The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
Buying a coffee machine lets you enjoy a variety of caffeinated beverages in the convenience of your home. If you prefer pods or filters there's a coffee machine to suit every taste and budget.
A true workhorse bean-to-cup machine provides a unique level of control for a premium model. additional hints 's a great option to enjoy the convenience of brewing at a single touch as well as milky options without any hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean to cup with a built in grinder, is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn how to make coffee properly (rather using pods or an expensive espresso machine) and also for those looking to replace an old manual machine that is less capable. It can make high-quality espresso as well as milk that is well-textured and is easy to use with a bit of practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a huge drip pan with a separate trough that can keep grounds from being spilled and a convenient storage area to store additional equipment. The machine is also well-built and sturdy with all the removable parts clicking into place. It's available in a stylish silver, and a more traditional stainless steel.
It is made with a professional appearance and is influenced by commercial machines. Its features include Temp IQ Shot Control, that provides precise water temperature for each cup as well as a Tap & Go burr grinder on-demand that has 30 settings. It employs a preinfusion method to gently infuse ground beans for a balanced, full flavour.
In the instruction manual, there is a guide that will help you calibrate your machine. This is essential to ensuring a good cup of espresso. It also explains the decalcification process that is necessary to ensure your machine is in good condition.
The controls are easy 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 is tall enough to fit an espresso glass or latte cup, but it's not a large jug. You'll have to pre-infuse your milk and then dispense it before pouring espresso into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.
Breville only provides a one-year warranty on this machine. If something goes wrong after that period, you'll be responsible for the repair cost. This could be a problem for some, considering the price of the machine when bought new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that ooze retro 1950's design 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 sleekly designed BCC02 model in September.
The bean-to-cup machine lets you make your favorite drinks with the one button. This includes ristretto as well as espresso and hot water for tea and other hot beverages. It's as easy as placing the desired amount of beans in the hopper and choose your drink with the buttons on the bottom. Then press brew. It's simple and quick with minimal input required and it comes with a handy alert that informs you when it's time to remove the grounds from the drawer (although this is an easy one to forget if you don't check often).
Our former barista tried the Smeg Bean-to Cup and was impressed by its ease of use, as well as the fact that it could make milky coffee classics like cappuccino, latte and macchiato. She was surprised at how quickly it froze up and how quiet the machine was. She also liked that the brewing process only took 45 seconds and you can pick your preferred strength of each drink, meaning there's no need to be constantly checking the process. The only issue was that the BCC02 doesn't include a metal jug, which you will need to purchase separately.
The most appealing aspect is the fact that this coffee maker does not require plastic pods or sachets, so you'll save money while helping the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee maker comes in a variety matt colours, including taupe, white and smouldering. It also comes with a new addition to the collection full black. You can match your coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen, and transform your kitchen area while you're at it. It's definitely worth a look for those who love the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a barista at home or have any interest in espresso and espresso, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It has a fast-heat boiler that allows you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It has a professional steaming wand to produce 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.
The single-boiler coffee maker was first introduced in the year 1991. It has become one the most well-known espresso machines for home use especially among baristas who work from home. It is well-known for its affordable price and simplicity, as well as its excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple, with some modern features. It's also simple to use and maintain.
It is important to know that this Gaggia coffee maker isn't equipped with any of the latest features, such as preinfusion or a preinfusion device which means it could be a little bit dated for some people. It still makes great espresso, and is a great option for those who prefer a traditional-looking machine.
There are a few important differences between this Gaggia maker and other models of the same type, however. It comes with a chrome-plated handle for the portafilter, as an instance. This is a nice attribute that sets it apart from other entry level espresso machines for home use. It comes with a thermo-bloc which is a great feature at this price point.
In addition to these features, this machine also has a removable reservoir of water for easy refilling and maintenance. It also has a stainless steel infusion chamber that keeps the water at the right temperature, which helps to make more flavorful espresso. It is also equipped with a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher for longer.
Another fantastic feature of this coffee machine is the automatic water level detection. This feature makes it easier to operate the machine and ensures you're always running a full tank of clean, fresh water. This is vital to get the most out of your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for rethinking the way coffee machines function and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler, with an integrated grinder and on-board barista. While many bean to cup machines tend to tilt the scales away from quality and towards ease of use, the Oracle Touch offers a balanced approach. It handles all the grinding, dosing, and tamping as well as steaming and the milk for you. This will help you get the most value from your chosen beans and avoids the kind of disappointing results that you may encounter when using pre-ground coffee from the major supermarkets.
The Oracle features 30 different grind settings which means you'll be able find the right level of fineness for your preferred drink. It also comes equipped with a cradle for the portafilter. This is a great option for those looking to recreate the barista experience. Other features that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose trimming tool to clean any beans that are not used and an stainless steel milk jug and steam wand that can be used to froth the perfect latte art.
You can choose from a variety of drinks and the machine will recommend the right grind size and brew rate, as well as the temperature of your milk. You can save your preferences for the future, which is a great feature that helps eliminate the confusion that comes with finding the perfect cup of coffee. This model is ideal for people who are new to making espresso, since it will help you get the best out of your coffee beans.
The machine is elegantly constructed with a stunning brushed-stainless-steel finish. It's a great look on your counter top in your kitchen. It's a large machine, measuring H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This can make it difficult to fit in under certain cabinets. It's a good idea to measure your space to ensure that you're able to accommodate it prior to buying. The machine is easy to clean, but you will need to wipe down the detachable drip pan and the steam wand regularly. Sage offers weekly masterclasses and individualized tutorials to ensure you get the most out of your new coffee maker.