Choosing the best espresso machine for home may seem like an easy task at first, but in reality, it is not as straightforward as what you might have initially thought. The marketplace is filled with a lot of choices. Each manufacturer will claim that their product is the best, but you should not easily fall for their traps.
You should be intelligent and responsible enough to come up with the right choice. With this, in the rest of this post, we will look at some of the best models that are available, as well as a few factors that should be taken into consideration.
Reviews of Top 5 Best Espresso Machine
In this section, we will provide you with a glimpse on the notable features that you can expect from five of the best options that can be possibly taken into consideration.
Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System, ECMP50
Among other things, the 15-pump bar system is one of the most impressive features of this machine. This will be able to produce exceptional pressure, which is the one that allows it to create rich flavor and aroma.
While there are many technologies that are integrated in this machine, one that is worth noting is the Thermal Block Heating System. The latter allows it to maintain the temperature that is required, allowing you to prepare espresso quicker.
To offer versatility to its users, it also comes with a milk frother. This is a nice add-on as this means that you will not just be able to use it for preparing espresso, but also for making cappuccinos, among other drinks that will use milk.
It comes with a 40-ounce water reservoir, which is pretty much decent for its size. It is removable, allowing you to have it easily filled. It is also designed in such a way that having it cleaned will be effortless on your end.
For ease of use, it comes with One Touch Brew and Steam Controls. There is no steep learning curve as it is user-friendly. There is also Ready Indicator Light to easily let you know when the machine is all set.
Lastly, if you are new in making espresso, you have another good reason to choose this model. It comes with a recipe book to provide detailed instructions on how you can use the espresso machine, as well as the right measurements to ensure consistency.
PROS
- Intuitive
- Heats fast
- Equipped with a powerful pump
CONS
- No grinder
- Tamper is made from plastic
Nespresso C40-US-TI-NE Inissia Espresso Maker
When looking for the best espresso machine for home, this is one option that you may want to consider. It is a single-serve machine, which makes it perfect for personal use. It comes with a space-saving design, making it the perfect choice for a small apartment.
This is an energy-efficient alternative. Even if it is used daily, you do not have to worry about its electric consumption, especially because it has Class A energy rating. It is also a good thing that the machine will power off on its own if it is left idle for nine minutes.
Looking for a machine that is user-friendly? This should be part of your list of alternatives. All that you have to do is to insert the capsule, turn it on, and wait for a few seconds until your drink is ready. It is also commendable that it heats up in as quickly as 25 seconds, which means that you do not have to wait long before your espresso shot is ready to be consumed.
As pressure is one of the most important in having high-quality espresso shot, this is going to be an impressive choice. It is equipped with 19-bar of pressure, which is actually more than what you can find from other models with similar size.
With this model, you will also be able to enjoy versatility. There are two programmable buttons. You can choose from espresso or lungo, depending on the number of shots that you would like to make. In case you are not familiar, lungo is an Italian word for long, which means that your drink will consist of two shots of espresso.
We also loved the removable drip tray. This will be able to catch any dripping from the spigot, which will help to minimize mess in the area where it is used. You can also have it removed to be able to accommodate tall cups.
PROS
- Compact design
- Stylish
- Wide array of capsule choices
CONS
- Capsules are expensive
- Single-serve system
Breville BES840XL The Infuser Espresso Machine
If budget is not an issue, this is one espresso machine that should be on the top of your list. It is made by one of the mot trusted brands in the market. Its expensive price is an indication of its premium quality. It has a lot of features that will allow you to make your drink like a professional barista, even at the comfort of your own home.
Among other things, the 1,600-watt thermcoil heating system is one of the most impressive features that you can expect from this model. There is a heated coil that improves the heating efficiency. This also helps to maintain better consistency of temperature.
Compared to most of the options for the best espresso machine for home, this model comes with a larger tank, which has a capacity of 1.8 liters. This means that there is no need for frequent refilling. It can be filled from the top and comes with a handle. It can also be easily removed, making it a snap to clean.
To be able to monitor the functioning of the machine, there is an incorporated gauge so that you will easily know the pressure that is applied. This will make it easy to know if your drink is under or over-extracted.
Another excellent feature that you can expect from this model is the steam wand, making it versatile, allowing you to use it for preparing drinks other than espresso. This will allow you to froth milk for cappuccino and latte, among others.
The automatic purge function is one more thing that is worth noting, enabling the machine to maintain the right temperature without requiring you to make the necessary adjustments.
PROS
- Powerful machine
- Feature-rich
- Durable construction
CONS
- Expensive price
- Can be a bit difficult to use
Breville 800ESXL 15-bar Triple Priming Die Cast Espresso Machine
Durability is one of the biggest selling points of this model. This is due to its stainless steel casing, which is strong enough to withstand many years of use. It is also effortless to clean.
Among other features, the automatic purge is one that should be given emphasis. After extracting an espresso shot, this feature makes it possible for the machine to automatically flush for the immediate restoration of the optimal temperature for the next shot. This also makes it excellent in terms of speed.
