Best Barista Coffee Machines
A stylish brushed stainless-steel machine that any coffee lover would be proud to showcase. It makes use of an empty milk jug, not a steam wand to make your froth, and it also comes with a variety of settings that can be customized.
This barista machine allows you to create cappuccinos, lattes and espressos to suit your preference. It comes with a professional-style portafilter, a high-pressure extractor system and a powerful frother.
1. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series is one of the most affordable espresso machines that are super-automatic. It's also known as the Philips 1200 Carina and is the simplest machine with the least amount of pre-programmed beverages in the line of the company. It can make single or double espresso as well as a single or double coffee (technically a Lungo espresso) Cappuccino, latte and cappuccino macchiato, as well as hot water. A variety of buttons on the easy-to-read intuitive touchscreen lets you choose your preferred beverage.
The 3200 also comes with the LatteGo milk system which automatically froths and serves your beverage with the push of the button. It's easier to manually froth milk rather than to fill the jug with the milk you want. The machine then mixes the air and milk at high speeds in a circular frothing chamber before pouring it into your cup. This is the feature that separates it from the less expensive Terra Kaffe TK-01 and the mid-range Gaggia Anima, both of which have a panarello steam wand but have no built-in milk frothing.
The Philips 3200 Series, like all semi-automatic or fully automated espresso machines will not produce an excellent cup of coffee with the same speed and ease as a barista in your local coffee shop. However it will still provide you a great cup every time. It is also very user-friendly, with LEDs that indicate the beverage selection and button press. If you're worried about maintaining water tanks, slide-out models allow for easy refills. An AquaClean Filter will keep your machine free of scale and dirt for up to 5000 cup. It is recommended to wash your drip tray at least once a day, wash the brewing unit weekly, and descale the machine every few months, depending on the hardness of your water.
2. Breville Barista Pro
This machine is perfect for those who wish to take their coffee-making at home to the next step. It is equipped with a variety of features that allow you to modify your espresso and milk-based drinks. It also has a conical burr grinder built-in with 30 different grind settings so you get the most out of your coffee beans. This machine is easy to use with its clear display and simple controls. The machine is extremely durable, and comes with a warranty of two years.
The main selling point of this machine is its capability to provide cafe-quality coffee right at home. It comes with an industrial-grade steam wand that is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos. It comes with a variety of settings that let you alter the strength and size of your espresso shots.
Another thing that sets this machine apart is its ThermoJet heating system. This allows the machine to reach its optimal brew temperature in just three seconds, which is a lot quicker than other single boilers. It makes use of a PID controller to ensure the exact water temperature that is necessary for a successful extraction of espresso.
This machine also has other features that make espresso-making easier. It has a low-water level sensor to prevent running out of water. It also has the ability to automatically shut off after making espresso to ensure you don't waste energy. It has a large tank of water of 67 ounces so you won't have to refill it often.
Although the Barista Pro is a great machine, it has certain drawbacks. It's not as robust as other models on this list. The second reason is that it requires you to make a blank espresso before brewing your first espresso. This is a crucial step to warm the portafilter, group head and cups.
3. Breville Barista Touch
The Barista Touch Impress is a multi-faceted machine that can perform a variety of tasks at the same time (think blasting New Order from Apple Music, scrolling Instagram, texting friends, perusing the Wikipedia pages of celebrities and even ordering Indian food simultaneously). Main Page is the machine you should buy if you want an automatic coffee maker that will make amazing espresso and foam milk.
The espresso making process is controlled by the intelligent ThermoJet heating system, as well as an automatic pre-infusion system that soaks the grounds to improve extraction quality. The temperature of the brew is kept steady by the PID controller that can be programmed for eight different beverage recipes or can be changed by the user.
If you're a fan of milky drinks, the Barista Touch also has an Auto MilQ setting that lets you find the perfect creamy texture for almond, dairy or oat drinks, as well as soymilk. You can save the settings for your preferred double shot, a 150-degree flat white, and medium foam, and replicate it with perfection every time you use the machine.
Breville claims that their machine can also dispense hot or tea at the push of the button. I haven't had the chance to test it yet. It's a nice feature have for those who don't drink coffee every day but like a cup of tea in the morning.
It's not a cheap machine, but it is more than the pod machine. Professional-level machines can cost over $10,000. The Barista Touch will take your home coffee game to the level of top specialty coffee shops available and it does this with minimal supervision from you. It might sound expensive however if you value your time and would like to avoid frequent trips to your local coffee shop, this is the machine for you.
4. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus from Breville is a semiautomatic espresso maker. It is designed for beginners and is simple to use. It features a simple display and simple controls. It is easy to set the amount of water you wish to use, and you can also choose a temperature for the extraction.
The machine comes with a variety of features that will assist you in making great coffee. One of them is the pre-infusion function that dampens your grounds using low pressure just prior to pulling the shot. This is essential for a good espresso shot, since it stops the channeling. The machine also has a speedy heating system, and you can make several espressos at a time with no problem.
The Bambino Plus, like the Barista Pro has a compact case that doesn't take up any space on your countertop. It has a stylish finish, and it looks almost like professional equipment. It comes with a collection of accessories such as brushes for cleaning and the Razor to level your grounds, and an milk container. It also comes with a steam wand which can make beautiful microfoams for cappuccinos and lattes.
Like the Barista Pro, the Bambino has a quick heating system that will have you up and running in just three minutes. It's also extremely customizable. You can alter the extraction time to create your ideal cup. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with grinder, however it's not difficult to add a premium grinder to your setup. This is a great option for aspiring home baristas who are looking for a budget entry-level machine.
5. Breville Bambino
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is an excellent entry-level choice for those who wish to make cafe-style coffee at home. Its quick heating time and simple controls make it stand out from its competitors. However, it has a few drawbacks, including some plastic components that might break over time and steam wands that are difficult to clean. These issues are minor in comparison to the quality of the espresso that the machine makes, which is excellent.
Its single-boiler design lets it heat quickly so that you can start brewing espresso in just 3 seconds. This is a major advantage over traditional espresso machines, which can take as long as 10 seconds to reach the correct temperature. The Bambino Plus also has a special feature that helps to regulate the extraction process. This stops water from leaching into the coffee grinds, affecting the flavor or texture.
Another major characteristic is its ability to create silky microfoams for Latte art and other specialty drinks. This is possible because its manual steam wand can reach temperatures as high as 266 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn't as high as the machines of professional manufacture, but it is enough to produce delicious, smooth foam.
Unlike other espresso machines available on the market, the Bambino Plus does not include an integrated grinder. This could be a drawback for some buyers but it is a plus for those who wish to pair the Bambino Plus with an additional grinder of superior quality. It may not come with as many features, as the top-rated machines like the Gaggia Silvia or Classic Pro, but it's still a great value for the price.