Turn a knob, press one button, Coffee espresso machines and voila! A delicious cup of coffee is at your fingertips. It’s not going to win any beauty contests but it produces a delicious cup of espresso. Our test participants found that the taste was more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires a bit more work to operate than the other models we’ve reviewed. However, it’s still worth it in the case of a Java enthusiast who prefers to be hands-off.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the most efficient Nespresso machine to buy If you’re a coffee enthusiast who wants consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that blends with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Place a capsule in the machine and press the button to brew your beverage. The machine will automatically adjust the brewing parameters to maximize extraction according to the barcode of the capsule. This is a big selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don’t have to think about setting different temperatures or pressure for each drink. It does, however, limit your options to Nespresso pods only and doesn’t come with an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology to create a thick smooth, creamy crema. The machine spins up to 7000rpm to get all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water simultaneously, allowing you to make American drip espresso or coffee.
The Vertuo Plus is more affordable than the Creatista Pro, which makes it the perfect choice for those who are looking to make a simple upgrade to their existing Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus has smaller water tanks of 40 ounces compared to deluxe model’s 60 ounces. However, if you’re planning on making large drinks frequently or sharing your drink with guests, the deluxe version might be the better option.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville’s Barista Express Impress is an appealing machine with a stunning design and practical features. Its smart dosing system and Coffee Espresso Machines assisted tamping can help novices simplify the process by automating certain parts of it, making it simple for anyone to make an excellent espresso. It can also make small adjustments to the temperature of the water. This is something that baristas who are more experienced appreciate as even the slightest change in temperature can drastically alter the taste of the espresso.
The machine is equipped with a top-quality conical burr grinder which provides 25 grind settings to match any coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug as well a two-cup single- and double-wall filter baskets, so you can decide the number of shots you want to make at a time. The Frothing arm can be used to make micro-foam for cappuccinos and lattes.
The interface of the espresso machine is easy to use and clearly explains every step. We also appreciated that it doesn’t have many plastic parts and is quite durable. It’s not cheap but it’s a high-quality machine with many features that will last for many years. It comes with an excellent warranty that covers mechanical failures up to a year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine at this cost. It’s definitely worth it should you decide to try your hand at making espresso regularly.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic was launched in 1991. It quickly gained a cult-like following for its ease of use and ability to make a tasty cup of espresso. Three decades later, it has returned better than ever before with the brand new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be more advanced than some lower-end machines but it’s still able to offer a cafe-quality espresso because of the professional portafilter and group. As only a single boiler unit, you will not be able both brew and steam at the same time. You’ll have to wait a few minutes before pulling an espresso.
With a sleek industrial design that looks stylish and feels solid in your hands the Classic Pro features simple switches for brewing/steam and On/Off with indicators that are easy to get familiar with. The frame and switches are also more durable than the old Classic giving this machine a authentic premium feel.
In terms of accessories, the Classic Pro doesn’t come with much, except for the commercial-standard portafilter 58 millimeter and the tamper made of plastic are a nice touch. A three-way solenoid valve is an additional feature that stops water pressure fluctuations and assists in getting rid of sloppy coffee pucks which other machines struggle with. Gaggia also added steam wands that do fantastic job of frothing milk used in latte arts.
4. De’Longhi COM532M
This machine from De’Longhi can be a ideal choice for those who want to make barista quality coffee at home. It is a distinctive design that makes it simple to use and has a wide range of features. It comes with a stainless steel boiler, brewhead and portafilter, as well having a water tank with a removable design. The machine is small and easily placed on any counter.
This espresso machine comes with the 15 bar pressure pump that ensures constant results. It can also be heated within just 40 seconds, which saves you both time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks great on any kitchen counter. The De’Longhi is the ideal option for coffee lovers who wish to make their own coffee and espresso machine at home.
This is a combination coffee and espresso maker that can make up two cups of coffee at the same time. Dual heating allows you to make espresso and drip coffee at the same time. This is a great feature for parties because it allows you to serve your guests their preferred drinks simultaneously.
The espresso machine is equipped with a milk frother which can create creamy and delicious lattes and cappuccinos. The machine is easy to use thanks to its simple touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn’t make any noise while it is operating.