The best espresso machines in 2025, tried and tested

CNN

2 days ago

The best espresso machines we tested
Best espresso machine: De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew
Best budget espresso machine: Breville Bambino
Best superautomatic espresso machine: Terra Kaffe TK-02 Investing in the best espresso machine means starting your day with a rich, smooth and robust espresso shot topped with a lovely layer of crema instead of a disappointingly weak one that doesn't hit that sweet spot. Trust me: I've tested my fair share of espresso machines, and unlike Nespresso machines, which all deliver relatively the same espresso and coffee quality, I know from experience that getting a subpar espresso machine isn't worth it to save a few extra bucks.
Unlike drip coffee makers, espresso machines brew highly concentrated coffee. And in recent years, there's been a huge spike in interest in home espresso machines with more and more people craving that caffeine jolt sans a trip to the nearest coffee shop.
To help you get the closest café experience at home, I tested 13 espresso machines over several months, excluding, of course, portable espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers. The espresso machines I tested range in price from around $87 to nearly $2,000 with varying levels of performance, build quality and feature sets. After more than 50 pounds of coffee beans and hundreds of shots, I found the three best espresso machines you can use at home.
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine With Cold Brew
With a very short heat-up time, an excellent tamper and deliciously rich results, the La Specialista Opera is a fantastic midrange espresso machine that makes the coffee extraction process easy for both beginners and the experienced.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
Compact and simple yet capable of producing rich, delicious shots, this simple yet powerful espresso machine is a great option if you are discerning about your coffee but don't have as big of a budget.
Terra Kaffe TK-02 Superautomatic Espresso Machine
Smooth, rich, delicious brews come out of the Terra Kaffe TK-02 as if there's magic going on inside this espresso machine, making it the best superautomatic I've tested. It's also incredibly easy to use. Despite the price difference, I struggled picking a favorite, torn among the semiautomatics, the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera and the Breville Oracle Jet. In the end, however, the La Specialista Opera won me over with its affordable price and rich, smooth and balanced results.
This machine allowed me to pull espresso shots, lattes and cappuccinos that were near-perfect almost every time, with few setting adjustments, which makes it the best espresso machine for both experienced and inexperienced users.
The La Specialista Opera takes a simpler approach in terms of drink presets as well, keeping the number of options limited to five, including its cold presets, and it produced great results from the get-go. I never felt the need to dive too far into the customizations, but if you'd like to, you can still adjust the dose level, grind size and infusion temperature, which means the La Specialista Opera is well suited for the more experienced user or those who want to improve their barista skills.
Its grind and tamp system is better and offers a little more input from its user than the other machines like the Oracle Jet, which I liked. I particularly love the De'Longhi's steam wand, which, with just a little bit of daily practice, allowed me to yield smooth microfoam with nondairy milk alternatives — or at least as close to it as I could get. Unlike other models in the machine's price range, this steam wand, much like the boiler, also heats up quickly.
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Sadly, I cannot say the same about its cold brew preset, which takes a few minutes longer to churn out than some other machines in our testing pool. And since I'm on the topic, the most glaring disadvantage here is that the bean hopper isn't removable, making it hard to clean. However, as far as downsides go, that isn't a huge deal.
All things considered, the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew is still one of the best espresso machines we've tested. Factor in its price, and it deserves this top spot.
While I'm still testing products for our guide on the best budget espresso machines (and by that, I mean machines priced $300 and lower), I can't help but think that I already have a winner in the Breville Bambino. It's twice the price of iour previous budget pick, the De'Longhi Stilosa, but as a general rule of thumb with espresso machines, spending a little more rewards you with a better experience (to a certain point). And that's the case here.
This semiautomatic espresso machine from Breville is simple and straightforward, missing most of the extra frills of other semiautomatics, like the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew and the Breville Oracle Jet. It also skips some features its slightly pricier counterpart, the Breville Bambino Plus, has: It neither froths your milk automatically nor releases pressure after you pull a shot.
