The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker lets you enjoy a variety of coffee-infused drinks from the comfort of your own home. There's a coffee machine to fit every budget and taste, whether you prefer pods or filters.
A true workhorse, this bean-to-cup machine provides a unique degree of control for an expensive model. It's a great option if you're looking for convenience and milky options without fuss.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-range bean-to-cup with a built-in grinder, the Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a great option for anyone keen to learn how to make coffee the right method (rather than using pods or a less expensive espresso machine) and for those looking to upgrade from a less capable manual machine. It is capable of producing the highest quality espresso and milk that has excellent texture.
The Barista max+ comes with a massive drip pan, a separate trough to collect grounds that have been spilled, and a storage space for additional accessories. It's also a sturdy and well-built machine with all the parts that can be removed and clicking into place with ease. Available in both classic stainless steel and a stylish silver.
It's designed with a professional flair and inspired by commercial machines, and comes with features like Temp IQ Shot Control that provides precise water temperatures for each cup, and a Tap & Go on-demand burr grinder that has 30 settings. It uses a preinfusion technique to gently infuse ground beans for a balanced, full flavour.
In the instruction manual, there is a guide that will assist you in calibrating your machine. This is essential to ensuring a good cup of espresso. It also explains the process of decalcification that is necessary to keep your machine in good condition.
The controls are easy to use. A dial allows you to set the machine's settings for hot water by turning the knob to the left or to begin dispense steam by turning the knob. The coffee spout is high enough to fit an espresso glass or latte cup, but it's not a large jug. You'll have to pre-infuse your milk before dispense it prior to pouring espresso into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.
One thing to bear in the mind is that Breville only provides a one year guarantee on this machine. So if something goes wrong with it after the time period you'll have to pay for repair costs. This could be a deterrent for some, particularly considering the price of the machine when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen appliances that exude retro 1950's style and quality. It's interesting that until recently the brand's collection did not include a bean to cup machine. This was until the sleek BCC02 model was launched in September.
The bean-to cup coffee machine lets you prepare your favorite drinks with the one button. This includes ristretto as well as espresso as well as hot water for tea and other hot beverages. It's as easy as placing the amount you want in the hopper and choose your drink with the buttons on the bottom. Then press brew. It's simple and quick with only a few inputs required, and it even includes a handy alarm that will inform you when it's time to descale or empty the grounds drawer (although this is a simple one to ignore if you don't do it often).
Our former barista tested the Smeg Bean to Cup and loved its ease of use, as well as the fact that it could create classic milky coffee drinks like macchiato, latte, cappuccino and latte. She was surprised at how quickly it froze up and how it was quiet. She also appreciated that the brewing process took 45 seconds and that you can select your preferred strength of each drink, meaning there's no need to constantly checking the process. The only issue was that the BCC02 didn't come with a jug made of metal which you'll have to purchase separately.
A real winner is the fact that this bean-to-cup coffee machine does not require plastic pods or sachets, which means you'll be saving money while helping the environment. The Smeg Bean-to-Cup coffee machine is available in a selection of matt colors that are coveted, including taupe, sparkling white, smouldering red and recently, a new addition to the collection the full black. You can match the coffee maker to your kitchen decor, and transform your cooking area while you're at it. A must-see If you're a fan the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a home barista or are interested in espresso and espresso, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It features a fast heat boiler technology, meaning you can make espresso quickly and easily. It also has a professional steam wand that is capable of creating great foamed milks for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also alter the grinding settings as well as the length, body, and shape of your espresso to meet your individual preferences.
The single-boiler coffee maker was first released in 1991. Over the years it has grown to become one of the most sought-after home espresso machines around the world, specifically for baristas who work at home. It's known for its simplicity, low cost and excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple, with some modern features. discover here is also easy to maintain and use.
It's important to remember that this Gaggia machine does not have any newer features, like preinfusion or a preinfusion device It's somewhat outdated for some people. However, it will offer great espresso and is a good alternative for those looking for an old-fashioned machine.
There are some key distinctions between the Gaggia and other models. For instance, it features a the forged chrome-plated portafilter handle. This is a nice attribute that makes it stand out from other entry level espresso machines for home use. It has a thermo-bloc which is a nice addition at this price.
In addition to the above features, this coffee maker also has a removable reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also has a stainless steel infusion chamber that keeps the water at the correct temperature, which results in a more flavorful espresso. It also comes with a top-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher longer.
This coffee maker also features an automatic water level detection. This feature makes it much easier to operate the machine and ensures you're always working with a tank of fresh, clean water. This is essential for getting the best results from your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage is known for their innovative approach to the way coffee machines work and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler that has integrated grinder and an on-board barista. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While many bean-to-cup systems are designed to be convenient and a lack of quality, Oracle Touch offers a well rounded approach. The machine handles all the grinding, dosing, and tamping as well as steaming and the milk for you. This lets you get the most from your coffee and avoid poor results that may be experienced when using espresso that has been pre-ground from a grocery store.
The Oracle comes with 30 grind settings, making it possible to find the right level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes equipped with a cradle for the portafilter. This is a fantastic option for those looking to recreate the barista experience. Other useful features include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool for wiping off any beans that are not needed. A stainless milk jug of steel is included, as is steam wands to create Latte art.
You can pick from a variety of drinks, and the machine will automatically recommend a suitable grind size, brew speed, and milk temperature for each one. This feature allows you to save your favorite settings for the future. It will eliminate the hassle involved in finding the ideal cup. This model is perfect for those who are new to making espresso, since it helps you get the most of your beans.
This machine is stylishly made with a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish. It will look great on your countertop in the kitchen. It's a large machine, measuring H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This might make it difficult to fit in under certain cabinets. It is important to measure the space before purchasing to ensure that you have enough room. Cleaning the machine is relatively easy, but you'll need to clean down the steam wand and removeable drip tray. It's worth establishing an account with Sage to get access to weekly masterclasses and customized instructions to make the most of your new coffee maker.