Coffee makers have been a must-have home appliance for quite some time. However, hunting for the best espresso maker can be a little difficult considering the many available products on the market.
What would you do if you are a morning espresso drinker but your kids prefer a creamier drink? Well, you could buy both an espresso maker and the traditional coffee maker. Unfortunately, this is not a cost-efficient remedy. Not to mention, it can take up a lot of space in your kitchen if you opt to buy both.
Thankfully, manufacturers nowadays produced a machine that can do both things. In this article, we review some of the best models so your family could enjoy the best of both worlds. But before we do that, here’s a buyer’s guide that will help buy the perfect machine for you.
How to Choose the Best Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Your coffee preferences
Your coffee preferences should be your top priority when looking for the best espresso maker? Does an espresso a day make your day? Or do you want the occasional latte?
If you only came to know how to make espresso, any espresso machine would be fine. But if you want a cappuccino and a mocha where a bit of espresso is needed, any type of machine that can make an espresso will do.
You don’t need to buy the most expensive espresso if you’re new to making one. If you are not sure of your taste preferences, go for the mid-range machines you can experiment with. However, if you care so much about the taste of your espresso, you may need to consider the number of boilers the machine has because it makes your drink tastes better.
- Price
The cost of an espresso machine also plays an important role. When you buy expensive models, you are paying for their quality and durability. In most machines, higher prices also assure technologically-advanced features.
If you are particular about your espresso flavor and the time it takes to make it, you can buy an espresso machine with the average price – neither too expensive nor too cheap. If you are contented with anything caffeinated, you’d do fine with just the lower-end espresso machine.
- Ease of use and cleaning
When you have a model that is easy to use but a pain in the ass to clean, then you have bought a not-so convenient machine after all. The best espresso machines assure ease of use and clean at the same time.
If you are not tech-savvy, go for a machine that is automated and with programmable settings. Meanwhile, if you go for an easy-to-clean, then do take note that it might be lacking certain components and features.
- Consider the features
There are some features that may sound slang to you and will persuade you to buy it. To prevent you from falling into the trap, consider these following terms:
- Water filter – The quality of the water you use can affect the taste of your espresso. Hence, a water filter may be needed to achieve the taste of the espresso you desire.
- Built-in coffee grinder – Having a built-in coffee grinder is convenient and space-saving. This feature is great for those who have limited countertop spaces and those who simply don’t want to buy a separate coffee grinder.
- Programmable settings – Once you know the best espresso for you, you can make that all over again with the programmable settings. Some machines can make espresso for multiple persons. This will allow the entire family to get the best shot easily.
- Cup warmer – To maintain the warmth of your espresso, a cup warmer is highly recommended. Rather than seeping it right away, you can have a little chitchat with the family while drinking your warm espresso gradually.
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The 6 Best Coffee and Espresso Maker Combos
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Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle
Looking for a quality and tasty espresso? Check. Want an instant coffee to make your day? Check. Want to mimic the espresso of your favorite coffee shop? Check.
If you’re looking for the best value combo pod machine, this can be your best choice. It has the most affordable and reasonable price than the Keurig and DeLonghi brands. Not to mention, it is the most compact machine with a quality unlike any other.
This best machine brews the best cup of espresso. It is easy to use with buttons that let you have any type of coffee you want to drink. It also comes with auto self-cleaning to allow ease of maintenance and use. However, if you like throwing coffee parties, this won’t able to take on the job.
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Stellar pod system
- Single-serve coffee maker
- Comes with a dozen of capsule
- Small in size
Cons:
- Limited use
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Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker, Charcoal
This machine is Nespresso’s ultimate rival as a single-space espresso maker. Keurig K-Cafe is a popular high-end brand in the coffee maker industry. But what makes this brand famous by the way? There are a few reasons for that.
First, if you want your coffee to be a little bit creamier, milkier, stronger, or stiffer, Keurig can be your one-stop shop machine. Your desired espresso flavor is just one button away. Its convenience is what makes the brand one of the best-sellers in the market.
