What Type of Espresso Maker Is Needed For The House?
All great home espresso machines can help you make a latte or cappuccino in the comfort of your kitchen. Traditional coffee shop equipment may appear intimidating, but home espresso devices can have you producing a shot with a decent creamy, light-colored surface of espresso in no time.
A few espresso machines will grind the beans, fill the grounds into a hopper, and make your cup with only a push of a button, but many need you to learn how to fill a hopper (also known as a portafilter) with grounds and tamping them (which means compressing the grounds into a puck so that hot water flows through them) just right. Here’s a handy guide to buying your first espresso maker and what makes one machine better than the next.
What Is Your Preference?
Espresso machines are pricey pieces of equipment. Are bells and whistles needed? Do you like control of the whole creative process? There are several methods to make espresso, ranging from hand-pressing to completely automated, super-automatic, and pod machines for home baristas.
Pod/Capsule Machines
- A simple machine that makes espresso or other coffee beverages using capsules or pods packed with pre-measured coffee. They have the most dependability and hands-off simplicity of use.
Super-automatic Machines
- This is where it gets complicated. There are many types of burr grinders on the market, with several features and price ranges to consider when purchasing. These are more advanced than basic automatic machines. They may also grind beans, measure them out, and frequently tamp them in comparison to typical automatic coffee makers.
Automatic Machines
- Espresso machines with an espresso button instead of a lever are known as “automatic”. The amount of espresso or coffee drink produced is automated, and the operation is often programmed. This technique generates greater consistency than a manual or semi-automatic machine, giving it excellent scores in Lab testing.
Semi-automatic Machines
- Home Espresso machines that are semi-automatic, like manual ones, require little to no input from the user in terms of preparation. They feature a button or dial that automates the water flow instead of a lever, and the strength of the brew can be adjusted.
Manual Machines
- The method consists of finely crushed beans that are spooned into a portafilter and tamped down. Water is drawn through the grounds via a lever connected to the brew head. It is the most adaptable technique overall, but it is also among the most challenging to master.
Espresso machines consume a substantial amount of electricity. The machine should have an on/off knob so you can switch it off when it’s not in use.
Conclusion
The perfect home espresso maker for you is more of a preference than there is just one. How involved in the whole process do you like to be? Do you have a small kitchen? Do you want something that can be easily stored away when not in use? The first step to finding your perfect home espresso maker is identifying the type of machine you’re looking for, and then narrowing it down from there.
Below Is Our Top 5 Espresso Makers for Home:
1. Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine
Experience great-tasting espresso for cappuccinos, lattes, and more with the Calphalon temp IQ and espresso machine with grinder and steam wand. You’ll get fresh espresso with every use thanks to the integrated conical burr mill Grinder featuring 30 adjustable grind settings. The temp IQ system features thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control to evenly heat during the espresso extraction, combined with gentle pre-infusion to bloom the espresso grounds at the beginning of the Extraction. A café-sized 58mm portability allows for even water dispersion and robust flavor, and a powerful steam wand produces creamy froth and microfoam milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and more. Other conveniences like auto-shot volumetric control, cup warming tray, and hot water option, mean you’ll soon be ready to enjoy delicious drinks at home, effortlessly.Features thermoblock heating technology, PID temperature control, and pre-infusion to evenly heat for consistently great tasting espresso.
Review:
Great machine. It’s really nice having a grinder plus the ability to switch out the beans easily. Actually very impressed with grinder and settings. Doses very easily. Started espresso at 20 as reccomended only adjusted 2. I read reviews that espresso sprays out of grinder that’s NOT true. Makes excellent espresso, whether single hole basket or multiple hole basket. Excellent milk and foam too
2. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
The barista express from bean to espresso in under a minute create great tasting espresso in less than a minute. The barista express allows you to grind the beans right before extraction, and its interchangeable filters and a choice of automatic or manual operation ensure authentic café style results in no time at all.
