A coffee maker allows you to enjoy a range of coffee-infused beverages from the comfort of your home. Whether you prefer filter or pod, there's an appliance that will suit your preferences and budget.
This bean-to cup machine is a real workhorse. It provides an amount of control that is rare for a high-end model. This is a great choice when you're looking for a simple and milky options without fuss.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-priced bean-to-cup that has a built-in grinder, Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a great option for anyone who wants to learn how to make coffee the right method (rather than using pods or a less expensive espresso machine) and for those who want to upgrade from a lesser-than-capable manual machine. It can produce the highest quality espresso and milk with a good texture.
The Barista Max+ has an enormous drip tray and a separate trough to collect grounds that have been sprayed and a handy storage area to store extra equipment. The machine is also well-built and sturdy and has all the components that can be removed clicking into place. It's available in fashionable silver and a more classic stainless steel.
It is designed with a professional feel and is influenced by commercial machines. Features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which delivers precise water temperature for each cup, as well as a Tap Go burr grinder that can be set on demand with 30 settings. It employs a preinfusion method to gently infuse ground beans for a balanced, full flavour.
In the instruction manual, you'll find a guide to aid you in calibrating your machine. This is vital to ensuring a good cup of espresso. It also explains the decalcification cycle that is required to ensure your machine is in good condition.
The manual controls are simple to master and there's a dial that allows the machine to be set to hot water (with a simple turn of the knob to the left) or starts dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout is tall enough to fit an espresso glass or latte cup, but it's not a large jug. You'll need to infuse your milk and then dispense the espresso before pouring it into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.
Breville only provides a one-year guarantee on this machine. If something goes wrong after that time, you'll be accountable for the repair cost. This could be a problem for some, given the cost of the machine when it was purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
Smeg is synonymous with retro kitchen appliances and 1950's style. However, what's interesting is that, until recently, Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup machine. That was until the debut of this elegantly designed BCC02 model in September.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine lets you make your favourite drinks with just a touch of a single button. This includes ristretto as well as espresso as well as hot water for tea or other hot beverages. You simply need to place the desired amount of beans in the hopper and choose your drink using the flat buttons. Then press to brew. It's easy and quick with minimal input and even comes with an alert that informs you when to descale the machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our barista friend tried the Smeg Bean-to Cup. She was impressed by the ease of use and the fact that it could create milky coffees like cappuccino and Latte. She was amazed by the speedy warm-up times and the quietness while working. She was also delighted that the process only took 45 seconds, and that she could pick the strength of the drink. The only issue was that the BCC02 didn't include a metal milk jug, which you'll have to purchase separately.
A real winner is the fact that this coffee maker doesn't require any plastic pods or sachets which means you'll be saving money and helping the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee machine comes in a variety of matt colours, including taupe, white and smouldering. It also comes with a new addition to the collection is black. You can match your coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen and also transform your kitchen space in the process. A must-see 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 espresso. It features a quick-heat boiler that enables you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It also has a professional steam wand that is capable of creating great foamed milks for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also adjust your espresso's length, body and grinding settings to suit your taste.
This single boiler coffee machine was first introduced in the year 1991. Over the years it has become one of most sought-after home espresso machines in the world, specifically for baristas who work at home. It is known for its simplicity, low cost and excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple with some modern-day touches. It's also simple to use and maintain.
best affordable coffee machine to note that this Gaggia coffee maker does not have any newer features, like preinfusion or a PID, so it might be a little bit dated for some. However, it can provide excellent espresso and is an excellent alternative for those looking for an old-fashioned machine.
There are a few distinct differences between the Gaggia and other models. It comes with a chrome-plated brass handle to the portafilter, for example. This is a nice addition that makes it stand out from other entry-level home espresso machines. It also comes with the thermo-bloc boiler which is a nice feature at this price point.
The coffee maker comes with removable reservoirs for water that are easy for refilling. It also comes with a stainless steel infusion chamber that ensures the water is at the right temperature which makes a better tasting espresso. It also comes with a top-quality ceramic grinder to help keep your espresso fresher for longer.
This coffee machine also has an automatic water level detection. This feature makes it easy to use the machine and ensures that you always have a a full tank with clean and fresh water. This is crucial for the best results with your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for rethinking the way coffee machines function, and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler with an integrated grinder and on-board barista. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While most bean-to-cup machines are geared towards convenience and away from quality, Oracle Touch offers a well-rounded approach. It handles all the grinding, dosing and tamping tasks while steaming and frothing milk for you. This lets you get the most from your coffee and avoid poor results that may result from using pre-ground espresso from a store.
The Oracle has 30 different grind settings, so you'll be able to find the right level of fineness for your preferred drink. It also includes a cradle for holding the portafilter which is a crucial option for those wanting to replicate the barista experience. Other features that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool for wiping away any excess beans. A stainless steel milk jug is also included, as well as steam wand for creating the latte art.
You can pick from a variety of beverages and the machine will recommend the right grind size, brew speed and milk temperature for each one. This feature allows you to save your preferred settings for the future. It will eliminate the hassle that comes with finding the perfect cup. This model is a good option for those who are just beginning to learn about espresso, since it will allow you to make the most of the beans you choose.
It's a sleekly designed machine with a stunning stainless-steel brushed finish that will look good on your kitchen counter. It's a large machine, measuring H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This might make it difficult to fit into some cabinets. It's worth measuring the space to ensure you can accommodate it before buying. Cleaning the machine is fairly easy, but you'll have to regularly wipe down the steam wand and removeable drip tray. Sage offers weekly masterclasses, as well as personalized tutorials that will assist you in getting the most from your new coffee maker.
