The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee machine lets you to enjoy a range of beverages that are caffeinated in the comfort of your own home. There's a coffee machine to suit every budget and taste, whether you prefer pods or filters.
This bean-to cup machine is a reliable machine. It provides the kind of control that is uncommon for a high-end model. It's a great choice to enjoy the convenience of brewing at a single touch and milky options with no fuss.
1. Breville Barista Max
A mid-range bean-to-cup with a built-in grinder, Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a good choice for anyone keen to learn how to make coffee in the correct method (rather than using pods or an espresso machine) and for those who want to upgrade from a lesser-than-capable manual machine. It can make both high-quality espresso and milk that has a good texture.
The Barista Max+ has a large drip tray with a separate trough for spilt grounds 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 clicking into place. Available in both classic stainless steel and a chic silver.
It's designed with a professional flair and is influenced by commercial machines, and comes 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 has the pre-infusion method that gently infuses ground beans for an intense, balanced flavor.
There's a helpful guide in the instruction manual that explains how to calibrate the machine, which is crucial to do correctly to produce a consistent and good cup of espresso. It also explains the decalcification process that is necessary to ensure that your machine is in good condition.
The controls are easy to use. A dial lets you to set the machine's settings for hot water by turning the knob to the left, or to start dispensing steam with a further turn. The coffee spout has the height to fit a regular espresso cup or latte-style glass however, it's isn't a jug, which means you'll need to prepare and dispensing your milk prior to pouring your espresso into the larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
One thing to bear in your mind is that Breville only provides a one-year guarantee on this machine. So should something go wrong within that time frame you'll have to pay for repair costs. This could be a deterrent for certain people, especially considering how expensive the machine is when it's new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen appliances that exude retro 1950's style and quality. However, what's interesting is that, until recently, the brand's collection didn't include the bean-to-cup model. This was until the sleek BCC02 model came out in September.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine offers the entire selection of your favourite drinks at the push of a button, including espresso, ristretto, and Americano as well as hot water for tea and other hot drinks. Simply place the amount you want in the hopper, and then select your drink using the buttons that are flat. Then press to brew. It's easy and quick with minimal input and even comes with an alert that informs you when it's time to descale the machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our former barista tried the Smeg Bean-to-Cup. She was impressed with the ease of use and the fact that it can create milky coffees like cappuccino and latte. She was pleasantly surprised by the quick warm-up time and the quietness while working. She was also pleased that the process only took 45 seconds, and that she could select the strength of the drink. The only minor issue is that the BCC02 doesn't include a metal milk jug which you'll need to purchase separately.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine does not require plastic pods or packets. You will save money while doing your part for the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee machine is available in a variety of matt colors, including white, taupe and smouldering. It also comes with a new addition to the collection, black. You can match the coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen, and transform your kitchen area at the same time. If you're a fan of Smeg, this is a machine that you must definitely look into.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
This Gaggia Milano espresso machine is an excellent choice for those who are a home barista, or have an interest in making espresso. It has a quick heat boiler technology, meaning you can make espresso quickly and effortlessly. It also has a professional steam wand for producing great foamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also adjust the grind settings, length, and body of your espresso to meet your personal preferences.
This single boiler coffee machine was first introduced in the year 1991. Since then, it has become one of the most popular home espresso machines in the world, specifically for home baristas. It is well-known for its low cost simple design and outstanding performance. The design is sleek and simple with some modern-day touches. It's also easy to use and maintain.
It's important to note that this Gaggia coffee machine does not have any newer features, such as preinfusion or a PID It's somewhat outdated for some. However, it will provide excellent espresso and is a good alternative for those looking for an old-fashioned 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 has a thermo-bloc, which is a great feature at this price.
This coffee maker has removable reservoirs of water for easy refilling. It also has an infusion chamber made of stainless steel which keeps the water at a perfect temperature to make a the best espresso. It also comes with a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher for longer.
Another excellent characteristic 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 vital to get the best results from your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage are known for their ability to rethink the way coffee machines work and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual-boiler, with an integrated grinder, as well as a barista on board. While most bean to cup machines tend to tip the scales away from quality in favor of convenience The Oracle Touch provides a well-balanced approach. The machine handles all the grinding, dosing and tamping tasks while steaming and frothing milk for you. This helps you get the most out of your chosen beans and avoids the kind of disappointing results you might encounter when using pre-ground coffee from the mainstream supermarket.
The Oracle has 30 grind settings, so you can find the ideal level of fineness that is perfect for your drink. It also comes equipped with a cradle to hold the portafilter. This is a great option for those looking to recreate the barista experience. watch this video include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool that can be used to wipe away any excess beans. A stainless milk jug made of steel is included, as well as steam wands to create the latte art.
You can pick from a variety of beverages, and the machine will automatically recommend a suitable grind size, brew speed and the temperature of milk for each. You can save your preferred settings for future use this is a wonderful feature that helps eliminate the guesswork involved in choosing the best cup of coffee. This model is a good option for those who are just beginning to learn about espresso, since it will help you make the most of the beans you choose.
The machine is elegantly made with a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish. It looks great on your kitchen counter. It's a big machine that measures H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This might make it difficult to fit under some cabinets. It is important to measure the space prior to purchasing to ensure you have enough room. Cleaning the machine is easy, however you'll need to regularly wipe down the steam wand as well as the detachable drip tray. Sage offers weekly masterclasses and customized tutorials that can ensure you get the most out of your new coffee maker.