It’s the dawn of a new day. The robust and earthy scent of coffee fills the air, and you know it’s going to be the best morning ever.
Coffee is more than your favorite morning beverage; it’s a way of life. Taking in the aroma of freshly brewed espresso revitalizes your mind, as the silky smooth blend of freshly ground beans and steamed milk dance across your taste buds.
Are you thinking about buying a new coffee maker? We put together this review of the best machines available. Any of them will make a delightful addition to your kitchen and your lifestyle.
1. The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine – Best Semi-Automatic Coffee Maker
Create fantastic, barista-quality espresso in less than a minute with the Breville Barista Express. This compact semi-automatic machine gives you more control over your coffee.
Grind your beans fresh right before the extraction process, for the best taste and aroma in your espresso or latte. This café-style machine features manual or automatic operation, with dose-control grinding, letting you decide how you like your coffee.
Featuring an integrated conical-burr grinder, and interchangeable filters, the Barista Express from Breville delivers the perfect amount of freshly ground beans for your next cup.
The precise espresso extraction comes from digital temperature control. This feature delivers the water to your coffee at the optimal temperature to ensure maximum flavor and aroma from any roast. The intuitive, and user-friendly, grind-size dial on the machine provides you with complete control over the grinding, regardless of the bean size.
Let the machine do the work for you with its hands-free operation. The innovative and intuitive grinding-cradle lets you grind your beans directly into the port filter. Create a silky-smooth finish to your latte with the micro-foam milk texturing steam wand that provides the finishing touch on your coffee-art.
Set up your Barista Express to make single or double shots. Use the manual override to customize your grind, and create your cup of coffee of latte the way you like it best.
Featuring a 1600-watt motor, razor-dose trimming tool, and 54-mm stainless steel port filter, the Barista Express is all about giving your controlled power over your morning cup of coffee. The Barista Express comes with 1 and 2-cup, dual and single filter baskets, along with the integrated tamper, coffee scoop, and a stainless-steel milk jug.
Pros
- The best semi-automatic machine, giving you more control over the grinding process.
- Precise extraction with outstanding water temperature control.
- Grind fresh beans for the best flavor and aroma from your coffee.
- Barista-quality milk frothing with the steamer wand.
Cons
- No tea brewing function.
2. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System – Best Dual Brewing System for Coffee and Tea
Bring the coffeehouse into your home with the hot-and-cold brewed system from Ninja. This machine gives you the opportunity to brew fragrant and flavorful cups of coffee and tea, as well as your favorite over-ice beverage for a warm day.
The advanced flavor thermal extraction technology with Auto-IQ from Ninja gives you two ways to enjoy your tea and coffee. Make your choice between hot or cold brews, with excellent water control that never dilutes your beverages past the perfect point of flavor. Combine your coffee or tea with cold or hot frothy milk to create coffeehouse drinks with authentic character and aroma.
The Ninja offers you the chance to control your brew, from a single cup or travel-mug to full carafes. With the Ninja, you decide on the size that suits your morning coffee needs.
Hot brewing with the Ninja creates a flavorful and bold cup of coffee or tea, while the over-ice function creates delicious and refreshing iced drinks with a full-body and aroma. The Ninja suits tea-lovers, giving you the ability to use loose-leaf in the custom brew basket, or conventional teabags – the choice is yours.
The Ninja stands out from the crowd with its built-in frother that features Auto-IQ one-touch intelligence technology. Create a silky-smooth forth in a matter of seconds, all at the touch of a button. If you prefer a classic cup of coffee throughout the morning, fill the carafe with your favorite roast, and let the Ninja do the hard work while you plan your morning.
Pros
- The best one-touch machine for tea and coffee lovers.
- The Ninja makes steaming-hot cups of coffee and tea, as well as your favorite iced beverages.
- Brew basket for loose-leaf tea.
- Auto-IQ technology for silky-smooth milk frothing.
- Carafe included for traditional coffee lovers.
Cons
- The carafe is not dishwasher safe.
3. Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine – Best Super-Automatic Option
The Gaggia Brera will leave you dreaming of sitting on a roadside café in Milan as you enjoy your morning espresso, latte, or cappuccino. This compact, Italian-designed espresso and coffee machine produces the perfect cup, and the Pannarello steaming wand fluffs your milk into a velvet consistency.
Featuring a front-loading water reservoir and dreg drawer for easy access, the Gaggia Brera offers user-friendly operation, with super-automatic function. The intelligent Gaggia adapting system learns how you like your morning cup of coffee, adjusting grinder operation to accommodate your favorite roast and bean.
The Brera’s unique bypass-doser and hopper give you the option of brewing with pre-ground or whole beans. Featuring a ceramic burr grinder, the Brera provides the ideal grind-time for a perfect flavor infusion with the water.
Make a silky-smooth milk foam using the Pannarello steam wand. The wand features intake holes that siphon air into the milk, creating a rich and creamy foam that tastes fantastic with your cappuccino. Your specialty beverages will never be the same, as the wand heats up to temperature in seconds. Use the steaming wand as a hot water dispenser for tea and Americanos.
