Espresso is not a type of coffee bean, or a roast but a drink. It is a type of coffee brewing method that uses high pressure to force nearly boiling water through coffee grounds in 20 – 30 seconds. The initial tawny froth that comes out during extraction is called the “crema”. It is an indication of a well-brewed espresso. Brewed espresso has 2.5 percent fat, in comparison, the filter coffee has only 0.6 percent. Check out our complete guide about the best commercial espresso machines.
The espresso machine exerts 132 pounds of pressure per square inch to extract the beverage. One shot of espresso needs 50 coffee beans and one bad bean can ruin the taste. Espresso is a blend of several types of coffee beans from various parts of the world. They are roasted till dark with an oily sheen. We have also written a complete guide about the best expresso machine under 200.
The beans are ground to the consistency of table salt or powdered sugar. The finer the coffee ground the slower the infusion comes out. Ideally, it should take 25 seconds for the water to leach through the filter. Coffee beans are roughly 12% fat and an espresso is an emulsion of all these dissolved solids and stratified oils.
The process of making the infusion intensifies the flavour, thickens the body and adorns the espresso with that frothy head of crema. A good shot is robust yet balanced and never too bitter. Some countries like Italy take their coffee seriously and regulate it as an essential part of daily life.
Espresso is one of the world’s favourite shots”. It became truly out of the world in 2015, when the astronauts on the International Space Station brewed their fresh shots on board.
How to Make Fine Espresso
A “shot” of espresso, is made by forcing 1.5 ounces of boiling water under high pressure at 15 atmospheres through a “puck” of tightly packed and finely ground coffee. This puck is held in a portafilter with dispensers at the bottom where the little cups are filled with the full-bodied, robust brew, topped with the crema. The increased pressure 
shortens the extraction time and dissolves more solids and oils into it.
As espresso packs a punch, thus, it should be taken in small portions of 1 or 2 ounces. It is often enhanced with steamed milk and flavoured syrups as in cappuccinos and lattes. Espresso has been a staple of baristas for decades and the first espresso machine was manufactured at the beginning of the 20th century.
An Italian inventor was looking for a way to serve coffee “expressly” to his customers, designed and patented his prototype. It inspired new models around the world birthing a new industry.
Espresso is made differently due to the advancements in technology. And what used to be an expensive culinary endeavour is now an approachable hobby. With a little know-how and interest, you will appreciate it is not rocket science and can be made right at home.
Espresso Brewing Variables
There is a range of factors involved in brewing a satisfying espresso. The rocket science involves water, the grind of the coffee, the dose, the tamp, the temperature, the yield and the time.
The water should be fresh and tasteless. Use water filters to ensure there are no limescale, odours, colours, etc in the water, as this will lend taste to the espresso.
The grind should be as fine as table salt.
The dose for a double shot which is the average or standard serving size requires 18 – 21 grams of grounds. If you add more coffee, you will get more body and intensity.
Tamp the coffee grounds into the filter, to make a puck. This restricts the flow of the water, ensuring that the coffee interacts with the water. A 30-pound press should be applied evenly to tamp down the coffee.
The temperature of the water should be between 195 to 205 °F. Most coffee makers allow you to control the temperature. At a lower temperature, you will draw out more brightness while higher temperatures yield toasty
favours.
The yield is the coffee input and beverage output. This depends on the dose and the basket size. About 2 ounces is sufficient to fill a large shot glass that weighs around 30 grams.
The time for brewing should be between 20 – 30 seconds for the recommended dose and yield.
Tools of The Trade
Simplifying the rocket science further let’s get the gear together for that out of the world shot.
The machine should be built of quality components that last a long time and meet health and safety standards. They should maintain stable temperatures and allow to modulate the temperature and have an intuitive interface.
The grinder should grind a consistent grain size for a consistently good espresso. To get the most out of your beans choose a burr grinder.
The filters that arrive with your espresso machine may offer you many options. But traditionally, choose the bottomless or two-spouted portafilter and insert a double basket in it.
The tamper facilitates a secure puck and even espresso extraction. Pick the tamper that fits your basket securely.
The scale weighs the dose and the yield. Choose the scale with a convenient least count. This precision helps reproduce consistent results and diagnose problems with the brew if any.
The vessel to catch the liquid gold is usually a volumetric shot glass. This helps keep track the yield when you don’t have the scale handy.
