Which Coffee Machine is Best For Your Kitchen?
A high-quality coffee machine can change the way your family begins the day. Which is the best for your kitchen?
If you want a bold, bright coffee, consider the GE Cafe Speciality Grind and Brew. Its striking design will make it the focal point of your kitchen bar. Smart appliance fans will love that they can control the coffee maker with an app.
1. Cuisinart 12-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Although it isn't able to make espresso (or latte art) like our top two picks however, this Cuisinart model is an excellent option for those who want to brew filter coffee or pods without costing a fortune. It's simple to use and is affordable. It also comes with various settings such as an auto-brew timer and a "strong" setting that makes a robust cup. It also comes with a removable water reservoir and an reusable filter, making it easy to clean.
The brushed stainless steel finish is timeless and it is a great choice for kitchens of all kinds. The control knob is a little awkward, and takes some time to be used to. Adjusting the timer was more like playing a carnival game than making use of an appliance. The capacity is large and the features that can be programmed will appeal to households with larger families and those who drink less frequently can benefit from the capacity to make just one cup at a given time.
In terms of brewing quality, it performed just as well as our top choices. The brewing cycle was fast and the machine was equipped with a thermal carafe that kept our coffee warm for over an hour. We did notice that it seemed to extract more grounds than other models, however we don't think this is a dealbreaker.
This espresso maker is a fantastic choice for the average consumer. It's available in an array of colors that stand out on any kitchen counter. It's more sophisticated than the less expensive Diletta Mio, and is ideal for those who are interested in making espresso as an hobby or for those who find that coffee brewing is an integral part of their daily routine. It has a digital temperature control to control the water's temperature to a certain degree, and a solid steam wand that connects to its own heating system for fast steaming and brewing.
The model is a bit more expensive than its competitors however, for those who are committed to their coffee and willing to learn the finer points of making espresso, it's well worth it. It produced espresso shots with full, balanced flavors that didn't have any bitterness or ashiness.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
When it comes to making espresso, there's no more foolproof machine than the Breville Bambino Plus (also known as Sage by some customers). This model looks entry-level but packs a lot of features into small dimensions. It makes it easy for novices to try out by using default temperature settings that provide a smooth extraction process straight out of the box and clear instructions on what grinder sizes are best suited to its dual-wall filter baskets. It also lets users modify the duration that the pre-infusion feature cools coffee grounds before increasing pressure, which helps to ensure consistency in flow and balance the flavor.
This model is one of the easiest to use due to its easy-to-use interface. It doesn't include an integrated grinder, which means you'll need an espresso grinder separately. This, fortunately, isn't as expensive as some other models on this list.
The Bambino Plus's other advantages include the ability to automatically purge its steam wand once it's done frothing milk. It also has its three different milk texture settings. It also has a leveler made of steel and tamper, making it easier to make the perfect shot every time. If you're looking to take your brewing and steaming skills to the next level, this machine has automatic reminders to clean and descale.
While the Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make high-quality espresso at home, it's the best for professional baristas in training and serious amateurs. The pre-infusion feature that is low-pressure ensures a balanced taste, while its 15-bar Italian pump guarantees a rich, creamy body. It's also incredibly versatile, with a variable pressure setting and the option to switch between single- and double-shot volumes at the press of one button. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for kitchens with limited space. The machine is available in different colors, but the sleek black finish is our favorite.
3. Moccamaster Technivorm Cup-One
The Moccamaster Technivorm Cup-One uses the standard pour-over method for brewing coffee. It's a more sustainable choice than the average 10-cup brewer since it uses less energy and produces a lot less coffee grounds. This is a great machine for a barista at home. It's an absolute pleasure to watch the process unfold. The copper heating element will quickly heat the water and maintains temperatures between 91-96degC (196-205degF) to ensure the best extraction. The cone-shaped brew tray guarantees that the entire ground coffee is soaked to bring out its full flavor and aroma. The time to brew one cup of coffee is four minutes. This might not sound fast compared to other single-cup brewers however, it's still quite fast by drip machine standards.
Like other Technivorm equipment, the Cup-One is manufactured in the Netherlands and is backed by an impressive 5-year warranty. It's more expensive than other automatic brewers, but it gives you peace of mind knowing that it will be a reliable and dependable brewing machine for a long period of time.
best budget espresso machine is among the most stunning brewing equipments on the market. Especially if you select the stainless steel version. The brushed look is amazing and is a perfect match for any kitchen style. It's easy to use and clean, too. Simply throw away the filter and ground coffee, and rinse the brew basket after every use. This brewer is not able to make cold brew or espresso. That's why it's not our top choice.
It's simple to use and looks stunning similar to the Rancilio. The only issue with this model is that the water tank has prominent ridges that can be difficult to read in morning light. There aren't any markings for measuring cups or ounces and it's difficult to know what amount of water to use and how much to place in the basket. The brew is definitely worth the small inconveniences.
4. Delonghi Eletta Explore
The Delonghi Eletta Explore coffee maker is a highly automated machine with many extras. It comes with two milk jugs (one for hot, the other for cold) and travel mugs and an ice cube tray to serve cold drinks. It also comes with a broad selection of hot and cold coffee recipes (more 40 in total). The machine has a built-in Wi-Fi and is controlled by the Coffee Link app. The most notable feature is Bean Adapt, which allows you to test new espresso beans using the app to inform the machine the kind, colour and roast of the beans. Then, it adjusts the espresso settings based on what it learns about your preferences and tastes.
Eletta's smart interface allows you to save and pick your preferred drink sizes as well as create user profiles. It comes with a built-in grinder that can make different types of coffee. It's among the most expensive machines we've reviewed in our guide but it can be a good investment for anyone who wants to make a range of drinks, including iced using a single device.
It's easy to use and the display is clear and easy to follow, but it does take some time to adjust to the various steps involved in making espresso and other coffees. We recommend this machine only if the goal is to make lots of espressos and you are willing to put in some effort to use it correctly.
The only issues we could find in this machine were that it takes longer to heat up than other models and the water tank isn't marked for cups or ounces. These are minor issues and the coffee brewed by this machine was very excellent, with a wonderful flavor and texture, especially in the espresso. It's also quiet, even when running the grinder and brewing coffee. In fact, it's the quietest machine we've tested. People who live in apartments will appreciate this machine. You can also dispense your coffee straight into a to-go cup with the machine's to-go function, which can be useful on rushed mornings.