The best ground coffee for espresso Machine 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. There's a coffee machine to fit every budget and taste, regardless of whether you prefer filters or pods.

A true workhorse bean-to-cup machine provides a unique level of control that is typical of an expensive model. It's an excellent choice for those who want the convenience of one-touch brewing and milky options with no fuss.

1. Breville Barista Max

A mid-range bean-to cup with an integrated grinder, the Breville Barista Max+ VCF152 is a good choice for anyone keen to learn how to make coffee the right way (rather than using pods or an espresso machine) and also for those looking to upgrade from a lesser-than-capable manual machine. It can make both high-quality espresso and milk with excellent texture.

The Barista Max+ has an enormous drip tray, a separate trough for grounds that have been sprayed and a handy storage area for extra accessories. It's also a solid and well-built machine that has the removable parts slid into place beautifully. It's available in stylish silver, and a more traditional stainless steel.

It is made with a professional appearance and inspired by commercial machines. Features include Temp IQ Shot Control, which provides precise temperature for every cup and a Tap & Go burr grinder on-demand that has 30 settings. It also has the pre-infusion method that allows beans to be gently infused for an intense, balanced flavor.

There's a useful guide in the instruction manual that explains how to calibrate the machine, which is crucial to do correctly to produce a consistent and good cup of espresso. It also explains the process of decalcification that is required to ensure your machine is in good condition.

The manual controls are simple to follow, and there's a dial that allows the machine to be set to hot water (with a simple turn of the knob to the left) or starts dispensing steam (a further turn). The coffee spout is tall enough to fit in an espresso glass or latte cup, but not a large jug. You'll have to pre-infuse the milk, and then pour the espresso before pouring it into larger cups for lattes and cappuccinos.

One thing to keep in the mind is that Breville only offers a one-year guarantee on this machine, so should something go wrong with it within that time frame you'll be responsible for repair costs. This could be a nagging factor for some, particularly considering how costly the machine is when purchased new.

2. Smeg Bean-to-Cup

Smeg is synonymous with retro kitchen appliances and 1950's-style. But what's notable is that until recently, Smeg's range didn't include a bean-to-cup maker. This was until the sleek BCC02 model launched in September.

The bean-to-cup coffee machine offers the entire range of your favorite drinks at the touch of a button. It includes espresso, ristretto and Americano and hot water for tea and other hot beverages. All you need to do is put the desired quantity of ground beans into the hopper, choose your beverage from the simple menu by using the flat buttons and press brew. It's quick and easy with no input required and includes an alert that lets you know when to descale the machine or empty the grounds drawer.

Our former barista tested the Smeg Bean-to Cup and was impressed by the simplicity of use, as well as the fact that it could make milky coffee classics like cappuccino, latte and macchiato. She was impressed by the speedy warm-up times and how quiet it was while she was working. She was also delighted that the brewing took only 45 minutes, and she could pick the strength of the drink. The only minor issue is that the BCC02 doesn't include a metal milk jug which you'll need to purchase separately.

This bean-to cup coffee machine does not require plastic pods or packets. You will save money and do your part for the environment. The Smeg Bean-toCup coffee machine is available in a variety of matt colors that are coveted, including taupe and sparkling white, smouldering orange and now, new to the collection, full black. You can match your coffee maker to your kitchen decor, and transform your kitchen space while you're at it. If you're a Smeg lover then this is one you must check out.

3. Gaggia Milano V60

If you're a home barista or have any interest in espresso, then this Gaggia Milano coffee machine is an excellent choice. It has a rapid heating boiler, which means you can make espresso quickly and effortlessly. It has a professional steaming wand to make great foamed-milk cappuccinos and lattes. You can also adjust the grind settings as well as the length, body, and shape of your espresso to meet your personal preferences.

This single boiler coffee machine was first introduced in 1991. Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after home espresso machines in the world, particularly for home baristas. It is renowned for its low cost and simplicity, as well as its excellent performance. The design is sleek and simple and has some modern features. It is also simple to maintain and use.

It's important to remember that this Gaggia coffee machine best deals machine doesn't have any modern features, like a PID or preinfusion which means it could be somewhat outdated for some people. It still provides excellent espresso, and is a good choice for those who prefer a traditional-looking machine.

There are a few distinct differences between the Gaggia and other models. For instance, it comes with a a forged chrome-plated brass portafilter handle. This is a nice touch that sets it apart from other home espresso machines. It has a thermo-bloc, which is a great feature at this price.

In addition to the above features, this coffee machine also comes with a reservoir for water that can be easily filled and maintenance. It also has a stainless-steel infusion chamber which keeps the water at the right temperature which makes a better tasting espresso. It also comes with a high-quality ceramic grinder that helps keep your espresso fresher for longer.

Another fantastic characteristic of this coffee maker is the automatic water level detection. This feature makes it easy to use the machine and ensures you always have a full tank with clean, fresh water. This is vital to get the best coffee machines for home results from your espresso.

4. Sage Barista

Sage are known for their ability to rethink the way coffee machines work, and their Oracle Touch is no exception. It's a dual boiler with an integrated grinder as well as an on-board barista. While most bean to cup machines tend to tip the scales away from quality and towards ease of use The Oracle Touch offers a balanced approach. The machine handles all the grinding, tamping, and dosing for you, while steaming and foaming milk. This lets you get the best pod coffee machines uk out of your coffee and avoid disappointments that sometimes occur when using pre-ground espresso from a supermarket.

The Oracle has 30 grind settings, so you can find the perfect level of fineness to suit your drink. It also comes with a cradle for holding the portafilter that is an essential feature for those who want to replicate the full barista experience. Other useful features include the Razor Precision Dose trimming tool for wiping off any leftover beans as well as a stainless steel milk jug and a steam wand that can be used to froth the perfect latte art.

You can choose from a range of beverages and the machine will suggest the appropriate grind size as well as the brew rate and the temperature of your milk. This feature allows you to save your preferred settings for later use. It takes away the stress involved in finding the perfect cup. This model is a great choice for those new to espresso making, as it will allow you to get the most out of your chosen beans.

It's a beautiful machine in a beautiful stainless-steel brushed finish that will look great on your kitchen counter. It's a big machine measuring H41cm x W33cm by D38cm. This might make it difficult to fit under some cabinets. It's a good idea to measure your space to ensure that you can accommodate it before buying. Cleaning the machine is relatively easy, but you'll have to regularly wipe down the steam wand as well as the detachable drip tray. Sage offers weekly masterclasses and customized tutorials that can ensure you get the most value from your new coffee maker.