Best Coffee Espresso Machines
You turn a knob, press the button, and a delicious cup of coffee is waiting for you. It's not going to win any beauty contests, but it does make a delicious cup of espresso that our testers found to be more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires more effort than other models we have examined. Still, it's worth the effort for the hands-off Java lover.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you're a coffee lover seeking consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that blends with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Simply place a capsule in and press brew before enjoying your beverage. The machine can recognize the barcode of the capsule, and then adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure the best extraction. This is a major advantage for Nespresso Vertuo, as you don't have to worry about adjusting the temperature or pressures to suit each type. It does, however, limit your options to Nespresso pods only and does not include a built in milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a rich and smooth crema. The machine spins at 7000rpm to remove all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, allowing you to make American drip coffee or espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is cheaper than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for people looking to enhance their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus has smaller water tanks, which are 40 ounces compared to premium model's 60 ounces. If you're planning to make large drinks frequently or sharing with guests, the more expensive model could be a better option.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville's Barista Express Impress is an attractive machine that has a stylish design and practical features. Its smart dosing and assisted tamping helps beginners to speed up the process by automating specific parts of it, making it easy for anyone to make an espresso of a high quality. It can also make small adjustments to the temperature of water, which more experienced baristas will appreciate since even a couple of degrees can alter the flavor of the coffee.
The machine is equipped with a conical burr grinder that is of excellent quality, with 25 grind settings to suit any type of coffee. The machine also comes with a stainless steel milk jug, as well with double-wall and single-wall filter baskets to fit one- and two-cup sizes. You can also make use of the frothing arm to create micro-foam for cappuccinos or lattes.
The interface of the espresso machine is simple to use and clearly explains each step. We also liked that the machine doesn't include a lot of plastic parts and is extremely durable. It's not cheap, but it's a well-built and feature-packed machine which will last for years to come. It comes with a great warranty that covers mechanical problems for up to one year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine this cost. It's definitely worth the cost for those who want to try making espresso regularly.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic was launched in the year 1991. It quickly gained a fan-base for its simplicity and ability to make a delicious cup of espresso. Three decades later, it's back better than ever thanks to the new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as advanced as some entry-level machines, but it can still deliver cafe-quality espresso thanks to the professional portafilter and group. However as a single boiler machine you cannot brew and steam simultaneously and will have to wait for a little while between pulling a shot.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and feel that feels stylish and sturdy in your hand. It features simple switches to turn it off/on, and to brew or steam, along with indicators. The frame and switches are also more durable than the Classic making this machine feel truly premium feel.
The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, but the 58-millimeter portafilter is a nice feature. Also the tamper, made of plastic, is a nice touch. A three-way solenoid is a excellent addition. It reduces pressure fluctuations and helps to get rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy, something that cheaper machines can't accomplish. Gaggia has also included a professional-looking steam wand that is great at making milk frothy for the latte art.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This espresso machine from retro espresso machine De'Longhi is a good option for those who want to try barista-quality coffee at home. It is a distinctive design that makes it easy to use and offers a wide range of features. It comes with 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 most counters.
This espresso machine has a 15 bar pressure pump which guarantees steady results. It can also warm up in less than 40 seconds, saving you time and energy. It is easy to clean, and looks great on any countertop. The De'Longhi is an excellent option for coffee lovers looking to make their own coffee at home.
This is a coffee and espresso maker that can make up two cups of coffee simultaneously. It has dual heating which allows you to brew both espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for parties, as it allows you to serve your guests their favorite drinks simultaneously.
The espresso machine comes with a milk frother which can make delicious and creamy lattes and cappuccinos. It is also simple to use, using simple buttons and a touchscreen. The machine is quiet and doesn't make a lot of noise while working.