Features on Your Espresso Machine
The pressure pump produces up to 9 – 15 bars of pressure. Due to higher bars, finer grinds can be used to extract
more flavour.
The boiler heats the water for the espresso. The material, thickness, design and weight of the boiler are important. As temperature stability is important in making good espresso. Thicker heavier boilers hold heat longer and may be made of aluminium, steel or brass.
The boiler size should be between 3 to 5 ounces as it heats quickly and is suitable for a yield of 1 to 2 cups. But these require a higher recovery time and do not maintain temperature. Thus, most models have larger boilers.
The expensive models may boast a heat-exchange boiler. These draw water for steaming and brewing from different parts of the boiler without a wait time. Do not buy the models with a thermoblock as they don’t match up to real boilers in terms of temperature stability.
The portafilter is the receptacle for the coffee grounds, where they are tamped down into a puck. They should ideally be made of brass for durability and heat retention.
There are pressurised portafilters and commercial portafilters. The aluminium pressurized portafilters range from 4.9 – 5.4cm in diameter. These hold the water until the right amount of pressure has accumulated. These eliminate the need to monitor the fineness of the coffee grounds or the tamp pressure. The only con to this is that it destroys the true crema.
The commercial filters are 5.8 cm in diameter and offer a large surface area for espresso extraction. These require the right coffee grounds and tamp pressure.
The group head is the port where the portafilter is attached. It is made of brass for even distribution and maintenance of temperature.
The drip management system may be made of the spring value or a 3-way solenoid. These release pressure from the group head allowing the portafilter to be removed and leave a dry puck.
The water reservoir allows you to change water preventing bacterial build-up.
Coffee pod compatibility allows the use of prepacked one-shot pucks.
Crema enhancing device for making artificial crema.
TOP 15 BEST ESPESSO MACHINES UNDER 500 IN 2022
|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
| 1. Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine |
Power-1700 Watts | $$$ | 4.8 | |
| 2. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus |
11 settings, 55-76°C / 133-169°F | $$$ | 4.7 | |
| 3. De’Longhi Lattisma Touch EN550 |
automatic cappuccino system | $$$ | 4.7 | |
| 4. Nespresso Citiz C111 with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother |
19 Bar high pressure pump | $$$ | 4.6 | |
| 5. Saeco Intelia Deluxe HD8758/57 |
90-day warranty | $$$ | 4.6 | |
| 6. Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine |
extended from 9 to 30 minutes | $$$ | 4.5 | |
| 7. Capresso Cafe Model 115.01 Espresso Machine |
1-year warranty | $$$ | 4.5 | |
|
8. DeLonghi EN520BK Lattissima Plus Espresso Machine |
adjustable auto-off timer | $$$ | 4.4 |
|
9. Cuisinart Stainless Steel 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker |
Simultaneous brewing: 2 cup limit | $$$ | 4.3 |
| 10. Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Espresso Machine |
off after 9 minutes of inactivity | $$$ | 4.3 |
|
|
11. KitchenAid KES0504OB Nespresso Bundle |
1.3-Liter Removable water tank | $$$ | 4.2 |
| 12. Breville 800ESXL Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine |
75 Fl.oz (2.2L) removable front-fill water tank | $$$ | 4.1 | |
| 13. Nespresso A+GCC1-US-RE-NE |
holds 13-20 used capsules | $$$ | 4.1 | |
|
14. Nespresso D60 Pixie with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother |
Container for 10 used capsules | $$$ | 4.0 |
| 15. Nespresso C111-US-RE-NE1 Citiz |
19 Bar high pressure pump | $$$ | 3.9 |
1. Breville the Infuser Espresso Machine
Founded in 1932, Breville is an Australian company that manufactures and markets small home appliances. This
brand is associated with toasters the way Hoover is to vacuum cleaners. They bring you the Infuser.
Design and Build
The Breville Infuser comes with a 1.8 L removable top-filled water tank with a handle and a replaceable water filter. Water on demand is produced by the 1600W thermoblock system supported by PID technology that helps regulate the temperature.
There is a 5.4 cm stainless-steel portafilter with spouts and a 5.4 cm tamper stored magnetically on the machine. The dry puck feature removes excess water from easy disposal. The pressure gauge is to monitor the extraction pressure while the volumetric control helps set shot volumes. You can use the preset volumes or manually override them to customize your own preferences.
