The Next Big New Best Coffee Machine Industry
The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There is no one-size-fits-all coffee machine. We've rounded up our top picks for the home, from a super-automatic that grinds and packs your beans to semi-automatic machines that give you the best control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch achieves the perfect balance between automation and having to understand the basics of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to cup machine we've come across.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a top option for those who want to make espresso at home, without making big sacrifices in terms of quality. This small-footprint espresso machine was designed for those who have small counter space. It is built to last and has excellent quality with a compact footprint. It comes with a 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler and commercial E61 group head so you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously.
The machine looks stunning as well and features a round side panel insert with engravings of steam and hot water spouts. This is a refreshing update on the classic design of Rocket that is already impressive for a small machine. It also comes with a black pressure gauge that shows when the boiler is ready to use.
One downside to this small machine is that the drip tray and the water reservoir are smaller than most other machines. This means that you will be more cautious about emptying and refilling the machine, particularly when you use it often. This is a normal trade-off for less footprint, however this is not a problem specific to this model.
This machine is able to handle your coffee demands. We suggest purchasing a high-quality grinder, such as the Baratza Sette Gante, to improve consistency and flavor. You can also use the machine in conjunction with a Rocket Portafilter to increase the tamping.
As a prosumer espresso machine, the Rocket Appartamento is capable of making delicious drinks, and is easy to create Latte art. It's important to note that the machine isn't designed for beginners and there's a bit of a learning curve for those upgrading from appliances. The heat exchanger can be difficult to work with, and you'll need to learn how to perform cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento offer the option of connecting to a water supply, which allows you to always have fresh, cold filtering water available for your drinks. The latter model has smaller 2.25-liter tank that can be more difficult to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you would expect from the Lavazza machine, this one is made with quality in mind. It is quick to reach brewing temperature, which allows you to make your first cup of coffee in just 35 seconds. The water tank is also fast and easy to refill, with the lid detaching completely to create a large opening. You can even fill it up with tap water if you prefer.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest of the range, but it packs a punch. At full cost, it's less than PS100 - which is less than the Nespresso Essenza and similar machines from SMEG and Desea. The Jolie is a great choice for those who do not have the space or money for traditional espresso machines however, they nevertheless want to drink an authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is simple to use and takes up small counter space. You just need to press one button to turn on the machine and again to begin dispensing the chosen pod. There's a backlight on the button, so you can easily see the amount of liquid that has been dispersed, and you can stop the process at any time should you prefer to drink your drink in smaller portions.
The model isn't equipped with a steam wand however, you can add creamy foam to your milk with an optional milk frother. The machine is also quiet and can be used to make coffee in a small kitchen or workspace.
The pods aren't expensive, but they are available in a wide range of blends that will suit all - from the lightest espresso drinker to the most demanding. You can find them in most supermarkets, along with regular grounds coffee and coffee beans. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods on the internet.
The Jolie and Milk is a smart-looking capsule machine that includes a milk warmer and frother. It includes a 75cm plug and power cable, a warranty card and a quick reference, and a tester 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 cupboard or the floor.
3. Breville BES870XL
At first glance, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso machine that's not within the budget of many average consumers. If you're willing to take the time to learn how to use it, this is an excellent espresso maker for home use that is more efficient than some of the more expensive models available. It's an excellent value for its class and is especially useful for those who are new to the field and don't own 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 choice for baristas working on a budget. It comes with a variety of customizable features and even an integrated burr mill, which makes it more affordable. It's also a single boiler machine that means it can only be used for brewing or steaming at one time.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the market of espresso machines, Breville has quickly made an impact by offering top-quality equipment. This machine is no different, and it offers just enough control that it can be adjusted to let aspiring baristas burnish their abilities without spending more than they have to.
The unit has its quirks. The hopper is situated on the side, not on the top of the model. It's not a major issue, but it can be a hassle if you need to give multiple shots at once. It's also difficult to know how much water is left in the tank, due to its rear placement.
If you're willing to spend some time learning how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's a great, do-it-all appliance for anyone who is a coffee lover at home. The only downside to the Breville Barista Express is its price which could be a deterrent for certain buyers. For those looking for a less expensive alternative, take a look at our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines are similar in capability and offer a bit more control than the Barista Express. However, they are a fraction of the price.
4. OXO Brew 9-Cup
A high-tech, smart coffee maker that makes excellent coffee using a simple interface. The sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED screen gives your kitchen a sophisticated look. It comes with one dial to set 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 makes the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the perfect temperature and then poured over grounds using a showerhead to ensure uniform saturation. The coffee is then brewed in the thermal, double-walled carafe, which can last up to 60 minutes. The pause-and pour feature lets you to remove the carafe during making your coffee and filling it with the right amount. The machine stops the brewing process and displays a red light on its LED interface, until you return the carafe. It then resumes the brewing process.
The OXO 9-Cup coffee maker has been SCAA certified, meaning it complies with the strict standards for technical quality. Its brew time is approximately longer than the Bodum BISTRO and the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, but it offers greater 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 the carafe filled in 7 minutes and 41 seconds. It's slightly longer than the 6 minutes or less that the Bonavita Connoisseur and the Moccamaster require but well within the range of time that experts in the field suggest for a decent cup of drip.
It also requires that you grind your own beans prior to making. You can select a manual grinder or a more automated model like the Baratza Encore. It has various grind settings, as well as an hopper for beans that are whole.
The only issue with this product is that it's not dishwasher safe. This could be a problem for some users. The stainless steel is easily cleaned by hand, however. coffee machines -Cup is a leading contender for the best drip coffee maker due to its sleek design and simple to use interface.