Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn a knob, then press a button to get a delicious beverage. The machine won't win any beauty contests, but it will provide a tasty cup espresso that our testers found to be more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires a bit more work to use than other models we reviewed. However, it's well worth the effort for the hands-off Java enthusiast.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best Nespresso machine to purchase if you're a coffee lover looking for efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to use and has a minimalist design that is compatible with any kitchen decor. Simply insert a capsule then press brew, and enjoy your beverage. The machine automatically adjusts brewing parameters to maximize extraction according to the barcode of the capsule. This is a major selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don't have to think about setting different temperatures or pressure for different drinks. It does restrict your options to Nespresso pods and doesn't include an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to produce a rich smooth, creamy crema. The machine spins at speeds of up to 7000 rpm, which allows you to extract the full range of flavors and aromas in each capsule. It also pours hot water at the same time while it heats up, which allows you to make American-style drip coffee, as well as espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is less expensive than the Creatista Pro, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a basic upgrade to their current Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus features a smaller water tank of 40 ounces as compared to the its deluxe counterpart's 60 ounces. If you are planning to make large quantities of drinks or have guests the model with a higher tier may be better for you.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville's Barista Express Impress is an appealing machine with a stunning design and useful features. Its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping helps beginners automate aspects of the process, making it simpler to make a great espresso. It's also able to make small adjustments to the temperature of water which baristas who have experience will appreciate since just a few degrees can alter the taste of the coffee.
The machine comes with a premium conical burr grinder that provides 25 grind settings to fit any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug as well as two-cup single- and double-wall filter baskets. This means that you can choose the number of shots you want to make at a time. You can also make use of the frothing arm to create micro-foam for cappuccinos or lattes.
The interface of the espresso machine is simple to use and clearly explains every step. We also appreciated that it doesn't have many plastic parts and is very durable. It's not cheap but it's a well-constructed machine that has many features that will last many years. It also comes with a great warranty that covers mechanical problems for one year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine at this value. If you're planning to make coffee regularly, it's definitely worth the money.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia's Classic made its debut in 1991, and quickly gained a following of cult status due to its simplicity style and, of course, the ability to brew a tasty espresso. It is back better than ever in the latest Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be more advanced than some basic machines, but it can still provide a high-quality espresso due to the professional portafilter and group. As a single boiler machine, you will not be able both brew and steam simultaneously. You will need to wait read more a few minutes before brewing an espresso.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial look and feel that is stylish and sturdy in the hand. It comes with simple switches to turn it off/on and to brew or steam, along with indicator lights. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, resulting in it an excellent feel.
The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, but the 58-millimeter portafilter is an excellent addition. Also the tamper in plastic is a nice addition. A 3-way solenoid valve is an excellent addition that prevents water pressure fluctuation and assists in getting rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy which less expensive machines struggle with. Gaggia also included a steam wand which does an excellent job of frothing the milk to make latte arts.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This De'Longhi machine is a great option for those who want to make barista-quality coffee at home. It features a unique design that makes it simple to use, and also comes with numerous features. It has a stainless steel boiler, portafilter, and brewhead, as well as a water tank that is easily removed. The machine is also compact and can be easily placed on most counters.
This espresso machine comes with a pressure pump of 15 bar, which ensures steady results. It is also able to get hot in under 40 seconds, which can save your time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks great on any kitchen countertop. The De'Longhi is the ideal choice for coffee lovers looking to make their own coffee at home.
This is a combination coffee maker and espresso maker that can make up to two cups of coffee simultaneously. It has dual heating, which means you can make drip and espresso simultaneously. This is a great feature for parties since you can serve your guests your preferred drinks simultaneously.
The espresso machine comes with a milk sifter that can make delicious and creamy lattes and cappuccinos. It's also easy to operate, with an easy-to-use touchscreen and buttons. It is also quiet and doesn't produce lots of noise when it's in use.