

The machines here differ from the picks in our Best Espresso Machines roundup in a couple of important ways. That's why we've put together a list of machines that make excellent milk-based or alternative-milk-based beverages at the touch of a button (or a couple buttons). Making a barista-worthy espresso is tough enough, but adding the right amount of milk and foam, perfectly heated and combined, is surprisingly daunting. Sadly, creating the perfect cap or caffe latte at home can be a hassle. Just writing about these delicious, warming drinks makes us want one. “So, for me, it is very intuitive and easy to use and has more power than most at-home espresso machines I’ve tried.” This stylish, compact model features a dual-boiler system, PID control (this helps better regulate brewing variables, such as temperature and pressure), and a speedy heat-up time, so you know you’ll always be crafting café-quality coffee and espresso.A good latte or cappuccino is like a rich, milky mug of heaven. “It’s a super compact version from the same Linea family of machines we started using eight years ago at Maman,” says Burke. In that case, there’s also the Linea Micra ($3,900), which comes recommended by Caitlin Burke, the beverage director of Maman. Suppose you’re interested in a La Marzocco espresso machine, but need something slightly more affordable. It also has a convertible portafilter, which lets you quickly switch between single-spout (great for single-cup brewing), double-spout (when you need to brew two cups at once), and bottomless portafilters (which allows you to see right into your filter basket) in just seconds. This particular model has dual boilers, which is great to have for better espresso extraction and milk frothing capability. Tam points out that La Marzocco is the “industry standard” and is used in a lot of high-volume commercial settings.
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McGauhey particularly likes that this manual machine is made with commercial components that “stand the test of time.” “My dream home espresso machine is a Linea Mini,” says McGauhey. This especially is helpful during weekends or busy mornings before heading off to work.Īlthough La Marzocco espresso machines are very costly, they are some of the most beloved and sought-after models on the market by experts and home brewers alike. “My favorite thing about it is that you can schedule a timer on the machine, and the machine will be ready to brew by the time you need it,” says Cortes. It also comes with a ton of useful accessories including dual wall filter baskets, an integrated tamper, and a water filter. If you’re looking for a Breville model that offers even more, then Cortes, a barista and assistant manager at Cafe Grumpy's Coral Gables location, recommends the pricier Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL because it doesn’t require heavy maintenance for normal use and is easy to take apart and clean. It also has an impressive three-second heat-up time. This model comes in six different colors and is also equipped with a swivel steam wand and frothing nozzle, perfect for those mornings when you feel like a latte or cappuccino. “It has an onboard grinder and detachable hopper, which is spectacular because, as we all know, the grinder is the most important tool in our coffee toolkit,” says Markiewicz.
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Josey Markiewicz, senior director of the café at La Colombe, likes the Breville Barista Pro because of its ease of use and relatively compact design. When choosing, she typically likes to go for a blend of two to three coffees to help add more complexity and structure. “That simply indicates that it fits the roast category,” she explains. She also says that you don’t need to look for the word ‘espresso’ on the bag. When picking out coffee for your espresso maker, look for a slightly heavier roast profile, “either a medium or dark roast, depending on your flavor preference,” Lyndia McGauhey, head of training and development at Verve Coffee Roasters, tells SELF.
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“So including that into your budget is important too.” How to pick the right coffee for your espresso machine “There is so much focus on the espresso machine when setting up a brew bar, but a great grinder is also essential,” Anita Tam, Specialty Coffee Association judge and CEO of Slow Pour Supply, tells SELF. A coffee grinder helps crush coffee beans into grounds that can then be brewed. It’s not just about choosing the best espresso machine: Experts also stress that you shouldn’t forget to purchase a high-quality coffee grinder if your espresso maker does not already have a built-in grinder.
