In today’s world, convenience is everything. That is why most people are not willing to make coffee at home. Some don’t even own a coffee maker or espresso machine. Apart from the fact that making coffee takes time, what you find in a café is often superior. However, this does not always have to be the case. The right coffee maker can help you make barista-level drinks right at home, saving you the hassle of queuing at a café. Of course, there are many models of machines that can sit on your kitchen counter. If you are looking to buy one, the search for machines can be overwhelming.

In addition, there are many features you need to consider if you want to buy an espresso machine that suits you and your household. You need to know the quality of the coffee machine’s grinder, if it has one, so you know which coffee beans work best with your machine. Another key feature is the milk frother. This feature can help you make coffee art in addition to improving your overall coffee experience. Be sure to consider the size of your household and the number of people in it when checking the water tank capacity. It would not be a good idea to have to make coffee several times to get everyone a cup.

Also, try to check the interface of the machine you want to buy. Easy-to-use coffee makers are everywhere. Some have a touch screen and some even save your coffee settings so that the next time you need to make a drink, you only have to press one button. If you have children at home, you may want to get a coffee maker that can take a few knocks without suffering damage. Also, consider the size of the appliance in relation to its intended installation in your kitchen. As a result of the above, you are likely to make a list of potential coffee and espresso machine purchases, as we have done. Beware, these lists are not easy to compile. They involve a lot of time spent on manufacturers’ websites, personal experience and analysis of other reviews and customer comments. That’s why we’ve organised the information below in an easy-to-digest format that includes a table, detailed reviews of the products mentioned and a buying guide.

EspressoWorks all-in-one espresso and cappuccino machine

For an appliance with all the necessary accessories, this is the ideal choice for many people. This machine allows you to prepare a cup of coffee yourself. To start with, this machine will allow you to buy whole coffee beans. The plug-in electric grinder should allow you to turn any bean into a drink. You might expect this to add to the price of the coffee maker and espresso machine, but it does not. You can get it for just over 200 euros.

Once ground, you use the measuring spoon provided in the package to put the coffee into the single or double coffee basket, which you then place in the filter. The tamper is conveniently placed on the back of the measuring spoon. It ensures that your coffee is evenly distributed and that you do not exceed the maximum level.

Next, you fill the water tank and reattach it to the machine. At this point you can switch on the machine. In about 45 seconds the machine will be ready to start extracting coffee. In the packaging you should find a stainless steel frothing cup which you can fill with milk after rinsing it well. Use the steamer to process your milk properly.

Even the cups you might need to drink your coffee are included in the pack. Other benefits include a handle on the water tank and LED indicators, so you can keep an eye on the water levels. For cleaning, the drip tray is also removable, meaning you can rinse it in your sink.

 

Breville Duo Temp Pro

This review of coffee makers and espresso machines would not be complete without the Breville Duo-Temp Pro espresso machine. As you can see from the features highlighted about the kitchen setup, this machine does not come with a built-in grinder. You will therefore have to buy your own ground coffee. This is not unique to this particular appliance though, as all of its predecessors on our list require you to buy ground coffee as well.

As this is the second latte and espresso maker from the same manufacturer on our list, there are, of course, some similarities in design. For one thing, the body is made of stainless steel and the dimensions are almost similar to those of the Breville Infuser espresso machine. Also, at the beginning of the beverage making process, the machine uses a lower pressure to expand the bean, before increasing it later. The differences include the absence of a pressure gauge, which is replaced by a rotary knob. Another difference is the configuration of the buttons, of which there are two on this unit and four on its counterpart.

Internal temperature control plays an important role in the extraction of coffee aroma, as a slight deviation can lead to a dull result. If you’re constantly forgetting to clean your coffee makers, the fact that this unit has a soaking tray and cleaning alerts can help sway your purchasing decision. In addition, one feature that might interest buyers is the automatic purge function, which ensures a constant temperature every time you decide to brew a drink.

 

Breville la machine à espresso Barista Express

The manufacturer Breville has presented its third and final device on our list, the Barista Express espresso machine. This device is designed similarly to the other two, with some changes in functionality. From the image provided and the features listed, you’ll see that there is a built-in grinder, making it one of two devices on our list to offer the same thing. Weighing in at 23 pounds, this is the heaviest unit to date, and it’s just as bulky. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the type of countertop and space if you want to bring it into your kitchen.

The grinder of this appliance allows hands-free use. Usually, to use the grinder, you need to scoop the ground coffee into a measuring spoon. Then you put it in the filter before brewing. The design of this machine allows you to put the ground coffee directly into the portafilter, which makes it much easier for you. The capacity of the water tank is not too far off from the other two machines.

