Shopping for an espresso machine? Here's 3 things I wish I'd known sooner (and I'm an ex-barista)

Tom's Guide

3 days ago

If, like me, you have a Breville espresso maker, you'll know that no one else makes entry-level easy-to-use espresso machines like Breville. However, there are way more brands out there making fantastic machines too. But because there are so many, it can be really overwhelming.
I'm an ex-barista, so I know my way around a commercial espresso machine like the back of my hand. All that being said, home espresso machines are a different kettle of fish (although... I do still know my way around a home espresso machine like it's the back of my hand... but there are way more variables in home machines).
So what's the best rated espresso machine? What makes a good espresso machine, well, good? How do I choose one of the best espresso machines? You should look out for a few different things. You'll want consistent, reliable heating, powerful pressure in the steam wand and extraction, and if you want the best of the best? You'll need a separate grinder. I'll discuss everything thoroughly here.
Okay, apologies for starting with major jargon. If you don't know what a PID controller is, it's basically a piece of tech that monitors and controls water temperature at every point during the brewing process.
The PID controller is essential because it prevents your espresso from getting burned or tasting weak. Some budget-friendly espresso machines with a PID controller are the near-perfect Breville Bambino Plus ($499) and the Breville Bambino ($299).
My parents recently bought themselves a Breville Bambino, so I can now officially say that I've used this machine. I actually adore it. No, it's not as powerful as the Bambino Plus ($499, the machine I personally have), but for just $299, it blows the competition out of the water. If you're on a "as low as possible" budget, this is the best machine for you.
While espresso machines sans-PID controller are capable of making good espresso (the De'Longhi Stilosa, for example (with single-walled portafilters)), if you want consistent, reliable, no-fuss 10/10 espresso? You're gonna want a PID controller.
However, you can still get good espresso without a PID controller. You'll need to check for temperature stability and boiler consistency, though. I'll recommend a couple of non-PID machines here to help you out.
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There's a caveat to this piece of advice. Mostly drink iced lattes? Then by all means, get a machine with a 1-hole steam wand. You won't be using it that much anyway. But if you want to learn how to make beautiful latte art and get Instagrammable coffees every time?
You'll be in need of a 4-hole steam wand. And for that, I have but one recommendation (if you're on a normal people budget).
This is the espresso machine I use everyday. It's $200 pricier than the Breville Bambino for two reasons: one, the Plus has an auto-milk function, perfect for more hands-off baristas. Two, it has a 4-hole steam wand, as opposed to the Bambino's 1-hole steam wand. I can make gorgeous latte art with ease on this machine.
That's not to say all 1-hole steam wands are bad. The Bambino's 1-hole steam wand is actually really good... but it requires much more finesse than the Bambino Plus. You'll definitely have to practice with a 1-hole steam wand more than you would on a 4-hole steam wand.
For that reason, I'll always recommend 4-hole steam wands over 1-hole steam wands.
If money is no object to you, then this is the most impressive steam wand I've ever used. This steam wand is pretty much identical to a commercial machine's.
Yep, if money was no object, this is the machine I'd buy. While it doesn't have a PID controller, it has precise temperature control, so it all checks out. You can literally choose the exact degree you want your espresso at, which is just luxurious. On top of that, the steam wand is the most impressive home steam wand I've ever used. I felt like I was back in my barista days.
I've recommended bean-to-cup espresso machines before — and I'll recommend them again — but they're not for everyone. If you're a serious espresso purist, then a bean-to-cup isn't for you. If you want the best tasting espresso possible, you don't want to be buying a machine with a built-in grinder.
Some people say that the grinder is the most important part of the coffeemaking process, and I'm inclined to agree. If you have a phenomenal grinder, then your espresso will, more likely than not, taste amazing.
Of course the grinders on espresso machines won't be as good as dedicated grinders. Just think about it: if you're trying to do two things at once, both things will be worse than if you were trying to do one thing, but perfectly.
No, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro doesn't have a PID controller, but it does have a brass boiler and group (where you put the portafiler)(where you put the coffee) so it has better temperature stability. If you have really good hardware like this, you don't need a PID controller as much (although it would be better to have one). The steam wand has 2 holes which means better, more consistent milk aeration.
So remember: PID controller (or temperature stabilization elsewhere), no 1-hole steam wand (unless it's the Breville Bambino), and no built-in grinder (unless you want convenience over espresso perfection).
Of course, there's no hard-and-fast rule. These are just things I wish I'd known before buying an espresso machine.
Do you think I've missed anything? Let me know in the comments. Also, feel free to ask questions about specific models in the comments too — I'll always reply!
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