There is a hot water outlet to make hot chocolate, Americanos and for warming the cups. The stainless-steel steam wand is for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
The wand swivels 360° to accommodate all sizes of jugs. The auto-purge function adjusts the water temperature used for the steaming the milk and extracting the espresso. It boiler cools down to an optimal temperature for espresso extraction after the steam wand has been used. The drip tray is partitioned for wet and dry spills. It is removable and has an ‘Empty me!’ indicator for clearance.
Functionality
The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine makes the best espresso, americanos, cappuccinos, lattes and hot chocolate. Besides this, it keeps your cups warm. It is ideal for home, office and baristas.
Capacity
The Infuser is pre-set to make 1 to 2 cups but is programmable and can go manual too. It also makes instant hot water for Americanos and pre-heats the cups.
Additional Features
The Breville comes with two single and two dual wall filter baskets. There is a scoop, a stainless-steel frothing jug, cleaning tablets plus discs, a cleaning tool with an Allen key, a water filter holder and a filter. The product comes with a 1-year warranty.
Why is it the best of the lot?
Besides the features mentioned above the Infuser goes into a ‘Sleep Mode’ after 1 hour and a shut off automatically after 3 hours. There is extra-tall cup clearance to accommodate your travel mug. The Infuser has a ‘Clean Me’ cleaning alert and all the accessories are housed in the storage tray. Last but not the least all parts that meet your coffee are BPA free.
2. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
Breville is an Australian company that makes home appliances. They are a well-known brand down-under and 
around the world.
Design and Build
The Nespresso Creatista Plus is the right machine to helps you create the authentic Latte Art coffees right at home. This is because the Creatista combines the convenience and expertise of microfoam milk-frothing technology. There are adjustable settings to make multiple types of coffees like espresso, ristretto, lungo, cappuccino, etc. These settings also control the volume, the milk temperature and its texture within 3 seconds.
The thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD) is of a high resolution and offers instructions on various preparations. The instructions are easy to follow, just adjust the settings and the instructions appear. The auto-frothing features offer 8 textures and 11-milk temperature settings and a temperature range between 55-76°C or 133-169°F.
After you have experimented with the settings and the various coffee capsules your creative juices flowing and you want to try out the various features. There are a 1.5-litre removable water tank and a pressure pump that produces 19 bars. The innovative expert steam pipe adjusts the milk temperature automatically due to the temperature sensing feature. The machine cleans itself fast by itself and the steam wand too, purges by itself. There settings to help descale and clean the machine too.
Functionality
Bring home instant enjoyment with the Breville Nespresso which comes with 16 capsules of distinct aromas. The TFT LED display will guide you on how to prepare these beverages. It can be used to create Latte Art coffee and other delightful recipes such as the lungo, ristretto, espresso, latte, flat white, latte macchiato, cappuccino, hot chocolate and milk froth.
Capacity
The Breville Nespresso has a water tank of 50 fluid ounces. It can make 6 cups at a time. The capsule container has a capacity of 10 cups at a time. There is a pop-out shelf to accommodate smaller cup sizes.
Additional Features
The box contains a 2-year warranty & a milk jug.
3. De’Longhi Lattisma Touch EN550
De’Longhi is a leading brand of home appliances. The brand name is seen on espresso machines in over 123
countries. They are also in the niche of home comfort and speciality cooking.
Design and Build
The De’Longhi’s Automatic System combines the Nespresso premium espresso capsules with the one-touch method to make authentic espresso, latte, cappuccinos, etc at your convenience. The Lattisma’s elegant streamlined design delivers optimum functionality while occupying a small footprint that saves counter space. As coffees and espressos are about the foam the Lattisma creates the perfect layers of rich, dense, long-lasting froth to top every cup.
The patented espresso extraction system creates 19 bars of pressure and ideal flow of water to draw out the flavour at the set temperatures. The integrated carafe dispenses perfect amounts of milk to adjust the taste of your coffee. It is dishwasher safe and can be removed from the machine to refrigerate. The model is built such that the milk doesn’t meet the machine.
The thermoblock heating system quickens the cold-start heating to mere seconds. You can use the Nespresso aluminium capsules which are convenient and recyclable. They eliminate the need to measure the coffee and clean up. There is a wide selection to choose from the regular and decaf gourmet aromatic options of fruity, mild and intense. The capsules are ejected automatically into an internal container. Just empty the container into a recycling bin.
Functionality
The Lattisma Touch is an automatic machine that makes espresso and cappuccino using the Nespresso capsules. You get one incredible cup of coffee by fitting one Nespresso and select with one touch.
