Blog entry by Consuelo Burchfield
Turn the knob, press one button, and voila! A delicious beverage is waiting for you. It's not going to win any beauty contests, however it does make a delicious cup of espresso that our tasters found to be more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires more effort than other models we have examined. It's still worth the effort for the hands-off java lover.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you are a coffee lover seeking efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to operate and has a minimalistic design that can be incorporated with any kitchen decor. Simply place a capsule in then press brew, and enjoy your beverage. The machine automatically adjusts the brewing parameters bean to cup espresso machine maximize extraction based on the barcode of the capsule. This is a big selling point for the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you won't have to worry about setting different pressures or temperatures for each type of drink. However, it does limit your options to Nespresso pods and doesn't include an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a rich and smooth crema. The machine spins at speeds of up 7000 rpm to get the full range of aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also serves hot water at the same time while it heats up, which allows you to make drip coffee as well as espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is much less expensive than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for those who are looking to improve their Nespresso experience. It also comes with a smaller 40-ounce water tank, in comparison to the deluxe model's 60 ounce tank. That being said, if you plan on making large drinks frequently or sharing with guests, the premium model is a good option.
2. Barista Express Impress
The Barista Express Impress from Breville is a machine with a beautiful design and useful features. Its smart dosing system and assisted tamping can help novices make the process easier by automating specific parts of it, making it easy for anyone to make an espresso that is good. It also allows small adjustments to the temperature which baristas who have experience will appreciate, as even a couple of degrees can alter the taste of the coffee.
The machine has a high-quality, conical burr grinder that has 25 grind settings to fit any type of coffee espresso machines. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and one- and two-cup single and double-wall filter baskets, which means you can select the number of shots you want to make at once. The foaming arm can be used to make micro-foams for lattes and cappuccinos.
The interface of the espresso machine is simple to navigate and clearly explains each step. We also appreciated that the machine doesn't include a lot of plastic parts and is quite sturdy. It's not cheap but it's an extremely well-made machine with a lot of features that will last for years. It comes with a fantastic warranty that covers mechanical issues up to a year from the date of purchase. It's quite impressive for a machine this pricey. If you're keen on making espresso frequently, it's worth the investment.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia's Classic first came out in 1991 and quickly developed a following of cult status due to its simplicity style and - of course – its ability to brew a tasty cup of espresso. Three decades later, it's back stronger than ever thanks to the new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as sophisticated as other lower-end machines however, it can provide a high-quality espresso due to the professional portafilter and group. However as it's a single boiler, you will not be able to make mini espresso maker and steam simultaneously and you'll need to wait for a little time between pulling a shot.
With a sleek, industrial style that is stylish and feels solid in your hand, the Classic Pro features simple switches for brewing/steam and On/Off with dedicated indicator lights making it simple to get acquainted with. The frames and switches are more durable than the Classic making this machine have a real premium feel.
In terms of accessories the Classic Pro doesn't come with many, but the standard commercial portafilter of 58 millimeters and the tamper made of plastic are a nice addition. A 3-way solenoid valve is also a nice addition that prevents water pressure fluctuation and helps with getting rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy which other machines struggle with. Gaggia also has steam wands that do fantastic job of frothing milk used in latte arts.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This machine from De'Longhi is a ideal choice for those who want to make barista-quality coffee at home. It is simple to use, and has many features. It comes with a stainless-steel boiler, portafilter and brewhead, as well as an easily accessible water tank. It is also small and fits on the majority of counters.
This espresso maker features a pressure pump of 15 bars that delivers consistent results every time. It can also heat up in just 40 seconds, which saves you both time and energy. It is also easy to clean and looks stunning on any kitchen countertop. The De'Longhi is an excellent choice for those who love coffee and want to make their own coffee at home.
It's an all-in-one espresso and coffee maker that can make two cups at one time. Dual heating means that you can brew espresso and drip coffee at the same time. This is a great feature for parties because you can serve your guests their favourite drinks in the same.
The espresso machine is equipped with a milk frother that can make delicious and creamy cappuccinos and lattes. The machine is simple to use using its easy touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn't produce a lot of noise when operating.