The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
Buying a coffee machine lets you enjoy a range of caffeinated beverages in the at-home convenience of your own. There's a coffee machine that will suit any budget and taste, whether you prefer pods or filters.
A true workhorse bean-to-cup machine offers a rare level of control for an expensive model. It's a great option if you're looking for convenience and milky options that aren't a hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-priced bean-to-cup that has an integrated grinder, the Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a good choice for those who want to learn how to make coffee the proper way (rather than using pods or an espresso machine) and for those looking to upgrade from a lesser-than-capable manual machine. It can make high-quality espresso and well-textured milk, and is simple to use with a bit of practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a huge drip pan and 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 removable parts clicking into place beautifully. It's available in fashionable silver and a more classic stainless steel.
It is designed with a professional look and is influenced by commercial machines. Its features include Temp IQ Shot Control, that provides precise water temperature for each cup as well as the Tap & Go burr grinder on-demand that has 30 settings. It also uses an infusion technique that gently infuses ground beans for a full, balanced flavour.
There's a useful guide in the instruction manual that explains how to calibrate the machine, which is crucial to do correctly to produce a consistent and excellent cup of espresso. It also explains the process of decalcification that is required to keep your machine in good condition.
The controls are simple to operate. A dial allows you to set the machine for hot water by turning the knob to the right or to begin dispense steam by turning it a second time. The coffee spout has enough space to fit into a standard espresso glass or latte-style cup, but isn't a jug, which means you'll need to infuse it prior to the time you dispense your milk before pouring it into the larger cups for cappuccinos and lattes.
Breville only provides a one-year guarantee on the machine. If there is a problem after the time, you'll be responsible for the repair cost. This might be a nagging factor for some, especially given how costly the machine is when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that exude retro 1950's style and quality. But what's notable is that until recently Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup maker. This was until the sleek BCC02 model came out in September.
The bean-to cup coffee machine provides the entire selection of your favourite drinks at the touch of a button, including espresso, ristretto, and Americano as well as hot water for tea and other hot drinks. All you have to do is put your desired quantity of ground beans into the hopper, choose your drink from the intuitive menu using the flat buttons and press to brew. It's easy and fast with minimal input required and it comes with a handy alert that will inform you when it's time to remove the grounds or empty the drawer (although this is a simple one to overlook if you don't look frequently).
Our barista friend tried the Smeg Bean-to Cup and was impressed by the simplicity of use as well as the fact that it could create classic milky coffee drinks like macchiato, latte, and cappuccino. She was impressed by the quick warm-up time and how quiet it was while she was working. She was also pleased that the brewing took only 45 seconds, and that she could pick the strength of the drink. The only complaint is that the BCC02 doesn't come with a metal jug, which you will need to purchase separately.
A real winner is the fact that this bean-to-cup machine does not require plastic pods or sachets, so you'll save money while making a difference for the environment. The Smeg Bean-to-Cup coffee machine is available in a variety of covetable matt colours including taupe and crisp white, smouldering red, and the latest addition to the collection the full black. You can match your coffee maker to your kitchen decor and change the look of your cooking area in the process. It's definitely worth a look If you're a fan the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a barista at home or have any interest in espresso coffee, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It comes with a quick-heat boiler that allows you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It features a professional steaming wand to create great foamed milk for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also alter the length of your espresso, its body, and grinding settings to suit your preference.
This coffee machine is a single-boiler model and was originally released in the year 1991. It is now one of the most sought-after espresso machines for home use especially among baristas who work from home. It is known for its simplicity, affordable price and outstanding performance. The design is simple and sleek with modern touches. It's also easy to use and maintain.
It's important to remember that this Gaggia coffee machine doesn't have any modern features, like preinfusion or a PID which means it could be somewhat outdated for some people. However, it can provide excellent espresso and is a good option for those who prefer an old-fashioned machine.
There are some key distinctions between the Gaggia and other models. It comes with a chrome-plated brass handle to the portafilter, for example. This is a great feature that makes it stand out from other entry-level home espresso machines. It also has a thermo-bloc boiler that's a nice feature at this price point.
This coffee machine has removable reservoirs for water that are easy for refilling. It also has an infusion chamber made of stainless steel which keeps the water at the perfect temperature to make better espresso. It also has a high-quality ceramic grinder that can help keep your espresso fresher for longer.
Another great feature of this coffee machine is its automatic water level detection. This feature makes it much easier to operate the machine and ensures that you're always using a full tank of clean, fresh water. This is essential for getting the most out of your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for rethinking the way coffee machines work and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler, with integrated grinder and an on-board barista. While most bean to cup machines tend to tilt the scales away from quality and toward ease of use, the Oracle Touch delivers a well-balanced approach. The machine takes care of grinding, tamping, and dosing for you, while steaming and foaming milk. This allows you to get the most from your beans and avoids the disappointments that sometimes result from using pre-ground espresso from a supermarket.
The Oracle features 30 different grind settings which means you'll be able determine the ideal level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes equipped with a cradle that can hold the portafilter. This is an excellent accessory for those looking to recreate the barista experience. best coffee machine pods that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool for wiping away any excess beans. A stainless milk jug made of steel is included, along with steam wands to create Latte art.
You can select from a variety of drinks and the machine will recommend the appropriate grind size as well as the brew rate and milk temperature. You can then save your preferred settings for future use, which is a great feature that helps eliminate the guesswork involved in finding the perfect cup of coffee. This model is a good option for those who are just beginning to learn about espresso making, as it will help you make the most of the beans you select.
It's a stylishly designed machine in a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish that will look good on your kitchen counter. It's a large machine that measures H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This could make it difficult to fit into some cabinets. It's worth measuring your space to make sure you can accommodate it before buying. The machine is easy to clean, but you'll need to clean down the detachable drip pan and the steam wand frequently. It's worth setting up an account with Sage to gain access to weekly masterclasses and customized instructions to get the most out of your new coffee machine.