Capacity
The Lattisma Touch has a water tank of 1.3 litres and makes 5 cups of perfect espressos, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, lungo and ristrettos. It also dispenses steamed milk and hot water. The collection tank takes 16 used capsules before it needs clearing.
Additional Features
The Lattisma Touch is an automated cappuccino machine with all its parts in place. It has a 2-year warranty for residential use and 6 months for commercial use.
4. Nespresso Citiz C111 with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother
Nespresso started a quiet revolution 25 years ago with a simple and single passion for creating that exquisite 
espresso topped by a full-bodied crema. The CitiZ is a fusion of the latest technology and retro-modern design.
Design and Build
The Nespresso Citiz C111 has an innovative elegant design with a small footprint that fits into the most compact urban kitchens. The Red Dot Design award honoured the compact user-friendly design inspired by the spirit of New York in 1930s and 40s. The Nespresso Citiz has tw0 automatic backlit buttons to choose the lungo or the espresso.
You can reprogram to customize your coffee and its volume. The machine is designed for the ease of use and has a foldable drip tray that accommodates the tall glasses too. The high-pressure pump delivers 19 bars of pressure for perfect extraction of the delicate flavours, crema and aromas. The heat-up system is ready in 25 seconds flat! This is also a programmable energy saving function due to which the device shuts off automatically after 9 to 30 minutes of inactivity. This is an ‘A’ rated model as it consumes 60% less energy.
With a complete range of 16 Grand Cru, you can experience all the flavours and aromas to choose your favourite coffees, CitiZ brings you the Nespresso expertise in a fun and intuitive manner. The capsules are hermetically sealed to hold in the taste and aroma. While the recyclable aluminium capsules show our commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
Functionality
The CitiZ offers a rapid one touch preparation milk froth for hot Cappuccinos and Lattes and iced Cappuccinos. The machine is for use with Nespresso capsules only.
Capacity
Nespresso Citiz C111 can hold 10 capsules at a time and these are ejected into a holder that can be emptied into the recycling bin. There is a 34-fluid ounce tank. There is a pivot cup tray that accommodates the tall cups too.
Additional Features
The Nespresso box contains the machine, an Aeroccino Plus milk frother, a Welcome pack of 16 Nespresso Grand Crus capsules, an instruction booklet, an information folder and a 1 Year Manufacturer warranty.
5. Saeco Intelia Deluxe HD8758/57
Saeco presents the Intelia, an intelligently crafted masterpiece of technology that delivers divine coffee with quality
design and convenience.
Design and Build
The Saeco Intelia has programs for customised coffee where the strength, volume and temperature are adjustable. The model is easy to use due to the front-loading, an adjustable spout, a removable water tank and a dump box. It is topped with a transparent plastic container for you to track when you need to reload the coffee beans. The machine goes into an automatic standby mode.
There are an auto-rinse cycle and a detachable brewing group that makes the machine easy to clean and maintain. The Quick-Heat boiler is made of a light aluminium and steel body that brews a perfect espresso or latte in no time. Fine-tune the coffee’s richness with 10 grinder settings. Different coffee blends require distinct levels of granularity for their full flavour to unfold.
Thus, the grind granularity has 10 adjustable settings ranging from a fine grind for an espresso to coarse for a light coffee. There are 5 settings to select the strength of the brew this will adjust the temperature and the length. The Memo function saves your preferences and you can store the settings for the cups you customized to match your taste and mood.
Functionality
Intelia serves customized drinks, you can adjust the strength, the volume and the temperature of your coffee. Add velvety foam from the Classic milk frother. if you are a “coffexplorer”, then you can try out a multitude of speciality coffees just at the touch of a button. The decaffeinated is deliver with equal zest just add the powder for that full-bodied coffee minus the kick.
Capacity
The Intelia Deluxe makes you 20000 cups of superb coffee. The coffee is freshly ground by the exceptionally hard, high-tech ceramic grinders. It is gently ground so that the grind isn’t overheated to extract the best flavours and aromas.
Additional Features
The Glossy Black Saeco Intelia is accompanied with a milk frother, a 10-step adjustable grinder and a 90-day warranty.
6. Nespresso Citiz and Milk Espresso Machine
Nespresso’s commitment to making excellent coffee each time has brought you this updated retro-modern design inspired by the spirit of New York. There are two models of the Citiz and Milk – one in chrome finish and the other 
in aluminium.
