The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker allows you to drink a variety of beverages that are caffeinated in the comfort of home. There's a coffee maker to fit every budget and taste, regardless of whether you prefer filters or pods.
A real workhorse, this bean-to-cup maker offers a unique level of control for a high-end model. It's a great option to get convenience and milky options without fuss.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-range bean-to cup with a built-in grinder, the Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a great option for anyone who wants to learn how to make coffee the proper method (rather than using pods or a less expensive espresso machine) and for those who want to upgrade from a less capable manual machine. It can make the highest quality espresso and milk that has a good texture.
The Barista Max+ has large drip tray, a separate trough for grounds that spill out, and a handy storage space for extra accessories. The machine is also well-built and solid and has all the components that can be removed being able to be inserted. It's available in stylish silver as well as a more classic stainless steel.
It's made with a professional look and is influenced by commercial machines, and comes with features such as Temp IQ Shot Control that provides precise water temperatures for each cup, as well as a Tap & Go on-demand burr grinder with 30 settings. It uses a preinfusion technique to gently infuse ground beans to create an enticing, full-bodied flavor.
There's a helpful guide in the instruction manual that will help you calibrate your machine, which is essential to ensure that it is calibrated correctly to produce a consistent and excellent cup of espresso. It also explains the decalcification cycle that is necessary to ensure your machine is in good working order.
The manual controls are easy to master and there's a knob that can set the machine to hot water (with one turn of the knob to the left) or starts dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout has the height to fit a regular espresso cup or glass with a latte-style design, but not a jug, so you'll need to pre-infuse and dispense your milk before pouring your espresso into the larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
One thing to bear in mind is that Breville only offers one year of guarantee on this machine, so if something goes wrong within that time frame, you'll need to pay for repairs. This could be a reason to avoid some, particularly considering how costly the machine is when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that ooze retro 1950's style and quality. But what's notable is that until recently Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup machine. This was until the sleek BCC02 model was launched in September.
The bean-to-cup machine can provide the entire selection of your favourite drinks at the push of a button including espresso, ristretto and Americano and hot water for tea and other hot drinks. All you need to do is place your desired quantity of ground beans in the hopper, select your beverage from the simple menu by using the flat buttons and then press brew. It's simple and quick with no input required and comes with an alert that lets you know when to descale your machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our barista from the past tried the Smeg Bean-to Cup. She was impressed by the ease of use and the fact that it could make milky coffees like cappuccino and latte. She was amazed by the speedy warm-up times and the quietness when she was working. She was also pleased that the process only took 45 seconds, and that she could pick the strength of the drink. The only issue was that the BCC02 doesn't include a metal milk jug, which you'll have to purchase separately.
The real benefit is the fact that this coffee maker doesn't require any plastic pods or sachets so you'll save money while doing your bit for the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee maker is available in a variety of matt colors, including white, taupe, smouldering, and new to the collection, black. You can match your coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen and effortlessly change the look of your kitchen area simultaneously. Definitely worth checking out for those who love the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
This Gaggia Milano espresso machine is a great choice if you are a barista at home or are interested in making espresso. It comes with a quick-heat boiler that enables you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It also comes with a professional steam wand that is capable of producing great foamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also alter the length of your espresso, its body and grinding settings to match your preferences.
This single-boiler coffee machine was first introduced in the year 1991. It is now one of the most sought-after espresso machines in the home particularly among baristas at home. It is renowned for its low price, simplicity and excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple, with some modern-day touches. It is also simple to maintain and use.
The Gaggia coffee maker does not have newer features like PID or preinfusion, so it may seem a bit outdated to some. However, it does still provide excellent espresso and is a great option for those who want traditional design.
There are a few important differences between this Gaggia maker and similar models however. It has a chrome-plated brass handle for the portafilter, for example. This is a nice attribute that makes it stand out from other entry level home espresso machines. It has a thermo-bloc which is a nice addition at this price.
In addition to the aforementioned features, this coffee machine also comes with a reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also has a stainless-steel infusion chamber which keeps the water at the right temperature, which results in a more delicious espresso. It also has a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps to keep your espresso fresher for longer.
Another excellent feature of this coffee machine is its automatic water level detection. This feature makes it simpler to operate the machine and ensures you're always running a full tank of fresh, clean water. This is crucial for the best results with your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for their ability to rethink 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. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While many bean-to-cup systems are designed to be convenient and away from quality, 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 out of the beans you choose and avoids the kinds of disappointing results you might experience when using coffee that has been ground from the supermarkets of the main chain.
The Oracle has 30 different grind settings, making it possible to discover the ideal level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter that is an essential option for those wanting to replicate the barista experience. Other features that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool to clean off any beans that are not needed. coffeee.uk of steel is included, as well as a steam wand to create Latte art.
You can choose from a wide range of drinks, and the machine will recommend the right grind size, brew speed and milk temperature for each. This feature lets you save your favorite settings for future use. It will eliminate the hassle of finding the ideal cup. This model is a great choice for those new to espresso-making, since it will help you make the most of the beans you choose.
It's a stylishly designed machine in a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish that looks great on your kitchen counter. It's a large machine measuring H41cm x W33cm by D38cm. This could make it difficult to fit under some cabinets. It's worth measuring the space to ensure you can accommodate it before buying. Cleaning the machine is relatively easy, but you'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand and detachable drip tray. Sage offers weekly masterclasses as well as personalized tutorials that will ensure you get the most from your new coffee maker.