Review:
After working as a barista for 4 years, the thought of leaving the cafe to go to grad school was upsetting. As an early birthday gift slash cafe departing gift my mom purchased this machine for me. It does everything I need it to in order to prepare any coffee shop drink! Perfect single or double espresso (even coming with dual wall filters to give decent espresso from preground coffee), steam wand with acceptable pressure and good heat for texturing milk (latte art is a must for me and this machine allows me to achieve it 7/10 times)
3. Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker with Milk Steamer
Includes: 15 Bar Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker, Electric Coffee Bean Grinder, Stainless Steel Portafilter with Single and Double Shot Filter Baskets, Milk frothing pitcher, Scoop/Tamper, 2 Ceramic Espresso Cups. Enjoy great tasting Italian Espresso, Americano and Macchiato! Two stainless steel portafilter baskets included for the option of pulling a single shot or a double shot during each extraction. Compatible with ESE Pods. Conveniently monitor water levels of front view transparent tank (1.25L capacity). Handle included on tank for easy removal for cleaning and refilling.
Review:
The machine works as expected and more. Way better than Me. Coffee. Seems I accidently washed the filter in dishwasher. The customer service helped me immediately with new parts shipped free of charge. I am extremely happy I bought this machine to support companies which still value their customers. The taste of the espresso is definitely great depending on the right finess and brand of coffee. Using the right coffee makes espressos better even than Starbucks. Highly recommended. Close to a year now and the machine works the same way I bought it since day one.
4. Breville BES810BSS Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
The Duo Temp Pro from Breville can extract one or two espresso shots at a time. The 15 bar Italian made pump starts with low pressure to bloom coffee grounds, then gradually increases pressure for extraction. Manually control the volume of each espresso shot. Choose from 1 or 2 cup single or dual wall filter baskets depending on the number of shots and whether beans are freshly ground or pre ground. Use the Razor dose trimming tool to ensure the filter basket is properly filled. Steam and froth milk with the steam wand to create classic espresso drinks.
Review:
I spent a great deal of time online reviewing coffee makers and also in many different stores looking at them in person. I must say that this Breville espresso machine has exceeded my wildest dreams. I have owned the machine for two months now and between my wife and I we have made 3-4 double shots each day. If you want a simple design with minimal controls to worry about, this machine is for you. It is very good at pulling shots and I must say it’s as good or better than any coffee shop I have been to. The clean-up is relatively simple if you run the hot water through the steam wand after frothing your milk
5. De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder
Finally, an espresso machine that takes out the guesswork. Introducing La Specialista by De’Longhi. Created for the passionate espresso and coffee drinker, this elegantly designed, professionally-inspired espresso machine empowers you to precisely handcraft espresso just the way you like it. From start to finish — we’ve taken the margin of complications out of each step of the espresso process, so no need to deal with the complex aspects of the preparation. For starters, The Sensor Grinding Technology delivers precise, consistent grinding and the optimal dose for espresso, every time. Then the smart tamping station lets you replicate the perfect tamp — simply activate the lever to press the dose with the right pressure for flawless results. Next, active temperature control with Dual Heating System provides the best temperature stability for optimal coffee extraction and milk texturing. La Specialista is equipped with two independent heating systems. One thermoblock for extracting coffee and an independent heating system for steaming milk or frothing ensures immediate beverage preparation. Finally, the Advanced Latte System ensures the perfect milk texture for cafe quality lattes and cappuccinos. And for added convenience, use La Specialista’s separate hot water spout to brew an authentic Americano. So whether you’re impressing guests with your magnificent coffee skills or enjoying the personal satisfaction that comes from handcrafting something the right way, the versatile La Specialista machine will give you a more enlightened espresso experience. Innovation by De’Longhi. Espresso by you
Review:
Overall I’m really happy with the product after using it for more than 2 months and after some early frustrations I’m pulling quality espressos, lattes and Americanos. There are however some glaring opportunities to improve the user experience without adding manufacturing expense and I’d love to see these on the replacement model. I replaced my 4 year old Breville 870XL (Barrista Express) with this unit; a model many are likely considering along with the Delonghi. Although there are features I miss from the Breville, I’m ultimately happier with this unit.
