Genia Rusconi

The Best Coffee Machines For Home

There's no universally-fit-all coffee machine. This is why we've compiled our top picks for the home, from a super-automatic that grinds and packs your beans, to semi-automatics that give you the most control over your espresso.

The Breville Oracle Touch is the perfect blend between automation and the need to know the ropes of espresso-making. It's the best bean-to cup machine we've found.

1. Rocket Appartamento

Rocket Appartamento is a fantastic choice for those who want to make espresso at their home without having to compromise on quality. This espresso machine for the prosumer is designed with a limited counter space in mind and is built to last with a high-end build quality and the smallest footprint. It comes with a 1.8 milliliter copper heat exchange boiler and commercial E61 Group Head so you can steam your milk and brew coffee at the same at the same time.

The machine looks great too, and comes with a round side panel insert with engravings of steam and hot water spouts. This is a new take on Rocket's classic aesthetic, which is already pretty impressive for a machine that is so small. It also includes an black pressure gauge that indicates when the boiler is ready for use.

The water reservoir and drip tray are smaller on this machine than most other models. This means that you'll need to be extra vigilant when emptying and refilling the machine, especially when you are using it regularly. This is a cost that results in smaller footprint. This isn't an issue that is specific to this model.

This machine can easily handle the demands of your coffee. We recommend purchasing a high-quality grinder, such as the Baratza Sette Giante, to increase consistency and flavor. You can also use this machine in conjunction with a Rocket portafilter to improve the process of tamping.

As a professional espresso machine, the Rocket Appartamento is capable of making great drinks, and it's simple to create Latte art. It's important to note that this machine isn't designed for beginners. There is a slight learning curve for those who upgrade from espresso machines that are appliance-grade. The heat exchanger is difficult to work with and you'll need to learn how to do cooling flushes.

Both the Lelit Bianca as well as the Rocket Appartamento have the option to connect to an water source, allowing you to always be able to drink cold and filter-filtered water. The latter, however, comes with a 2.25-liter water tank, which could be more difficult to refill than some of 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, which allows you to prepare your first cup of coffee in less than 35 minutes. The water tank is also quick and simple to refill, with the lid detaching completely to create a large opening. You can also fill it up with tap water if you prefer.

This is the smallest machine of the Lavazza A Modo Mio range, but it still packs a punch. It's priced less than PS100 at retail - that's less than the Nespresso Essenza or similar machines from SMEG or Desea. The Jolie is a great alternative for those who do not have the space or funds for a traditional espresso machine however still want to enjoy an authentic Italian espresso.

The Jolie is easy to use and occupies very small counter space. Pressing a single button will activate the machine. After pressing it again, it will start dispense the pod you've selected. The button is illuminated so you can see the amount you've consumed. You can also manually stop the process, should you prefer to consume the pod in smaller amounts.

This model does not come with a steam wand, however, you can add creamy foam to your milk with an optional milk frother. The machine is also quite quiet and can be used to make coffee in a small kitchen work space.

Pods aren't inexpensive, but there's an array of blends to choose from that will satisfy everyone from the mildest to the most demanding espresso drinkers. They are available in most supermarkets alongside regular coffee beans and ground coffee and you can also buy Lavazza A Modo Mio compatible pods on the internet.

The Jolie and milk is a sleek capsule with an integrated milk warmer. It comes with a 75cm power plug and power cable, a warranty document, a quick guide, and a tester pack comprising nine Lavazza pods. Six are roasted (two Qualita Rossa and two Lungo Dolce) and two are decaffeinated. The machine is compact enough to fit under a cupboard or on a flat surface.

3. Breville BES870XL

The Breville Barista Express appears to be an expensive espresso machine. If you're willing take the time to learn how to use it, this is an excellent do-it-all home espresso maker that is more efficient 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 aren't experienced enough to have an espresso machine, which can cost up to $100.

This model is priced less than the most expensive Breville Oracle (the most expensive at $2199) However, it's an excellent option for baristas working on a budget. It has a lot of customizable features, and even an integrated burr mill to make it more affordable. It's also a single boiler machine, which means that it can only do steaming or brewing at the same time.

Although it is a relatively newcomer to the market for espresso machines, Breville has quickly made an impact with their high-quality appliances. This machine is no different and offers enough adjustability to allow aspiring baristas to improve their skills without spending hundreds of dollars more than they need to.

The unit does not come without its flaws. For instance, the hopper on this model is placed on the side of the unit, instead of on top. This isn't a huge deal however it can be a little frustrating if you're trying to disperse multiple shots at a time. It's also not very easy to know how much water is left in the tank because of its position at the rear.

If you're willing some time to learn how to make use of the Breville Barista Express then it's an excellent choice for anyone who loves espresso at home. The only downside to the Breville Barista Express is the price which could be a stumbling block for some buyers. For those seeking a cheaper alternative, read our review of the Gaggia Classic or the La Pavoni Impresso. Both are similarly capable and provide a bit more control than the Barista Express, but they'll cost less than the Breville model can do.

4. OXO Brew 9 Cup

A high-tech, intelligent coffee machine that makes great coffee with a simple interface. Its sleek stainless steel design and backlit LED screen give a sophisticated design to your kitchen. It has a single dial that allows you to program the number of cups. There are two settings available: 5-9 cups and 2-4 cups. Its brewing method is similar to pour-over, which most coffee machine industrial aficionados believe produces the most delicious coffee. The water is heated to the ideal temperature before being poured over the grounds using a showerhead to ensure uniform saturation. The brewed coffee then collects in the double-walled, thermal carafe for upto 60 minutes. The pause-and pour feature lets you to remove the carafe during brewing and then fill your cup. The machine pauses the brewing process and displays a red carafe light on its LED interface until you return it. after which it resumes brewing and is finished.

The OXO 9-Cup coffee machines latte maker comes SCAA certified, meaning it meets the strict standards for technical quality. Its brew cycles are about the same as those of the Bodum Bistro and Technivorm Moccamaster 741 but it lets you control the temperature and brewing time.

In our tests, the OXO Brew 9 Cup produced an excellent cup of drip coffee with an entire carafe in just 7 minutes and 41 seconds. This is a bit longer than the 6 minutes or less the Bonavita Connoisseur and the Moccamaster require, but still within the range of time that coffee experts recommend for a great cup of drip.

You must also grind your own beans prior to making. You can make use of a manual coffee machine brands grinder, or go for a more automated model like the Baratza Encore, which has different grind settings and an hopper that can hold whole beans.

The only issue is that the carafe and the water reservoir aren't dishwasher-safe this could be a issue for certain users. The stainless steel is still easily cleaned by hand, but. The OXO Brew 9-Cup's sleek aesthetic and easy-to-use interface make it an undisputed contender among the top drip coffee makers.