Mr. Coffee Automatic Dual Shot Espresso/Cappuccino System (ECMP50): This neat espresso and cappuccino hybrid is extremely cheap while still delivering a top-notch drink. From a dark and full espresso through to frothy latte and cappuccino, you’ll be spoiled for choice with this great little machine. The standard 15-bar pump system is common to most home coffee machines and provides ample pressure for your needs. Be warned that you will need to manually stop the machine so be careful when you are brewing to sidestep unwanted overflow.
Breville BES840BSXL The Infuser Espresso Machine : “I am now a barista thanks to this machine,” one reviewer writes, explaining that they owe it all to the built-in pressure gauge on this machine. “I have fine-tuned my grind, and with the pressure indicator on the front of the machine, I can see that I am using the right amount of tamping to get a full-flavored, creamy shot.” Dozens of reviews mention that the key to this model is perfecting the grind. “The pressure [gauge] is very helpful in learning the proper prep technique and in refining your technique over time by providing clear feedback that helps you know how to refine your grind size and packing tightness,” one reviewer writes. Once users get the hang of it, they love the ease of this one. “The automatic and adjustable shot sizes are great,” one writes. “I couldn’t recommend this machine more highly. For the money, I could not imagine getting a better machine.”
Best Design: Medelco 8-Cup Glass Stovetop Percolator: While a clear top knob lets you watch the brewing process, this glass percolator lets you watch the color of the coffee as it transforms from clear water to perfectly brewed coffee. If you prefer a lighter brew, this also lets you stop the process early, when the coffee is the color you prefer. This brews up to 8 cups of coffee. The glass is borosilicate, so it’s resistant to thermal shock and safe on the stove. The handle made from phenolic plastic and is designed to stay cool during cooking, so you can pour safely. The lid is made from the same material as the handle, so it also remains cool during brewing and serving. A heat diffuser is included with this pot so it can safely be used on coil-style electric stoves. When cooking is done, this is dishwasher safe.
We tried a couple of Nespresso products designed for people who want to make their own coffee drinks with frothed milk, but we didn’t love any of them. In addition to selling several stand-alone milk frothers, Nespresso has an entire series of Lattissima machines in the Original line that boast integrated milk frothers. The cheapest in the series is the $380 Lattissima One, which came out after we finished testing models. We tested the $400 Lattissima+, which was the cheapest at the time of our testing. Interested in affordable espresso machines? See more info at percolator coffee filters.
The Pixie is the ideal choice for apartment dwellers who don’t have a lot of extra space, since it has a small footprint. However, it still has the same great features as larger models, with programmable buttons, allowing you to customize the volume of coffee you make. It also alerts you when the tank is empty using red backlights. In addition, the used capsule container can store up to 11 used pods. The Pixie’s basic features are the same as those of other entry-level Nespresso models. You can make Espresso and Lungo using pre-set buttons that you can also customize to produce larger cups. The pump produces 19 bars of pressure so that you can make coffee comparable to those produced by professional baristas.
