The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There's no one-size-fits-all coffee maker. We've put together our top picks, starting with a superautomatic that grinds your beans and packs them to semi-automatic machines that give you the best control over your espresso.
black coffee machines strikes the perfect balance between automation and needing to know the ropes of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to cup machine we've found.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a top option for those who wish to make espresso at home without making significant sacrifices in terms of quality. This prosumer espresso machine is designed with the smallest counter space in mind and offers top-quality build and a very small footprint. It is equipped with a 1.8 liter copper heat-exchange boiler and commercial E61 Group Heads so that you can steam your milk and brew your coffee at the same at the same time.
The machine looks great too, and comes with an elongated side panel with the engraved steam and hot water spouts. This is a modernization of Rocket's traditional design, which is already impressive for a small appliance. It also comes with a black pressure gauge that will let you know when the boiler is ready to use.
One downside to this small machine is that the drip tray and reservoir for water are smaller than those of other machines. You'll need be extra cautious when emptying and refilling the machine. This is especially the case if you use it frequently. This is a natural tradeoff to have less footprint, however it is not a problem that is unique to this model.
This machine is capable of handling your coffee demands. That being said, we would recommend investing in a good grinder, like the Baratza Sette Gigante for increased consistency and flavor. You can also pair this machine with the Rocket portafilter to enhance the grinding process.
As a prosumer espresso machine The Rocket Appartamento is capable of making delicious drinks, and it's easy to create the latte art. It's important to note that this machine is not designed for beginners. There is a slight learning curve for people who are upgrading from appliance-grade espresso machines. The heat exchanger is difficult to work with and you'll have to learn how to do cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento allow connecting to a water source, which means you'll always have clean, cold water that has been filtered for your drinks. The latter model has smaller 2.25-liter tank that is harder to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This machine is built to Lavazza's high standards. It is quick to reach brewing temperature, which allows you to make your first cup of coffee in less than 35 minutes. The water tank is fast and easy to refill, with the lid detaching completely to make a wide opening. You can fill it with tap water if you want.
This is the smallest machine in the Lavazza A Modo Mio range and yet it is a powerful machine. It's priced less than PS100 at the full price and is much less expensive than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. The Jolie is a great option for those who do not have the space or budget for an espresso machine of the traditional type however, they still want to experience the authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is simple to use and requires little counter space. Pressing one button will start the machine. When you press it again, it will begin dispensing the specific pod you've chosen. The button has a backlight so you can see how much you have consumed. You can also stop the process, in case you wish to drink the pod in smaller quantities.
This model doesn't come with a steam wand but you can add some creamy froth to your milk using an optional milk frother. The machine is quiet, too and can be used in a small area or in a kitchen with flatshare without causing any disturbance to anyone else.
They aren't cheap, but there is a wide variety of blends available to satisfy everyone from mildest to the most demanding espresso drinkers. They are available in most supermarkets, along with regular grounds coffee and coffee beans. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods online.
The Jolie and Milk is a stylish capsule machine that includes a milk warmer and frother. It comes with a 75cm plug and power cable, a warranty card, a quick guide, and a test pack of nine Lavazza pods. Six are roasted (two Qualita Rossa and two Lungo Dolce) and two are decaffeinated. The machine is compact enough to fit under a cabinet or on flat surfaces.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express appears to be a high-priced espresso machine. But if you're willing to take the time to learn how to use it this is a fantastic espresso maker for your home that performs better than some of the more expensive models available. It's a good price for the class and is especially useful for beginners who don't yet have an espresso machine, which can cost up to $100.
This model is priced less than the most expensive Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is an excellent option for baristas working on a tight budget. It delivers plenty of tweakable features, and it even comes with a built-in burr grinder that makes the whole experience much cheaper. It is also a single-boiler machine, which means it can only perform one task at the same time.
Despite being a relatively newcomer to the market for espresso machines, Breville has quickly made an impact through their top-quality machines. This machine is no exception and it comes with enough control to let aspiring baristas develop their abilities without spending more than they need to.
It's not without its quirks, though. For one, the hopper on this model is positioned on the side of the unit, instead of on top--which isn't an issue however it can be a little frustrating if you're trying to disperse multiple shots at a time. The rear-facing position of the tank makes it difficult to determine the amount of liquid left.
If you're willing to invest some time learning how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's an excellent, all-purpose appliance for anyone who is a coffee lover at home. The only drawback to the Breville Barista Express is the price, which may be a hindrance for some buyers. For those looking for a less expensive alternative, read our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both are similarly capable and offer a little more control than the Barista Express, but they'll cost you less than the Breville model does.
4. OXO Brew 9 Cup
A high-tech smart coffee machine with a user-friendly interface that produces great coffee. The sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED display provides your kitchen with a stylish appearance. It features only one dial to program how many cups you want it to make and includes the 2-4 cup setting and a 5-9 cup setting. The brewing method is similar to pour over, which most coffee enthusiasts believe is the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the perfect temperature before being poured over the grounds using a showerhead to ensure uniform saturation. The brewed coffee is then stored in the double-walled thermal carafe and can be stored for up to 60 min. Its pause and pour feature lets you take out the carafe in brewing and fill your own cup. The machine pauses the brewing process and shows a red light for the carafe on its LED interface until you return it. It after which it resumes brewing and is finished.
The OXO 9-Cup coffee maker comes SCAA certified, which means that it complies with the strict standards for technical quality. Its brew cycle is about the same length as the Bodum BISTRO and Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, but it offers more control over temperature, brewing duration, and quality.
In our tests in our tests, the OXO Brew 9 Cup produced an excellent cup of drip coffee with an entire carafe in just 7 minutes 41 seconds. This is a bit more than the 6 minutes the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but within the range that coffee experts suggest to make a great cup.
It is also necessary to grind your own beans prior to making. You can use an old-fashioned coffee grinder or opt for a more automatic model, such as the Baratza Encore, which has multiple grind settings and the hopper can hold entire beans.
The only issue is that the carafe and water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe this could be a issue for certain users. The stainless steel can be cleaned by hand. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek style and user-friendly interface make it an undisputed contender among the best drip coffee makers.