Design and Build
The Nespresso Citiz and Milk continues to please the coffee and design lovers equally. This is because the new design tinges the daily rituals with a touch of elegance around the world. The retro-modern design is smart and user-friendly with two programmable buttons. One is for an automatic flow-stop for the espresso and the other for the Lungo. The tall glasses, overflow and spills are held by a removable drip tray.
It is also fitted with an Aeroccino, to optimize the space and automatically prepare the milk froth and hot milk for the lattes. Citiz&Milk Chrome offers an immense creative potential to create those endless permutations and combinations of the lattes just at the touch of a button. The pressure of 19 bars extracts the flavours and aromas that remind you of the baristas.
All types of coffee made easy by the coffee capsules that have a readymade puck that you insert in the portafilter to make that unctuous and gratifying crema. The CitiZ machines are user-friendly, intuitive and they embody the expertise of Nespresso to suit all coffee-drinking preferences.
Functionality
The Nespresso heats up in 25 seconds and makes coffee of diverse types and volumes such as the espresso to the Lungo. The Nespresso Citiz and milk espresso machine are smart and energy efficient as it shifts in an off-mode in 9 minutes. There is also a milk frother for your cappuccinos, hot chocolate and lattes.
Capacity
The Nespresso makes has varying capacities for various coffees such as it serves 1.35 oz of Espresso, 0.84 oz of Ristretto, 3.72 oz of Lungo and 9 oz of Americano.
Additional Features
Each Citiz and Milk comes with a frothing jug and a welcome set of Nespresso capsule range of coffees from around the world. While you discover your favourite coffees your Citiz&Milk Chrome is insured with a year’s warranty.
7. Capresso Cafe Model 115.01 Espresso Machine
Capresso is a portmanteau made by combining ‘cappuccino’ and ‘espresso’. The brand delivers reliability, 
convenience and performance to the coffee lovers.
Design and Build
The Capresso 115.01 has a thermoblock system and delivers 16 bars of pressure for proper extraction of the espresso. The 48-fluid ounce water container is removable and easy to fill and clean. A filter holder is self-locking with a thumb guard. There are 2 sieves to make one or two crema-rich espressos at a time. The single sieve is for pre-ground coffee or espresso pods. The unlimited output of steam ensures proper frothing and steamed milk for preparation of lattes and cappuccinos. There is an easy – swivel frother that froths a drink directly in a pitcher or a tall glass.
The Capresso 115.01 is a versatile coffee maker with a selector switch to choose between hot water and steam for the various beverages. The drips and spills are collected by the removable drip tray, it is easy to clean and has a level indicator. There is an integrated warming platform to warm the cups. The user panel is simple and intuitive with LED lights that indicate “Ready” and “Warm Up”. There is also a spare sieve storage compartment which is concealed, just like the cord storage.
Functionality
Everyone is not an espresso expert thus the portafilter sieves are pressurized. This makes it easy to achieve that delectable crema even when the other parameters are not perfect. The Capresso 115.01 ensure an optimum tamp down with the 16 bars of pressure to extract that perfect espresso even when the grind is not perfect. The dual frother has a sleeve for cappuccinos and steam tube under the sleeve is perfect for the lattes.
Capacity
The Capresso Cafe can make 1 – 2 cups of espresso at a time.
Additional Features
The Capresso Cafe Espresso Machine is accompanied with a measuring spoon that also serves as a tamper and a 1-year warranty.
8. DeLonghi EN520BK Lattissima Plus Espresso Machine
This company was founded by the De’ Longhi family in 1902. They were a small workshop manufacturing industrial 
parts. Over the last century, they have grown into a well-known brand that makes home appliances such as coffee makers, air-conditioners, heaters, vacuum cleaners, etc.
Design and Build
The Lattissima Plus has a modern and elegant cuboid design. The cuboid water tank slides on at the back of the machine while the milk carafe loads in the front. The espresso cartridge is introduced from the top in a receptacle where the water at 19 bars extracts the flavours and aromas of the coffee. These recyclable aluminium capsules cut out the mess and clean-up.
The infusion is dispensed into a cup kept on the drip tray at the touch of the four buttons at the top of the machine. You can remove the milk tank and refrigerate it. Cleaning it is easy as it is dishwasher safe. And you can descale the machine by adding the descaling solution (sold separately) to the water tank.
