The Best Coffee Machines For Home

There's no one-size-fits-all espresso machine. We've compiled our top picks, starting with an automatic that grinds your beans and packs them to semi-automatic machines that give you the best control over your espresso.

The Breville Oracle Touch is the perfect blend between automation and the need to be able to master the art of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to cup machine we've seen.

1. Rocket Appartamento

Rocket Appartamento is a top choice for those looking to make espresso at home without making huge sacrifices in terms quality. This espresso machine for prosumers is designed with limited counter space in mind and combines outstanding build quality with tiny footprint. It is equipped with an 1.8-liter copper heat exchange boiler as well as a commercial E61 group head so you can steam milk while making espresso at the same time.

The machine is also beautiful and has a circular design on the side panel with engravings of steam and hot water spouts. This is an update to Rocket's traditional design, which is already impressive for a compact appliance. It also includes a black pressure gauge that indicates when the boiler is ready for use.

One downside to this small machine is that the drip tray and the water reservoir are smaller than those of other machines. This means that you'll need to be extra vigilant when emptying and refilling the machine, particularly when you are using it regularly. This is a sacrifice that comes with having a smaller footprint. It's not an issue that is specific to this model.

This machine is capable of handling the demands of your coffee. We would suggest investing in a quality grinder, such as the Baratza Sette Gigante, for increased consistency and flavor. You can also use the machine in conjunction with an Rocket Portafilter to improve the tamping.

As a professional espresso machine The Rocket Appartamento is capable of making great drinks, and it's easy to create the latte art. It's important to note that this machine is not intended for novices. There is a little learning curve for those upgrading from espresso machines that are appliance-grade. The heat exchange boiler may be a bit difficult to manage, and you will have to master the basics of cooling flushes.

Both the Lelit Bianca as well as the Rocket Appartamento have the option to connect to a water source, allowing you to always be in a position to drink cold pure, filter-filtered water. The latter has a 2.25-liter water tank that is more difficult to refill than its competitors.

2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie

This machine is built to Lavazza's top standards. It is quick to reach the brewing temperature, allowing you to prepare your first cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds. The water tank is fast and easy to refill by removing the lid completely to create a large opening. You can fill it up with tap water if you want.

The Lavazza A Modo Mio is the smallest of the models, but it packs a punch. It's priced at less than PS100 at full price - that's less than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. This makes the Jolie an ideal choice for those who don't have the money or space to buy a traditional espresso maker, but who want to get their fix of authentic Italian espresso.

The Jolie is simple to use and requires little counter space. You only need to press one button to start the machine, and then press it again to begin dispensing your chosen brew. The button has a backlight so that you can see the amount you've consumed. You can also manually stop the process, in case you wish to drink the pod in smaller amounts.

This model does not come with a steam wand but you can add some creamy frosting to your milk by using an optional milk frother. The machine is very quiet as well, and can be used in a small space or in a flatshare kitchen without causing any disturbance to anyone else.

The pods aren't cheap, but they come in a wide range of blends that will suit all - from the lightest espresso drinker to the most demanding. They are readily available in many supermarkets, along with regular coffee beans and ground coffee and you can also purchase Lavazza A Modo Mio compatible pods on the internet.

The Jolie and milk is a sleek capsule machine that comes with an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm plug and power cable, a warranty sheet, a quick guide, and a test pack of nine Lavazza pods. Six are roasted (two Qualita Rossa and two Lungo Dolce) and two are decaffeinated. The machine is small enough to be able to be stowed on the floor or placed under your cupboard.

3. Breville BES870XL

At first glance, the Breville Barista Express looks like an espresso machine that's beyond the budget of a majority of consumers. If you're willing take the time to master its use this is a great espresso maker for your home that performs better than some of the more expensive models on the market. It's a great price for the class and is particularly helpful for those who are new to the field and don't have an espresso machine that can cost up to $100.

The model is priced lower than the top-of-the-line Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) however it is an excellent option for baristas who are on a budget. It comes with plenty of adjustable features, and includes an integrated burr grinder, making the whole experience much cheaper. It's also a one-boiler machine, which means it can only handle one thing at a time.

Breville is a relative newcomer on the market for espresso machines, has quickly established a reputation for high-quality appliances. This machine is no different and has enough control to let new baristas hone their abilities without spending more than is necessary.

The unit has its quirks. The hopper is on the side, not at the top, of this model. It's not a big problem, but it could be a hassle if you need to give multiple shots at once. It's also difficult to see the amount of water left in the tank, because of its rear position.

If you're willing to spend some time learning how to master the Breville Barista Express, it's an ideal, all-purpose machine for anyone who loves espresso at home. The only drawback to the Breville Barista Express is its cost which could be a deterrent for certain buyers. If you're seeking a cheaper option, check out our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both machines are similar in capability and offer a little more control than the Barista Express. However, they are a fraction of the cost.

4. OXO Brew 9 Cup

A high-tech, intelligent coffee machine for business maker that makes excellent coffee using a simple interface. Its sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED display add a sophisticated look to your kitchen. It comes with one dial that allows you to program the amount of cups. There are two settings: 5-9 cups and 2-4 cups. Its brewing process is similar to pour over the grounds, which many coffee lovers believe is the best tasting coffee. The water is heated to the ideal temperature, and then evenly poured over the coffee grounds with a shower head. The cheapest coffee machines brewed is then stored inside the double-walled thermal carafe, which can last up to 60 minutes. The pause and pour function lets you take out the carafe during brewing to fill your cup to the brim. The machine stops the brewing process and shows the red light on its LED interface, until you return the carafe. The machine then begins the brewing process.

The OXO Brew 9-Cup coffee machine cheap maker is an SCAA-certified coffee maker that means it is in compliance with the strict standards of SCAA's technical standards. Its brew time is approximately the same length as the Bodum BISTRO and the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741, however, it has more control over temperature, brewing time, and quality.

In our tests we found that the OXO Brew 9-Cup produced a pot of excellent drip coffee and a full-carafe in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is a bit more than the 6 minutes the Bonavita Connoisseur or the Moccamaster calls for, but it is within the range of time that coffee experts recommend for making a quality cup.

It is also necessary to grind your own beans prior to brewing. You can use an old-fashioned coffee grinder or choose a more automated model like the Baratza Encore, which has different grind settings and a hopper that holds whole beans.

The only downside is that the carafe as well as the water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe this could be a issue for certain users. The stainless steel is easy to clean by hand, though. The OXO 9-Cup is a leading contender for the best drip coffee maker because of its sleek design and easy-to use interface.