As for the colour options, you have three, namely red, black and silver. Furthermore, this machine is suitable for all types of users, as it allows for both manual and automatic operation. Whether you are a coffee lover with a passion for making your own coffee or you want the convenience of getting coffee at home rather than in a coffee shop, this gadget is for you. Given its extra features, the price of this tool is about 100 euros more than the espresso machine with brewer from the same company.

 

Barsetto espresso machine

Our third choice is quite economical and comes in a durable stainless steel case. It has some of the features of our first two choices, with a control knob in addition to the rotary knob. However, in terms of size, it is one of the largest kitchen coffee makers on the market. With the built-in professional frothing nozzle, you have the freedom to make any type of coffee drink you want. This includes cappuccinos, macchiatos and latte drinks.

You will only find this kitchen appliance in a brushed metal finish for the stainless steel body. Due to its nature, you will need to froth the milk yourself by pressing the button on the top right of the machine. You will then need to place your milk jug just below the frother. After that you can create latte art or if you don’t know how to pour the necessary amount of frothed milk into your cup. Even if the result is not as beautiful, it will taste just as good. The 1.8 litre water tank is located at the back of the coffee maker and espresso machine. The water tank is transparent, so you can keep an eye on the water levels to make sure they remain sufficient. The fact that you can detach this water tank from the rest of the machine makes the gadget easier to clean.

Machine à espresso manuelle De’Longhi ECP3420

Coffee lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Some prefer to use an automatic machine that helps them through the various stages of making a drink. Others prefer to be in complete control, and that’s where manual espresso machines come in. The De’Longhi ECP3420 manual espresso machine is a good example. This gadget allows you to use easy-to-serve pods that are ideal for determining whether it’s a double or single espresso. You can also use these pods if you are not sure how to measure your coffee. If you make a mistake and use too much or too little ground coffee, the drink will be of inferior quality. But don’t let that stop you from trying, because practice makes perfect.

This model is significantly lighter and smaller than its predecessor on our list. If you have limited kitchen space, you can check whether it is suitable for you from the dimensions provided above. In addition, the smaller size of this model is accompanied by a smaller tank capacity. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you have fewer people in your house. In addition, you can remove the water tank as often as necessary to clean it before replacing it. If you need to fill a larger cup of coffee, detach the bottom tray and place your cup under the dispenser. The manual frother is also very useful for texturising your milk.

 

Machine à espresso M. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse

In fifth place we have our first automatic milk frother. While all the other options mentioned above require you to use a jug, this particular model will have you fill the removable milk tank. Then, when you turn on the frother, the milk is fed directly into your cup. However, this milk tank needs to be cleaned regularly. You will also notice in the picture that the gadget has an elaborate set of buttons.

This device is created with the following measures to avoid spills: First, the water tank is removable. Therefore, you can detach it and move it to your sink to refill it. The tank is also transparent so you can see and measure the amount of water you put in. The milk tank is also transparent. A third feature is the adjustable cup tray. The manufacturer realises that the amount of coffee you need at different times of the day is different and that the size of the cup can vary according to these needs. That’s why the ability to adjust the tray upwards for small cups and downwards for larger ones is very useful.

In keeping with its automatic nature, the machine has a self-cleaning cycle. Remember to press the button from time to time to activate the cleaning cycle.

 

Our next option is the Aicook Barista espresso maker. This machine has a few key selling points, including the touchscreen interface. This more or less resembles the multi-button controls on the One-Touch CoffeeHouse espresso and cappuccino machine from Mr Coffee, with the only difference being that you touch the controls instead of pressing them. If you look at the two machines side by side, you’ll probably notice some similarities. For example, this product has a removable milk tank. Also, if you are going to use this milk tank, it may be a good idea to put it in the fridge if there is any milk left. This way, the milk will not spoil.

The capacity of the water tank is impressive, as it holds 61.5 oz of water and whether full or half full, the water levels are visible on the back as the tank is transparent. Like many of the coffee makers we’ve listed, this gadget only works with ground coffee, so you’d do well to include it in your shopping list. Apart from the milk tank, which needs to be cleaned much more regularly, the recommended maintenance schedule is to clean the appliance every 80 brew cycles. This is only the case for soft water. For hard water, you should halve this time, i.e. every 40 cycles.

If you haven’t used the gadget for a long time or have just received it from the shop, try heating the water without adding grounds to clean the insides of the machine. In addition, the foam control knob allows anyone to set the level of foam they want in their drinks.

yes
61.5 Oz.
yes
one-touch digital display
15.3 x 13.4 x 10.5 inches
12.7 lbs.