However, for an espresso machine in its price range, it comes with an impressive feature set that includes a PID controller that delivers a consistent brewing temperature, a great steam wand that works surprisingly quickly and a hot water button. It also has a fast start-up and comes with a nice set of accessories (four filter baskets, a tamper and a milk frothing pitcher). These are highly useful upgrades from that $150 machine you're probably eyeing, especially since many of those cheaper machines are slow and tend to pull shots that aren't hot enough.
I also adore the Breville Bambino's portable, space-saving footprint. It's among the most compact models in our testing pool, which makes the fact that it comes with more advanced features even more impressive. Of course, that also means sacrifices need to be made. The water reservoir is just under 1.5 liters, so expect to refill it often. It's also not hefty enough to remain stationary when you're twisting and locking the portafilter in, which can be annoying.
Those don't feel like deal breakers, though, especially because the espresso shots you get from this machine are almost as delicious as what you'd get from its pricier rivals — smooth, rich and decently balanced, albeit not as strong. The steam wand is not great with milk alternatives but with a little practice and some milk frothing prowess, you might get close to producing microfoam for your favorite coffee drinks.
Of course, my pick of the best budget espresso machine could change when I finish my testing, but even then, you can't go wrong with the Breville Bambino if you love great-tasting espresso and coffee drinks but don't have the funds for a $700 machine.
According to Casey Wojtalewicz, co-owner of Canyon Coffee and a coffee connoisseur, superautomatic espresso machines are the 'ultimate convenience and luxury for making quality espresso. If one loves espresso but doesn't care for the craft, nuance or meticulousness of the [whole process], an automatic machine is much preferred to K-Cups or Nespresso because you can choose your preferred roaster and whole bean coffee, and have fresh-ground espresso.'
Those with discerning coffee tastes tend to stay away from automatic and superautomatic espresso machines, however. Although these machines offer a degree of customizability, most are not capable of producing rich and robust results that would satisfy people who are very particular about their coffee.
The Terra Kaffe TK-02 seems to be an exception to that rule. This superautomatic doesn't just deliver excellent espresso shots and coffee drinks; it makes them in a way that somehow enhances the coffee's flavor as if tiny baristas were doing all the work inside its ultra-modern casing. This, my friends, is the superautomatic espresso machine we all wish we had in our offices, and it more than earned its spot in this best espresso machines guide.
I couldn't believe it at first, so I did a lot of side-by-side and blind tests with other automatic machines like the similarly pricey De'Longhi Eletta Explore with Cold Brew and the more affordable De'Longhi Magnifica Plus. And it truly did consistently deliver richer, smoother and tastier drinks than its rivals, even at its default setting. The only thing that ever came close was the newer De'Longhi Rivelia. So, while it didn't do as great a job making microfoam with dairy substitutes like oat milk for cappuccinos and lattes, I hardly noticed.
For such a modern-looking machine, the Terra Kaffe TK-02 is also surprisingly easy to use and customize, allowing you to personalize your favorite drinks just the way you like them with simple presses on its massive and intuitive touch menu (or via the app, which offers a few more customization options). I also love that you can easily adjust the spout height to minimize splatter and attach or detach the milk carafe, making it a no-brainer even for the uninitiated.
Like most machines, it does have a few drawbacks, the biggest of which is that it takes longer to heat up and be ready for brewing than other automatic machines. It takes about a minute to prep, which feels like a long time in the world of espresso machines. But after a week of use, I haven't found that to be a massive obstacle to getting my caffeine fix. In fact, after a while, I stopped noticing. It also sticks to the basics and doesn't have as extensive a drink menu as the Eletta Explore or the Magnifica Plus.
If getting delicious-tasting, higher-quality coffee drinks from a fully automatic espresso machine is your top priority, however, nothing beats the Terra Kaffe TK-02. Throw in its intuitive user interface and you truly have the best espresso machine if you want the convenience of a superautomatic.
Because it wasn't easy to test all the machines in one go (the amount of available counterspace played a huge role), I did two rounds of testing: the first in November and December 2024, and the second, whose product pool consisted of many of the latest releases, several months later.
That said, I made sure to keep as many variables consistent as possible. I tested each machine every day for a week, and while I didn't use the same coffee beans, I made sure to stick only to medium and medium-dark roasts such as the Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso, Canyon Coffee Sagebrush, Cafecito Organico Guatemala Blend and Trader Joe's Virunga Mountains beans from Silverback Coffee of Rwanda.