The simple user-interface of the Brera features dedicated buttons for your beverages, allowing one-touch operation. Set it up, and let the machine use its intelligent brewing system to create a super-automatic experience like no other. The LED display with push-button controls and illuminated coffee icons provide an intuitive and smart brewing experience.
Stainless steel panels, easy access dreg drawer, and water tank are all positioned for easy cleaning and maintenance of the Brera.
Pros
- Programmable brewing gives you complete control over your cup of coffee.
- Intuitive operation for enhanced flavor and aroma.
- The multi-purpose Pannarello wand is ideal for frothy specialty coffees and doubles as a hot water dispenser.
Cons
- No function for tea or iced beverages.
4. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – The Affordable Coffee-Maker Option
Create robust and delectable cups of coffee right in the comfort of your home with the Mr. Coffee espresso, latte, and cappuccino maker. This barista-style machine features a high-pressure water pump that extracts the full aroma and flavor from the beans into your brew.
Anyone can become a barista with this user-friendly coffee machine. The one-touch controls on offer with Mr. Coffee make you an expert without the hassle. Select single or double shots for your drink, with an automatic frother that produces perfect, velvety-smooth foam every time. The adjustable frothing knob gives you the control, allowing for the ideal consistency of foam for your coffee.
The removable milk reservoir is perfect for storing any unused milk in the fridge till you’re ready for your next cup. The machine is easy to clean, and the milk reservoir is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The Mr. Coffee features an attractive stainless-steel finish on the front of the machine, allowing for easy wipe down after making your brew. Easy cleanup and maintenance with the removable milk and water reservoir.
The automatic frothing tube featured in the Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino machine provides the perfect froth for your coffee, at the touch of a button. This semi-automatic coffee maker has three-in-one functionality for the perfect espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
We love the affordable price tag of this machine, making it one of our top choices in this review for its balance of price and functionality.
Pros
- Easy one-touch operation with 3-in-1 functionality for espresso, cappuccino, and latte.
- Includes a recipe book for creating the perfect latte, cappuccino, or milk foam.
- High-powered water pump for excellent extraction of flavors and aromas from your coffee.
- This coffee-maker is both affordable and functional.
Cons
- Requires priming before first use.
- Frothing tube requires cleaning after each use.
5. Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker – Best Pod and Keurig Option
If you’re looking for the best pod-style coffee machine available, then the Keurig K-Café is a fantastic option. This coffee-maker allows you to enjoy full-flavored, rich coffee drinks in seconds. Pop in a K-cup pod, and use the intuitive “Shot” button to create the perfectly balanced espresso shot for your latte or cappuccino.
Choose from the hot or cold option to make creamy lattes, and piping-hot, frothy cappuccinos – or select the cold setting for your favorite iced beverages.
With the K-cup, you can choose your brewing experience, and select either; 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz servings of your favorite coffee, cocoa, or tea. The “Strong” setting allows you to make a cup of coffee with robust and bolder flavor than the standard-setting, all at the touch of a button.
The K-cup features a dishwasher-safe frother, providing hassle-free cleanup. Make a creamy, silky-smooth foam in seconds. The Keurig K-cup is so convenient and easy to use, that anyone will feel like a professional barista when pouring their latte or cappuccino.
The easy-to-navigate control panel provides you with one-touch operation. All you need is the touch of a button to select your coffee style or select the quantity from the 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz serving buttons. The Keurig K-cup is the king of the one-touch coffee makers.
Brew up to 6-cups of coffee with one fill of the water reservoir. The stainless-steel milk jug and 60-oz water reservoir are easy to remove and even easier to maintain – toss them in the dishwasher, and forget about the cleanup.
Benefit from the “Smart-Start” operation that heats and brews with one touch of a button, and the K-cup is compatible with most travel mugs as well. The automatic shut-down feature ensures that you don’t waste energy on your coffee machine, shutting down 2-hours after your last use. The K-cup is also compatible with the Keurig “My K-Cup” universal reusable coffee filter.
Pros
- One-touch operation for hassle-free use and a perfect brew every time.
- Strong button for extra-strength brews at the touch of a button.
- Makes coffee, espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Cons
- Only suits Keurig K-Cup pods, not compatible with K-Carafe, Vue, K-Mug, or Rivo pods.
6. Breville Nespresso Creatista – Best Nespresso Option
The Nespresso Creatista is as much of a work of art as it is a coffee maker. Compatible with Nespresso pods, the Breville Nespresso Creatista blends to best of convenience with creativity. The machine uses a digital interface that allows you to choose between a latte, cappuccino, flat white, and macchiato. The elegant finish of this machine makes it a stylish addition to your kitchen.
This single-serve espresso machine offers the perfect brew every time for authentic espresso at the touch of a button. Turn your coffee maker into a latte machine with the frother and stainless-steel milk jug with a curved lip that allows you to create latte art at home.
This barista-grade machine gives you three espresso options. Choose from the Ristretto (0.5-oz.), Rspresso (1.35-oz.), or Lungo (5-oz.) options, all with the touch of a button. With a three-second heating time, the Creatista allows you to adjust the coffee volume for your favorite style of brew.
