5 Best Home Espresso Machines: Be Your Own Barista

Did you know that you can enjoy versatile espresso-based specialized beverages from the comfort of your home? However, to do so, you need a powerful home espresso machine that is both easy to use and provides great results.

To help you with your search, we gathered all the needed information and compared the designs, and performances of top-rated models on the market. So, let us get started!

The Rundown

What Can You Expect From Home Models?

Home models are your basic espresso machines. They cost no more than 700 dollars, provide about 9 to 15 bar extraction pressure, and come with steaming wands that help you create perfect milk froth.

Are There Different Types You Can Choose From?

Unfortunately no, once you set your mind on home models, you are not left with many different modes to choose from. The ones that fit this category are usually basic automatic models that provide simple performance and require very little effort input. You are required to grind coffee and add it to the filter basket, fill up the water reservoir, set the desired operating mode, and that is it. The machine does the rest of the job for you.

Is It Worth It To Make Espresso At Home?

If you drink espresso, latte, cappuccino, or macchiato every day, then it’s more than necessary for you to purchase a machine for home use. Even if you drink espresso a few times a week, you can save a lot of your money so using the home machine will make you a profit. There are also many other benefits of having an espresso brewer at home:

• you can have your first caffeine fix right after you wake up so you don’t have to hurry to drink it outside before work
• you can save up to 1500 dollars on a year brewing espresso at home instead of drinking it in a coffee shop
• since you are diving in a bit further you get to deepen your knowledge about espresso
• you are in control of the machine’s performance and, as an extension, the results it provides
• they eliminate the need to spend money on versatile coffee shops

How Much Should I Spend On A Home Espresso Machine?

Any good home machine will set you back about 500 to 700 dollars. If this seems a bit much for your budget, you can find some models that come at a $50 price. However, be ready to give up on some features such as brew-strength control, versatile cup size adjustments, etc.

What Should I Look For In An Espresso Machine At Home?

You might feel overwhelmed by the versatility of models on the market or even think that there is a specific language that only coffee experts understand. We are here to help and explain.

Size And Design

First things first you can’t buy a model you can not fit into your kitchen. Somewhat smaller models, such as 12 x 6 x 12-inch ones, are a great option for use in space-saving kitchens. On the other hand, if you have a bit more free counter space, a somewhat bulkier 15.6 x 14.88 x 17.8-inch model will be able to fit too.

Quality & Durability

Stainless steel, as a material, is a top-quality material and a most durable one. If you do not have the option of buying a stainless steel brewer, an aluminum one is a good second choice. Although plastic ones are not the most desired ones, they are durable enough for home use.

Internal Heating System

At this price point, most machines use a single heating system that exchanges the heat between the brewing and steaming processes. The only downside of this heating system is that it does not allow you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Other than that, it still allows you to pull consistent shots.

Ideal Brewing Temperature

Let us talk about the brewing temperature. To pull a perfect shot, the brewing water should be at a temperature between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Most importantly, it needs to stay at this level throughout the brewing process. That is why models with a PID temperature control system are a great choice – they allow you to check and adjust the temperature at any point during the process.

Optimal Extraction Pressure

While a 9 bar extraction pressure is considered good for home machines, a 15 bar one (or even a higher 20 bar pressure) allows you to create professional results with a minimum effort input. The pressure should not exceed the 20 bar level as then you are left with a high risk of burning coffee.

Shot Size

While these machines do not provide many controls and adjustments, you do get to choose the shot size you want to make. A single shot is brewed using about 7 grams of coffee grounds and provides about 1 ounce of espresso. A double shot simply doubles these values – it is brewed using about 14 grams of coffee grounds and provides about 2 ounces of espresso at once. While these are basic measurements, you can make a stronger brew based on your liking.

Portafilter Design

The portafilter is the part of the machine that holds the filter basket in its place. While they do come in different diameters from 40 to 60 mm, a 58 mm size is a commercial standard for a portafilter.

Filter Basket

A filter basket holds the coffee grounds you want to use to brew espresso. Usually, these brewers come with up to 3 different filter baskets including:

• a single shot filter basket
• a double shot filter basket
• an ESE pods filter basket

ESE pods are also made out of ground coffee. What makes them convenient for use is that they come enclosed in soft filters and are already pre-measured for a perfect espresso shot.

Coffee Compatibility

Apart from coffee grounds and ESE pods, you can find some models that are suitable for use with coffee capsules too. They are a great choice for those who want to enjoy the brewing versatility and try out different brewing styles. Nowadays, capsules come in all kinds of flavors so you are not limiting yourself in any way by choosing a pod brewer.

Controls & Adjustments

These espresso makers only allow you to choose the cup size you want to brew and adjust the pressure inside that is released during the steaming process. While this may not seem like a lot, you are still in control over the brew strength and the thickness of the frothed milk.

Steaming Performance

You can not expect automatic frothing mechanisms from home models. They come with a manual frothing wand. Now, this is a great thing as only a wand provides you with complete control over the steaming performance.

Bottom Drip Tray

Although it may not seem like an important part of the machine, the bottom drip tray catches all accidental spills from the machine and keeps your countertops clean. Make sure that the tray is not too shallow as you will need to empty it more often.

Water Reservoir Capacity

Since these machines come with a water reservoir you need to make sure that it is accessible, easy to refill, and clean. Also, the larger it is, the fewer refills you will need to make. If you brew many servings throughout the day, go straight for ones with a large 2-liter reservoir. If not, any model with a reservoir that holds enough water for about 2 to 3 servings will do fine.

5 Best Home Espresso Machines

The first model we reviewed comes with a grinder and provides a 15 bar extraction pressure. The second one offers fewer features but provides a higher 20 bar extraction pressure. Read on to learn more about their features and differences.