The Lattissima Plus brings you the one-touch simplicity to choose your coffee from 4 buttons. Coffee is about foam; the espresso with the crema and the cappuccino topped with thick creamy froth. The steamed milk and frother does it all. The Thermoblock heating system reduces the cold-start to mere seconds.
Functionality
The Lattissima Plus produces excellent espressos, amazing cappuccinos, rich lattes and creamy macchiatos.
Capacity
The Lattissima Plus comes with a complimentary pack of 16 distinct types of coffees from around the world. The water tank capacity is 30 fluid ounces to make cups various coffee beverages. There are 4 one-press buttons at the top offer 3 types of milk and 2 types of coffee selections to make your customised “tazza di vita”.
Additional Features
The DeLonghi Lattissima Plus comes with a welcome pack of a World-Class Selection of three gourmet aromatic families – fruity, intense, and mild. These are available as regular and decaffeinated. It comes with a 6-month commercial use warranty and 2 years for residential use.
9. Cuisinart Stainless Steel 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker
Cuisinart is invested in the art of quick cooking. The saga began with Carl Sontheimer bringing the electric food processor into the market in 1971. Today they bring you the art of great cooking through their line of appliances.
Design and Build
The Cuisinart Espresso Maker is a miniature version of the espresso machine in a barista. The Cuisinart Espresso Maker has a stainless-steel body that runs on 1000 watts of power to delivers 15 bars of pressure and variable temperatures. The compact, 53-ounce water receptacle mounts at the back of the machine. It provides hot water and steam for frothing the milk.
The steam is ejected from a steel steam wand on the side. The portafilter fits snuggly into the head while holding the coffee puck. Hot water at 15 bars of pressure extrudes every drop of flavoured goodness from the grounds. There is a built-in cup-warming tray at the top of the machine and a drip collection tray under the nozzles.
Functionality
The dial on the face of the Cuisinart Espresso Maker has a steaming cup at one end and steam at the other. This means it will deliver hot water for variations of tea and coffee in an increasing gradient of temperature.
Capacity
At a time, the Cuisinart Espresso Maker can make espresso of varying sizes and cappuccinos and lattes. The machine can extrude the espresso and steam and froth the milk for the milk for that superb cappuccino at home. This stylishly designed espresso maker can be used to make various kinds of cold coffees too. Just extract the espresso and pour it over the ice cubes to make the Americano. The forther can be used to make hot chocolate and eggnog too.
Additional Features
The Cuisinart Espresso Maker comes with 3 filters, 2 picks to clean out the holes in these sieve filters, a portafilter, a frothing jug, a measuring spoon cum tamper and a 3-year limited warranty.
10. Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Espresso Machine
Nespresso has been bringing innovative and classy ideas to your breakfast table since a quarter of a century. The various models of the CitiZ range are inspired by the architecture and personality of the cities, especially New York.
Design and Build
The Nespresso CitiZ & Milk comes with a Aeroccino milk frothier. This black beauty is smart and elegant with a removable 34 fluid ounces tank at the back of the machine. The frother fits in a recess to the side of the machine. The frother comes with two wands that attach magnetically. There is a button in the frother mug pressing switches on the wand and pressing it another time heats the milk up to 150°C. The CitiZ can prepare the espresso and froth the milk at the same time.
The dome of the machine has two switches that indicate a double or single shot, but the settings are programmable for you to make the customized coffee you like. There is a hatch that opens to accept the hermetically sealed Nespresso capsules. The pressure pump applies 19 bars of pressure for barista style coffee. The unit heats up in 25 seconds and shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity. There is a drip tray for café espresso and café Lungo. The tray for café espresso is detachable and pulls out the dump box.
Functionality
The Nespresso CitiZ & Milk can make single and double shots of espresso while frothing the milk in the Aeroccino milk frothier simultaneously.
Capacity
The Nespresso CitiZ & Milk comes with a water tank of 34 ounces that helps extract single and double shots of espresso. There is a set of 16 Nespresso capsules with the machine. The dump box can take 11 capsules before it needs clearing. There are adjustable stainless-steel trays for short and long coffees.
Additional Features
The Nespresso CitiZ & Milk comes with a manual and information about the selection of 16 coffees that come with the machine. The unit comes with a 1 – year warranty.
11. KitchenAid KES0504OB Nespresso Bundle
KitchenAid is a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation. The American home appliances company was started by the 
Hobart Corporation in 1919 and their first line of appliances were the stand mixers.
