There's no universally-fit-all coffee machine. We've put together our top picks, starting with a superautomatic machine that grinds your beans and packs them to semi-automatic machines that give you the most control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch is the perfect blend between automation and the need to be able to master the art of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to-cup machine we've seen.
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 espresso machine for the prosumer is designed with the smallest counter space in mind. It combines outstanding build quality with the smallest footprint. It comes with an 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler as well as a commercial E61 group heads so that you can steam milk and make espresso at the same time.
The machine looks stunning as well, and has a round side panel insert with the engraved steam and hot water spouts. This is a new take on Rocket's classic aesthetic and is already impressive for a small machine. It also has the black pressure gauge, which will let you know when the boiler is ready for use.
One disadvantage of this tiny machine is that the drip tray and water reservoir are smaller than those of other machines. You'll need be extra cautious when emptying and re-filling the machine. This is especially the case if you use it frequently. This is a trade-off that is a result of having a smaller footprint. This is not something that is unique to this model.
This machine can easily handle your coffee demands. However, we would suggest investing in a good grinder, like the Baratza Sette Gigante for increased consistency and flavor. You can also pair the machine with a Rocket Portafilter to improve the tamping.
Rocket Appartamento, as a prosumer machine, can create excellent drinks and is easy to make latte arts. It's important to note that this machine isn't intended for novices. There is a small learning curve for people who are upgrading from espresso machines that are appliance-grade. The heat exchanger is tricky to handle and you'll need to learn how to perform cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca as well as the Rocket Appartamento have the option to connect to an water source, allowing you to be able to drink cold, filter-filtered water. The latter, however, has a 2.25-liter water tank that is more difficult to refill than its competitors.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
As you might expect from the Lavazza machine this one was made with quality in mind. The machine is able to reach the brewing temperature quickly, so you can prepare your first cup in just 35 seconds. The water tank is quick and simple to refill by removing the lid completely to create a large opening. You can fill it with tap water, if you like.
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. This makes the Jolie an ideal choice for those with a limited budget or space for a traditional espresso maker, but who are looking to enjoy the benefits of authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is easy to use and takes up small counter space. Pressing a single button will begin the process. Pressing it again will start dispense the pod you've selected. There's a backlight on the button so that you are able to see clearly the amount of liquid that has been dispersed and you can also manually stop the process in case you prefer drinking the pod in smaller amounts.
There's no steam wand available on this model, however you can make use of an optional milk frother (available separately) to add some creamy froth if you like. The machine is also quiet and can be used to make coffee in a small kitchen or working space.
They're not inexpensive, but there's an array of blends to choose from to satisfy everyone from mildest to the most demanding espresso drinkers. They are available in most supermarkets, along with regular coffee beans and grounds coffee. You can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio Compatible pods online.
The Jolie and Milk is a sleek capsule machine that has an integrated milk warmer and a frother. It comes with an 75cm power cable, plug along with a quick-guide as well as a warranty sheet and a tester box of nine Lavazza pods which include six roasts (two Qualita Rossa, two Lungo Dolce and two Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso). The machine is small enough to fit under a cabinet or on a flat surface.3. Breville BES870XL
At first glance at first glance, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso machine that's beyond the budget of most average consumers. If you're willing put in the work to master its use this is a great espresso maker for home use that is more efficient than some of the more expensive models on the market. It's the best value in its class, and is especially suitable for those who don't have an espresso grinder yet--which can easily set them back another $100 or more.
This model is priced below the top-of-the-line Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is an excellent option for baristas who are on a tight budget. It has a lot of options to customize and features, including an integrated burr mill to make it more affordable. It's also a single boiler, which means it can only be used for brewing or steaming at one time.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the market for espresso machines, Breville has quickly made a name for themselves with their high-quality appliances. This machine isn't an exception, and it offers just enough adjustability to allow aspiring baristas to develop their abilities without spending hundreds of dollars more than they have to.The unit is not without its flaws. For one, the hopper on this model is placed on the side of the unit, instead of being on top. This isn't really an issue, but it can be a little frustrating if you're trying to dispense multiple shots at once. The rear-facing position of the tank makes it difficult to know how much liquid remains.
If you're willing to spend some time learning how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's an ideal, all-purpose machine for any home espresso lover. The only issue with the Breville Barista Express is its price, which may be a hindrance for some buyers. If you're looking for a budget alternative, we recommend the Gaggia Classic and the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines are comparable in their capabilities and provide a bit more control than the Barista Express. However, they are a fraction of the cost.
4. OXO Brew 9-Cup
A high-tech, intelligent coffee machine that makes great coffee with a simple interface. The sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED display creates a chic kitchen look. It has a single dial that allows you to program the amount of cups. There are two settings available: 2-4 cups and 5-9 cups. Its brewing method is similar to pour-over brewing, which coffee aficionados believe produces the most flavorful coffee. The water is heated to the ideal temperature, and then evenly distributed over the coffee grounds using a shower head. The coffee is then brewed in the double-walled, thermal carafe for upto 60 minutes. The pause-and-pour feature allows you remove the carafe while brewing and then fill your cup. The machine pauses brewing and displays a red carafe light on its LED interface until you return it. after which it resumes brewing and is finished.
The OXO 9-Cup coffee maker has been SCAA certified, which means it meets the organization’s strict technical standards. Its brew cycles are about the same as those of the Bodum Bistro and Technivorm Moccamaster 741 but it gives you more control over temperature and brewing times.
In our tests we found that the OXO Brew 9 Cup produced an excellent cup of drip coffee that filled a carafe full in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is slightly more than the time that the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but still within the range of time that coffee experts recommend to make a great cup.
It is also necessary to grind your beans before brewing. You can make use of a manual coffee grinder or go for a more automated model, such as the Baratza Encore, which has multiple grind settings and an hopper that can hold whole beans.
The only drawback is that the carafe and water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe and could cause problem for some users. The stainless steel is easy to clean by hand, however. The OXO 9-Cup is an excellent contender for the best drip coffee maker due to its sleek design and easy-to use interface.