Cyetus All in One Espresso Machine

This espresso machine works perfectly not only for espresso but for cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos too. Its touch screen control panel is simplified and very easy to use. As a result, you can make desired adjustments within only a few seconds.

The amazing thing about this brewer is its coffee bean grinder, It offers 30 different adjustable settings to ensure that you can try out different brewing styles. Since it is a top-quality conical burr grinder, it preserves all the delicious aromas from the beans without leaving them with a burnt flavor.

With its intelligent PID temperature control system, this machine allows you to keep its brewing temperature in check throughout the brewing process. This feature ensures that you get consistent brewing results shot after shot.

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Bonsenkitchen Espresso Machine

With its high 20 bar extraction pressure, this espresso brewer provides you with barista-style beverages with every use. You get to enjoy all the delicious coffee flavors whether you are brewing a clean espresso shot or espresso/milk-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, etc.

Keep in mind that this machine provides you with the versatility of brewing espresso with both ground coffee and coffee pods. You can also select the desired cup size you want to make. It features a small backlit control panel thanks to which you can make desired adjustments as easy as possible.

Its frothing wand is powerful enough to create bot thin milk crema for latte art and thick froth for perfect cappuccinos. It comes with a convenient handle piece thanks to which you never have to worry about heat burns. It even has a detachable protective enclosure you should wrap it in while you are not using it.

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Gevi Espresso Coffee Machine

This is another 15 bar machine with a very simple control panel. It consists of a simple selector knob and LED indicator lights that will let you know which function is currently set. The selector knob allows you to switch it from the brewing to the steaming process by simply turning it in the needed direction.

Note that this model comes with a specially designed intelligent temperature control system that keeps its temperature at a stable level. Also, it provides two separate thermostats, one for the brewing process and one for the steaming process to ensure that you achieve the best results with both.

The top of the machine also works as a convenient cup warming tray. Thanks to this feature you never have to worry that your brew will lose its flavor once it gets in contact with the cups. The bottom drip tray of the machine is completely removable to ensure that you can easily clean it after every use.

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Jassy Espresso Machine

This espresso maker features a powerful thermal fast heating system that works in a combination with a powerful ODM high-pressure pump. As a result, your brew will be extracted at a stable 19 bar pressure at a 197°F temperature level.

Although it is made for use only with ground coffee, you can still enjoy versatility with this machine. You can use it to make a latte, cappuccino, or a Moka. You can even use it as a hot water dispenser and quickly make tea or even an oat mal for breakfast.

Its water reservoir is positioned at the back of the machine and features a completely transparent design thanks to which you will always be able to tell when it is the time to refill it. It is completely removable so you can easily refill it and clean it whenever you need to.

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Laekerrt Espresso Maker

As is the case with all the listed models, this machine under $200 is fairly easy to use too. Simply add water, load the filter basket with ground coffee, insert the portafilter and lock it in its place, and start the brewing process. In less than a minute, you will have a delicious brew in your espresso cup.

The top plate of the machine works as a cup warming tray. It allows you to heat your espresso cups to ensure that the brew remains at its optimal temperature for a much longer time. In front of the warming plate are located the control buttons that allow you to choose between a single and double shot size.

With its stable steam control system, this brewer is a great option if you want to have a shot at creating beautiful latte art pieces. You can control the amount of steam that is dispensed during the steaming system by turning the small rotating knob above the steaming wand.

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How To Make An Espresso At Home?

Here are some step by step instructions for brewing a perfect espresso shot:

1. Grind your coffee – make a fine grind using your favorite freshly roasted coffee beans. Use about 7 to 9 grams for a single shot or 14 to 18 grams for a double shot (depending on how strong you like your brew to be).
2. Add grounds to the filter and tamp them down – use the tamper to apply the perfect amount of pressure on the coffee grounds until they are fully compressed.
3. Time to pull a shot – lock the portafilter into its place and turn the machine on to start the brewing process. Since most home models use an automatic system, your shot will be delivered straight into a cup within about 25 to 30 seconds.

You might need some time to get the hang of the brewing fineness, but practice makes perfect. If you think your brew is a bit watery, add more grounds to the next brew you make; if you notice that the machine needs more than 30 seconds to pull a shot, consider using a smaller amount of coffee or opt for a bit coarser grind.

Can You Make An Espresso At Home Without A Machine?

Yes, although it might seem impossible, you can brew espresso without an actual espresso machine. It’s possible to do it using a bowl or a coffee pot. It’s a similar method as brewing with a Moka pot since all these things require a stovetop. The process is simple: just boil the water and when it reaches a temperature of 176 to 212°F, remove it from the heat source and add ground coffee. One or one and a half of a kitchen spoon full of coffee is enough for one espresso.

If you want to make a latte or macchiato without a machine, a shaker will serve you well. Just pour cold milk (it’s important that it’s cold) into the shaker, shake it for a half minute, pour the foam into a cup but not to the top, and place it into the microwave. When the foam starts to rise, remove the cup and add the foam to the espresso. The texture and even taste won’t be the same as you brew it with a machine, but the taste is good in its way.

How To Thoroughly Clean Espresso Maker?

Make sure to clean your espresso machine both between every shot you make and at the end of every day. This won’t take you a lot of time, simply follow these steps:

• flush the brew head between and after every espresso shot you make
• wipe the filter baskets and the rubber seals after every use
• clean the steam wand using a damp cloth every time you use the steamer
• remove the water reservoir, wash it under the tap, and dry it up using a kitchen cloth

Here is a more detailed video that will help you maintain your machine in its perfect condition: