The best home espresso machine can be a perfect fit for your kitchen and match your brewing preferences. The most important aspects are size, capacity, and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers awed us with its speed, precision and user-friendliness. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, effectively steaming milk, and makes excellent 19-bar extractions.
Pod (or capsule) machines
If you are looking for speed and simplicity of making coffee from pre-ground pods, a pod machine is an excellent option. These machines remove the mess of making coffee by eliminating the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to remove coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of reservoirs of water is a good idea.
However these types of brewers have their limitations. They generally only work with a specific type of coffee pod, usually in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't an issue if the coffee is of the same brand, but it could be a problem when you want to test a different variety.
Another drawback of pod machines is that they tend to have smaller water tanks and are typically less durable than bean-to-cup machines. They can also be slower to make a cup, which might not be a problem if you're in a rush in the morning but can be a pain if you're preparing for a long day at work.
It is recommended to think about the size of your coffee bar prior to buying a pod machine, as some are slimmer than others and will fit within the space of other appliances on your counter. Also, consider how much you're willing to invest and the drink options that you'd like to be able to make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise remains hydrated on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve short or long espresso shots and comes with an efficient 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 cheap but it's a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will make a statement on your counter. It can make five different drinks with the press of a button. Each capsule has an underside barcode that is used by the machine to determine the drink to be served. It's a great option for eco-conscious people, since the pods decompose and breakdown very quickly. The reusable mug also makes it a viable option.
Manual Espresso Machines
Manual machines can be a great experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. They take longer to prepare than automated espresso machines, however, if you have the patience and ability to use them, they can create premium drinks that are tailored to your preferences. They are also more durable and come with designs that can stand up to the most rigorous usage than other types.
best ground coffee machines are not as simple to use as automated ones, they're not as reliable, and often lack precise temperature control. It isn't easy to make consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine has steep learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee lover looking to explore the world of manual espresso, try an updated machine that is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models come with a built-in grinder and steamer for milk, which makes them relatively easy to operate for new coffee drinkers. Some have an adjustable reservoir for water which makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are also programmable and allow you to decide the time for the brewing process before you get up.
Some manual espresso machines are quite big and could be an ideal choice for larger households or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine, you must also take into consideration how many people will be using it at any one time. Consider a larger machine in the event that you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.
The most affordable manual espresso machines come with an adjustable milk frother, which will automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This kind of machine is perfect for making cappuccinos and lattes as well as for those with sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't suitable for those who prefer an espresso with a thicker consistency. It makes less foam.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, aside from cleaning and descaling. These are ideal for people who don't like getting their hands dirty or have a limited countertop space for a fully-sized espresso and coffee maker.
These models are more likely to have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can control the machine via your smartphone. However, all this automation and programmability comes with a premium: Expect to spend more on these devices than semi-automatic or manual alternatives.
One of our favorite espresso makers that is automatic is the sleek Eveversys Cameo. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up the smallest amount of space on your counter, plus it scores 5/5 in our ratings for ease of use, second only to the Miele. It's a high-output model that can accommodate three different hoppers and grinders and you can choose 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 calibrates itself automatically so you don't have to worry about tinkering with the knob or pressing buttons.
Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. The small, pill-shaped machine utilizes centrifugal force to brew coffee, which is a different method than the traditional method that involves pushing water through the grounds. With a little practice, it can produce a variety of drinks like cappuccino or Latte. We tried it at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and it earned the top spot in our ease-of-use ratings, scoring an impressive 5. 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 trying a few different types of espresso machines to find the one that fits your style and space as well as budget. You should also think about the aesthetics. You'll want to find something that blends in with your decor and even your coffee machine. Make sure you check the size of your counter to ensure your machine will be able to fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to make your coffee with total control using a pour-over machine, it's an ideal option. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) which allows for a customized brew. They tend to produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are engineered to deliver top-quality results. They come with a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and they have a precise pressure gauge that lets you know when the amount you want to pour water is 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 so you can pour your brew directly into your coffee cup.
The coffee makers also come with charcoal filters that can be cleaned to eliminate impurities in the water. This is vital, as the coffee maker with a low-quality filter will create a bitter taste in your cup. The best pour-over coffee makers are constructed of materials that can be washed in the dishwasher and do not retain or leak coffee odors.
A good pour-over brewer will be easy to clean and it should be a joy to use. Most models were easy to use and comfortable to hold with one hand. They also were the perfect size and form for a kitchen countertop. Some of the simpler models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for small spaces. Others, such as the Melitta Cafe Filter have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and change the filter.
Philips 3200 Series is another model we like, as it features a user-friendly display and a built-in grinder. It can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button. It also has an attached steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos. This model has a variety of settings that can be adjusted, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It can also start the brewing process up to 24 hours in advance.
