The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker lets you enjoy a range of caffeinated beverages in the comfort of your own home. There's a machine that will suit any budget and taste, whether you prefer pods or filters.
A real workhorse, this bean-to-cup machine offers a rare degree of control for a premium model. It's a great option if you're looking for convenience and milky options with no hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean-to-cup cup that comes with a built-in grinder, is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn to make coffee correctly (rather using pods or an inexpensive espresso machine), and for those looking to replace a manual machine that was not as efficient. It is capable of producing high-quality espresso and milk that is well-textured, and is easy to use with a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a large drip pan, a separate trough to catch spilled grounds, and a storage space for additional accessories. It's also a solid and well-built machine that has all removable parts clicking into place pleasingly. Available in both classic stainless steel as well as a fashionable 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 every cup, as well as a Tap & Go on-demand burr grinder with 30 settings. It also employs the pre-infusion method that allows beans to be gently infused for a full, balanced flavour.
There's a helpful guide in the instruction manual that describes how to calibrate the machine, which is crucial to get right in order to make a consistent, good cup of espresso. It also explains how to do the decalcification process that is vital to ensure that your machine is clean and functioning.
The manual controls are easy to use and there's a dial that can set the machine to hot water (with a turn of the knob to the left) or begins dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout is of sufficient height to fit a regular espresso cup or latte-style glass but not a jug. Therefore, you'll need to prepare and dispense your milk before pouring your espresso into larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
Breville only offers an 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 certain people, especially considering how expensive the machine is when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The iconic Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets 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. That is until the launch of this elegantly designed BCC02 model in September.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine offers the full range of your favorite drinks at the touch of a button including espresso, ristretto, and Americano plus hot water for tea and other hot drinks. You simply need to place the amount you want in the hopper, and then select your beverage with the buttons on the bottom. Then press to brew. It's easy and fast with only a few inputs required, and it has a handy alarm that informs you when it's time to descale or empty the grounds drawer (although this is a simple one to forget if you don't check often).
Our barista friend tried the Smeg Bean to Cup and loved its ease of use as well as the fact that she could also create classic milky coffee drinks like cappuccino, latte and macchiato. She was awed by how quickly it froze up and how it was quiet. She was also delighted that the process only took 45 seconds, and that she could choose the strength of the drink. The only minor issue is that the BCC02 didn't come with a metal milk jug, which you'll have to purchase separately.
The real benefit is the fact that this coffee maker does not require any plastic pods or sachets, which means you'll save money and making a difference for the environment. The Smeg Bean-to-Cup coffee machine is available in a variety of matt colors that are coveted, including taupe sparkling white, smouldering red and now, new to the collection the full black. You can match your coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen and also transform your cooking area in the process. It's definitely worth a look if you're a fan of the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a professional barista or are interested in espresso and espresso, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It comes with a quick-heat boiler that enables you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It also comes with an expert steam wand for producing great foamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also adjust the grinding settings as well as the length, body, and shape of your espresso to meet your personal preferences.
This single-boiler coffee machine was first released in 1991. Through the years, it has become one of most popular home espresso machines around the world, particularly for home baristas. coffeee.uk 's known for its simplicity, low price and outstanding performance. The design is simple and sleek, with some modern-day touches. It is also simple to maintain and use.
It is important to know that this Gaggia machine does not have any newer features, such as preinfusion or a preinfusion device, so it might be a little bit dated for some. However, it can offer excellent espresso and is an excellent option for those who want traditional design.
There are a few distinct differences between the Gaggia and other models. For instance, it features a a forged chrome-plated brass portafilter handle. This is a nice addition that makes it stand out from other home espresso machines. It comes with a thermo-bloc which is a great feature at this price point.
In addition to these features, this coffee machine also comes with a reservoir of water for easy refilling and maintenance. It also has a stainless steel infusion chamber that ensures the water is at the right temperature which results in a more delicious espresso. It also comes with a high-end ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher longer.
The coffee maker also comes with an automatic water level sensor. This feature makes it easier to operate the machine and ensures that you're always running a full tank of clean, fresh water. This is essential to get the best results with your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for their ability to rethink the way coffee machines work and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual-boiler, with an 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 provides a well-balanced approach. The machine handles all the grinding, dosing and tamping while steaming and frothing milk for you. This lets you get the most out of your coffee and avoid poor results that may result from using pre-ground espresso from a grocery store.
The Oracle comes with 30 grind settings to ensure that you can find the ideal level of fineness that is perfect for your drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter which is a crucial feature for those who want to recreate the barista experience. Other features that are useful include a Razor Precision Dose trimming tool for wiping off any excess beans, the milk jug made of stainless steel and steam wand that can be used to make lattes that are worthy of art.
You can select from a wide range of drinks and the machine will suggest the right grind size as well as the brew rate and milk temperature. This feature lets you save your favorite settings for the future. It takes away the stress that comes with finding the ideal cup. This model is a good choice for those new to espresso-making, since it will help you get the most out of the beans you select.
It's a sleekly designed machine with a stunning brushed stainless-steel finish that looks great on your kitchen counter. It's a huge machine that measures H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This can make it difficult to fit into some cabinets. It's worth measuring the space to ensure you're able to accommodate it prior to buying. Keeping the machine clean is easy, however you'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand and removeable drip tray. Sage offers weekly masterclasses and personalized tutorials that will ensure you get the most value from your new coffee maker.