Comparing Espresso Machines
Showing 10 products | Change
Awards | |||||
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Price | $750 List $697.99 at Amazon | $865 List $900.00 at Amazon | $500 List $498.90 at Amazon | $700 List $629.99 at Amazon | $165 List $165.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Quality construction, great espresso quality, made-to-order controls, cafe quality results, built-in grinder, easy to use | Produces cafe-quality espresso, allows for endless experimentation | Produces good shots, space-saving design, automated milk steaming, lots of accessories | Semi-automatic, well-built, great for beginners, tons of accessories, great steam wand, makes great espresso | Portable, renders great shots, stores and travels well, no electricity required, no ongoing maintenance routines |
Cons | On the pricier side, inherent learning curve, slower grinder and cappuccino process | Expensive, requires skill to use effectively, no built-in grinder, struggles to maintain temperature | No built-in grinder, steam wand has limited adjustments, no on-board storage for accessories | Puzzling control panel, grinder lacks power, limited pressure | Very basic, requires effort, does not grind or steam, must heat water separately |
Bottom Line | A perfect choice for those who don't mind putting in a little work to dial in the best-tasting shot | A great machine for experienced baristas, but it will leave most newcomers frustrated | A compact, automatic machine that pulls decent shots and produces good microfoam for cappuccino art | A solid semi-automatic machine that is great for busy people or beginners looking to churn out good espresso and microfoam | This manual machine is for espresso lovers that like to dial in every aspect of their brew — and then sip it straight, without any extras |
Rating Categories | Breville Barista Ex... | Rancilio Silvia | Breville Bambino Plus | De'Longhi La Specia... | Flair Classic |
Espresso Quality (40%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Ease of Cleaning (15%) | |||||
Milk Steaming (15%) | |||||
Machine Customization (10%) | |||||
Specs | Breville Barista Ex... | Rancilio Silvia | Breville Bambino Plus | De'Longhi La Specia... | Flair Classic |
Measured Dimensions | 12.5" x 12.4" x 15.7" | 9.3" x 12.1" x 13.7" | 7.6" x 14" x 12" | 11.2" x 14.4" x 15.6" | 6.1" x 12.5" x 10.3" |
Included Accessories | Integrated Conical Burr Grinder (16 Settings) Dosing Funnel Attachment Tamper The Razor Precision Dosing Tool 16 oz Stainless Steel Milk Jug 4 Filter Baskets Coffee Scoop Cleaning Disc Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets Cleaning Brush Cleaning Tool Water Filter |
2 Filter Baskets Cleaning Disc Tamper |
Tamper The Razor Precision Dosing Tool 16-ounce Stainless Steel Milk Jug 4 Filter Baskets Cleaning Tool Cleaning Disc |
Integrated Conical burr Grinder (8 Settings) Dosing Funnel 2 Filter Baskets Tamper Tamping Mat Water Hardness Test Indicator Paper Descaler Sample Stainless Steel Milk Pitcher, Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Needle Tool |
Travel Case, Dosing Cup/Tamper Dosing Funnel Puck Screen |
Measured Cup Clearance | 4" | 3" | 5" | 4.25" | 4.25" |
Steam Wand | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Measured Water Tank Capacity to Max Fill | 66 oz | 76 oz | 64 oz | 62 oz | 2 oz |
Measured Drip Tray Capacity | 32 oz | 12 oz | 4 oz | 20 oz | N/A |
Portafilter Size | 54 mm | 58 mm | 54 mm | 51 mm | 40 mm |
Integrated Pressure Gauge | No | No | No | Yes | Optional Add On Available |
Hot Water Delivery | Hot Water Spout | Steam Wand | Steam Wand | Hot Water Spout | N/A |
PID Temperature Control | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Extraction Yield | 19% | 19% | 18% | 20% | 14% |
Pre-Infusion | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Cappuccino Time | 4 min 27 sec | 3 min 32 sec | 4 min 3 sec | 4 min 27 sec | N/A |
Lifetime Cost Per Shot | $0.83 | $0.90 | $0.75 | $0.83 | $0.61 |
Number of Cafe Replacement Shots to Make Up List Price | 285 | 353 | 203 | 285 | 67 |
Number of Cafe Replacement Lattes to Make Up List Price | 167 | 208 | 120 | 167 | 39 |
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