You can buy this model with or without coffee bundles. You can also put any coffee capsules on it too. This is unlike the Nespresso machine where only Nespresso capsules can be put into. For a highly efficient and affordable machine with a brand you can trust on, this machine deserves the 5-star rating.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- You can put any coffee capsules
- Can serve any cup sizes
- Single-serve convenience
Cons:
- The price of capsules is a bit expensive
- The brewing process may cause you a nuisance
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DeLonghi Coffee and Espresso Maker
DeLonghi is known for having the best quality and luxurious espresso for a very affordable price. Once you buy this machine, you’ll know the difference between an espresso made from a great coffee machine versus just a good coffee.
It is multi-purpose and does the things you want in an espresso machine. Want latte? A cappuccino? Or maybe you’re in need of frothing milk? This has got you covered. It will produce any type of caffeinated drink you want in a heartbeat. If you are in a hurry, just press Brew then Pause. It’s that simple!
Meanwhile, it also comes with a drip coffee maker that will let you have a clean and tasty coffee. It also comes with an automatic frother. If you are the type of person who loves to tailor the foam for better taste, you can make use of the manual variant, too.
Pros:
- The gold-tone filter is reusable
- Easy to use
- Can produce instant coffee
- Can multi-task
- Affordable
Cons:
- Customers have quality issues
- Doesn’t have many features
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Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker Bundle
You can either spend $4-5 at Starbucks every day or choose to buy this coffee machine for convenience if you are looking for a decent espresso. Many customers love the Nespresso Espresso machine because it is wonderfully made and easy to use. The cost of a capsule can be very costly when you buy it separately, so having 12 capsules in the package is already cost-efficient.
The machine’s coffee pod uses a mini centrifuge instead of the usual hydraulic pressure. This makes the machine much quieter to use. It can recognize the pods easily, thanks to its very intelligent extraction system. The machine only takes 30 seconds to make coffee. When not in use, it has an auto-shutoff feature which makes it very safe to use.
Its 3-colorway design is very elegant and luxurious to look at. It will surely fit into any kitchen interior you have at home. It’s definitely one of the most reliable espresso makers in the market!
Pros:
- Sophisticated design
- Comes with an aeroccino frother
- Single-serve or one-touch convenience
- 12 capsules included upon purchase
- The finished product tastes like Starbucks’ espresso
Cons:
- The brewing method can be complicated to control
- Exclusive for Nespresso capsules only which are very expensive
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AICOOK Espresso and Coffee Machine
The AICOOK Espresso brand may not be familiar, but they have been in the industry for quite some time now. Whatever drink you want – may it be a latte, a cappuccino, or an espresso – this machine got you covered.
Customers love this brand for the same reasons they like K-Cafe. It does the things you want the machine to do, not to mention the price is very affordable. You can have your usual espresso, froth milk, and other creamier drink very easily.
The sad part, however, is that it doesn’t use pods. This can be a little inconvenience on your part, but that would also mean fewer environmental problems. Overall, this can be a great combo machine for those in a tight budget.
Pros:
- Offers a variety of drink choices
- Includes a 2-year warranty
- Affordable combo machine
Cons:
- Ease of use is not guaranteed
- Quality is a little bit compromised
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Krups Coffee Maker and Stainless Espresso Machine
The Krups coffee maker lets you enjoy both espresso and coffee maker all in a single model. That reason alone sounds economical. Once you see this unit, it’s impossible not to adore its design. While its black color may not be for everyone, this, however, is a gem for minimalists and those who prefer modern kitchen interiors.
This machine can make up to 4 servings – not quite much considering its size. You will also need 4 filters for its operation, therefore, you’ll need to include that in your expenses too. On the upside, it’s quite easy to use, allowing you to have coffee right away as soon as you wake up in the morning.
As the brand has been in the business for more than 150 years, rest assured that its quality is never compromised. Overall, this is a coffee maker for those who love high-end brands. That said, your budget must be really ready for this unit.
Pros:
- Stellar design
- Lets you have the caffeinated drink you want
- Keeps your drink warm
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Expensive
- The case is poorly constructed
Conclusion
These machines prove that you don’t need to buy both coffee and espresso maker separately since you can have those in one unit. While our list lets you have inspiration on your buying venture, there are also things you have to consider before buying one such as you and your household needs.
Just in case you need our opinion, Nespresso Vertuo is our top choice. Its design is superb, not to mention it’s budget-friendly and has high-quality construction.
We wish you get to find the best espresso and coffee maker for your needs. Happy brewing!
