The Best Nespresso Vertuo Machine Coffee Machines For Home Baristas

The purchase of a coffee maker lets you enjoy a variety of caffeinated beverages in the at-home convenience of your own. There's a machine to fit every budget and taste, whether you prefer filters or pods.

A true workhorse, this bean-to-cup machine provides a unique level of control for a high-end model. It's an excellent choice if you want the convenience of brewing at a single touch, plus milky options with no fuss.

1. Breville Barista Max

The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean to cup with a built-in grinder, is an excellent choice for those looking to learn to make coffee properly (rather using pods or an expensive espresso machine) and also for those looking to replace an old manual machine that was less efficient. It is capable of producing the highest quality espresso and milk that has a good texture.

The Barista Max+ comes with an enormous drip tray, a separate trough for spilt grounds and a handy storage compartment to store extra equipment. The machine is also well-built and solid and has all the components that can be removed moving into place. Available in both classic stainless steel as well as a fashionable silver.

It is designed with a professional feel and is influenced 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 that can be set on demand with 30 settings. It also uses an infusion technique that softly infuses ground beans to give a full, balanced flavour.

There's a useful guide in the instruction manual that describes how to calibrate the machine, which is important to ensure that it is calibrated correctly to make a consistent, good cup of espresso. It also explains the process of decalcification which is essential to keep your machine in good working order.

The manual controls are easy to master, and there's a dial that sets the machine to hot water (with a simple turn of the knob to the left) or begins dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout is high enough to fit into an espresso glass or latte cup, but it's not a huge jug. It is necessary to infuse your milk and then dispense it before pouring espresso into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.

Breville only provides a one-year guarantee on the machine. If something goes wrong during that period, you will be held accountable for the repair costs. This could be a problem for some due to the cost of the machine when purchased new.

2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup

The iconic Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that ooze retro 1950's design and quality. It's interesting that until recently, the collection of the brand did not include a bean to cup machine. That was until the debut 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 and espresso, as well as hot water for tea and other hot beverages. It's as easy as placing the desired amount of beans in the hopper and select your beverage using the flat buttons. Then press to brew. It's easy and quick with only a few inputs and has an alert that informs you when to descale your machine or empty the grounds drawer.

Our barista friend tried the Smeg Bean-to-Cup and loved the simplicity of use as well as the fact that it could make milky coffee classics like macchiato, latte, and cappuccino. She was amazed by the speed at which it heated up and how quiet the machine was. She also appreciated that the brewing process took 45 seconds, and you can pick your preferred strength of each drink, meaning there's no need to constantly checking the process. The only slight niggle was that the BCC02 doesn't include a metal milk jug which you'll need to purchase separately.

The real benefit is the fact that this bean-to-cup coffee machine does not require any plastic pods or sachets, which means you'll be saving money as well as helping the environment. The Smeg Bean-toCup coffee machine is available in a variety of matt colors that are coveted, including taupe and crisp white, smouldering orange and now, new to the range, full black. This means you can match your coffee maker to your kitchen's decor and easily transform your kitchen space simultaneously. A must-see if you're a fan of the Smeg brand.

3. Gaggia Milano V60

This Gaggia Milano espresso machine is an excellent choice if you are a barista at home, or have an interest in making espresso. It has a rapid heat boiler technology, meaning you can make espresso quickly and easily. It also has an expert steam wand for making great foamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also alter the grinding settings as well as the length, body, and shape of your espresso to fit your personal taste.

This single-boiler coffee machine was first introduced in the year 1991. It is now one of the most sought-after espresso machines for home use particularly among baristas at home. It's known for its simplicity, low price and excellent performance. The design is simple and sleek, with some modern features. It is also simple to maintain and use.

This Gaggia coffee maker may not come with the latest features, such as PID or a preinfusion which could make it appear a bit outdated to some. However, it can provide excellent espresso and is an excellent option for those who prefer an old-fashioned machine.

There are a few key differences between the Gaggia model and other models. It has a chrome-plated brass handle for the portafilter, as an example. This is a nice touch that sets it apart from other entry-level home espresso machines. It has a thermo-bloc which is a great feature at this price point.

The coffee maker comes with removable reservoirs for water that are easy for refilling. It also comes with an infusion chamber constructed of stainless steel that keeps the water at a suitable temperature to make more delicious espresso. It also comes with a high-end ceramic grinder that helps to keep your espresso fresher for a longer period of time.

This coffee machine also has an automatic water level detector. This feature makes it easy to use the machine and ensures you always have an empty tank filled with clean, fresh water. This is crucial for the best results from your espresso.

4. Sage Barista

Sage is known for rethinking how coffee machines work. The Oracle Touch is no different. It's a dual boiler with integrated grinder and an on-board barista. While many bean to cup machines tend to tip the scales away from quality in favor of convenience, the Oracle Touch delivers a well-balanced approach. The machine takes care of all the grinding, dosing and tamping while steaming and frothering milk for you. This lets you get the best out of your coffee and avoid disappointments that sometimes be experienced when using espresso that has been pre-ground from a supermarket.

The Oracle is equipped with 30 grind settings, so you can choose the perfect level of fineness that is perfect for your drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter that is an essential feature for those who want to recreate the barista experience. Other useful features include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool for wiping off any beans that are not needed. A stainless steel milk jug is also included, along with a steam wand to create latte art.

You can choose from a range of beverages and the machine will suggest the proper grind size, brew rate and the temperature of your milk. You can then save your preferred settings for future use This is a fantastic feature that helps eliminate the uncertainty of choosing the best coffee pod machine cup of coffee. This model is perfect for those who are new to making espresso, since it will help you get the most out of your coffee beans.

This machine is stylishly constructed with a stunning brushed-stainless-steel finish. It will look great on your kitchen counter. However, it's a large machine at H41cm x W33cm x D38cm and could struggle to fit under some cabinets. It is important to measure the space before purchasing to ensure you have enough room. The machine is easy to clean, however you will need to wipe down the drip pan that is detachable and the steam wand on a regular basis. It's worth establishing an account with Sage to get access to weekly masterclasses and customized instructions to make the most of your brand new coffee machine.