that informs you when it's time to descale the machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our barista from the past tried the Smeg Bean-to Cup. She loved the ease-of-use and the fact that it could create milky coffees like cappuccino and the latte. She was impressed by the quick warm-up time and the quietness while she was working. She was also delighted that the process only took 45 minutes, and she could select the strength of the drink. The only minor issue is that the BCC02 didn't come with a milk jug which you'll need to purchase separately.
The real benefit is the fact that this bean-to-cup machine doesn't require any plastic pods or sachets, so you'll save money and making a difference for the environment. The Smeg Bean-toCup coffee machine is available in a selection of covetable matt colours including taupe, crisp white, smouldering red and now, new to the collection, black in full. You can match the coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen, and transform your kitchen space at the same time. Definitely worth checking out If you're a fan the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
This Gaggia Milano espresso machine is an excellent choice if you are a barista at home or are interested in the field of espresso. It features a fast heat boiler technology, so you can make espresso quickly and effortlessly. It comes with an expert steaming wand that can create great foamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also alter the grinding settings length, length, and body of your espresso to fit your personal preferences.
This coffee machine is a single-boiler model and was first introduced in 1991. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most sought-after home espresso machines in the world, specifically for baristas who work at home. www.coffeee.uk 's known for its simplicity, low cost and great performance. The design is simple and sleek with some modern-day touches. It's also simple to use and maintain.
It is important to know that this Gaggia coffee machine isn't equipped with any of the latest features, such as a PID or preinfusion It's a little bit dated for some people. It still provides excellent espresso, and is a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional-looking machine.
There are a few distinct differences between the Gaggia model and other models. For instance, it comes with a the forged chrome-plated portafilter handle. This is a nice feature that distinguishes it from other entry-level home espresso machines. It also comes with the thermo-bloc boiler which is an excellent feature for this price range.
In addition to the aforementioned features, this machine comes with a removable reservoir of water for easy refilling and maintenance. It also has an infusion chamber made of stainless steel which keeps the water at a perfect temperature to make better espresso. It also has a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher for longer.
The coffee maker also comes with an automatic water level detector. This feature makes it simple to use the machine, and ensures that you have a full tank with clean, fresh water. This is vital to get the most out of your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage is known for their innovative approach to the way coffee machines function and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler that has integrated grinder and an on-board barista. While most bean to cup machines tend to tilt the scales away from quality in favor of ease of use Oracle Touch is a different story. Oracle Touch delivers a well-balanced approach. The machine takes care of all the grinding, dosing and tamping while steaming and frothing milk for you. This will help you get the most from your coffee and prevents the kinds of disappointing results you may get when using pre-ground coffee from the supermarkets of the main chain.
The Oracle has 30 grind settings, making it possible to find the right level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes with a cradle that can hold the portafilter. This is a fantastic option for those looking to recreate the barista experience. Other features that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool for wiping off any beans that are not needed. A stainless milk jug made of steel is included, along with a steam wand to create the latte art.
You can select from a variety of drinks and the machine will suggest a suitable grind size, brew speed and milk temperature for each. This feature allows you to save your favorite settings for later use. It will eliminate the hassle of finding the perfect cup. This model is perfect for people who are new to espresso-making, as it will help you get the best out of your beans.
It's a stylishly designed machine in a beautiful stainless-steel brushed finish that will look great on your kitchen counter. It's a huge machine measuring H41cm x W33cm by D38cm. This could make it difficult to fit under some cabinets. You should measure your space prior to purchasing to ensure you have enough space. The machine is easy to clean, however you'll need to clean down the drip pan and the steam wand regularly. Sage offers weekly masterclasses as well as customized tutorials that can assist you in getting the most from your new coffee maker.