Additionally, not all models I tested came with a built-in grinder so I used some of our best-tested coffee grinders to do the job, including the Baratza Encore ESP and the Fellow Opus Conical Burr.
To whittle down the long list to the best espresso machines, I focused on the following criteria during product review and testing.
Quality of coffee extraction: Although the taste of an espresso shot is somewhat subjective, the quality isn't, so I judged every espresso machine's performance based on its ability to produce rich espresso with a balanced flavor profile, a lovely layer of crema and a nice, hot temperature.
Quality of milk froth: Believe it or not, built-in steam wands also vary in performance and ability to produce microfoam. So, during my testing, I wasn't just pulling espresso; I was also honing my milk steaming skills where applicable. In the case of the superautomatic machines, I assessed each frother's ability instead. I used both regular milk and milk alternatives during these tests.
Heat-up time: Some espresso machines take longer to start up and heat up than others. As someone who enjoys the slow and deliberate art of manually pulling espresso shots, I am used to slow startups. However, we don't have that kind of time when we're rushing off to work every morning, so I made sure to note the time it takes for each machine to be ready once it's turned on. I also noted how much water it consumes during startup and shutdown.
Build quality: I assessed the materials each machine and its accessories, such as the included portafilter and tamper, are made of to see if they're built to last. I also noted each machine's controls and display to see if they're responsive and robust enough to endure repeated use over the years.
Water tank capacity: Constantly filling up a water tank can be annoying, so having a water tank that lasts a while is a good thing, and I noted the number of drinks I could make before the machine required a refill. Of course, water consumption also depends on how much the machine flushes out during startup and shutdown.
Ease of use: Most semiautomatic and superautomatic machines are designed to have an intuitive initial setup and a very easy user interface. However, some are easier than others. So, I made sure to jot down any information of note during setup and testing.
Extra features: I noted any extra features each machine had, including app support, the ability to produce microfoam with milk alternatives and more, testing them and assessing if they add value to the machine.
Ease of cleanup and maintenance: 'Do not sleep on cleaning,' said Wojtalewicz, even when you don't have a commercial espresso machine. Cleaning and maintenance are just as important, if not as frequent, to keep your home espresso machines in tiptop shape, especially with heavy use. So, I wanted to make sure that this is easy on users. After all, adulting is hard, and we already have enough responsibilities without adding one more.
Price: When shopping for espresso machines, at what point do you start to see diminishing returns? While there are expensive espresso machines, their price tags are not necessarily an indication of quality espresso and convenience. So, I factored each machine's performance, design and features, compared those to its price tag and its rivals to see if it's worth your investment.
Warranty: Espresso machines require proper care and maintenance, but even with that, unexpected issues can still arise, like when I experimented with new coffee beans that turned out hard to grind, causing issues with the Breville Oracle Jet's grinder. You'll want to know the terms of the manufacturer's warranty and what your coverage is when such problems happen.
Customer service: Luckily, my Breville Oracle Jet grinder issue was an easy fix, but after a couple of attempts without help, it was necessary for me to reach out to customer service to figure out what was wrong. Luckily, Breville has an incredible customer service department that even connected with me on video so they could see what was happening with the machine in real-time and walk me through the process. This is the level of customer service you want when investing in an espresso machine and, therefore, what I sought during testing.
Even if you've never used one, choosing the best espresso machine doesn't have to be a stressful experience. However, there are a few things you need to know before making your decision.
When choosing, pay attention to a machine's build and design, how easy and intuitive it is to use and how much maintenance and cleaning it needs. Read up on its overall performance as well, as there's a reason why some espresso machines cost more than $300 and others are under $100. While it isn't a hard and fast rule, cheap espresso machines aren't usually known to make rich, robust espresso shots at the ideal temperature.
Entry-level espresso machines often compromise coffee-extraction quality and milk-frothing texture for convenience. Put plainly, you won't get café-quality espresso drinks unless you spend hundreds of dollars.
So, if you're discerning about your coffee and want the best espresso machine, you'll need to consider that. Speaking from experience, I recommend spending more for a better model than going for something cheap and being unhappy with the espresso you're drinking every day.
Choose your ideal type of espresso machine
There are several types of espresso machines. I won't get into the nitty-gritty, but it's still important to know what each one does so you can make an informed decision and choose the best espresso machine for your needs.
Superautomatic espresso machine: A superautomatic espresso machine like the Terra Kaffe TK-02 does the whole espresso-making process for its users, from the grinding of the coffee beans to the steaming and frothing of milk, all with the press of a button. Modern superautomatic espresso machines usually offer customizations so users can personalize their espresso shots and coffee drinks based on their preferences.
Automatic espresso machine: Think of an automatic espresso machine as similar to a superautomatic in that it'll pull your shot for you based on a pre-set volume with just a press of a button, but it won't necessarily do things like grind your beans, tamp your coffee or froth your milk.
Semiautomatic espresso machine: A semiautomatic machine, such as the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew, offers some automations while still requiring input from and allowing some level of manual control to its users. As to which manual controls are available, that depends on the model.
Manual espresso machine: A manual espresso machine is exactly what it sounds like. It gives users a whole lot of control over their shots, including pulling the shots themselves and controlling the volume of extraction.
De'Longhi Rivelia Superautomatic Espresso Machine
Arguably De'Longhi's best superautomatic espresso machine yet, the Rivelia finally makes it to the US with its delicious espresso shots and coffee drinks, as well as a robust feature set that includes a swappable bean hopper system and capability to handle milk alternatives. De'Longhi may have finally cracked the code on semiautomatics, and I'm here for it … not because it's never been done before, as Terra Kaffe has long ago proven, but because its previous offerings typically required some fine-tuning to get those shots and drinks right. By default, the presets on those machines were too watery and not very coffee-heavy.
The De'Longhi Rivelia comes to the rescue, finally hitting the espresso machine aisle with its delicious espresso shots and coffee presets. Its drinks are richer (and less milky) than what the De'Longhi Eletta Explore or the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo delivered during my tests, before any customizations.
It also comes with an impressive feature set that includes two swappable bean hoppers (so instead of dosing, you can have dedicated hoppers for different beans) and a milk frother specifically designed to handle milk alternatives. Of course, if you'd like to personalize the drinks, it lets you do so as well. Not to mention, you can create different profiles for different users.
The big question is, how does the De'Longhi Rivelia measure up to our top pick, the Terra Kaffe TK-02? While the Rivelia is considerably more compact, the TK-02 still wins in brewing prowess, at least during my tests. I still want to delve deeper into the comparison, maybe ask a couple of friends over for a blind taste test, but for now, the TK-02 gets to keep its crown.
KitchenAid KF6 Superautomatic Espresso Machine
Another great superautomatic espresso machine, this slightly more affordable model delivers decent shots with a gorgeous crema and good coffee drinks. I wish the control panel were more straightforward, though. KitchenAid is hardly a newcomer in kitchen appliances, but in the espresso machines arena, it is a rookie, having only launched its first machines in 2024. It seems to have a knack for them, though, at least based on my experience with the KitchenAid KF6, one of its more affordable superautomatic machines.
Though not as great as what Terra Kaffe TK-02 has delivered, the espresso and coffee drinks it produced were good, with the shots being rich, robust and decently balanced with a thick, beautiful crema that you'd normally expect from semiautomatic and manual machines. The machine is also slightly quieter than others in my product pool, which is a nice feature to have when you desperately need your early morning shot but the rest of the house is still in a deep slumber.
The KitchenAid KF6 is a beautiful machine, but I wish it had the same compact footprint as the De'Longhi Rivelia — or at least a much bigger water tank. It would also have been nice to have a more intuitive control panel (so you can get your coffee sooner) and a water tray that's much easier to remove for emptying and cleaning.
Casabrews 5700 Pro Semiautomatic Espresso Machine
This latest semiautomatic espresso machine from Casabrews is a great, affordable option that offers users a lot of control, including fine-tuning the grind size and amount. However, it requires some intermediate experience to properly operate. I admire what Casabrews is trying to do in an industry that's unapologetically pretentious about its pricey, elegant tools and gadgets. The brand is hoping to make the craft of espresso-making more accessible, not to mention more affordable. And looking at its lineup of affordable espresso machines, I think it's doing a good job so far.
