Buying your own espresso machine is a great idea especially if you are an authentic coffee lover who needs a caffeine infusion to keep up the everyday spirit. The beauty of owning your own espresso machine is that you can brew any amount at any time in the way you want. By mastering your coffee making skills, you can mingle with different types of coffee beans and coffee recipes. So why not be your own barista and experience the bliss of a fresh and a unique cup of coffee? This buying guide and review will help you choose the best espresso machine for your home.
Home Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Espresso coffee uses less water compared to a traditional coffee and the output you get is often thicker, creamier and stronger in flavor and aroma. But getting the best shot is not easy unless you have the right home espresso machine. If you want to brew great-tasting coffee at the home following are a few things to consider before heading to the store.
Budget
Perhaps you can find a home espresso machine for any budget. But there are some great machines which you can get for a relatively decent price. But be careful with those that come with extremely low prices. They might look good on the outside but will create a whole new set of hassles once you start using them with leaking water tanks or malfunctioning pumps. Also, some machines are relatively cheap, but there are a lot of extras that you have to spend on like grinders, milk frothers, etc.
But that doesn’t mean you have to always go for the most expensive options. There are many home espresso machines out there where you can get what you want for a reasonable price. But, you might not get the most sophisticated features like programmable functions and elegant designs unless you are willing to throw off some pretty amount of cash.
Make sure that you do not unnecessarily get carried away by the contemporary features that these home espresso machines come with. Because honestly, you might not need all the complicated functions for home use and you’ll probably end up paying a heap of money for a set of features that you will never use. Always look for the best value for the money you spend.
So, it is recommended that you set up a budget and decide what features you require. For this, you need to be clear on your requirements.
Requirements
Size
Consider the space available in your kitchen because what you buy needs to fit in your counter space. If you think you have a small kitchen, it is better to go with a compact design home espresso machine.
Capacity
How many people you have to feed is probably an important question that you need to answer. Some machines take a pretty long time to brew while some others let you brew multiple cups at the same time. So, if you have more mouths to feed, better go for a home espresso machine with a multiple shot function.
Preferences
How do you want your coffee to taste? This is the most important thing to consider before hasting to buy your home espresso machine. Think about the strength of flavor, the crema, the texture, the aroma, and whether you want to froth milk. This is because the quality of the espresso you get is different from machine to machine.
Convenience
Whether you need a semi-automatic machine or a fully automatic machine will depend on how committed you are to put some effort into your cup of coffee. If you want an effortless output to ease your morning routine, the recommended option is a fully automatic home espresso machine. But, if you decide to proceed, you must also be ready to spend some extra bucks. You also have to check other features like whether it has an in-built grinder and programmable settings.
Durability
How long your home espresso machine will last will indeed depend on how well you use it and most importantly the quality of the materials that have been used to manufacture it. Machines with commercial grade parts are generally durable than ones with cheap plastic components. So, it is recommended that you consider some reputed brands and models when buying an espresso machine for your home.
It is important that you give a thought to the above if you are to avoid frustration down the line.
Best Home Espresso Machines Review
Imagine brewing like a pro and enjoying an authentic barista quality coffee at the convenience of your home. If you try searching out the best espresso machines, the list is endless and the choice is mind-blowing, not to mention confusing too. So, to make life easy for you, we have put down the most reputed brands that promise you high quality and the best value for your money. Here’s a list of the best home espresso machines that can be a great addition to your kitchen.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.2″ x 11.4″ x 13.3″
- Weight: 14 kg/30.9 lbs
- Capacity: 1.8-liter reservoir. 0.3-liter boiler
- Pressure: Adjustable brew pressure (11 bar as delivered)
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is semi-automatic and comes with a stainless steel workhorse, industrial-sized 58 mm portafilter, a commercial-grade group head, and a single boiler. This conventional-looking machine that has been in the market for over two decades is the ideal espresso machine for a novice.
This entry-level machine has been specifically designed for home use with easy to operate features. Having said that, it also has high-end components of a commercial-grade espresso machine that can satisfy an experienced barista.
Pros
- Very solidly built
- Durable and Sleek design
- Excellent stability in heat
- Remarkable espresso extraction quality
- Incredible steam capacity
- Separate coffee pod adapter kit
Cons
- Needs some barista experience or training to use the machine
- Noisy steam function
- No programming capabilities
- Lacks an in-built coffee grinder
- An additional cost to buy extras
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.7″ x 11.5″ x 13.2″
- Weight: 7.7 kg/17 lbs
- Capacity: 61 oz tank
- Pressure: 15 bar
If you are looking for a top-notch espresso machine to create an effortless cup of coffee, Breville Infuser is a great option. This semi-automatic machine lets you customize your preferred settings and save them for the future so that you can get a perfect job done simply at a hit of a button.
The Breville Infuser comes with a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning tools, a coffee scoop, single and double filter baskets, a 54mm tamper, and a water filter. This home espresso machine uses a pre-infusion technique to give you a consistent coffee flavor.
