Which Coffee Machines Are Best?
Making espresso is a difficult process. You have to weigh the beans, grind them finely and make sure you tamp them precisely. It's always nice to have something that makes the process simpler or speedier.
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1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
The Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee machine is the best option for those who want an easy, yet elegant design. With just a few clicks, it'll make a top-quality coffee or lungo. It can be set to keep the cup warm for up to an hour. The machine's rounded body and brushed stainless steel gives it a distinctive design that stands out in a sea of boxy competitors.
The intelligent extraction technology detects each pod by an encoded barcode that is located on the rim and adjusts the brewing parameters in accordance with the barcode. This ensures the best in-cup outcome for your chosen Grand Cru, with no requirement to manually alter the settings on your Nespresso machine.
The VertuoPlus uses a method called Centrifusion that spins the capsule up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to mix ground coffee with water. This allows for a balance in the dispersal of flavor and heat. The machine comes with two brewing options, regular and strong. It also has the option of making espresso with ice.
The machine's fast heat-up is a further benefit. We were able to make an espresso cup in just 10 minutes. This is a good score considering the machine's expensive cost. Its biggest downside is its strict adherence to Nespresso's branded capsules, which can be expensive and not as varied as the capsules of third-party makers.
The VertuoPlus may not be as versatile as the traditional espresso makers, but it's an efficient and reliable option for those who love coffee and want to skip the hassle of grinding and tamping. The machine's large water tank and used capsule drawer make it simple to refill and clean. One thing that we disliked was the water tank's plastic ridges, which are uncomfortable and impede the overall appearance of the machine.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus delivers serious espresso and automated milk in a small, simple-to-use machine. This is a great option for coffee lovers who want to stop using pods at home and make their own espresso but don't have the space or money for a huge, complex Italian-style machine.
The compact Bambino Plus represents a significant improvement over the previous Breville products, such as the regular Bambino or the larger (and costlier) Infuser. It uses pressurized baskets that ensure a good crema and proper pressure on the single or double shot, even if the beans are not ground finely or tamped well. The machine is quick to heat up and is simple to use using just a couple of buttons on the front and icons for each function.
The Bambino Plus consistently produced delicious steam milk and espresso shots in our tests. Its innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds and it consumes up to 32% less energy annually than a conventional Thermoblock machine. It also features adjustable milk temperatures and textures, a professional-looking 54mm portafilter, and Breville's Razor precision trimming tool.
The Bambino Plus, unlike many other machines, doesn't pre-infuse grounds prior to beginning the extraction process. This could be an issue for some users who prefer darker-roasted beans which take longer to heat up and extract sweet flavor. You can also avoid the pre-infusion feature by pressing both the espresso buttons simultaneously. It also lets you set the amount of each shot and comes with built-in reminders to clean and descaling, which takes some of the uncertainty out of making espresso.
3. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio espresso machine is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who appreciate a good cup. It is also the most attractive of the machines we tested. The sleek stainless steel and vibrant colors will complement any kitchen style. It's important to note that this is a single boiler machine, which makes it difficult to steam milk and then pull back a shot (unless you're willing to wait for the boiler to warm). Seattle Coffee Gear has addressed the issue by adding an additional steaming system for the Mio that heats the water according to the need.
The Mio is simple to use if you've had experience with a semi-automatic machine before and are familiar with the fundamental espresso principles. The PID screen is a simple interface which allows you to control various aspects of the coffee making process. It shows you how hot the machine is and when it's ready for brewing, as well as displays the current shot duration. You can also alter the brew pressure on the fly by using an OPV valve that's accessible with an screwdriver through a hole next to the brew head.
This is a professional-level machine that's ideal for baristas and home brewing enthusiasts who want the ability to customize their brews. It makes great espresso, but it requires some knowledge and practice to get the most out of it. For instance, you'll have to be aware of how fine your grounds are, and how much you have to tap them.
The Diletta Mio is a great entry-level espresso maker that's priced well when compared to other high-end espresso makers like the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and Lelit Mara X. It also comes with features such as an integrated shot timer as well as PID controls that you'd find on more expensive machines.
4. Balmuda Aparamento
The Balmuda Aparamento is a beautiful machine that offers the manual pour-over experience into the home in a way that is easy and reliable. The machine utilizes a patent-pending computer-controlled drip method that guarantees precise temperature control and precise drip in increments of just 0.2 milliliters. The machine makes a clear brew with rich aromas and flavor. It's expensive, yet it's one of the best coffee makers you can purchase.
This machine is called a prosumer (prosumer is a contraction of professional and consumer). Prosumer machines are designed to produce professional-quality espresso at a kitchen level. They typically cost between $400 and $1000, and could be as complex as the most expensive commercial espresso machines. This particular model from Lelit is the most sophisticated machine we've ever tested and produced some of the finest coffee I've ever experienced. It's also sleek and beautiful.
The machine emits an adorable chime, followed by a ticking sound that will inform you when your coffee is being made. There will be a brief sound when the carafe has been filled, and another when it is time to pour. The carafe is removed by rotating it, instead of pulling straight off. This is a charming feature that shows how makers of the machine have a great sense of humor.
Like other high-end home coffee brewers, the Aparamento requires regular cleaning and decalcing. You'll need to clean the brew tank regularly and empty the water tank each couple of days or as often as you like. Its maintenance requirements are straightforward, but much lower than those of the more complex machines that have espresso capabilities or milk fothers.
5. Technivorm
Technivorm has a well-deserved reputation for producing exceptional drip coffee machines. Its top-quality Moccamaster devices, like the KBG 741 AO, are as far from the cheap Mr. Coffee contraptions as a fancy Italian espresso maker is from a single-serve, coffee-pod gizmo. Be prepared to pay a steep cost. Also, you'll have to sacrifice a lot of counter space.
Contrary to most home coffee makers that rely on spouts to supply water to the grounds, Technivorm uses a showerhead design that ensures that all of the ground coffee is properly exposed to hot water throughout the entire brewing process. This results in a rich and delicious cup of coffee. You can also mix up to 17 different varieties of java drinks.
Another distinctive feature of the Technivorm is that it occupies very little counter space because of its sleek, minimalist design. Furthermore, its removable parts are large and flexible, making cleaning a breeze. It's important to mention the company's commitment to long-term sustainability and longevity as a major selling point for its products.
Each Technivorm machine has been awarded one of the highest levels of certification from the Specialty Coffee Association, meaning you can rest assured it's robust and energy efficient. In addition, because it's sturdy, the company provides a five-year guarantee. However, it's important to keep in mind that these devices are very expensive, so if you're looking for an affordable option you might want to consider one from Hamilton Beach or Zorijrushi. Isabelle Kagan is the Senior Commerce Editor for Reviewed, a part of the USA Today network. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard to keep up with the latest deals in shopping.