The best coffee machines for home (
this post)
There's no one-size-fits-all espresso machine. This is why we've compiled our top picks for the home, ranging from a super-
automatic coffee machine that grinds and packs your beans, to a semiautomatic that gives you the most control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch strikes the perfect balance between automating the process and requiring you to be knowledgeable about the art of espresso-making. It's our top choice for a bean-to-cup machine.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento makes a great choice for those who are looking to make espresso at their home without having to compromise on quality. This espresso machine with a small footprint was specifically designed for people who have little counter space. It has a great build quality with a compact footprint. It is equipped with a 1.8 liter copper heat-exchange boiler and commercial E61 Group Head so you can steam your milk and brew coffee at same time.
The machine also looks great and features a round insert on the side panel with engravings of steam and hot water spouts. This is a new take on Rocket's classic aesthetic and is already impressive for a machine that is so small. It also includes a black pressure gauge that indicates when the boiler is ready to use.
The drip tray and the water reservoir tray are smaller on this machine than most others. This means that you will have to be vigilant about emptying and refilling the machine, especially when using it frequently. This is a natural tradeoff for a smaller footprint, though this is not a problem particular to this model.
This machine is able to handle your coffee needs. That being said, we would recommend investing in a quality grinder, like the Baratza Sette Gigante for greater consistency and flavor. You can also use the machine in conjunction with a Rocket Portafilter to increase tamping.
Rocket Appartamento, as a prosumer machine, makes excellent drinks and is easy to make Latte Arts. It's important to know that this machine was not designed for novices. There is a small learning curve for those who upgrade from espresso machines that are appliance-grade. The heat exchange boiler may be a little tricky to control and you'll have to learn the ins and outs of cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento allow connecting to a water supply that means you will always have cold, fresh filtered water on hand for your drinks. The latter comes with smaller 2.25-liter tank that can be difficult to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you would expect from the Lavazza machine, this one is designed with quality in mind. The machine can reach the brewing temperature quickly, meaning you can prepare your first cup in less than 35 seconds. The water tank can be filled easily, as the lid can be removed to make an enormous hole. You can even fill it with tap water if you want.
This is the smallest machine in the Lavazza A Modo Mio range however, it still packs a punch. It costs less than PS100 at full price and is much less expensive than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. This makes the Jolie an ideal choice for those who don't have the money or space for an espresso maker, but are looking to enjoy the benefits of authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is simple to use and takes up small counter space. You only need to press one button to turn on the machine, then again to start dispensing your chosen brew. There's a backlight on the button to ensure that you can clearly see the amount of liquid that has been dispersed, and you can stop the process at any time should you prefer to drink the pod in smaller amounts.
This model does not come with a steam wand but you can add some creamy foam to your milk with an optional milk frother. The machine is quiet also, and can be used in a small workspace or in a flatshare kitchen without disturbing others.
The pods are not
cheap coffee machine, but they come in a wide range of blends that can be used by all - from the lightest espresso drinker to the most demanding. You can find them in most supermarkets, along with regular grounds coffee and coffee beans. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods online.
The Jolie and Milk is a smart-looking capsule machine that includes a milk warmer and a frother. It comes in a box with a 75cm power cord and plug as well as a quick-guide and warranty sheet, and a test box that contains nine Lavazza pods: six roasted (two Qualita Rossa, two Lungo Dolce and two Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso). The machine is small enough to fit under a cabinet or on flat surfaces.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express appears to be a costly espresso machine. But if you're willing to take the time to learn how to use it, this is an excellent do-it-all home espresso maker that is more efficient than some of the more expensive models available. It's an excellent value for its class and is particularly useful for those who aren't experienced enough to own an espresso machine that can cost up to $100.
This model is priced less than the most expensive Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is an excellent option for baristas who are on a budget. It's loaded with customizable features, and even an integrated burr mill to make it more affordable. It's also a single boiler machine, which means it can only be used for steaming or brewing at one time.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the market of espresso machines, Breville has quickly made an impact with their high-quality appliances. This machine is no exception, and it has just enough control to let budding baristas develop their skills without spending hundreds more than necessary.
The unit has its quirks. The hopper is situated on the side, not at the top, of this model. It's not a huge problem, but it could be a problem if you wish to dispense several shots at a time. The rear position of the tank makes it difficult to determine how much liquid is left.
If you're willing to invest some time learning how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's an excellent, all-purpose appliance for anyone who loves espresso at
home coffee machines. The only issue is the price, which can be a deterrent for certain buyers. If you're looking for a low-cost option, we recommend the Gaggia Classic and the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines have similar capabilities and offer a little more control than the Barista Express. However, they cost a fraction of the cost.
4. OXO Brew 9 Cup
A high-tech smart coffee maker with a user-friendly interface that produces great coffee. The sleek stainless steel design with backlit LED screens gives your kitchen a sophisticated design. It features only one dial to program the amount of cups you want it to make and includes the 2-4 cup setting and a 5-9 cup setting. The brewing process is similar to pour-over,
which coffee machines are best many coffee lovers believe makes the best-tasting coffee. The water is heated up to the right temperature, then evenly poured over the coffee grounds using a shower head. The coffee that is brewed is collected in the double-walled thermal carafe, which can be stored for up to 60 minutes. The pause and pour function lets you remove the carafe in brewing and fill your individual cup. The machine pauses the brewing process and displays the red light on its LED interface, until you return the carafe. Then, it resumes brewing.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup is a SCAA-certified coffee maker, which means it meets the strict standards of SCAA's technical standards. The brew cycles it uses are the same as the Bodum Bistro and the Technivorm Moccamaster 741 but it lets you control the temperature and brewing times.
In our tests, the OXO Brew 9 Cup produced an excellent pot of drip coffee, with an entire carafe in just 7 minutes 41 seconds. This is slightly more than the 6 minutes that the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but still within the range that
coffee machine pro experts suggest to make a good cup.
It also requires you to grind your own beans prior to making. You can select either a manual grinder or a more automated model like the Baratza Encore. It has different grind settings and an hopper for beans that are whole.
The only drawback is that the carafe and water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe and could cause problem for certain users. The stainless steel is easily cleaned by hand, however. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek style and easy-to-use interface make it one of the top contenders among top drip coffee makers.