Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn a knob, then press one button to drink delicious coffee. This machine won’t win any beauty contests but it does make a great cup of espresso. Our testers found that the flavor was more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires more effort than the other models we’ve looked at. But, it’s worth the effort for the hands-off Java enthusiast.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the ideal Nespresso machine for you if a coffee Espresso machine enthusiast who is looking for efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Simply place a capsule in, press brew and enjoy your beverage. The machine scans the barcode of the capsule, and then adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure the best extraction. This is a big selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since it doesn’t need to worry about setting different temperatures or pressure for every type of drink. However, it limits your options to Nespresso pods, and doesn’t have an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a rich and smooth crema. The machine spins at 7000rpm to draw all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, allowing you to make American drip coffee or espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is a lot less expensive than the Creatista Pro, which makes it the perfect choice for those who want to make a minimal upgrade to their current Nespresso experience. It also comes with a smaller 40-ounce water tank, which is smaller than the deluxe model’s 60 ounce tank. That being said, if you’re planning on making big drinks frequently or sharing with guests, the more expensive model might be the better option.
2. Barista Express Impress
The Barista Express Impress from Breville is a machine that has an elegant design and useful features. Its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping helps beginners automate parts of the process, making it easier for anyone to make a good espresso. It can also make small espresso machine adjustments to the temperature of the water. This is something that more experienced baristas appreciate, as even one degree can affect the flavor of the espresso.
The machine is equipped with a top-quality, conical burr grinder that has 25 grind settings that can fit any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug, as well as one- and two-cup single-and double-wall filter baskets, so you can choose how many shots you’ll be making at once. The frother arm can be used to create micro-foam in cappuccinos or lattes.
The interface of the espresso maker barista machine is easy to use and clearly explains each step. We also appreciated that the machine doesn’t include many plastic parts and looks quite durable. It’s not cheap, but it’s a well-constructed machine with a lot of features that will last for many years. It is also backed by a fantastic warranty that covers mechanical problems for one year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for an espresso machine this pricey. If you’re keen on making espresso frequently, it’s worth the investment.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic was launched in the year 1991. It quickly gained a cult-like following for its ease of use and ability to make a delicious cup of espresso. It’s back stronger than ever in the latest Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as modern as some lower-end machines however it is able to make espresso of a professional quality thanks to the professional portafilter and group. But as an individual boiler machine, you can’t brew and steam simultaneously and will have to wait a while between pulling out a shot.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and feel that is stylish and solid in your hand. It features simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew/steam, with indicator lights. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, which gives it an exceptional feel.
In terms of accessories, the Classic Pro doesn’t come with much, except for the commercial-standard portafilter of 58 millimeters and the tamper made of plastic are a nice addition. A 3-way solenoid is another great addition. It reduces pressure fluctuations and helps to get rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy, something that less expensive machines struggle to accomplish. Gaggia also included a steam wand which does a great job frothing the milk used in latte arts.
4. De’Longhi COM532M
This De’Longhi espresso machine is a great option for those who want to try barista-quality coffee at home. It has a unique design that makes it simple to use and offers numerous features. It includes a stainless steel boiler, brewhead, and portafilter, as well as a removable water tank. The machine is also compact and can be easily placed on the majority of counters.
This espresso maker features a pressure pump of 15 bars which gives consistent results each time. It is also able to heat up within just 40 seconds, thereby saving both time and energy. It is easy to clean, and looks great on any countertop. The De’Longhi is the best option for those who love coffee and want to make their own coffee at home.
This is a combination coffee and espresso maker that can make up to two cups of coffee at the same time. Dual heating means that you can brew espresso machine with milk frother and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a great feature for gatherings as you can serve your guests their favourite drinks in the same.
The espresso machine comes with a milk frother, which can be used to create delicious and creamy cappuccinos as well as latte. It is also simple to use, with an easy-to-use touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn’t make a lot of noise while working.