The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker allows you to enjoy a variety of caffeinated beverages in the at-home convenience of your own. Whether you prefer pod or filter there's a machine to suit every taste and budget.
This machine for making coffee is a true workhorse. It provides the kind of control that is uncommon for a premium 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 an excellent 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 capable. It can produce both quality espresso and well-textured milk, and is easy to use with a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a huge drip pan with a separate trough that can keep grounds from being spilled and a convenient storage area for extra accessories. The machine is also built well and solid and has all the components that can be removed clicking into place. It's available in fashionable silver, and a more traditional stainless steel.
It is made with a professional appearance and is influenced by commercial equipment. Its features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which provides precise temperature for each cup as well as the Tap & Go burr grinder on-demand that has 30 settings. It makes use of a preinfusion technique to gently infuse ground beans to create a balanced, full flavour.
There's a great guideline in the instruction manual that describes how to calibrate the machine, which is crucial to ensure that it is calibrated correctly to make a consistent, excellent cup of espresso. It also explains how to perform a decalcification cycle which is crucial to ensure that your machine is clean and in working order.
The controls are simple to operate. A dial allows you to set the machine for hot water by turning the knob to the right, or to start dispensing steam by turning the knob. The coffee spout has the space to fit into a standard espresso cup or glass with a latte-style design, but not a jug, so you'll need to infuse it prior to the time you dispensing your milk prior to pouring it into the larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
Breville only provides a one-year warranty on this machine. If there is a problem after the time, you'll be held accountable for the repair costs. This could be a turn-off for some, given the price of the machine when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The iconic Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen appliances that exude retro 1950's style and quality. What's more interesting is that until recently, Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup maker. This was until the sleek BCC02 model was launched in September.
The bean-to cup coffee machine allows you to make your favorite drinks at the one button. This includes ristretto and espresso and hot water for tea and other hot beverages. You simply need to place the desired amount of beans in the hopper and select your beverage with the buttons on the bottom. Then press discover this to brew. It's quick and easy with minimal input and even has an alert that will inform you when it's time to descale the machine or empty the grounds drawer.
Our barista friend tried the Smeg Coffee-to-Cup. She loved the ease-of-use and the fact that it can make milky coffees like cappuccino and the latte. She was amazed by the speedy warm-up times and how quiet it was while she was working. She was also pleased that the brewing took only 45 seconds, and that she could pick the strength of the drink. The only issue was that the BCC02 doesn't come with a milk jug that you'll need to purchase separately.
The real benefit is the fact that this coffee maker does not require any plastic pods or sachets which means you'll save money while making a difference for the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee maker is available in a variety of matt colors, including white, taupe and smouldering. It also comes with a new addition to the collection full black. You can match your coffee machine to your kitchen's decor and effortlessly change the look of your cooking space while at the same time. If you're a fan of Smeg then this is a machine that you must check out.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a professional barista or are interested in espresso coffee, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It features a fast heat boiler technology, so you can make espresso quickly and effortlessly. It also has a professional steam wand that is capable of making great foamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also adjust the length, body and grinding settings to suit your preferences.
This single boiler coffee machine was first introduced in 1991. It's now one of the most well-known espresso machines for home use especially among baristas who work from home. It is known for its simplicity, affordable price and outstanding performance. The design is simple and sleek, with some modern-day touches. It is also easy to maintain and use.
The Gaggia coffee maker does not have the latest features such as PID or a preinfusion It may appear somewhat outdated to some. However, it can provide excellent espresso and is a great option for those who prefer a traditional-looking machine.
There are a few important distinctions between this Gaggia coffee maker and similar models though. For instance, it comes with a the forged chrome-plated portafilter handle. This is a nice feature that differentiates it from other entry-level home espresso machines. It also has an in-built thermo-bloc boiler, which is an impressive feature at this price point.
In addition to the above features, this machine also comes with a water reservoir for easy refilling and maintenance. It also has a stainless steel infusion chamber that ensures the water is at the right temperature, which makes a more delicious espresso. It also has a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps to keep your espresso fresher for longer.
This coffee machine also has an automatic water level detector. This feature makes it easier to operate the machine and ensures you're always using a full tank of fresh, clean water. This is crucial to get the most out of your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage is a brand that has a reputation for rethinking how coffee machines work. The Oracle Touch is no different. It's a dual boiler with an integrated grinder and on-board barista. While many 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, tamping, and dosing for you while steaming and foaming milk. This will help you get the most value from your coffee and prevents the kinds of disappointing results you might get when using pre-ground coffee from the supermarkets of the main chain.
The Oracle comes with 30 grind settings to ensure that you can find the ideal level of fineness to suit your drink. It also comes with a cradle for holding the portafilter that is an essential extra for those looking to replicate the barista experience. Other useful features include a Razor Precision Dose trimmer for wiping off any excess beans as well as an stainless steel milk jug and steam wand that can be used to froth lattes that are worthy of art.
You can choose from a variety of drinks and the machine will suggest the right grind size, brew rate and milk temperature. This feature lets you save your favorite settings for future use. It eliminates the guesswork involved in finding the ideal cup. This model is ideal for those who are brand new to espresso making, as it can help you get the most of your beans.
This machine is stylishly designed with a beautiful brushed-stainless-steel finish. It looks great on your countertop in the kitchen. It's a huge machine, measuring H41cm by W33cm by D38cm. This could make it difficult to fit into some cabinets. It's a good idea to measure your space to make sure you're able to accommodate it prior to buying. The machine is easy to clean, but you will 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 get access to weekly masterclasses, as well as personalized tutorials to get the most out of your new coffee maker.