The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
The purchase of a coffee maker allows you to enjoy a variety of caffeinated beverages in the convenience of your home. Whether you prefer filter or pod there's a machine that will suit your preferences and budget.
A true workhorse, this bean-to-cup machine provides a unique level of control for a high-end model. It's a great option if you're looking for convenience and milky options without fuss.
1. Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean to cup with a built-in grinder, is a great choice for those looking to learn how to make coffee properly (rather using pods or an expensive espresso machine) and also for those who want to replace a manual machine that is less efficient. It is capable of producing high-quality espresso and milk that is well-textured, and is simple to use with just a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a massive drip pan with a separate trough that can keep grounds from being spilled and a handy storage space for extra accessories. The machine is also built well and solid, with all removable components being able to be inserted. It's available in a stylish silver and a more classic stainless steel.
It's designed with a professional touch and is influenced by commercial machines, and comes with features like Temp IQ Shot Control that provides precise water temperatures for every cup, as well as a Tap & Go on-demand burr grinder that has 30 settings. It employs a preinfusion method to gently infuse ground beans to create a balanced, full flavour.
There's a helpful guide in the instruction manual that explains how to calibrate the machine, which is essential to do correctly to produce a consistent and good cup of espresso. It also explains how to do the decalcification process, which is essential to ensure that your machine is clean and functioning.
The manual controls are simple to use, and there's a dial that can set the machine to hot water (with a simple turn of the knob to the left) or starts dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout has enough to be tall enough to fit in a standard espresso glass or latte-style cup but 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 with it after that time, you'll need to pay for repair costs. This could be a turn-off for some due to the cost of the machine when bought new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The enduring Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen gadgets that ooze retro 1950's style and quality. However, what's interesting is that until recently Smeg's range didn't include the bean-to-cup model. This was until the sleek BCC02 model launched in September.
The bean-to-cup coffee machine offers the entire selection of your favorite drinks at the push of a button, including ristretto, espresso and Americano and hot water for tea and other hot beverages. All you need to do is place your desired quantity of ground beans into the hopper, select your beverage from the simple menu using the flat buttons and press brew. It's simple and quick with only a few inputs and comes with an alert that will inform you when to descale your machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our former barista tested the Smeg Bean-to Cup and was impressed by its ease of use and the fact that she could also create classic milky coffee drinks like macchiato, latte, cappuccino and latte. She was amazed by how quickly it heated up and how quiet the machine was. She was also happy that the brewing process took just 45 minutes, and she could pick the strength of the drink. The only issue was that the BCC02 doesn't come with a jug made of metal that you'll need to purchase separately.
The real benefit is the fact that this bean-to-cup machine does not require plastic pods or sachets which means you'll be saving money and doing your bit for the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee maker comes in a variety of matt colours, including taupe, white as well as smouldering and new to the collection, black. You can match the coffee maker to the decor of your kitchen and change the look of your kitchen area at the same time. If you're a fan of Smeg then this is one you must check out.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a home barista or are interested in espresso, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It features a quick-heat boiler that allows you to make espresso quickly and efficiently. It also comes with a professional steam wand that is capable of producing great foamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also alter the length of your espresso, its body and grinding settings to match your taste.
best commercial coffee machine -boiler coffee machine was first introduced in the year 1991. Since then, it has become one of the most well-known home espresso machines around the world, specifically for baristas who work at home. It is well-known for its low price and simplicity, as well as its excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple and has some modern-day touches. It is also easy to maintain and use.
It's important to remember that this Gaggia coffee machine isn't equipped with any of the latest features, like a PID or preinfusion It's slightly outdated for some people. However, it can provide excellent espresso and is a great option for those who want an old-fashioned machine.
There are a few key differences between this Gaggia coffee maker and other similar models, though. For instance, it comes with a the forged chrome-plated portafilter handle. This is a great feature that makes it stand out from other entry level espresso machines for home use. It has a thermo-bloc which is a great feature at this price point.
In addition to these features, this coffee maker also has a removable reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also comes with an infusion chamber made of stainless steel that keeps the water at a suitable temperature to make better espresso. It also has a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps to keep your espresso fresher for a longer period of time.
Another excellent feature of this coffee machine is its automatic water level detection. This feature makes it much easier to operate the machine and ensures you're always working with a tank of clean, fresh water. This is essential to get the best results with 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. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While many bean-to-cup systems are designed to be convenient and not focusing on quality, Oracle Touch offers a well-rounded approach. The machine takes care of all the grinding, dosing and tamping while steaming and the milk for you. This lets you get the most out of your coffee and avoid disappointing results that can sometimes result from using pre-ground espresso from a store.
The Oracle is equipped with 30 different grind settings so you can find the ideal level of fineness that is perfect for your drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter, which is an important feature for those who want to replicate the full barista experience. Other features that are useful include the Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool to clean away any excess beans. A stainless steel milk jug is also included, along with steam wand for creating Latte art.
You can select from a variety of beverages, and the machine will automatically suggest a suitable grind size, brew speed, and milk temperature for each one. You can save your preferred settings for future use This is a fantastic feature that eliminates the guesswork involved in choosing the best cup of coffee. This model is perfect for those who are new to espresso making, as it will help you get the most of your coffee beans.
This machine is stylishly made with a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish. It's a great look on your kitchen counter. However, it's quite a large machine at H41cm x W33cm and D38cm, and may struggle to fit under some cabinets. It's worth measuring your space to ensure that you're able to accommodate it prior to buying. The machine is easy to clean, but you'll need to wipe down the drip pan that is detachable and the steam wand frequently. It's worth setting up an account with Sage to access weekly masterclasses, as well as personalized tutorials to get the most out of your new coffee maker.