Design and Build
The KES0504OB brings home the premium stainless-steel design with the innovative technology of 19 bars pressure pump from KitchenAid. The machine is all steel with a die-cast construction that lends this premium design a long-lasting durability. It starts up quickly using the switch on the side and heats up in 30 seconds.
There is a 1.3-litre water tank that mounts at the back of the machine. There is a lever to raise the lid of the compartment that accepts the coffee crucibles. There is a brew-strength selector that offers 6 pre-programmed settings for that perfect amount of flavour. The machine feeds the hot water at the 19 bars of pressure to make the espresso decoction.
The system is compatible with Nespresso Grand Crus and there are 22 flavours to try out. It is easy to remove, clean and fill. The Aeroccino Milk Frother is included with the Model KES0504 and it makes hot and cold froth for distinct types of coffee. There two adjustable shelves – one for the espresso and one for the Lungo. The espresso tray can be pulled out to remove the dump box that collects the used capsules.
Functionality
The KitchenAid KES0504OB comes with 6 distinct settings for coffee decoctions. It can serve a single shot of espresso or a Lungo. The Aeroccino Milk Frother is perfect foaming cold and hot milk for coffee variations.
Capacity
The water tank capacity of the KitchenAid KES0504OB is 1.3 litres. While the milk frother can hold 240 ml of milk at a time. This would make 40 – 45 single shots of espresso which is usually 30 ml in capacity.
Additional Features
The KitchenAid KES0504OB comes with an Aeroccino Milk Frother, a user manual and brochure about the enclosed selection of coffees. The unit has a two-year warranty on parts and labour.
12. Breville 800ESXL Triple-Priming Die-Cast Espresso Machine
Breville; a well-known Australian brand of home appliances, bring you the 800ESXL Espresso Machine.
Design and Build
The Breville 800ESXL has a triple priming pressure pump that delivers 15 bars of pressure. The die-cast body is
forged in extremely hot temperatures making the machine very durable. The 800ESXL maximizes every inch of its design from the warming trap at the top to the water tank. There is drip tray that slides out easily and behind it is a box to keep the accessories. It has enough space to accommodate large tumblers such as your favourite cup or travel mug.
The Breville is very easy to use, just turn the knob to the right for hot water, to the left for steam and leave it in the middle for the standby mode. Then simply press the round buttons to the right to release the steam or hot water. The secret behind that ultimate espresso is the right temperature of the water at 204°F; that is achieved by the Thermoblock Heating System. The right pressure is achieved by the Triple-Prime pump that releases three bursts of hot water to moisten the coffee and extract the full flavour.
Most commercial espressos have the right grind of the perfect espresso. To make a cappuccino just turn the knob to steam, press the button to rises the temperature to 250°F. Now place the frothing mug at the steam wand. Pour the froth into the espresso. Once you have finished using the machine the Auto-purge function releases the extra steam and cools the machine to the optimum temperature.
Functionality
The Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine delivers that barista quality espressos, cappuccinos and other variations besides hot chocolate.
Capacity
The dual wall filters help exert the pressure and extract the flavours to the maximum. Just choose the filter and tamp the coffee then fit the portafilter into the head. The water tank is sufficient to make 50 cups of coffee.
Additional Features
The Breville 800ESXL box includes the two filters, a portafilter, a spoon and tamper, an instruction manual and one-year limited warranty.
13. Nespresso A+GCC1-US-RE-NE
This Nespresso is one of their earlier designs called the VertuoLine Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Maker. This comes with an elegant Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother.
Design and Build
The Nespresso is consistently evolving the way the world drinks coffee and espresso.
With this model, the pioneers of the single-serve coffee, Nespresso, have brought you the VertuoLine Evoluo. These 
newly designed hermetically sealed capsules bring you colour coded coffees from around the world. These capsules make freshly brewed coffee with crema and espresso.
At the touch of a button, the Evoluo machine makes two cup sizes – the 8 Fl.oz. coffee and 1.35 fl. oz. espresso. The VertuoLine uses 2 different capsule sizes, the large capsule is for coffee and the small one for your espresso. Thanks to the Centrifusion – a patented extraction technology by Nespresso – each cup is perfect each time. The machine reads and recognises the barcode and changes its settings to deliver that optimal coffee for each blend.
