Which Coffee Machine is Best For Your Kitchen?
A top-quality coffee maker can transform the way you and your family start the day. Which one is best for your kitchen?
Try the GE Cafe Speciality Grind and Brewed to get the most vibrant and powerful beverage. Its striking design will make it the focal point of your kitchen bar. The fans of smart appliances will be delighted to 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) as our top two picks, this Cuisinart model is an excellent option for those who want to make filter coffee or pods without breaking the bank. It's simple to use, inexpensive and has a range of settings that are convenient, including an automatic brew timer, and the "strong" setting for an extremely robust cup. It also comes with a removable water reservoir and reusable filter, making it easy to clean.
The polished stainless finish is timeless, and looks great in any kitchen. However, the control knob is somewhat awkward and requires some time to get used to it; the process of adjusting the timer was more like a carnival game rather than a real appliance. Families with a larger household will appreciate the capacity and programmable features, people who drink less frequently will appreciate the ability to make only one cup at each time.
In terms of brewing quality the machine performed just as well as our top picks. The brewing cycle is fairly rapid and the machine is equipped with a thermal cup that kept our coffee hot for over an hour. It did seem to draw more ground than other models however we don't think this is an issue.
This espresso maker is a fantastic option for the average person. It comes in a variety of colors that will be noticeable on any kitchen counter. It's more sophisticated than the cheaper Diletta Mio and is perfect for those who wish to make espresso as a hobby or for those who believe that coffee brewing is a crucial part of their daily routine. It has a digital PID control system that regulates in accordance with the degree it is, the temperature of the water and an actual steam wand that is connected to its own heating circuit for near-simultaneous brewing and steaming.
The only drawback to this model is that it's a little more expensive than its competitors however, it's well worth the extra cost for those who are serious about their coffee and are willing to invest some time to learn the finer aspects of espresso making. In our tests, it made espresso shots that were rich and balanced with nuanced flavors, no ashyness or bitterness.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
When you're making espresso, there's no more foolproof machine than the Breville Bambino Plus (also known as Sage by certain customers). This model looks entry-level but packs plenty of features in small dimensions. It allows newbies to experiment by using default temperature settings that yield an effortless extraction right out of the box. It also comes with clear instructions on what grinder sizes work best with its dual-wall filter baskets. It lets users alter the amount of time that the pre-infusion feature dries the coffee grounds before increasing the pressure. This allows for that the flow remains consistent and maintains the balance of flavor.
This model is also among the most user-friendly due to its easy interface and a few simple buttons. This model doesn't have a built in grinder. You'll need to purchase an espresso grinder separately.
The Bambino Plus's other strengths are the ability to automatically purge its steam wand when it has finished frothing milk, and its three different milk texture settings. It comes with a leveler made of metal and tamper that make it easier to achieve the perfect shot every time. If you're looking to take your steaming and brewing skills to the next level, this machine also 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 best for professional baristas in training and serious amateurs. The pre-infusion feature that is low-pressure ensures a balanced taste, and its 15-bar Italian pump guarantees a rich, creamy body. It is also extremely versatile with a pressure setting that can be adjusted and the ability to switch between a double-shot or single-shot volume at the touch of one button. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for kitchens with limited space. The machine is available in various colors but the sleek black finish is our top choice.
3. Moccamaster Technivorm Cup-One
The Moccamaster Technivorm Cup-One is a single-cup brewer that utilizes the highest quality of pour-over coffee. It's a greener option than the standard 10-cup brewer because it requires less energy and produces a lot less coffee grounds. If you're a dedicated home barista this is an excellent machine to consider investing in. It's also enjoyable to watch the brewing process unfold. The heating element made of copper will quickly heat the water and maintains temperatures between 91-96degC (196-205degF) to ensure optimal extraction. The cone-shaped brew basket also ensures that every bit of ground is covered with full flavor and aroma. A single cup of coffee takes only four minutes to brew, which may not seem quick in comparison to other single-cup brewers, but is still incredibly fast according to drip machine standards.
Like other Technivorm equipment as well, the Cup-One is handmade in the Netherlands and is backed by an impressive five-year warranty. It's more expensive than other automated brewers, but it comes with the peace of mind that you'll be getting an dependable and reliable brewing system that will continue to make great coffee for a long time.
This is among the most stunning brewing machines available, particularly if you choose one made of stainless steel. The brushed look is stunning and compliments any kitchen style. It is easy to clean and use. Just throw away the used filter and ground coffee, and rinse the brew basket following each use. It's important to note that this brewer can't make espresso or cold brew though, which is why we're not listing it as our top choice.
Similar to the Rancilio Silvia it's a beautiful model that looks great on display and is simple to operate. The only downside to this model is that the water tank has prominent ridges, which can be difficult to read in early morning light. Additionally there are no markings measurements for cups or ounces and it is difficult to determine how much water to add and how much in the basket. However, best coffee machine bean to cup of the brew is worth any minor problems.
4. Delonghi Eletta Explore
The Delonghi Eletta Explore is an ultra-automatic coffee maker that comes with plenty of extras. It comes with a travel cup and two milk jugs to serve hot and cold drinks, an ice cube trays to serve iced drinks and two milk jugs. It also comes with a broad variety of cold and hot coffee recipes (more 40 in total). The machine also comes with Wi-Fi and can be controlled using the Coffee Link app. Bean Adapt is its most impressive feature. It lets you test out new espresso beans using the app. It can adjust the espresso settings based on what it learns from your preferences and tastes.
Eletta's intuitive interface lets users to save and select your preferred drink sizes and also create user profiles. It also comes with a built-in grinder and can produce different kinds of ground coffee. It's the highest priced machine in our guide, but it can be an excellent investment for those looking to make many drinks, including iced ones, from a single device.
The interface is simple and easy to use however it takes some time to get familiar with the various steps needed to make an espresso or other coffees. We recommend this machine only if your intention is to make a large number of espressos and you're willing to put in the effort to operate it correctly.
The only downsides we noticed with this machine were that it takes longer to heat up than other models and the water tank does not have markings for cups or ounces. The coffee that was brewed by the machine was great and had a great flavor and texture. It's also extremely quiet when the grinder is running and when making coffee. This is the most quiet super-automatic machine that we've ever tested. A real boon for those who reside in apartments. You can also dispense your coffee straight into a cup to go using the machine's to-go function which can be very useful on rushed mornings.