This is a pump-driven machine, which automates the entire process for ease of use. With the use of the internal pump, water will be forced into the grinds. The pressure is higher compared to steam-driven machine, resulting into espresso shots with better taste.
The 15-bar pressure of this machine is one more thing that makes it impressive. The minimum requirement is 9-bar. With this, you can expect optimal extraction of the coffee grinds, which will result into fuller flavor.
We also loved the 2.2-liter water tank that comes with the unit, which is bigger than most of its direct competitors. This will prevent the need for having the tank frequently refilled. Since it is removable, you can also expect that cleaning it will be a breeze.
PROS
- Solid build
- Operates quietly
- Stylish design
CONS
- Can be prone to vibration
- A bit complicated to use
Hamilton Beach 40792 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
This is the ideal choice for people who are looking for an espresso machine that comes with a practical price, making it perfect for homeowners. Even if it is affordable, it does not run short in terms of exceptional features. To add, this is also made by one of the most established brands within the product category.
The slide and lock filter holder, a patented feature, is one of the reasons why it is ranked well in terms of being user-friendly. This means that setting it up will be easy.
It also comes with 15-bar pressure, which makes it exceptional in terms of its ability to extract coffee grounds. The end result is that the flavor and aroma will be fuller. Take note that pressure is one of the most important for having high-quality espresso shot. If it is too weak, your espresso shot will just taste like ordinary coffee.
Another excellent feature that you can find in this model is the swiveling wand, which comes handy when you need to prepare drinks that requires milk frothing.
A lot of its users were also impressed with how easy it is to use this espresso machine. The controls are strategically-positioned. It is free from complications. There is a selector dial that will make it easy for you to choose the desired functions. Even when it comes to cleaning, you do not have to exert too much effort. Once the unit has cooled down after it is used, just wipe the exterior with a clean cloth. The removable parts, on the other hand, requires more thorough cleaning to maintain their superior quality even through the years.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Can be used for both coffee grounds and pods
CONS
- Lacks safety features
- A bit big
Things to Consider when Buying
To increase the likelihood that you will be making the right choice, make sure that these things will be taken into consideration.
Type of Espresso Machine
The espresso machines that are available in the market can be further classified into two different types:
- Steam-Driven: This is the first machine that was introduced and is still seen today. Steam or pressure will be forcing the coffee ground to pull a shot of espresso. However, technically, they will only be able to make strong coffee but not a genuine espresso shot because of their inability to reach the optimal temperature that is required.
- Pump-Driven: Most modern espresso machines operate with this mechanism. They use electric pump to be able to push water on the coffee grounds. They can be further classified into two groups:
- Super-Automatic: Convenience is its biggest selling point as no fine tuning will be necessary. The functions are fully-automated, which means that it will be easy to use. All that you have to do is to fill the hopper with coffee grounds, turn it on, and wait until your espresso is ready.
- Semi-Automatic: You will have a bit of control with the use of this machine, but it will still be easier to operate compared to their manual counterparts. You will be able to stamp the grounds, but other features will be done automatically, making it user-friendly.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
One of the reasons why people do not invest in an espresso machine is because of the assertion that it is complicated to use. While the latter can indeed prove to be true, this is only the case if you choose the wrong model. Take a look at its features and see to it that using it will be effortless.
Having automatic controls will be a good idea. It should also be effortless to clean and maintain, allowing you to easily retain its superior quality even through many years of use.
Versatility
If you want to be provided with the best value for money, you should choose one that is versatile, making it possible for you to use it beyond being an espresso machine.
There are some options that can also be used for making cappuccino and lattes. Having a milk frother can be a good thing to use it for preparing different drinks.
Built-in Grinder
By having an integrated grinder, you will be able to enjoy better space-efficiency since there is no more need for you to have a machine that will be used solely for grinding your beans.
Consider the capacity of the hopper and see to it as well that it will be able to perform the grinding task without making a loud noise.
Other Features to Look For
It will also be goof if there is a built-in cup warmer, although this can make the machine more expensive and bigger. Pick one that has water filtration mechanism to ensure the best taste and aroma with every shot of espresso that you will be able to prepare.
A frothing wand will also be good to add steamed milk to your drink. Digital LCD panel, meanwhile, can be excellent for ease of use.
Conclusion
If you love espresso, you should invest in an espresso maker. The initial cost can be high, especially if you choose one model with high-end features that can deliver superior quality. It can be a financially-wise investment in the long run, especially because this means that you no longer have to buy espresso shots in expensive coffee shops.
The good thing is that depending on which one you choose, it can be used beyond making your shot. Some can be multifunctional and will also allow you to prepare cappuccino and latte.
As you try to make a choice, keep in mind that not all options are created the same. To choose the best espresso machine for home, consider the tips that we have mentioned above and keep in mind the five models that we have earlier identified. We took a look at some of their best features, and with confidence, we can safely say that these are indeed options that you will not regret.
From their features to being user-friendly, design to durability, you will be happy with the brands and models that we have recommended, making sure of being provided with the best bang for the buck.
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