Espresso – Most Popular Coffee
When searching for the best espresso machine for home use, you will have a daunting task ahead of you, and that’s why this espresso machine review exists. To take the edge off of the chore for you.
So, first learn a bit of background and history, and then read on and enjoy these espresso coffee machine reviews!
The International Coffee Organization says that the world consumes about 1.4 billion cups of coffee a day – that’s an incredible amount of coffee! With all the different ways you can consume it – such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos – it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Espresso is by far the most popular, as it is the primary ingredient in different types of coffee drinks worldwide. Espresso itself is an ultra concentrated form of coffee that is boiled through a high pressure process. This unique method results in much stronger flavors along with higher amount of caffeine per unit of volume compared to similar beverages. So, in this review we will explore and research to find the best espresso machine for home.
A Bit of History
Espresso machines have a long and interesting history that dates back to 1884 – the first being a colossal machine that relied on actual pistons to push out the percolated coffee. In the modern era espresso machine’s have become much more streamlined and rely on a pump-driven system.
Pump Driven Espresso Machine
These pump systems use different type of boiling mechanism, with the newest using CO2 cartridges to cut back the size of these machines even further.
The best espresso machine for home use will put out 9 bars of pressure when brewing. However, ideally you are going to want a 15 bar pressure machine to give it the gumption needed to ensure the espresso comes out right.
From here you’ll have to look at customization. Often times these makers come with varying levels of control on how the espresso is made. This manual control allows you more reign to create the type of drink that you want, in the way that you want.
Espresso Machine Market
As you can imagine, the espresso machine market is inundated with dozens of different models peddling a plethora of features. It can be exhausting looking through all these machines trying to find the best one. By cross referencing the best in espresso machines to help you in your search, we have come down to three models from both the Mr. Coffee and Breville brands. These machines represent different price points for different types of espresso drinkers.
Best Espresso Machine For Home
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
This Mr. Coffee brand espresso maker comes with a 15-bar pump system – the perfect amount to brew the best tasting espresso shots.
Coming with an automatic milk frother allows you to cut back on time and unnecessary guessing. The reservoirs that hold the milk and water can be removed and filled with ease. After use, you can put the excess milk into the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Uniquely, this machine is a 3 in 1 product – able to make great tasting espresso, cappuccino, and lattes. You can get any of these with the one touch control, which also allows you to manipulate for the desired strength. This versatility and 15-bar pressure system is what earned this espresso machine a spot on the best espresso machine for home review.
Mr. Coffee has included a recipe book allowing you plenty of choices in making the coffee that is best for you.
For best flavor it is recommended to buy unground coffee beans in the desired strength.
Customers call this device fairly large, but doesn’t really bother them because it’s an all in one system. With many more saying that they can’t tell the difference between this machine and something purchased at Starbucks.
The few negative comments attached to this machine are usually a result of the users not following the cleaning procedures. Thankfully, the manual gives an indepth step by step guide on how best to clean.
This relatively inexpensive espresso maker comes in both stainless steel and red. With the myriad of features, and all the successful reviews on the Amazon website, this may be the best espresso machine for home if you’re on a budget.
Learn more about the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker…
Brevi
lle Barista Express Espresso Machine
A step higher on the scale is the Breville machine, which also contains a powerful 15 bar pump, along with a 1600W heating coil. This thermocoil heating system gives you precise temperature control.
The built in purge function automatically adjusts the temperature of the water for the perfect percolation through your coffee beans.
Following their philosophy that “Freshness is measured in seconds”, Breville allows these same beans to be ground in the machine underneath a conical burr grinder made from stainless steel.
You can make plenty of espresso shots and other great coffee beverages with the large 2 liter water with jug with handle.
For extra customization this espresso maker’s pre-set single and double shot settings can be modified to control that amount of espresso.
Breville has included both dual and single filter baskets, cleaning kit, water filter and holder, and stainless steel milk jug – all the accessories necessary to make a tasty espresso beverage!
Many people comment that this espresso machine is great because it has many features that remove the necessity for separate items – such as the built in grinder and hot water dispenser. Also added is a “Clean me” light that will remind you when you need to clean it. Great for those that overlook this type of thing!
While easier to use than commercial versions, this variant still isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s recommended to follow the instructions to help you get the best drink possible out of this machine.
If your budget is in the medium priced range, then you may consider the Breville BES870XL Barista Express to be the best espresso machine for home.
Breville is noted for having a high quality customer service department, so in the rare chance that you have a problem with this machine you can feel confident that they will do everything in their power to take care of it.
Learn more about the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine…
Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine
The creme-de-la-creme of espresso makers, this Breville machine offers only the best with a pair of stainless boilers and Italian pumps.
Creating barista quality espresso with an easy interface that contains a hot water button, Americano dial, and a steam lever.
You can expect this machine to cover everything with its automatic tamp, dose, and grind features. The water tank can hold 84 ounces allowing you to get shots of espresso anywhere from 190 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit with the triple heat system.
You can use 3 preset Americano settings along with 6 customizable ones. The presets have automatic milk texturing – this feature allows you to create anything from cappuccinos to lattes with ease.
To help cut back on cleaning, the Oracle has a built in auto-purge, that fires steam through the wand.
Users have responded that their favorite features center around the near infinite amount of customization such as brew temperature, pressure, volume, shot temperature, and tamp time. All these features don’t come at the cost of accessibility either – with many customers remarking how easy to use it is.
The search for the best espresso machine for home has led us to this Breville Oracle BES980XL, as we were not thinking money. If your budget allows for it, then you owe it to your coffee-loving self to look at this machine!
The only criticism you’ll find of this machine seems to center around the descaling – it is highly recommend to read the user’s manual so that you do this procedure correctly. As in any kitchen appliance that comes in contact with water as it’s main function, descaling will be a regular maintenance chore. We descale our kettles and coffee machines regularly. It’s a part of healthy living.
Learn more about the Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine
Final Thoughts – Best Espresso Machine For Home
As you can see, there is much more than meets the eye with espresso machines. The three listed here are some of the best espresso machines for home out there. The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker is an inexpensive model that boast a pretty impressive set of features.
A step above this is the Breville Barista Espresso Machine which sports a high grade grinder which maximizes freshness. Finally, for the coffee addict is the Breville Oracle – this espresso maker is a powerful machine that includes the highest level of customization.
Whatever espresso machine you end up going with, you want to make sure it provides shots through 15 bars of pressure ranging from 190 to 205 degrees fahrenheit, with a milk temperature typically around 140 degrees. By doing this you ensure you are getting the best taste – which everything else is secondary to.
Follow the proper cleaning and descaling to ensure you get the most out of your investment -a little bit of upkeep and you can have delicious tasting better than barista quality espresso in your own kitchen!