Breville Infuser is highly recommended for novices who lack any barista experience. Every time you use this machine, it will make you coffee-confident. But, of course, you need to have some extra bucks to spend if you are to experience the trouble-free coffee brewing experience that this espresso machine has to offer.
Pros
- Robust design
- Long-lasting
- Coffee pre-infusion
- Flexible shot controlling
- Accurate PID temperature controller
- Has integrated filter
- Removable water tank
- Conserves power through automatic sleep mode
Cons
- Lacks an in-built coffee grinder
- Can be slow for high volume
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.6″ x 7.2″ x 11.9″
- Weight: 10.8 lbs
- Capacity: 37 oz.
- Pressure: 15 bar
De’Longhi 15-Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine comes with various features including filter baskets for single shots, double shots, espresso pods, a milk frother, and adjustable controls to save your drink settings.
This semi-automatic stainless steel machine comes with 15 bar pressure to give you a delicious barista-style espresso. Even with all these incredible features, you can get this for a super low price.
This impressive home espresso machine not only gives you the best value for money but will also let you brew one cup after the other instantly. This sophisticated yet budget-friendly machine promises you quality output each time with an even textured flavor.
Pros
- Compact design
- Built-in milk frother
- Removable water tank
- Even temperature
- Removable drip tray
- Can accommodate any size of mugs
- Simple and easy to operate
Cons
- Relatively small water tank
- Plastic hand tamper which is awkward to use
- Longevity is questionable
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.5″ x 8″ x 14.2″
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Capacity: 47 oz.
- Pressure: 15 bar
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine is an upgraded version of the previous releases with better capability and performance. This semi-automatic home espresso machine comes with a 15-bar pump, a turbo milk frother, a chrome-plated brew group, elegant push-button controls, and a removable portafilter and water reservoir. The design features commercial-grade components including single and double shot baskets and a steam wand that lets you extract cafe-quality espresso. The ability to create perfect Latte arts makes it fun to use every day.
But this does have some limitations that will disappoint some coffee lovers. You have to do the grinding, tamping, and timing of the shots. Perhaps, this is not the best one for you, if you are searching for an espresso machine that does all the hard work for you.
Having said so, if you are looking for a budget-friendly choice with a versatile design and high-quality espresso this machine will do you right.
Pros
- Durable and Compact design
- Clever features
- Manufactured with commercial-grade components
- Rocker style brewing switch controls
- Great frothing control
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Time-consuming when switching between brewing and steaming
- Lacks an in-built grinder
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.6″ x 8.9″ x 11.2″
- Weight: 10.4 lbs
- Capacity: 1.7 liter (water tank), 0.5 liter (milk)
- Pressure: 15 bar
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso And Cappuccino Maker is probably one of the best if you are looking to brew a cup of convenience. This semi-automatic espresso machine comes with super attractive features for a reasonable price including full brewing options, an automatic milk frother, and an adjustable cup height. It is fairly hard to find an espresso machine with such solid features for the same price tag.
Unlike traditional home espresso machines, this one has a one-touch control system that lets you choose the kind of drink fairly easily. Making coffee with this machine is as simple as just pushing a button. You simply don’t need to have any barista know-how to operate this machine. So, it is not incorrect to say that Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso And Cappuccino Maker is more or less about speed, convenience, and economy. You can make a decent cup of espresso, cappuccino, or latte without hurting your bank account.
To be honest you cannot expect the perfect crema with these machines. But, this is a great choice for anyone looking to make professional type coffee at home with minimum guesswork.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Large water tank
- Removable frother and tank
- One-touch control system
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable and great value for money
Cons
- Cannot accommodate large cups
- Lacks a steam wand
- Relatively noisy
- Contains a lot of plastic components
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.4″ x 10″ x 17.5″
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Capacity: 40 oz.
- Pressure: 15 bar
Gaggia Brera is a super-automatic home espresso machine that comes with programmable settings and removable brewing apparatus. The pre-infusion brewing system used in the machine helps you extract the most out of your coffee beans. This super espresso machine stands out from the rest out there with its light-up LED screen, superb auto controls, and especially the sleek and stylish visual appearance.
The user-friendly design along with the latest technology embedded in the machine makes it easy to operate without much prior knowledge. Gaggia Brera is indeed a great entry-level choice for beginners before moving on to more advanced machines.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable
- Compact and appealing design
- 4-stage water filtration system
- Light-up LED screen
- 3 varying strengths of espresso
- Built-in ceramic burr grinder
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Cheaply made steam wand
- Small water tank
- Loud and noisy
Wrapping up, whether you are a newbie to the espresso world or an experienced barista, this home espresso machine buying guide will help you to cut down your trips to the local coffee shop for a painless morning ritual. It’s now time to shop for the best home espresso machine and elevate your cup of coffee. With practice and patience, you will soon be filling your cup with the purest delight ever. Be your own barista and craft a smooth cup of coffee at the comfort of your house.