Best Barista Coffee Machines
This stylish stainless steel machine is one every coffee lover will be proud to own. It uses a milk container instead of a steam wand for frothing, and offers a variety of customisable options.
This best barista coffee machine allows you to make lattes, cappuccinos and espressos to your liking. It includes a high-pressure extraction system, professional-style portafilter and an efficient milk frother.
1. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is among the most affordable super-automatic machines available. Sometimes referred to as the Philips 1200 Carina, it's the most basic machine in the company's lineup with the fewest pre-programmed drinks. It can create an espresso with a single or double as well as double or a single coffee (technically it's a Lungo Espresso) and cappuccino, latte macchiato, and hot water. The touch-screen is intuitive and has a variety of buttons that allow you to select the drink you prefer.
The 3200 comes with the LatteGo milk dispenser that automatically froths your drink and dispenses it at the push of one button. It is easier to froth milk manually than to fill the jug up with the milk of your choice. The machine will then mix the air and milk at high speeds inside a round chamber for frothing before transferring it into your cup. This feature distinguishes it from the less expensive Terra Kaffe TK-01, and the midrange Gaggia Anima which both have a panarello wand but not a built-in milk frother.
Like all semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines, the Philips 3200 Series won't produce the perfect cup as quickly or as effortlessly as a barista would at your local coffee shop however, it will give you a delicious cup of joe every time. It's also very user-friendly, with LEDs that indicate your drink selection and button presses. If you're concerned about maintenance water tanks, slide-out models make refilling easy. A AquaClean Filter can keep your machine free of scale and dirt for up to 5000 cup. It is recommended that you wash the drip tray daily and wash the brewing group weekly, and descale it every couple of months or so, based on the hardness of your water.
2. Breville Barista Pro
This machine is an excellent option for those looking to take their coffee brewing to a higher level. It has a range of features that will allow you to customize the espresso and milk-based drinks you drink. It also comes with a conical burr grinder built-in with 30 different grind settings, so you can get the best out of your coffee beans. This machine is easy to use with its clear display and simple controls. It is also a very robust machine, with a warranty of two years.
The biggest selling point of this machine is its capacity to make cafe-quality coffee at home. It includes a professional steam wand, which is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes. It has several settings that let you adjust both the strength and size of your espresso shots.
The ThermoJet Heating System is another feature that makes this machine stand out. This allows the machine to reach the ideal temperature for brewing in just three seconds, which is a lot faster than other single boilers. It makes use of a PID controller to maintain the precise water temperature that is necessary for good espresso extraction.
This machine also has additional features that make espresso-making more efficient. It has a low-water level sensor to ensure that you don't run out of water. It also has the ability to automatically turn off after brewing, so you don't waste energy. It also has a 67-ounce tank of water so you don't have to fret about refilling it too often.
Although the Barista Pro is a great machine, it has some drawbacks. First, it is not as durable as the 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 vital step to pre-heat the portafilters, group head, and cups.
3. Breville Barista Touch
The Barista Touch Impress is a multi-faceted machine that performs many tasks at the same time (think blasting New Order from Apple Music and scrolling Instagram, texting friends, browsing celebrities' Wikipedia pages, and ordering Indian food simultaneously). This is the best machine to purchase if you want an automatic coffee maker that produces excellent espresso and froth milk.
ThermoJet's smart heating system controls the espresso coffee brewing process. A pre-infusion is also automatically done to soak the grounds and increase extraction. The temperature of the brew is held steady by the PID controller which is programmable for eight different drink recipes, or modified on the fly.
If you're a fan of milky drinks then the Barista Touch also comes with an Auto MilQ setting that lets you determine the ideal creamy texture for almond, dairy or oat drinks, as well as soymilk. You can save your favorite settings, for instance a 150-degree flat black with medium foam for a double shot. This will ensure that you will get the same result each time.
Breville claims that their machine can also dispense tea or hot water by pressing the button. I haven't yet tried it. It's a nice feature have for those who don't drink coffee all the time but do like having a cup of tea in the morning.
It's not a cheap machine, but it's a step up from pod machines and a lot less expensive than professional-grade machines, which can cost upwards of $10,000. The Barista Touch will elevate your at-home coffee game to a level that rivals the best specialty coffee shops in town, and will do so with very little oversight from you. That might sound expensive however if you value your time and want to avoid frequent trips to the local coffee shop this is the right machine for you.
4. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is a semi-automatic espresso machine from Breville. It's targeted at baristas who are new to the profession and is easy to use even if you have no experience. It has a simple display and easy-to-use controls. You can easily program how much water you'd like to use and also determine the temperature of the extraction.
The machine has many other features to assist you in making great coffee. One of them is the pre-infusion feature that dampens your grounds using low pressure just before pulling the shot. This is essential for a good espresso because it helps to prevent channeling. The machine also has a fast heating system, and it is possible to make multiple espressos at a time with no problem.
The Bambino Plus, like the Barista Pro has a compact case that won't take up too much space on your counter. It's got a sleek finish and looks like professional equipment. It also comes with a set of accessories which include a cleaning brush, an Razor for expertly leveling your grounds, and the milk jug. It also comes with steam wands which can create stunning microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
The Bambino, like the Barista Pro has a quick heating mechanism that can get you going in only three second. It's also highly customizable. You can adjust the extraction time to create your perfect cup. The only drawback is that it doesn't include a grinder, but it's not difficult to add a high-end grinder to your setup. This is a great choice for home baristas looking for an entry-level machine that is low-cost.
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 heat-up time and easy-to-use controls help it stand out from its competition. There are some disadvantages like plastic components that could break over time and a steam wand that is difficult to clean. These are minor issues in comparison to the high-quality of the espresso the machine makes and is very good.
Its single boiler design allows it to rapidly heat up, meaning you can begin making your espresso in just three seconds. This is an advantage over traditional espresso machines which can take up to 10 seconds to reach the correct temperature. The Bambino Plus has a feature that controls the extraction process. This prevents water from leaking into the coffee grinds, impacting the flavor or texture.
Another important characteristic is its ability to create silky microfoam for latte art and other specialty drinks. This is made possible through its steam wand manual, which can reach temperatures of up to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn't as high as some professional machines however it's enough to create delicious, smooth foam.
The Bambino Plus is different from other espresso machines available on the market in that it doesn't have an integrated grinder. This is a downside for some buyers, but it could be an advantage for those who wish to pair it with a high-quality separate grinder. While which coffee machines are best does not have as many features as other top-rated models, such as the Gaggia Classic Pro and Rancilio Silvia, it offers an excellent value for price.