You turn an knob, push the button, and a delicious beverage is at your fingertips. This machine espresso won’t be a winner in any beauty contests, but it does make a great cup of espresso coffee machine home. Our test subjects reported that the taste was more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires more effort to operate than the other models we reviewed. Still, it’s worth the effort for the hands-off java enthusiast.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the ideal Nespresso machine for you if an avid coffee drinker who is looking for efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to use and has a minimalist design that blends with any kitchen design. Insert a capsule and press the brew button to enjoy your beverage. The machine will automatically adjust the brewing parameters to maximize extraction depending on the barcode in the capsule. This is an important selling point for Nespresso Vertuo, as you do not have to worry about adjusting different temperatures or pressures for every type. However, it does limit your choices to Nespresso pods, and doesn’t have the built-in milk maker.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology to produce a rich, smooth crema. The machine spins up 7000 rpm to get the full spectrum of flavors and aromas in each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, making it possible to make American drip coffee or espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is much less expensive than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for those who are looking to enhance their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus has smaller water tanks of 40 ounces, compared to that of the deluxe model, which is 60 ounces. This being said, if you’re planning on making large drinks frequently or sharing your drink with guests, the more expensive model could be a better option.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville’s Barista Express Impress is an eye-catching machine with a premium design and practical features. Its smart dosing system and assisted tamping can help beginners automatize elements of the process making it easier for anyone to make a good espresso. It’s also able to make small adjustments to the temperature of water which baristas who have experience will appreciate since even a couple of degrees can change the flavor of the coffee.
The machine is equipped with a top-quality conical burr grinder which has 25 grind settings to accommodate any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug and one- and two-cup single and double-wall filter baskets, which means you can choose how many shots to make at a time. The frothing arm can be used to create micro-foam in cappuccinos or lattes.
We loved that the interface of the espresso machine is simple to use and clearly walks you through each step. We also liked that the machine is made of durable plastic and doesn’t need much. It’s not cheap, but it’s a high-quality machine with features that will last for years to come. It also comes with a great warranty that covers mechanical issues for a year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine of this kind of price. If you’re interested in making espresso regularly, it’s well worth the money.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia’s Classic first came out in 1991 and quickly developed a fan base due to its minimalist style and, of course, the ability to make a delicious espresso. Three decades later, it’s returned better than ever with the latest Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as modern as some basic machines however, it can deliver cafe-quality espresso thanks to the professional portafilter and group. As only a single boiler machine, it won’t be able to brew and steam simultaneously and will have to wait a while between pulling out a shot.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and coffee espresso Machines a feel that is sleek and sturdy in your hand. It has simple controls to turn it on/off and to brew or steam, along with indicator lights. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, giving it an excellent feel.
The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, but the 58 millimeter portafilter is a nice addition. Also the tamper made of plastic is a nice touch. A 3-way solenoid is also a nice addition. It reduces pressure fluctuations and helps get rid of loose espresso pucks, something that cheaper machines are unable to do. Gaggia also included an steam wand that does well at frothing 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 is easy to use and comes with numerous features. It has a stainless steel boiler, brew head, and portafilter as well as a removable water tank. It is also small which means it can fit on the majority of counters.
This espresso maker has the 15-bar pressure system that gives consistent results every time. It can also get hot in under 40 seconds, which saves you time and energy. It is easy to clean, and looks stunning on any countertop. The De’Longhi Com532M is the ideal option for coffee lovers who want to make their own coffee at home.
It is an all-in-one combination espresso and coffee maker that can make two cups at once. Dual heating means that you can brew espresso and drip coffee at the same time. This is a great feature for parties as it allows you to serve your guests their favorite drinks at the same time.
The espresso machine comes with a milk sifter that can make delicious and creamy cappuccinos and lattes. The machine is simple to operate using its simple touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn’t make much noise while operating.