The Evoluo deluxe premium version has a larger water tank and used capsule container with chromed details. The Aeroccino Plus milk frother provides a finely textured hot or cold froth for all your coffee recipes. It actives the simple and fast automatic system that comes into action in a few seconds. It is silent and produces no vibrations. Just at a press of a button the Aeroccino heats the milk for café cappuccino or latte.
Functionality
The evolved Nespresso VertuoLine can brew coffee with crema and an authentic espresso. You can also use the espresso to create any number of permutations and combinations of black and milk coffees. You come use the frother to make steamed milk, hot chocolate, cappuccinos, etc
Capacity
The VertuoLine Evoluo makes two espresso cup sizes, i.e., the 8-ounce coffee and a 1.35-ounce espresso. The water tank capacity is 54 fluid ounces. The dump box can accommodate 17 large Nespresso capsules before it needs clearing.
Additional Features
The Evoluo comes with an Aeroccino frother, 12 VertuoLine capsules, an instruction booklet, an information folder and one-year warranty.
14. Nespresso D60 Pixie with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother
The pioneers of coffee have outdone themselves again. The Pixie is the smallest of their espresso makers, but it delivers the same punch as their bigger models.
Design and Build
The Pixie has a carmine red exterior made of textured plastic. The water tank or the reservoir at the back holds 0.7 litres of water. It is smart with an empty water tank detection feature. Though small, the Pixie boasts of a 19-bar pressure pump for maximum espresso extraction.
The machine has a two-button operation for a single shot or a double shot. The Pixie used the Nespresso capsules which are inserted via the hatch on the top. The hatch opens when the lever is pulled back. The used capsule then falls into the dump box in the belly of the machine. the dump box holds 10 used capsules and is attached a tray that holds the cup. If you are using the tall cup, simply fold back the tray and gain another 2 inches.
When you pull up the lever the used cup drops into the receptacle below vacating the place for the next capsule. The Pixie heats up in half a minute and serves the espresso in 30 seconds. It has a default shut-off setting after 9 minutes of inactivity which can be changed to 30 minutes.
Functionality
Like the larger models, the Pixie serves a brewed coffee and espresso. It can serve you single shots or double. The decoction can be used for black coffees or coffees with milk. The Aeroccino Plus frother makes smooth foam from fresh milk. The decoction and the froth can be used for hot and cold coffees.
Capacity
The Pixies water tank is 0.7 litres which can produce about three lungo or six espressos. The Aeroccino frother has a capacity of 240 ml.
Additional Features
The Pixie comes with the complementary set of Nespresso capsules, the manual and information about these assorted coffees and a one-year warranty.
15. Nespresso C111-US-RE-NE1 Citiz
This is another model by the trailblazers of the espresso machines. The CitiZ models are a tribute to cities around the
world, especially New York.
Design and Build
The Citiz C111-US-RE-NE1 makes delicious espressos at a touch of a button. To make the coffee first fill the 34-ounce water reservoir in the back of the machine. Then switch on the machine using the switch on the right-hand side of the base platform. Then decide on one of the 16 different flavoured capsules. Place a cup on the holder. Then pick up the hatch on the top of the machine to insert the capsule.
There are two buttons behind the hatch one for a single the other for a double. The single shot releases around 30 ml of water for an espresso and a double shot released about 60 ml. The holder is meant to hold smaller cups to prevent splash and spill. You can raise the cup holder to accommodate a larger cup for a double shot. The thermoblock heater that heats up in 25 seconds and 19 bars of pressure ensure the right extraction of flavour every time.
Functionality
Besides the espresso, you can also make a cappuccino or a latte using the Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker and an Aeroccino milk frother. The milk frother comes with two-disc attachments – one that froths the milk and the other that steams to milk.
The Aeroccino has two settings. It will froth your milk for cold coffees. Just hold the button down for two minutes until the light turns blue. If you want a hot drink just press the button once and it turns red. To make the cafe latte just pour milk into the frother and press the button for the red light.
Then turn on the CitiZ to make the espresso, simultaneously. Draw the single or double shot in the cup.
The Aeroccino will automatically shut off when it is done. Now open the lid and add the steamed milk to your espresso. You can make chai, hot chocolate, etc, too.
Capacity
The 34 fluid ounces of water can make around 25 – 30 cups of espresso. These single shots can be used to make a variety of coffees.
Additional Features
The box contains the Nespresso C111-US-RE-NE1 Citiz, a manual and 1-year warranty.
