The Best Coffee Machines For Home Baristas
A coffee maker allows you to enjoy a range of coffee-infused beverages from the comfort of your own home. There's a coffee machine to fit every budget and preference, no matter if you prefer pods or filters.
A true workhorse bean-to-cup machine provides a unique level of control that is typical of a high-end model. This is a great option when you're looking for a simple and milky options that aren't a hassle.
1. Breville Barista Max
The Breville Barista Max+ VCF152, a mid-range bean to cup with a built-in grinder, is a great option for those who want to learn to make coffee correctly (rather using pods or an expensive espresso machine) and also for those looking to replace an old manual machine that was not as capable. It is capable of producing high-quality espresso and well-textured milk, and is simple to use with just a little practice.
The Barista max+ comes with a massive drip pan and a separate trough to keep grounds from being spilled and a convenient storage area for extra accessories. The machine is also built well and solid, with all removable components moving into place. It's available in stylish silver as well as a more classic stainless steel.
It's designed with a professional look and is influenced by commercial machines. Features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which provides precise temperature for each cup, as well as a Tap & Go burr grinder that can be set on demand with 30 settings. It also uses the pre-infusion method that softly infuses ground beans to give an intense, balanced flavor.
There's a great guideline in the instruction manual that will help you calibrate your machine, which is crucial to get right in order to ensure a consistent, good cup of espresso. It also explains how to perform the decalcification process that is vital to ensure that your machine is clean and in good working order.
The manual controls are simple to use and there's a knob that sets the machine to hot water (with a simple turn of the knob to the left) or initiates the dispensing of steam (a further turn). The coffee spout is of sufficient height to fit a regular espresso glass or latte-style cup however, it's not a jug, so you'll need to prepare and dispense your milk before pouring it into the larger cups for cappuccinos or lattes.
Breville only provides a one-year guarantee on this machine. If something goes wrong after that period, you'll be held accountable for the repair costs. This could be a problem for some due to the price of the machine when purchased new.
2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup
The iconic Smeg name is synonymous with kitchen appliances that ooze retro 1950's design and quality. It's notable that until recently the brand's collection did not include a bean-to- cup machine. This was until the sleek BCC02 model was launched in September.
The bean-to-cup machine can provide the full range of your favorite drinks at the push of a button, including ristretto, espresso and Americano and hot water for tea and other hot drinks. All you have to do is put your desired quantity of ground beans into the hopper, select your beverage from the simple menu by using the flat buttons and then press brew. coffeee and easy with only a few inputs required, and it includes a handy alarm that tells you when it's time to remove the grounds or empty the drawer (although this is an easy one to ignore if you don't do it frequently).
Our former barista tried the Smeg Bean-to-Cup and loved its ease of use, as well as the possibility to make classic milky coffees such as cappuccino, latte and macchiato. She was impressed by the quick warming-up times and how quiet it was when she was working. She also appreciated that the brewing process only took 45 seconds, and that you can choose your preferred strength of each drink, meaning there's no need to constantly checking the process. The only slight complaint was that the BCC02 does not come with a metal jug which you'll have to purchase separately.
This bean-to cup coffee machine does not require packets or pods made of plastic. You'll save money while doing your part to help the environment. The Smeg Bean to Cup coffee machine comes in a variety of matt colours, such as taupe, white, smouldering, and new to the collection, black. You can match your coffee maker to your kitchen decor and also transform your cooking area in the process. It's definitely worth a look If you're a fan the Smeg brand.
3. Gaggia Milano V60
If you're a barista at home or have any interest in espresso coffee, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It has a rapid heating boiler, which means you can make espresso quickly and easily. It features a professional steaming wand to produce great foamed-milk for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also adjust the length of your espresso, its body and grinding settings to match your preference.
This coffee maker is a single-boiler model and was originally released in the year 1991. It is now one of the most popular espresso machines in the home, especially among home baristas. It is known for its simplicity, low cost and great performance. The design is sleek and simple with modern elements. It's also simple to use and maintain.
It is important to know that this Gaggia coffee machine does not have any newer features, like preinfusion or a PID, so it might be slightly outdated for some people. However, it does still offer excellent espresso and is a great option for those who prefer a traditional-looking machine.
There are a few key differences between the Gaggia and other models. For instance, it features a an forged chrome-plated brass portafilter handle. This is a nice feature that distinguishes it from other entry level espresso machines for home use. It also comes with the thermo-bloc boiler which is a nice feature at this price point.
In addition to these features, this machine also comes with a water reservoir for easy refilling and maintenance. It also has a stainless steel infusion chamber which keeps the water at the correct temperature, which makes a more delicious espresso. It also comes with a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher longer.
Another excellent characteristic of this coffee maker is the automatic water level detection. This feature makes it simpler to operate the machine and ensures you're always working with a tank of fresh, clean water. This is crucial to get the best results from your espresso.
4. Sage Barista
Sage is a brand that has a reputation for rethinking the way coffee machines function. The Oracle Touch is no different. It's a dual-boiler with an integrated grinder and baristas on board. Oracle Touch is a well-balanced machine. While many bean-to-cup systems are geared towards convenience and away from quality, Oracle Touch offers a balanced approach. The machine does all the grinding, dosing, and tamping tasks for you, while steaming and foaming milk. This allows you to get the best out of your beans and avoids the poor results that may result from using pre-ground espresso from a supermarket.
The Oracle has 30 different grind settings making it possible to find the right level of fineness to your preferred drink. It also comes with a cradle holding the portafilter which is a crucial option for those wanting to recreate the barista experience. Other useful features include a Razor Precision Dose trimming tool for wiping off any excess beans, a stainless steel milk jug and steam wand that can be used to make lattes that are worthy of art.
You can select from a wide range of drinks and the machine will recommend the proper grind size as well as the brew rate and the temperature of the milk. You can save your preferred settings for future use, which is a great feature that helps eliminate the confusion that comes with finding the perfect cup of coffee. This model is a good option for those who are just beginning to learn about espresso, since it will help you get the most out of the beans you select.
It's a stylishly designed machine in a beautiful brushed stainless-steel finish that will look good on your kitchen counter. However, it's quite big at H41cm x W33cm and D38cm and could struggle to fit under cabinets. It is recommended to measure your space prior to buying to ensure you have enough room. The machine is easy to clean, however you will need to wipe down the drip pan and the steam wand frequently. Sage offers weekly masterclasses, as well as personalized tutorials that will ensure you get the most out of your new coffee maker.
