Best Barista Coffee Machines
A stylish brushed stainless-steel machine that any coffee lover would be proud to showcase. It makes use of a milk jar rather than steam wand to froth and provides a range of customisable options.
best pod coffee machine lets you make lattes, cappuccinos and espressos according to your preferences. It has an extraction system that is high-pressure with a professional-looking portafilter as well as an efficient milk frother.
1. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is one of the most affordable super-automatic espresso machines available. It's also known as the Philips 1200 Carina and is the most basic machine, with the least amount of pre-programmed drinks available in the company's line. It can make double or single espresso as well as a single or double coffee (technically called a Lungo espresso), cappuccino and latte macchiato, and hot water. A number of buttons on the intuitive touchscreen lets you choose your preferred beverage.
The 3200 also includes the LatteGo milk dispenser, that automatically froths and pours your beverage with the push of a button. It is your responsibility to do the task of filling up the container with your preferred milk, but it's still simpler than manually frothing. The machine then mixes the air and milk at high speeds in a round frothing chamber before transferring it into your cup. This distinction distinguishes it from the less expensive Terra Kaffe TK-01, and the mid-range Gaggia Anima which both have a panarello wand but not a built-in milk frother.
Like all semi-automatic and fully automated espresso machines The Philips 3200 Series won't produce an excellent brew as fast or as effortlessly as a barista could at your local coffee shop, but it will still get you a fantastic cup of joe every time. It's also extremely user-friendly, with LEDs that confirm your beverage selection as well as button presses. If you're worried about maintaining the slide-out water tanks make refilling easy. An AquaClean Filter will keep your machine free of scale and dirt for up to 5000 cups. It is recommended to rinse your drip tray every day, wash the brewing unit weekly and descale the machine every couple of months depending on the hardness of your water.
2. Breville Barista Pro
This machine is perfect for those looking to take their coffee making at home to the next level. It has a number of features that allow you to personalize your espresso and milk-based drinks. It also comes with a conical burr grinder built-in with 30 different grind settings so you get the most out of your coffee beans. This machine is easy to use with its clear display and simple controls. This machine is very durable, and comes with two-year warranty.
The main selling point of this machine is its ability to make cafe-quality coffee at home. It includes an expert steam wand, which is perfect to make cappuccinos and lattes. It also comes with a variety of different settings that will allow you to adjust the strength and size of your espresso shots.
The ThermoJet Heating System is another thing that makes this machine stand out. This allows the machine to reach the optimal temperature for brewing in only three seconds it is much more efficient than other single boiler espresso machines. It also has PID controllers to ensure a precise water temperature which is crucial to ensure good espresso extraction.
Additionally, this machine comes with several additional features that will improve your espresso-making experience. It includes a low water level sensor, which allows you to avoid running out of water and it can automatically turn itself off after brewing to ensure that you don't use up energy. It has a large water tank of 67 ounces, so you won't have to refill it often.
Although the Barista Pro is a great machine, it has some drawbacks. It's not as durable compared to other models in this list. It requires that you run through a blank prior to making your espresso. This is an essential step to heat the portafilters, group head, and cups.
3. Breville Barista Touch
The Barista Touch Impress has many functions. It is able to perform many tasks at once. If you are looking for a fully automated coffee maker that can make amazing espresso and frost milk then this is the machine to purchase.
The espresso brewing process is controlled by the smart ThermoJet heating system, as well as an automatic pre-infusion process that soaks the grounds to increase extraction quality. The PID controller regulates the temperature of the brew, which can be programmed for eight different drink recipes.
If you like milky drinks, you can also make use of the Barista Touch's Auto MilQ setting to find the ideal frothing consistency for almonds, dairy, oats, and soymilk. You can save your preferred settings, for instance a 150-degree flat black with medium foam for a double shot. This will ensure you will get the same result each time.
Breville claims that their machine can also dispense hot or tea by pressing a button. I haven't yet tried it. That's a nice feature to have for those who don't drink espresso every day but like the taste of tea in the morning.
It's not a cheap machine, but it is more than the pod machine. Professional-level machines can run over $10,000. The Barista Touch will elevate your at-home coffee game to a level that will rival the top specialty coffee shop in town, and it will do so with very little oversight from you. This machine may seem expensive but it's well worth it if your goal is to save time and avoid making many trips out to the local coffee shop.
4. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus from Breville is an espresso maker that is semi-automatic. It's designed for baristas who are just beginning their careers and is simple to use even for those with no experience. It comes with a simple LCD and intuitive controls. You can easily program the amount of water that you want to use, and you can also determine the temperature of your extraction.
The machine has many other features to help you make excellent coffee. One of them is the pre-infusion feature, which dampens your grounds by lowering pressure just prior to making the shot. This is crucial to get a great shot of espresso, as it stops the channeling. The machine also has a quick heating system, and you can make several espressos in a row without difficulty.
The Bambino Plus, like the Barista Pro has a compact case that doesn't take up too much space on your counter. It has a stylish design and resembles professional equipment. It is equipped with a range of accessories such as brush for cleaning, a Razor to make your grounds level and a milk container. It also comes with a steam wand that can create beautiful microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.
Similar to the Barista Pro, the Bambino comes with a rapid heating system that can have you up and running in just three seconds. It's also extremely customizable. You can alter the extraction time to make your perfect cup. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with grinder, but it's easy enough to add a high-end grinder to your setup. This is a great option for home baristas looking for a low-cost entry-level machine.
5. Breville Bambino
The Bambino Plus is a great entry-level espresso machine for those who would like to make cafe-style espresso at home. Its fast heating time and simple controls help it stand out from rivals. However, it has a few drawbacks, including some plastic components that might break over time, and steam wands that are difficult to clean. These are minor issues in comparison to the superior quality of espresso made by the machine.
Its single-boiler design lets it heat up quickly, so you can begin making your espresso in less than three seconds. This is an advantage over traditional espresso machines which could take up to 10 minutes to reach the ideal temperature. The Bambino Plus also has a special feature that allows you to control the extraction process. This prevents the water from leaking into cracks in the grinds of coffee, which can negatively impact flavor and texture.
It can also create microfoam that can be used in latte art, or other drinks with a speciality. This is made possible through its manual steam wand, that can reach temperatures of up to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. It's not as high as some professional machines however it's enough to make delicious foam that is smooth and soft.
Contrary to other espresso machines on the market, the Bambino Plus does not include an integrated grinder. This could be a drawback for some buyers, but it is a benefit for others who wish to pair the Bambino Plus with an additional grinder of top quality. While it does not have the same features as top-rated models, such as the Gaggia Classic Pro and Rancilio Silvia, it offers an excellent value for money.