You'd think the Casabrews 5700 Pro, one of the brand's most premium machines, is more expensive than its $600 price, with its sleek, decent-quality design that's reminiscent of the Breville Oracle Jet, the number of features it comes with and the amount of control it offers users despite being a semiautomatic.
That said, this is undoubtedly one of the best espresso machines to consider if you adore the slow and mindful ritual of grinding, tamping, dosing and even adjusting your grind size but your can't shell out more than $1,000 on your machine. However, for better or worse, that level of control also makes it a little inaccessible to the less initiated.
This espresso machine needs a bit of dialing in, at least in the beginning, which is actually more than it should require considering it's a semiautomatic machine. Heck, it took me more tries to get this one just right than it did the handful of manual espresso machines I tested. And based on the reviews I read online, I wasn't the only one to have that experience. What's more, it couldn't get the temperature of its brews consistently hot.
If you're looking for an affordable espresso machine to hone your barista skills on, this is a great machine to get. If you just want a machine that'll give you good coffee on demand and without fuss, my top pick is a more suitable investment.
Smeg Collezione Espresso Machine
Smeg may be better known for its retro aesthetic, but it also makes quality espresso machines, including this lever one that gives you some control over your espresso and coffee drinks. The Smeg Collezione Semi-Professional espresso machine doesn't fall far from the Smeg tree in terms of design. Not only does it feel robust and well made but it also flaunts the brand's signature retro aesthetic and simple, intuitive controls.
I love the fact that it comes with buttons as well as a lever and a steam dial. It offers you the best of both worlds: the convenience of an automatic machine and the control and slow ritual of a manual one, however limited that control might be.
I do wish it offered the customizations of the other semiautomatics I tested and that it came with a grinder, as these would have helped justify its above-$1,500 price tag and rounded up the whole process in a single machine. But I still enjoy pulling shots with its lever, something you only tend to see on fully manual machines.
The Smeg Collezione Semi-Professional also produces good espresso, especially after dialing in your grind size, and it manages to decently froth milk alternatives. However, it feels like one of those machines you have to spend a lot of time with in order to figure out the best beans, grind size and more.
With all the other options out there — some with a bit more control, others with a more affordable price tag — this Smeg espresso machine is only a good option if you're into its look and design.
Breville Oracle Jet Semiautomatic Espresso Machine
The Breville Oracle Jet may be pricey, but it's worth every cent if you can afford it. It offers plenty of customizations and a thorough first-time user guide that novice espresso machine users will love. It also has many thoughtful, useful details that coffee lovers will enjoy. For a semiautomatic espresso machine, the Breville Oracle Jet came very close to topping this list as the best espresso machine. It packs a lot of features, making it the perfect compromise between a fully automatic and a manual machine.
There are so many features available that it was hard to choose a favorite. But if I must, I'd have to go with the initial guided 'calibration' that Breville thoughtfully includes. Not only does it make it easy for inexperienced espresso machine users to learn how to pull espresso just right but it gives a quick tutorial on how to use all the available customizations, of which it has plenty. My second favorite feature is the steam wand itself, which has both automatic and manual operations, and can handle nondairy milk alternatives well.
Sadly, Oracle Jet leaned toward a more bitter brew, despite adjusting the grind size four times, and it took a good bit of tweaking to pull a more balanced and less bitter result with the same batch of Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso beans we used to test our top pick. That's one of the two reasons why this eventually lost that top spot; the other was that it's out of many people's budget.
However, if you have the cash and need something that's just as customizable as a fully automatic machine, I highly recommend the Breville Oracle Jet. It's so luxe, you will be the envy of the entire neighborhood.
De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine
A cheaper, more space-saving De'Longhi alternative to our top pick, the Arte Evo comes with all the basic presets and features you need to pull great espresso and craft coffee drinks. If the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew is a little too big for your counter space (not to mention, too pricey for your pockets), then CNN Underscored senior digital content strategist Hannah Lauson highly recommends the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo.
This less expensive and more compact version of the Opera has 'fewer bells and whistles,' according to Lauson — among those missing is a built-in tamper — however, it comes with a burr grinder, a barista kit and 'four presets for espresso, americano, cold brew and hot water … [as well as] a cold espresso setting.'
That's certainly more than enough to craft creative coffee drinks yourself, especially since, according to Lauson, the Arte Evo 'made consistently good espresso, easily grinding down different beans quickly and quietly. It also made cold brew in under five minutes, which had a consistent flavor each time.' Among her favorite features was 'the steam wand that heated up extremely fast and made light and fluffy foam that elevated every latte I had,' she said.
If you love the idea of the Opera but want something more affordable and space-saving, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo might be a good match for you.
Casabrews Neutron Pro Espresso Machine
The Neutron Pro is a decent espresso machine and another affordable option if you're looking for something that's a few steps above the entry-level models. Investing in a good grinder is key if you want to make the most of the Casabrews Neutron Pro, as this affordable espresso machine doesn't come with a built-in grinder. Trust me; I tried using a cheap grinder with it, and the espresso shots it pulled from those grounds were subpar at best. However, with the right grinder, leveler and tamper, I was able to get it to yield results that were on par with the slightly more expensive Casabrews 5700 Gense.
So now, the question is, why would you opt for the Neutron Pro when the 5700 Gense (below) comes with a built-in grinder as well as a leveler and a tamper in the box for only $50 more? Well, while the latter is beginner-friendly, the Neutron Pro is ideal for more experienced users, offering extraction temperature adjustments. It also comes with an automatic milk frother, which works well even though I would have liked a bit more range of motion to make it easier to slide a frothing pitcher in, as well as a dedicated Americano button. So, if you want to hone your barista skills and are willing to invest in higher-quality accessories, the Casabrews Neutron Pro is the one to get.
Casabews 5700 Gense Semiautomatic Espresso Machine
Despite having very minimal customizations, the CasaBrews 5700 Gense pulls well-balanced shots, making it a great espresso machine for folks seeking an affordable option. While having a great grinder is vital, it's hard to find a cheap espresso machine that consistently pulls rich and balanced espresso shots, as many of them can't hit that sweet spot in temperature to deliver great results. So, if your budget permits it, I recommend spending a little more for a better return on investment, and something like the Casabrews 5700 Gense offers exactly that.
At under $600, this semiautomatic machine can pull good espresso shots without burning a massive hole in your wallet. With just a bit of grind size experimentation and guidance from its built-in pressure indicator, you'll be able to extract delicious results, as I did during testing. You'll also feel like a pro doing it due to its conical burr grinder that will let you tweak the grind size and dose level settings, allowing you a higher level of control that you won't get on cheaper models.
I'm not a huge fan of its steam wand, which takes a little longer to heat, but all things considered, the Casabrews 5700 Gense is a terrific option for folks who are more discerning about their espresso and coffee drinks but don't want to spend more than $600 on a machine.
De'Longhi Eletta Explore Superautomatic Espresso Machine
The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is superautomatic, programmable and Wi-Fi enabled, and offers an app to control it remotely. It comes with a two-year warranty. I loved the simplicity, diversity and quality of the De'Longhi Eletta Explore (read our full review). If you love coffee but care more about the taste of the drink than the art of the espresso pull, this machine can brew you a variety of tasty hot or cold drinks with the press of a few buttons. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore has over 50 preset drink options, automatic cleaning cycles and the option to create personal profiles to save your favorite drinks.
The only thing I didn't quite love about this machine was its price. There are more affordable superautomatic espresso machines available. And if you already know how to make good espresso on a budget, you can stick with a traditional, manual espresso maker like the De'Longhi Stilosa. But if you find yourself hopping to Starbucks or your local coffee shop for your fix, where drinks can cost upwards of $6 per cup, you might be willing to make the long-term investment in this machine, which can satisfy every taste in your household.
Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Bosch's 800 Series Espresso Machine delivers a quality of espresso shots and coffee drinks that not many superautomatics are capable of (save for the Terra Kaffe TK-02). It even makes a good cup of single-serve drip coffee. I didn't initially expect much from the Bosch 800 Series espresso machine when I tested it. After all, the Bosch name doesn't often come up in the conversation of best coffee maker brands. But let me let you, I finished testing thoroughly impressed. For one, I was floored that a superautomatic could make such quality coffee, and two, that Bosch does, in fact, deserve to be mentioned alongside the more experienced coffee machine companies.
What sets the 800 Series apart from much of the superautomatic competition is just how much it's able to brew. Espresso shots, coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, and even a cup (or cups, plural) of brewed drip coffee — it does it all. And better yet, it does all that really well. Part of that is due to the fact that it has a built-in grinder, so I always knew I was getting freshly brewed coffee from freshly ground beans. That makes a big difference.
It's also incredibly easy to use, making it an appealing choice for espresso machine newbies. Should you buy this over the TK-02? I'd say the Terra Kaffe slightly edges out the 800 Series model, but the margin is quite close. If you're a Bosch fan, you'll get your money's worth with an investment in this machine, no doubt.
The following FAQs were answered by Casey Wojtalewicz, co-owner of Canyon Coffee.
What are the best beans for espresso?
What are the best beans for espresso?
According to Wojtalewicz, '[It] truly has entirely to do with the flavor profile somebody wants. I'd like to contribute to dispelling the myth that there is a 'correct' or 'proper' espresso bean. There's no such thing. Conventionally, you have seen dark roasted coffees dominate as 'espresso roasts' in America because it's easier to maintain consistency if you burn the coffee.'
For beginners, he recommends 'a roast in the medium world by a specialty roaster. A medium roast is going to have a little more time in the roaster to increase solubility (literally, enhance the 'readiness' of the espresso for the water to hit and extract it) and be a little more forgiving when you're trying to pull a good shot.'
'[For people who] 'like a little coffee with their milk,' you could go darker, as that's just going to give you a baseline coffee flavor to cut through the milk,' he said. 'For [those] who love getting interesting and unique flavors in their espresso, I'd recommend all the fun processed coffees out there or going for a high-elevation single origin. My pick to start with would be Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee.'
Does water quality matter when making espresso?
Does water quality matter when making espresso?
'You cannot have good coffee without good water,' Wojtalewicz said. 'When you consider the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of espresso or the literal percentage of 'coffee' in the constitution of your espresso, you're typically aiming for between 9% and 11%. As espresso is simply coffee and water, that means your shot (or double shot) is 91% to 89% water.'
For the best espresso shots, he recommends using reverse-osmosis filtered water. 'If you have control over it, an ideal TDS of your water is between 100 to 125 PPM (mineral content),' he said. 'Water that's too soft (too low of a TDS) will contribute to an underextracted espresso, whereas excess minerals can lead to overextraction, muddled flavors and scaling on your equipment.'
How do I clean my espresso machine?
How do I clean my espresso machine?
Wojtalewicz stressed the importance of cleaning. 'Watch videos on how to 'backflush' your machine, and make sure you've got all the proper tools and supplies to do it. At a specialty coffee shop, the machine is backflushed, minimum, at the close of each day. Daily backflushing may be a little bit overkill for a home espresso enthusiast, but [turn] your espresso machine cleaning and maintenance into a weekly or weekend ritual.'
How do I descale my espresso machine?
How do I descale my espresso machine?
Each espresso machine comes with model-specific descaling instructions. Make sure to check your machine's manual and follow those instructions exactly.
If you're unsure of what to do, contact the manufacturer's customer support line. Brands like Breville and De'Longhi have excellent customer service that will assist you with the process.
What bar pressure is best for espresso?
What bar pressure is best for espresso?
Nine- or 10-bar is considered an optimal pressure reading for extracting the espresso coffee. A lower reading (four to six bar) indicates that the grind may be too coarse, and a higher reading (12 to 16 bar) means that the grind may be too fine, thus indicating a need to adjust your grind size to compensate or fine-tune your tamping technique.
CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has extensively tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for years, and had been covering home and kitchen appliances for a variety of publications prior to joining CNN Underscored.