The espresso machine reads a barcode on the side of the capsule that offers information on how much water should be used and how long the brewing process should take. If you're interested in a machine from the brand, take a look at our Nespresso machine sales (opens in new tab) page. It can create five different-sized drinks – and, during testing, the Nespresso Vertuo Next produced smooth coffee, topped with a thick crema that reformed even after we stirred in some sugar. This is a single-serve coffee machine and, as such, makes far less mess than a traditional espresso machine, as the ground coffee is contained within an aluminum capsule. If you're looking for an effortless way to make espresso at home, the Nespresso Vertuo Next ticks all the boxes.
#Espresso machines full#
Read our full review: Sage The Barista Express But if you like to be more hands-on with your coffee and enjoy the ritual of putting everything together this is tons of fun and makes really enjoyable espressos. If you just want fuss-free coffee whenever you feel like it you'd be better off with a more automatic option, and if you're short of counter space then you might be better with the smaller but equally impressive Sage Bambino. This is a great machine if you want to be your own at-home barista, but that also means it's not the best choice for every kind of coffee drinker. That might take a bit of practice, especially if you're a novice, but the sense of satisfaction is enormous. You’ll need to tamp the coffee yourself, use the razor tool to get it to the perfect level, and steam your own milk. The Barista Express is a mid-range model and sits above the entry-level espresso machine - the Bambino (opens in new tab)(opens in new tab): it has a built-in burr grinder to dispense freshly ground coffee right into the portafilter, but unlike the more automated bean-to-cup style machines from other brands, this one allows you to flex your barista skills. Known as Sage in the UK or Breville in the US and Australia, this premium kitchen appliance brand is recognized for making some of the best espresso machines (opens in new tab) you can buy.
#Espresso machines how to#
If you'd like some expert advice on how to make coffee-shop worthy drinks at home we have some great tips and tricks for you – and while you're at it, check out our guide to the game-changing coffee maker trick that will ensure you never drink bitter espresso again.Ĭoffee dispensing, tamping and using the razor can be messy That’s important in its own right, but it's also important for any coffee: a lousy espresso makes an equally lousy latte or crummy cappuccino.
However, that extra equipment adds bulk and often cost too, and you'll usually find that single-serve or pod coffee machines are faster, more affordable and take up a lot less space.įor us, though, the king of coffee machines is the espresso maker – and no matter which model you go for, they all have the same crucial feature: they make great espressos. It's worth noting that these espresso makers are a subset of the best coffee makers, which come in all shapes and sizes including some of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines: they also help you achieve barista-quality results, and because they include their own integrated bean grinder there's even less effort involved in making your morning coffee. And the best espresso machines can make those coffees and make them quickly, easily and for a fraction of what you'd pay to order in. They're also the foundation of some of the world's greatest coffees: foamy cappuccinos, milky lattes and many more. Espresso makers aren't just for making little coffees that contain so much caffeine you can't sit still, though.