This smart espresso and coffee maker features an integrated milk frother with eight texture options and 11-milk temperature settings between 133-169°F. The frothing tube self-purges after each use, minimizing cleanup and maintenance of the machine.
The Nespresso Creatista features a 19-bar high-performance water pump. This hardware delivers the perfect infusion of water into your coffee pod, producing the tastiest cup of coffee you’ll ever have the pleasure of drinking. The dense and flavorful crema of each pod is maximized through optimum water delivery at the ideal temperature, while still maintaining total user control of the brewing process.
Pros
- Free Nespresso Original capsule kit included featuring a range of blends with unique flavor and aroma profiles.
- Nespresso offers hermetically sealed, recyclable aluminum capsules for the environmentally conscious.
- Intuitive digital interface for easy brewing, and a variety of custom coffee options.
Cons
- Suitable for use with Nespresso pods only.
7. Gaggia Babila Espresso Machine – Best Premium Option
The Gaggia Babila is unique in the fact that it comes with both a steam wand and carafe. The one-touch functionality of this machine makes id super-easy to create custom drinks in seconds. The flow dial allows you to adjust water pressure, providing ultimate control for pulling lighter or strong coffees – any way you like them.
The removable brewing spouts allow you to accommodate travel cups and larger mugs. Make use of the bypass-doser for your favorite pre-ground blends. The one-touch frothing and brewing feature simplifies your brewing experience, and the milk carafe comes with automated frothing capability for creating the most magical cappuccinos and lattes.
The manual steam wand also doubles as a hot water dispenser, giving you the option of making tea and Americanos. With eight programmable options for coffee, espresso, espresso lungo, ristretto, cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato, and milk foam – the Babilia has so much variety to suit any style of coffee you feel like in the morning.
The Babilia features an auto-cleaning, detachable carafe that provides smooth operation for creating milk-based beverages at the touch of a button. This machine has so many customizable options that you’ll feel like a real barista, ready to take any drink order from your friends or family.
The machine features 15-grind settings, allowing to create the ideal blend for your beverage, and suits all types of beans sizes and roasts. Choose from one of the three brewing selections, from full body to delicate, allowing you to brew your coffee the way you like it best.
Pros
- This machine features eight different beverage selections.
- The Babilia features a manual frother that allows you to select the perfect level of foam for your beverage.
Cons
- Not as convenient as some of the other options in this review with one-touch operation.
Latte Machines Explained
If you’re feeling confused about choosing the right coffee machine, then we have a few final tips to help you decide.
Super-Automatic Machines
If money is no object for your morning coffee fix, then think about getting a super-automatic machine. While these machines cost more money, they offer one-touch operation and leave nothing to chance, giving you the best brew from your beans.
These coffee machines do everything for you. All you need to do is load up the beans and water. Then place your cup down below the dispenser, and hit a button.
The machine grinds the beans to the perfect consistency for your beverage. It then tamps the coffee and allows you to make programmable adjustments to the brewing process, so you get the perfect result every time. Super-automatic machines even micro-foam your milk to a velvety-smooth finish for your coffee.
Semi-Automatic Machines
If you prefer a coffee experience that gives you more control over the process, then we suggest you look at a semi-automatic machine. These coffee-makers allow you to adjust the grinding process, play around with the water infusion, and create the type of foam you prefer.
Semi-auto machines are similar to what you get at a coffee house. Each barista has his or her unique method of making a cup, and semi-automatics give you control over the brewing process. Semi-automatics are also typically more affordable, and they are great for creating latte-art.
FAQs
Q: Where can I buy these coffee machines?
A: All of the machines are available online from leading retailers like Amazon.
Q: How much do espresso machines cost?
A: All of these machines come with different price points to suit any budget. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest option, then check out the Mr. Coffee machine.
Q: Are all espresso machines similar?
A: Espresso machines in this review all have unique characteristics to suit your coffee tastes and lifestyle needs. Each machine in this review has different properties to suit your needs. Choose one that suits your lifestyle and produces the kind of coffee you enjoy drinking every day.
Q: How do I know if my espresso brews the right way?
A: If you struggle with finding the right balance of water in your coffee, try going with a one-touch pod system. If you have more experience, then a semi-automatic machine is an excellent option that gives you more control over the brew. You’ll notice the results in the crema of the espresso; it should have a rich and flavorful aroma.
Q: How do I clean my coffee maker?
A: Each machine comes with a maintenance manual. Some of the machines feature self-cleaning options, while others require more of a manual approach to cleaning and maintenance. Be careful when cleaning the steam wands, as they can be piping hot after use.
Final Words
Any of our top choices for a coffee machine will make an excellent addition to your home and your morning routine. If you like the convenience of pods, then you can’t go wrong with either the Nespresso Creatista or the Keurig K-cup. Although, we would probably veer toward Nespresso due to the vast range of blends available, as well as the multiple coffee options.
If you’re looking for the elite, then the Breville Barista Express is your best option. This machine gives you a level of control over the brewing process that’s second to none, while still providing one-touch operation with your brew. Think about what you want from your coffee machine, and use this review to make an informed buying decision.
