Ask any coffee lover and they’ll tell you there’s no better way to start the day than by drinking a warm cup of joe. But the true aficionados know that if you really need to get going, then espresso and the jolt that accompanies it is the way to go.
The popular Italian method of coffee making, in which pressurized water is shot through finely ground beans to produce a more condensed style of coffee, has been around since the 1880s, but for much of that time, you had to go to a café to get a cup of high-quality espresso. This has changed in recent years, though, thanks to the widespread availability of relatively compact, electric-powered machines that allow you to take on the role of your most-trusted barista.
Because of that, there’s never been a better time to brew your own espresso. Here are four machines that are sure to make your next trip to your neighborhood coffee shop feel a little less urgent.
1. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
As well as a style of coffee on its own, espresso is also a base for lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos. Philips’s 3200 Series machine can make each, along with a standard cup of coffee, at the touch of a button thanks to its easy-to-use and -clean LatteGo milk system. The appliance maker also knows there’s more to a good cup of coffee than just its taste. That’s why its espresso maker features the brand’s Aroma Extra system, which makes sure that each cup tastes and smells just right. Also included: a built-in, 12-step ceramic grinder.
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2. Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine
Calphalon’s espresso machine is powerful, but its myriad of high-tech features are what really put it over the top. Chief among these are its Thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control, which help churn out optimally extracted espresso each time. There are also 30 adjustable grind settings so your beans turn out just right. Finally, the chic-looking machine has multiple pre-sets and easy-to-use controls for when you decide to go it alone.
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3. Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine
There are at-home coffee makers and then there is the Jura E8. The company’s smart coffee maker is about as advanced as they come, with an array of features that will take your coffee brewing abilities to the next level. Its six-level Aroma G3 grinder and innovative Pulse Extraction Process technology produce a cup of espresso that will make any coffee lover smile. And if you want something more, its Fine Foam technology means that it’s just as capable of producing specialty coffees like cappuccinos and latte macchiatos as your favorite neighborhood café.
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4. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
While it’s unlikely that the machine in your favorite coffee shop will fit on your countertop, you can still find one that looks like the real deal. Breville’s is compact enough for your kitchen but has the style and flair of the machine you’ve watched your favorite barista use. But Barista Express doesn’t just look the part—it can also make a fine cup able to turn your whole beans into a shot of espresso in under a minute.
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