The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker allows you to enjoy a variety of coffee-infused beverages from the comfort of home. There's a coffee machine to fit every budget and taste, whether you prefer filters or pods.
A real workhorse, this bean-to-cup machine offers a rare degree of control for an expensive model. It's a great option if you want the convenience of one-touch brewing and 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 good option for those who want to learn how to make coffee properly (rather using pods or an inexpensive espresso machine) and also for those looking to replace the manual machine that was not as capable. It is capable of producing high-quality espresso and well-textured milk, and is easy to use with just a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a massive drip pan, a separate trough to keep grounds from being spilled and a handy storage space to store additional equipment. It's also well-constructed and solid with all the removable parts being able to be inserted. Available in both classic stainless steel and a chic silver.
It is made with a professional appearance and inspired by commercial machines. Features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which delivers 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 an enticing, full-bodied flavor.
In the instruction manual, you'll find an instruction manual that will assist you in calibrating your machine. This is vital to ensuring a good cup of espresso. It also explains how to perform the decalcification cycle that is vital to keep your machine clean and functioning.
The controls are easy to operate. A dial lets you to set the machine's settings for hot water by turning the knob to the left or to begin dispense steam by turning it a second time. The coffee spout is high enough to fit in an espresso cup or latte glass, but it's not a large jug. You'll have to pre-infuse the milk, and then pour it prior to pouring espresso into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.
One thing to bear in the mind is that Breville only provides a one year guarantee on this machine, which means that should something go wrong with it after the time period you'll be responsible for repairs. This might be a deterrent for some, particularly considering how expensive the machine is when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
Smeg is synonymous with retro kitchen gadgets and 1950's fashion. However, what's interesting is that, until recently, the brand's collection didn't include a bean-to-cup machine. This was until the introduction of this sleekly designed BCC02 model in September.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine allows you to make your favorite drinks at the a touch of a single button. This includes ristretto as well as espresso, as well as hot water for tea or other hot beverages. It's as easy as placing the desired amount of beans in the hopper and choose your beverage by using the buttons that are flat. Then press the button to brew. It's simple and quick with no input required. it has a handy alarm that tells you when it's time to descale or empty the grounds drawer (although this is an easy one to ignore if you don't do it frequently).
Our former barista tested the Smeg Bean to Cup and loved the simplicity of use, as well as the fact that it could create classic milky coffee drinks like macchiato, latte, cappuccino and latte. She was amazed by the quick warm-up time and how quiet it was while she was working. She was also delighted that the brewing took only 45 minutes, and she could select the strength of the drink. The only slight niggle was that the BCC02 didn't include a metal milk jug that you'll need to purchase separately.
A real winner is the fact that this coffee maker doesn't require any plastic pods or sachets, which means you'll be saving money while helping the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee maker comes in a variety matt colours, including white, taupe and smouldering. It also comes with a new addition to the collection is black. So you can match your coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen and effortlessly transform your kitchen area while at the same time. It's definitely worth a look if you're a fan of the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a barista at home or have any interest in espresso coffee, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent option. It has a rapid heat boiler technology, so you can make espresso quickly and easily. It features a professional steaming wand to create great foamed milk for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also adjust the length of your espresso, its body and grinding settings to suit your taste.
This single boiler coffee machine was first introduced in 1991. Through the years, it has become one of most well-known home espresso machines around the world, specifically for baristas who work at home. It is well-known for its low cost simple design and outstanding performance. The design is simple and sleek with modern elements. best coffee espresso machine 's also easy to use and maintain.
This Gaggia coffee maker does not have newer features like PID or preinfusion It may appear a bit outdated to some. It still offers great espresso, and is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional-looking machine.
There are a few key differences between the Gaggia model and other models. For instance, it comes with a an forged chrome-plated brass portafilter handle. This is a great feature that distinguishes it from other entry level home espresso machines. It comes with a thermo-bloc which is a nice addition at this price point.
In addition to the above features, this machine also comes with a reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also comes with an infusion chamber constructed of stainless steel that keeps the water at a perfect temperature to make a the best espresso. It also comes with a high-end ceramic grinder that can help keep your espresso fresher longer.
Another excellent feature of this coffee maker is its automatic water level detection. This feature makes it much easier to operate the machine and ensures that you're always using a full tank of fresh, clean water. This is essential for getting the most out of 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 that has an integrated grinder and on-board barista. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While many bean-to-cup systems are geared towards convenience and not focusing on quality, Oracle Touch offers a balanced approach. The machine handles all the grinding, dosing, and tamping tasks for you, while steaming and foaming milk. This allows you to get the most from the beans you choose and avoids the kind of disappointing results that you can sometimes encounter when using pre-ground coffee from the major supermarkets.
The Oracle comes with 30 different grind settings, making it possible to find the right level of fineness for your favorite drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter which is a crucial extra for those looking to replicate the barista experience. Other useful features include the Razor Precision Dose trimmer to clean any leftover beans, the milk jug made of stainless steel and steam wand that can be used to froth the perfect latte art.
You can pick from a variety of beverages, and the machine will automatically suggest a suitable grind size, brew speed, and milk temperature for each. You can then save your preferences for the future, which is a great feature that can eliminate the uncertainty of finding the perfect cup of coffee. This model is a good option for those who are just beginning to learn about espresso, since it will allow you to make the most of your chosen beans.
It's a stylishly designed machine with a gorgeous brushed stainless-steel finish that will look great on your kitchen counter. However, it's big at H41cm x W33cm and D38cm. It may be difficult to fit under some cabinets. It is recommended to measure your space prior to purchasing to ensure that you have enough room. Keeping the machine clean is relatively easy, but you'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand and detachable drip tray. It's worth establishing an account with Sage to gain access to weekly masterclasses and customized instructions to get the most value of your brand new coffee machine.