Aicook espresso machine

Just after the Aicook Barista espresso machine is another product from the same manufacturer. This is one of the most affordable gadgets on the market. The overall design is rather simplistic with a rotary knob for all your commands. The user can prepare a maximum of four cups of coffee at a time. As you would expect from a product in this budget range, this model does not come with a built-in grinder. However, there are a few factors that might convince you that this gadget is worth buying.

For example, even though the price is low, the kitchen appliance is equipped with a steam nozzle for milk. Also, despite its large water tank, the Aicook espresso machine takes up very little space on your countertop, making it look messy. Be sure to remove the drip tray and nozzle each time you clean the machine. The manufacturer advises you to use medium grind coffee and to ensure that the handle has been turned to the lock position before starting to brew.

 

Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine

If you don’t want to mess up your coffee table or kitchen counter, this machine is ideal. In addition, it eliminates the laborious aspect of using a coffee maker by using a capsule system. No need to measure coffee or use the measuring device. In addition, because you only use coffee capsules, the design is fundamentally different from the other gadgets in our range. You can see this by the fact that there is no removable filter on the machine. In addition, the system is fully automated and is activated at the touch of a button. If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare your coffee, you can get this machine so you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing a cup.

The milk frother is supplied as a separate unit, albeit in the same packaging. Due to its small size, you can place the espresso machine almost anywhere in your kitchen. In addition, the machine allows you to choose from 5 different coffee cup sizes and capacities.

 

The latest installation on our list is a semi-automatic machine that you control using the strategically placed buttons on the upper right side of the machine. This particular installation has easy to fill water and milk tanks, which by extension means easy to clean containment parts as well. After filling the tanks and filter, the next step is to press a button or two and then wait for your favourite drink. What’s more, maintenance seems to be a breeze, as a programmed cleaning cycle is included in the unit upon purchase.

As you can see from the dimensions and weight mentioned above, you can install it in a small kitchen. A budget of around 200 euros should be enough to have it delivered to your door, give or take a few dollars.

yes
1.25L
no
yes
button controls
11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 in
10.37 lbs.

Sowtech espresso machine

For people living alone, there is simply no need to buy an elaborate machine that makes more than 5 cups of coffee at a time. You can opt for a smaller tool that meets your coffee needs, which is what this gadget offers. An added advantage is that the coffee maker is affordable, falling under the 100 euro mark. Given its small size, you can place this tool in any kitchen, no matter how cluttered or small.

As far as the controls are concerned, you only have one knob to turn and, as a result, brewing becomes a remarkably simple process. Accessories include a spoon, carafe, manual, filter and finally a funnel. If you get a frothing cup and fill it with milk, you can use the steam outlet on the side of the gadget to process your milk and then mix it with the coffee. In addition, the warranty covers the first buyer for as long as they live.

 

Features to consider when choosing a coffee and espresso maker

Below are some of the features you’ll find in most of the top rated coffee and espresso makers. You will find that some of these features are missing from some machines. Therefore, when shopping for coffee makers, you should pay particular attention to the features listed on the website or on the packaging.

Grinder

Only two of the machines on our list have a built-in grinder, which adds considerably to their cost. For coffee lovers, you may want to have full control over the brewing process from start to finish. This even extends to choosing the coffee beans in the shop, as different beans obviously give a different feel and taste. Even among the machines with a grinder, there are variations. For example, the Breville Barista Express espresso machine grinds its coffee beans directly into the filter provided, while its counterpart, the EspressoWorks all-in-one espresso and cappuccino machine, offers a plug-in option. The latter will require you to use a measuring spoon and pad to put the ground coffee onto the filter before it can be reattached to the machine.

Milk frother

Almost all of the appliances mentioned have a milk frother, as frothed milk is an essential part of making a good coffee. Where you usually take your coffee in a cafe, there is sometimes the inclusion of latte art which enhances the appearance of the coffee in addition to texturing the drink the way you like it. Since a home coffee maker is meant to take over from your usual coffee, the experience should be no different.

Some of the appliances we’ve mentioned have a built-in milk reservoir, and the frothed milk is dropped directly into your cup. A good example of this is the Café Barista coffee maker and espresso machine from Mr Coffee. However, most machines offer a steamer that you can use to manually froth the milk. You may also need to buy a frothing cup to make full use of this accessory.

