The best home espresso machine will fit your kitchen and match your preferences for brewing. The most important aspects are size, capacity and design.
This espresso maker for prosumers amazed us with its speed, accuracy and ease of use. The Sage Bambino heats quickly and efficiently. It steams milk with power and produces excellent extractions at 19 bars.
best nespresso machine (or Capsule) Machines
A pod machine is the ideal choice if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently using pre-ground pods. These machines eliminate the mess of brewing by eliminating the need for portafilters and complicated burr grinders, which must be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. They also require less maintenance, with routine cleaning and decaling of reservoirs of water a good idea.
However these types of brewers do have limitations. They are restricted to specific types of coffee pods like K-Cups Nespresso capsules or ESE (easy serve espresso). This isn't an issue if the coffee is from the same brand, but it could be a problem if you want to test a different variety.
The pod machines are also less durable and come with smaller tanks of water. They also take longer to brew, which may not be a problem when you're in a hurry in the morning, but it is a hassle in the event of preparing for long hours at work.
Take into consideration the dimensions of your bar prior to purchasing a pod machine. Some are slimmer and can be tucked away between other appliances. Think about how much you're willing to spend, and what beverages you would like to make. Our former editor in charge of e-commerce Louise keeps her caffeine intake on a budget using the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve short or long espresso shots and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.
This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers high-end features and low-maintenance. It's not expensive, but it's a stylish appliance for your kitchen and its slick stainless steel design is sure to be noticed on your worktop. It's capable of making five different drinks by simply pressing a button and each capsule is marked with an individual barcode on the side that the machine scans to decide which beverage to serve. It's an excellent choice for eco-conscious people, since the pods decompose and breakdown rapidly. The reusable mug makes it a viable option.
Manual Espresso Machines
If you are a fan of the art of making espresso, manual machines can provide an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Manual espresso machines are more time-consuming, but they can produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also typically more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, and have designs that can stand up to the rigors of use.
Manual espresso machines aren't as simple to use as automatic ones, however they are often lacking precise temperature control. It can be difficult to produce consistently high-quality espresso shots. The best manual espresso machine has an incline of learning that is steep and is costly to purchase and maintain.
If you're a coffee enthusiast who wants to discover the world of manual Espresso, then try an espresso machine that has been designed to be a user-friendly. Some models have a built-in milk steamer as well as grinder, making them easier to use for novice coffee drinkers. Some have an adjustable reservoir for water, which can make it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time for the brew cycle to begin prior to waking.
Some manual espresso machines are large and are an ideal choice for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. When choosing the size of your machine you must also consider how many people will be using it at once. If you have multiple family members or roommates who like to brew espresso, consider getting a larger machine with a bigger boiler.
Some of the most affordable manual espresso machines include a programmable milk frother, that can be set to automatically heat and frother milk to your preferred consistency. This type of machine works well for lattes, cappuccinos and is also suitable for people with sensitive teeth. It is important to know that this kind of machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a bigger cup of espresso, since it produces less foam than other types of espresso makers.
Automatic Espresso Machines
In this category there are fully automated espresso machines that control the entire process of brewing, from grinding to extraction. These machines are simple to use and require only minimal maintenance, other than cleaning and descaling. These are great for people who don't like getting their hands dirty or have a limited countertop space to accommodate a large espresso and coffee maker.
These models are more likely to come with Wi-Fi capabilities, so you can control the machine via your smartphone. All that automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics and manuals.
The Eveversys Cameo is one of our top automatic espresso makers. It is a sleek, elegant machine that occupies a small space on your counter. It also ranks 5 out 5 in our ratings for ease of use - second only to Miele. It's a high-output model which can accommodate three different grinders and hoppers and you can choose which one to use from the touchscreen display. It's easy to use and has self-monitoring so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons.
Another option in this category is the Cuisinart Spinn. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force for espresso, which is different from the traditional method of forcing water down through the grounds. With some practice, it can produce a variety drinks like cappuccino or Latte. We tested the machine at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and it scored the highest score in our ratings for ease-of-use and scored a perfect 5. It's also tiny according to espresso maker standards. It doesn't require any space on your counter.
It's worth trying out a few different types of espresso machines to determine the one that best suits your personal style, available space, and budget. Consider aesthetics, too--you'll want something that is compatible with your decor and coffee cart. Don't forget to check the size of your counter to ensure that the machine you choose will fit.
Pour-Over Machines
If you're looking to brew a cup of coffee in complete control, a pour-over machine is an excellent choice. Pour-over machines like the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to ratio, filter, brewing time) and allow you to make a brew that is customized. They can produce more intense aromas and flavors than drip machines.
Pour-over brewers are designed to give high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the nearest degree, and they have a precise pressure gauge that informs you when the desired amount of water has been pour. They also have a large enough portafilter to accommodate the standard coffee mug and they have enough space between the drip tray and the portafilter to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.
The coffee makers also have charcoal filters which can be removed to remove impurities in the water. This is crucial since a coffee maker with a low-quality filter will leave a bitter flavor in your cup. Additionally, the best pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to use in the dishwasher and don't leak or hold onto coffee smells.
A good pour-over brewer is easy to clean, and it should be a joy to use. We found that most models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and had the right dimensions and shape for a kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto have a small footprint and are perfect for smaller spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe filter come with a handle that is removable, which makes it easier to remove and replace the filter.
We also enjoy the Philips 3200 Series, which includes a built-in burr grinder and an intuitive display. The Philips 3200 Series is able to brew black coffee, Americanos and espresso with the push of a single button. It also has a steam wand attached for lattes and cappuccinos. This model also has a range of customizable settings, including different beverage sizes and strength, and it can start making coffee up to 24 hours ahead of time.
