May 17 2024
You do not have to spend $1,000—or even $500—to start making genuinely good espresso at home. The budget espresso-machine category has improved dramatically. Today’s affordable machines can offer fast heating systems, low-pressure pre-infusion, proper espresso extraction pressure, manual or automatic milk steaming, programmable shot volumes, temperature controls, pressure gauges, and even dedicated iced-coffee functions. But …
May 16 2024
A good espresso machine doesn’t need to take over your kitchen counter. For apartment kitchens, small coffee stations, RVs, offices, and homes where counter space is already crowded with appliances, a compact espresso machine can provide much of the functionality of a larger machine in a footprint only five or six inches wide. But dimensions …
May 15 2024
The Breville Barista Express has been one of the most recognizable home espresso machines for years. Its appeal is easy to understand. Instead of buying an espresso machine and grinder separately, the Barista Express combines a conical burr grinder, 54 mm portafilter, pressure gauge, PID-controlled Thermocoil heating system, manual steam wand, and hot-water dispenser into …
May 14 2024
Choosing the best Nespresso machine starts with a decision that is more important than the machine itself: Original or Vertuo? Nespresso operates two separate capsule systems, and their capsules are not interchangeable. Original machines concentrate primarily on traditional espresso-sized drinks, while Vertuo machines expand the concept to include everything from single espresso to full-size cups …
May 13 2024
A clean Breville espresso machine doesn’t just look better on the counter. Regular maintenance helps protect coffee flavor, keeps the steam wand working properly, prevents coffee oils from accumulating in the brewing system, and reduces problems caused by mineral scale. The confusing part is that “cleaning your Breville” can mean several completely different things. You …
May 10 2024
Choosing a Keurig used to be fairly straightforward: pick a machine, insert a K-Cup pod, and brew a cup of coffee. The current Keurig lineup is much more varied. You can still buy a simple single-serve brewer such as the K-Express, but you can also choose machines that adjust brew strength and temperature, make coffee …
May 09 2024
The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Gen 2 is designed for households that don’t want to choose between a single-serve pod machine and a traditional drip coffee maker. On a rushed weekday morning, you can insert a K-Cup pod and brew one cup. On Saturday, you can fill the filter basket with ground coffee and …
May 06 2024
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio is designed for households that can’t decide between a traditional drip coffee maker and a single-serve pod machine—and would rather not choose. Its basic idea is unusually practical: brew a full pot with ground coffee, brew one cup with a K-Cup pod, or brew one cup with your own grounds. …
May 05 2024
Ascaso occupies an interesting place in the home espresso market. The Barcelona-based company combines distinctive European design with serious home-barista features such as professional 58 mm portafilters, PID temperature control, programmable pre-infusion, adjustable brewing parameters, stainless-steel components, and fast-heating thermoblock technology. Unlike many traditional prosumer espresso machines that rely on large boilers and long warm-up …
May 04 2024
A Keurig single serve coffee maker is all about making coffee convenient. Instead of measuring grounds, preparing a filter, and brewing an entire pot, you can insert a K-Cup pod, press a button, and have one fresh cup ready in minutes. That simplicity has helped make Keurig one of the most familiar names in home …
