
You're not going to get the best grind with the Café's built-in grinder, but you can still use the freshly roasted beans of your choice and get a shot of espresso (or something close to it) at the push of a button. What we like about General Electric's Café over the half-dozen other automatic machines we've tried is that it's significantly cheaper, about half the size, and makes something much more akin to true espresso.
MACHINE EXPRESSO FULL
Read our full review of the Gaggia Classic Pro, including detailed specs.Īn automatic espresso machine lies somewhere between a pod machine and a semi-automatic one you can control the grind size and the extraction time, but the process isn't fully hands-on.

That being said, you don't need to put much muscle behind tamping in the first place, and those plastic parts do get the job done.
MACHINE EXPRESSO PRO
It also includes a small dosing spoon and a plastic tamping device, which - I have to admit - feels a little cheap considering that the Classic Pro used to come with a nicely weighted stainless steel tamper. And while Gaggia claims that this machine puts out 15 bars of pressure, you really only need six to nine to achieve espresso. It's a single-boiler model, which means it's going to take a while to switch between pulling shots and priming the steam wand (although this shouldn't be a problem if you're only making a few drinks at once). The fact that there's no room for adjusting can seem a bit limiting at first, but fewer variables are a good thing for the budding barista. There are three buttons with corresponding lights (letting you know when the machine is primed) and a steam valve. If you're just starting out, this is about as basic as the best espresso machines get without compromising quality. The Gaggia Classic Pro - an updated version of the original Gaggia Classic, which has been around for almost three decades - is slightly less forgiving than our recommendation for the best espresso machines with a built-in grinder, but it's also markedly more capable of producing a flavorful, nuanced shot. The best espresso machines you can buyīest overall: Gaggia Classic Pro - See at Amazonīest affordable automatic machine: GE Café - See at Best Buy

Read about how we test kitchen products at Insider Reviews. When you choose your machine, considering adding a set of the best espresso cups or one of the best tampers to your collection.

In order to find the best for most people, we consulted a handful of experts and baristas, conducted extensive testing, and held multiple taste tests.
MACHINE EXPRESSO MANUAL
Expect to pay at least $400 for the very best espresso machines, and at least as much for the very best coffee grinders (though we have more budget-friendly picks for those, too).įor our guide to the best espresso machines, we looked at semi-automatic machines as well as manual and fully automated pod-based devices that are made for home use. Before you commit to a machine, know that making quality espresso can be expensive and time-consuming. To achieve a perfect shot, you'll need a good espresso maker that can produce and maintain steady pressure - roughly six to 10 bars.

If you want to brew cafe-quality drinks in your kitchen, finding one of the best espresso machines is paramount.
