The Best Coffee Machines For Home
There's no universally-fit-all coffee machine. That's why we've rounded up our top picks for your home, ranging from a super-automatic that grinds and packs your beans to a semiautomatic that gives you the best control over your espresso.
The Breville Oracle Touch strikes the perfect balance between automation and having to understand the basics of espresso-making. It's the most efficient bean-to-cup machine we've come across.
1. Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Appartamento is a top option for those who wish to make espresso at home, without making big sacrifices in terms of quality. This espresso machine for the prosumer is designed with the smallest counter space in mind and combines outstanding build quality with a very small footprint. It comes equipped with an 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler as well as a commercial E61 group head, so you can steam milk and brew espresso at the same time.
The machine looks great as well, and has an elongated side panel with engraved hot water and steam spouts. This is an update to Rocket's original design which is already impressive for a small appliance. It also has an 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 most other machines. This means that you'll have to be vigilant about emptying and refilling the machine, especially when you are using it regularly. This is a normal trade-off to have a smaller footprint, though it is not a problem specific to this model.
You can still brew a lot of coffee using this machine, and it will easily keep up with your demands. We recommend purchasing a high-quality grinder, such as the Baratza Sette Giante, to increase consistency and flavor. You can also use this machine in conjunction with a Rocket portafilter to enhance the grinding process.
Rocket Appartamento, as a prosumer machine, makes excellent drinks and is simple to make Latte Arts. However, it's important to remember that the machine isn't designed for beginners, and there is a bit of a learning curve for those who are upgrading from appliance-grade machines. The heat exchange boiler may be a bit difficult to control, and you will have to master the basics of cooling flushes.
Both the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Appartamento provide the option of connecting to a water source, that means you will always have fresh, cold water that has been filtered for your drinks. The latter comes with smaller 2.25-liter tank that can be more difficult to refill.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This machine is built to Lavazza's top standards. The machine is able to reach the brewing temperature quickly, which means you can make your first cup in just 35 seconds. 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, depending on what you prefer.
The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest model in the models, but it is a powerful machine. It's priced at less than PS100 at the full price - that's less than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. This makes the Jolie a great option for those who don't have the money or space to buy a traditional espresso maker, but are looking to enjoy the benefits of authentic Italian espresso.
The Jolie is easy to use and requires little counter space. Pressing one button will activate the machine. After pressing it again, it will start dispensing the pod you've selected. The button is illuminated so you can see how much you have consumed. You can also stop the process, if you want to drink the pod in smaller quantities.
This model does not come with a steam wand however, you can add creamy foam to your milk with an optional milk frother. The machine is very quiet, too, and can be used in a small area or in a flatshare kitchen without disturbing anyone else.
The pods aren't inexpensive, but they come in a variety of blends that are suitable for all - from the lightest espresso drinker to the most demanding. They are sold in most supermarkets alongside regular ground coffee and coffee beans and you can also buy Lavazza A Modo Mio compatible pods online.
coffee machines and milk is a sleek capsule with an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm power cord and plug, a quick-guide and warranty card, as well as a test box of nine Lavazza pods which include six roasted (two Qualita Rossa, two Lungo Dolce and two Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso). The machine is small enough to be placed under a cupboard or flat surfaces.
3. Breville BES870XL
At first glance, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso maker that's beyond the budget of most average consumers. But if you're willing to take the time to master its use, this is an excellent do-it-all home espresso maker that performs better than many of the more expensive models available. It's an excellent value for the money and is particularly useful for beginners who don't yet have an espresso machine, which can cost up to $100.
This model sits right in the middle of the range for Breville (their Oracle is the most expensive, costing $2,199) however, it's an excellent choice for home baristas who are on a tight budget. It has plenty of customizable 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 that it can only handle one thing at one time.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the market for espresso machines, Breville has quickly made their mark by offering top-quality equipment. This machine is no exception, and it has just enough control to let new baristas hone their abilities without spending a lot more than necessary.
The unit is not without its flaws. The hopper is located on the side, not on the top of the model. It's not a big problem, but it could be a hassle if you need to dispense several shots at a time. The rear placement of the tank makes it difficult to determine how much liquid is left.
But if you're prepared to learn how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's an excellent, all-purpose appliance for anyone who loves espresso at home. The only issue is the price, which can be a turnoff for certain buyers. For those looking for a lower-cost alternative, read our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines have similar capabilities and offer a little more control than the Barista Express. However, they are a fraction of the cost.
4. OXO Brew 9 Cup
A high-tech smart machine for coffee with a user-friendly interface that produces great coffee. The sleek stainless steel design with backlit LED screens provides your kitchen with a stylish look. It comes with a single dial to program how many cups you want it to make and includes a 2-4 cup setting and a 5-9 cup setting. Its brewing technique is similar to pour-over, which most coffee enthusiasts believe makes the most flavorful coffee. The water is heated to the right temperature, then poured evenly over the coffee grounds with shower heads. The coffee is collected in the double-walled thermal carafe and can be stored for up to 60 minutes. The pause and pour function lets you remove the carafe during brewing to fill your cup to the brim. The machine stops brewing and shows a red light for the carafe on its LED interface until you return it. It then it resumes and completes brewing.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup coffee maker is certified by SCAA, which means it meets the strict standards of SCAA's technical standards. Its brew cycle is about the same length as the Bodum BISTRO and the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, however, it has more control over temperature, brewing duration, and quality.
In our tests we found that the OXO Brew 9-Cup produced an excellent drip coffee and a full-carafe in 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is slightly more than the 6 minutes the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster requires, but still within the range of time that coffee experts recommend to make a good cup.
It also requires that you grind your own beans before making coffee. You can use an old-fashioned coffee grinder or go for a more automated model such as the Baratza Encore, which has different grind settings and the hopper can hold entire beans.
The only downside is that the carafe as well as the water reservoir aren't dishwasher safe this could be a hassle for some users. The stainless steel is still easy to clean by hand, however. The OXO 9-Cup is a leading contender for the top drip coffee maker due to its sleek design and easy to use interface.