Best Barista Coffee Machines
This elegant stainless steel machine is one that every coffee lover will be proud to own. It uses a milk container instead of steam wand to froth and provides a range of customizable options.
The best barista coffee maker allows you to make espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes to your taste. It includes an extraction system with high pressure, professional-style portafilter and an efficient milk frother.
1. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is one of the most affordable super-automatic machines on the market. Sometimes called the Philips 1200 Carina, it's the simplest machine in the company's line-up, and has the fewest pre-programmed drinks. It can make double or single espresso as well as a single or double coffee (technically a Lungo espresso) as well as cappuccino and latte macchiato, as well as hot water. A variety of buttons on the easy-to-read intuitive touchscreen display lets you select your desired beverage.
The 3200 also comes with the LatteGo milk system that automatically froths and pours your beverage with the push of one button. It's easier to manually froth milk rather than to fill the jug up with the milk you want. The machine will then mix the milk and air at high speeds in a round frothing chamber before transferring it into your cup. This is the feature that separates it from the less expensive Terra Kaffe TK-01 and the mid-range Gaggia Anima, both of which have a panarello steam wand but have no built-in milk frothing.
The Philips 3200 Series, like all semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines will not produce perfect coffee with the same speed or with the same ease as a barista in your local coffee shop. However it will still provide you a delicious cup every time. It's also extremely user-friendly thanks to LEDs that show the beverage selection and button presses. If you're worried about maintenance, a slide-out tank for water makes refilling easy and an AquaClean filter keeps your machine clean and free of scale for up to 5500 cups. It is recommended that you rinse your drip tray every day, clean the brewing unit on a regular basis and clean the machine each month depending on the hardness of your water.
2. Breville Barista Pro
This machine is a great alternative for those who want to take their home coffee-making to the next level. It has a range of features that let you alter the flavor of your espresso and milk drinks. It also comes with a conical burr grinder built-in with 30 different grind settings, so you get the most out of your beans. This machine is very easy to use, with a clear display and easy-to-use controls. It's also a sturdy machine, and comes with a two-year warranty.
The most attractive feature of this machine is its ability to produce quality coffee at home in the style of a cafe. It includes an industrial-grade steam wand which is ideal for making cappuccinos and lattes. It also has a number of different settings that allow you to adjust the strength and size of your espresso shots.
Another feature that makes this machine stand out is its ThermoJet heating system. This lets the machine reach the ideal temperature for brewing within three seconds and is significantly faster than other single boiler espresso machines. It utilizes a PID control to ensure the exact temperature of the water, which is essential for good espresso extraction.
This machine also has additional features that make espresso-making easier. It comes with a low-water level sensor to avoid running out of water and it will automatically turn off after making a cup so you don't waste energy. It also has a large 67-ounce water tank, so you don't have to fret about filling it up too often.
Although the Barista Pro is a great machine, it has some drawbacks. It's not as robust compared to other models in this list. It requires that you run an empty cup prior to making your espresso. This is an essential step to heat the portafilters, group heads and cups.
3. Breville Barista Touch
The Barista Touch Impress has many functions. It can perform multiple tasks at the same time. This is the machine you should buy for those who want an automated coffee maker that can produce excellent espresso and make frothy milk.
ThermoJet's smart heating system controls the espresso coffee brewing process. Pre-infusion is automatically performed to soak the grounds and improve extraction. The temperature of the brew is held steady by the PID controller that can be programmed for eight different beverage recipes or can be changed by the user.
If you like milky drinks, you can use the Barista Touch's Auto MilQ setting to find the ideal frothing consistency that works for dairy, almonds, oats, and soymilk. You can save the settings for your preferred double shot, which is a 150-degree flat white with medium foam, and reproduce it perfectly every time you use the machine.
best barista coffee machine claims that their machine can also serve hot or tea at the touch of the button. I haven't had the chance to test it yet. This is a great feature for those who do not drink coffee every morning, but still enjoy a cup of tea.
It's not a cheap machine, but it is an upgrade over a pod machine. Professional-grade machines can cost more than $10,000. The Barista Touch will elevate your home-brewed coffee to a level that will rival the top specialty coffee shops in town, and it will perform this feat with little supervision from you. This machine may seem expensive, but it's worth it if your goal is to cut down on time and make fewer trips out to the local coffee shop.
4. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is a semi-automatic espresso machine from Breville. It was designed for novices and is simple to use. It features a clear display and easy-to-use controls. You can easily set the amount of water you'd like to use and set the temperature for the extraction.
It comes with a variety of other features that help you make great coffee, such as a pre-infusion function, which reduces the amount of ground pressure prior to pulling the shot. This is essential to get a good espresso as it prevents channeling. The machine is equipped with a fast heating system and you can make several espressos at the same time without issues.
Like the Barista Pro, the Bambino Plus features a slim case that doesn't take up much space on your counter. It's got a sleek finish, and it looks almost like professional equipment. This machine also comes with a collection of accessories, including a cleaning brush as well as an Razor to help you level your grounds, and the milk jug. It also has an ice wand 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 seconds. It's also highly customizable. You can adjust the extraction time to make your ideal cup. The only drawback is that this machine does not come with a grinder, but it's simple enough to add a premium grinder to your setup. This is a great choice for those who want to make their own baristas an affordable entry-level machine.
5. Breville Bambino
The Bambino Plus espresso machine is an excellent choice for those who wish to make cafe-style coffee at home. Its fast heating time and simple controls allow it stand out among its competitors. However, it has some drawbacks, such as some plastic components that may break over time, and steam wands that are difficult to clean. These issues are minor when compared to the high-quality of espresso made by the machine.
The single-boiler design of the machine lets it get hot quickly, meaning that you can begin brewing your espresso in less than three seconds. This is a significant advantage over traditional espresso machines that could take up to 10 minutes to reach the ideal 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 feature is its ability to create silky microfoams for Latte art and other specialty drinks. This is possible thanks to the manual steam wand that can reach temperatures as high as to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not the same as those of the professional machines, but it is enough to produce delicious smooth, soft foam.
Unlike other espresso machines available on the market, the Bambino Plus does not include an integrated grinder. This could be a drawback for some buyers, but an advantage for those who want to combine the Bambino Plus with an additional grinder of superior quality. It may not come with as many features, as the top-rated models like the Gaggia Silvia and Classic Pro, but it's still a great machine for your money.