Water tank capacity

The water tank influences the number of cups of coffee you can make at a time. For a single person, one to two cups in the morning is enough to last all day. Therefore, the more people in the household, the more coffee is needed. Most manufacturers list their tank capacity as a feature, and you would do well to do some quick calculations to see whether or not your needs will be met by the product you are buying.

Accessory

Some of these devices come with additional components, while with others you may need to purchase accessories to fully utilise the equipment. A foam cup is one such accessory. Having to go back to the shop to buy one may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Other accessories can include coffee cups, pads, measuring sticks, etc. You can also buy a stand-alone coffee grinder. If you already have one at home, there is no need to buy a coffee maker with a built-in grinder.

Material

What is the device made of? It may not seem like a big deal, but parents of young children know the pain of losing some of their appliances to their children’s mischief and curiosity. In addition, stronger materials mean that the device will generally last longer. Most of the tools we have mentioned are made of stainless steel with some plastic components. Even then, regular maintenance will extend the life of the appliance a little more. The fact that the manufacturer of the Aicook Barista espresso maker recommends cleaning every 80 cycles for fresh water is proof that almost all machines need to be serviced to have a longer life.

Weight

You need to place the combined coffee and espresso machine on a particular surface in your home. There are heavier machines and lighter machines. If countertops and coffee tables are weak, you may need to buy a lighter model. They can range in weight from less than 5 kilos to more than 10 kilos. Also, if you intend to move the machine from time to time, it is usually better to choose a lighter model.

Dimensions

The dimensions are likely to affect the weight of the machine. In addition, you need to consider where in your kitchen you intend to place the machine. If your worktop is large enough or if you are prepared to take up more space, you can opt for a larger model. In addition, larger models usually have more functions, although this is not always the case

Price

Price is an important consideration when you are about to buy something. Ideally, you should buy a coffee machine with all the best features from the start, so that you do not have to upgrade it later. These upgrades would be necessary when the size of the family using the machine and people’s coffee needs have increased. However, coffee machines, especially high-end models, can be expensive. If you are on a budget, you should therefore consider the cost when choosing the brand and model.

Key

Coffee machines are likely to perform differently in terms of the flavour of the drink. However, most people do not have the opportunity to taste the drink before ordering a machine for themselves. They will therefore not be able to tell whether they like what comes out of the machine or not. However, some showrooms and shops may offer you the opportunity to test a gadget by making a cup or two. If you get the chance, take it and see which machine makes the best tasting coffee, holding all other variables constant. Remember, your tastes are unique and what’s good for someone else may not be good for you.

Guarantee

Before you buy an espresso machine, check the warranty terms. Different manufacturers offer different warranties. Some offer only a one-year warranty, others a lifetime warranty. Also, what kind of damage does the warranty cover and what are the conditions for making a claim? Will you get your money back, or will the product be replaced? Does the warranty cover the whole product or just some parts?

Reputation/user experience
This may include details of the machine’s ability to produce quality coffee, whether certain parts are easily damaged, whether spare parts and replacements are readily available, how long customer service takes to respond to the customer and more. In yet another scenario, you may choose to ask your friends and family what appliances they use and what they like about them. This way, you get more detailed information, and you have the opportunity to visit them and taste the coffee they produce.

Our verdict

Of course, many or all of these factors come into play when you decide to make a purchase. So if we were in your shoes, we would probably want to make the best choice possible. As such, the following three products would be at the top of our priority list.

The EspressoWorks all-in-one espresso and cappuccino machine is one of our favourites for several reasons. The first is that if you buy this gadget, all you’re left with is the coffee. You have a frothing cup in the package, drinking cups, a grinder as part of the accessories in the box. All that’s left is for you to put your skills to work. However, this can involve a lot of work and therefore may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Our editor’s choice, the One-Touch CoffeeHouse espresso and cappuccino machine from Mr Coffee, also ranks as a potential purchase for one main reason: ease of use. You don’t have to be a coffee-making expert to use this gadget, making it one of the most accessible appliances of its calibre. The only manual tasks are filling the tanks with the respective liquids, adding coffee to the filter and reattaching the filter to the machine. Everything else is button-operated and allows the preparation of several different drinks.

Budget considerations are also an important factor for people, which is why you find the Aicook espresso machine mentioned here. You see most of the capabilities of the other coffee machines mentioned here in a cheaper package. Moreover, the machine is rather compact, so much so that finding space for it in a small kitchen would not be a problem. Almost everyone can afford this machine, and an added advantage is that it is easy to use. Since your needs are personal and unique, your favourite gadget may or may not be one of the three we mentioned. Name the product that you think would be most useful to you and explain why. One comment below is all you need.