The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
The purchase of a coffee maker lets you enjoy a range of caffeinated beverages in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer pods or filters there's a coffee machine to suit every taste and budget.
This bean-to cup machine is a real workhorse. It provides a level of control that's not often seen for a top-quality model. This is a great choice if you're looking for convenience and milky options that aren't a hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean-to-cup cup with a built in grinder, is an excellent option for those who want to learn how to make coffee correctly (rather using pods or a cheap espresso machine) or for those looking to replace a manual machine that was less capable. It can produce both quality espresso as well as milk that is well-textured and is simple to use with just a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a large drip pan and a separate trough to collect grounds that have been spilled, and a storage space for extra accessories. It's also well-constructed and solid and has all the components that can be removed moving into place. It's available in fashionable silver as well as a more classic stainless steel.
It's made with a professional look and is influenced by commercial equipment, with features such as Temp IQ Shot Control that delivers precise water temperatures for each cup, as well as a Tap & Go on-demand burr grinder that has 30 settings. It also uses an infusion technique that gently infuses ground beans for the most balanced, full-bodied flavor.
There's a great guideline in the instruction manual that will help you calibrate your machine, which is important to do correctly to ensure a consistent, excellent cup of espresso. It also explains the decalcification process that is necessary to ensure that your machine is 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 dispensing steam by turning it a second time. The coffee spout has the space to fit into a standard espresso glass or latte-style cup, but not a jug. Therefore, you'll need to infuse it prior to the time you dispensing your milk prior to pouring your espresso into larger cups for cappuccinos and lattes.
One thing to bear in mind is that Breville only provides one year of guarantee on this machine, so should something go wrong with it after the time period you'll have to pay for repair costs. This might be a deterrent for some, given the cost of the machine 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. What's more interesting is that, until recently, the brand's collection didn't include the bean-to-cup model. This was until the sleek BCC02 model was launched in September.
The bean-to cup coffee machine provides the entire range of your favorite drinks at the push of a button. It includes espresso, ristretto, and Americano and hot water for tea and other hot beverages. All you need to do is put your desired amount of ground beans into the hopper, choose your drink from the intuitive menu using the buttons that are flat and then press to brew. It's simple and quick with no input required. it even comes with a handy alert that informs you when it's time to descale or empty the grounds drawer (although this is an easy one to overlook if you don't look often).
Our barista friend tried the Smeg Bean-to-Cup and loved the ease of use and the fact that it could make milky coffee classics like macchiato, latte, and cappuccino. She was pleasantly surprised by the quick warm-up time and the quietness when she was working. She also appreciated that the brewing process only took 45 seconds, and you can pick the strength you prefer for each drink, so there's no need to keep monitoring the process. The only complaint is that the BCC02 doesn't come with a metal jug that you'll need to purchase separately.
A real winner is the fact that this bean-to-cup coffee machine doesn't require any plastic pods or sachets which means you'll be saving money while helping the environment. The Smeg Bean-toCup coffee machine is available in a selection of matt colors that are coveted, including taupe clear white, smouldering red, and recently, a new addition to the collection, full black. So you can match your coffee maker to your kitchen's decor and effortlessly transform your kitchen space at the same time. If you're a Smeg fan it's a machine that you must definitely look into.
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 option. It features a quick-heat boiler that allows you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It also comes with a professional steam wand that is capable of creating great foamed milks for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also alter the grind settings, length, and body of your espresso to suit your individual preferences.
This single-boiler coffee machine was first introduced in 1991. Since then, it has become one of most popular home espresso machines in the world, especially for baristas who work at home. It is well-known for its low cost simple design and outstanding performance. The design is sleek and simple with modern touches. It is also simple to maintain and use.
It's important to note that this Gaggia machine does not have any newer features, like preinfusion or a preinfusion device, so it might be slightly outdated for some people. However, it does still offer great espresso and is a good option for those who want a traditional-looking machine.
There are some key distinctions between this Gaggia coffee maker and similar models though. It has a chrome-plated brass handle for the portafilter, as an instance. This is a nice addition that sets it apart from other home espresso machines. It has a thermo-bloc, which is a great feature at this price point.
In addition to these features, this coffee machine also has a removable reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also comes with an infusion chamber made of stainless steel that keeps the water at a suitable temperature to make better espresso. It also comes with a top-quality ceramic grinder that can help keep your espresso fresher longer.
Another fantastic feature of this coffee maker is the automatic water level detection. This feature makes it much easier to operate the machine and ensures that you're always working with a tank of fresh, clean water. This is vital to get the most out of 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 an integrated grinder as well as an on-board barista. best all in one coffee machine is a well-balanced machine. While the majority of bean-to-cup machines are designed to be convenient and not focusing on quality, Oracle Touch offers a well-rounded approach. It handles all the grinding, dosing and tamping while steaming and frothing milk for you. This allows you to get the best out of your coffee and avoid disappointments that sometimes be experienced when using espresso that has been pre-ground from a supermarket.
The Oracle has 30 grind settings, which means you'll be able discover the ideal level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes equipped with a cradle to hold the portafilter. This is a fantastic extra for those who want to recreate the barista experience. Other useful features include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool that can be used to wipe away any leftover beans. A stainless milk jug made of steel is included, as well as steam wand for creating the latte art.
You can choose from a wide range of drinks and the machine will recommend the proper grind size, brew rate and the temperature of your milk. This feature lets you save your favorite settings for later use. It will eliminate the hassle of finding the perfect cup. This model is perfect for those who are new to espresso-making, as it can help you get the most of your beans.
It's a stylishly designed machine with a gorgeous brushed stainless-steel finish that will look good on your kitchen counter. However, it's an enormous machine with dimensions of H41cm x W33cm x D38cm, and may struggle to fit under cabinets. It's worth measuring the space to make sure you're able to accommodate it prior to purchasing. Keeping the machine clean is fairly easy, but you'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand and detachable drip tray. It's worth setting up an account with Sage to get access to weekly masterclasses and personalized instructions to get the most value of your brand new coffee machine.