Espresso machines for your caffeine fix
AUSTIN, Texas — If your love of lattes is taking a toll on your bank account, maybe you're considering an espresso machine for your home. There are many pro-style machines, but can any deliver authentic coffee shop flavor? Consumer Reports brews up some buying advice for the caffeinated among us.
Getting your daily caffeine fix at your favorite coffee shop costs you hundreds of dollars every year! An alternative could be an espresso machine for your home but those aren't exactly budget-friendly either! (NATSOT: frothing milk)
Consumer Reports' Molly Bradley recently looked at nine espresso machines.
"These machines require a certain skill level for you to operate them. You need to learn how to grind the beans to a certain consistency, pack the portafilter and you'll need to learn how to operate the steam wand, which all of the machines we tested have."
Here's what Consumer Reports was looking for in a good, at-home espresso machine
"We were looking for them to be able to produce a good balanced espresso and we also wanted to make sure that their steam wands were capable of producing a fine micro-foam that you could use to make lattes, cappuccinos, and even latte art."
Those with barista experience may appreciate this Rancilio Silvia Pro X for its beautiful design. But 2000 dollars is a lot to spend on a countertop appliance!
If your espresso skills are more basic, consider this Breville Bambino Plus.
"Breville's Bambino is really easy to operate. Even beginners would have a hard time not getting a good espresso from this machine."
Although this 90-dollar lacks the fancy features and sleeker look of the higher-end machines it's simple to operate and produces a perfectly fine espresso.
But there are even simpler options still for espresso lovers ... In CR's tests, this coffee machine —from the same brand that makes the famous Instant Pot — earned top scores for brewing temperature, speed, and convenience.
"You can make espresso and you can make larger servings of coffee using different kinds of pods for each and you don't need to know anything about making espresso."
Consumer Reports says consider pairing your coffeemaker with a milk frother, and you'll have a little cafe right at home. CR's recent evaluations found several frothers that do a great job frothing both milk and non-dairy alternatives, including Instant's 30-dollar milk frother.
