Caffeinated Gear » Best Professional-Grade Home Espresso Machines: The Ultimate Buying Guide
By: Caffeinated Gear Review Team
Looking to craft café-quality espresso at home? You’ve just discovered our comprehensive guide to home espresso machines—written by professional baristas who’ve spent countless hours testing and perfecting shots on these exact setups.
If you’re seeking something simpler and don’t want to dive into the art of manual espresso-making, we recommend checking out our guide to:
For those interested in espresso machines but prefer a more automated experience, this guide is perfect for you:
Not quite sure which category fits your needs? Skip to our comparison section: Barista Coffee Machines vs Home Barista Setups.
In this guide, we’re focusing exclusively on espresso machine and grinder combinations for coffee enthusiasts ready to start their journey into the fascinating world of home espresso crafting.
Let’s clear up some common confusion about espresso machines and what they mean for your home coffee journey.
When we talk about espresso machines, there’s quite a range to consider. Commercial machines—the ones you see in cafés—are built for high-volume service and require specific power requirements and plumbing. If you’re looking for a commercial machine for your café, reach out to our team at contact@caffeinatedgear.com for personalised guidance.
For home use, you’ll want to consider two main paths: automated machines that handle the technical aspects for you, or manual machines that let you develop true barista skills. Your choice depends entirely on how involved you want to be in the coffee-making process.
If you’re after café-quality drinks but prefer automation, start with our comprehensive guide to best coffee machines. For those specifically interested in automatic options, our best bean to cup coffee machines guide offers detailed insights.
Quick note: We occasionally see searches for “barrister coffee machines”—while we’re sure our friends in the legal profession enjoy their coffee, we’ll stick to discussing barista equipment here! The key difference: baristas craft excellent coffee, while barristers craft excellent legal arguments (though we suspect both appreciate a good shot of espresso to start their day).
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’re confident in saying this is the standout choice in the sub-£200 thermoblock category.
The latest Gaggia Espresso range pays homage to their 1980s classic whilst bringing modern innovations to the table. Though predominantly plastic-built, its Italian craftsmanship shines through in both build quality and performance.
What truly sets this machine apart are two crucial features: the PID temperature control and standard portafilter. The PID significantly reduces temperature fluctuations, while the well-balanced 53mm standard portafilter offers seamless compatibility with professional baskets.
Technical highlights include:
The side-loading water tank design eliminates the hassle of drip tray removal. We particularly appreciate the steam wand’s versatility—removing the Panarello reveals a professional-grade single-hole tip with enhanced manoeuvrability.
Practical features include programmable shot volumes and a flat base perfect for precision scales. While it lacks a solenoid valve and 9-bar OPV, these omissions are reasonable given the price point. The pre-wetting function, while basic, still aids extraction.
For beginners seeking genuine espresso capability without breaking the bank, this machine delivers remarkable value. When bundled with the MD15 grinder at just under £260, it presents an unbeatable entry-level package.
While some might question its inclusion in our home barista selection, our testing shows this compact machine holds genuine potential, especially when paired with a quality grinder.
The three-step temperature adjustment, though basic, offers some control over brewing variables. While the stock pressurised portafilter suits beginners, numerous aftermarket bottomless options unlock its true potential.
We were particularly impressed by the innovative dual-setting Panarello wand. Its capability to switch between cappuccino and hot milk modes mirrors professional steaming techniques, offering surprising versatility for milk-based drinks.
While not our top recommendation, it serves well as a stepping stone into espresso brewing.
The newest addition to the Dedica family addresses a long-standing user modification trend by incorporating a professional steam wand. This upgrade mirrors the evolution we’ve seen with other manufacturers’ machines.
Our only current reservation is its limited retail availability, which affects competitive pricing. However, the professional steam wand upgrade makes this a compelling option for those prioritising milk-based drinks.
After extensive testing in our coffee lab, we’ve discovered something rather special about the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe.
While it sits in a modest price bracket above the Dedica, this machine offers remarkable value for aspiring home baristas.
At first glance, you might see just another thermoblock machine with a pressurised portafilter and a somewhat basic thermometer display.
However, our hands-on experience revealed several surprising qualities that set this machine apart.
A standout feature we discovered through our partnership with Gaggia Direct is the option to upgrade to an Edesia Espress standard basket portafilter—no need to hunt for compatibility elsewhere.
Even more impressive, you can order it with both standard and bottomless portafilters:
We tested this setup with the Gaggia MD15 grinder, which represents the entry point for serious espresso making.
While the MD15 needs modification for espresso grinding, Gaggia Direct thoughtfully includes shims and clear fitting instructions in the package.
Though limited to 15 grind settings, it creates a serviceable starter combination.
For those willing to invest a bit more, we recommend upgrading to the Baratza Encore ESP, Sage Dose Control Pro, or Smart Grinder Pro for notably better flavour extraction.
The steam wand configuration particularly impressed us during testing.
Beyond the standard Panarello attachment, removing both the wand and plastic connector reveals a cleverly designed steam pipe that functions brilliantly as a professional-style single-hole steam tip.
Our testing showed more consistent steam pressure compared to the Classic model—quite a pleasant surprise.
The machine includes a basic form of preinfusion, outperforming the Gaggia Classic in this regard.
While not true preinfusion, it effectively primes the coffee bed with a quick burst of pressure before the main extraction.
The simplified thermometer, though lacking numerical markers, proved surprisingly useful during our testing sessions.
It effectively guides temperature surfing, helping maintain consistency between shots and steam cycles.
Several thoughtful design elements caught our attention: a generous 300ml drip tray with magnetic securing (quite clever, really), and a front-loading 300ml water tank—a practical touch we rarely see outside of bean-to-cup machines, perfect for tight spaces.
For additional entry-level options, we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide:
Through years of testing countless combinations, we’ve learned that grinder selection critically impacts espresso quality.
While it’s tempting to focus your budget on a flashier espresso machine, our experience shows that grinder investment yields far greater improvements in cup quality.
Our testing consistently demonstrates that at the entry level, each £100 invested in a better grinder produces more noticeable improvements than the same amount spent on upgrading the espresso machine.
We strongly advise avoiding blade grinders and basic flat wheel models.
Instead, invest in quality burr grinders, even if it means starting with a more modest espresso machine.
For entry-level setups, we recommend starting with the Gaggia MD15 (shimmed for finer grinding via Gaggia Direct).
Better options include the Baratza Encore ESP or Sage grinder range.
For superior results, consider the Eureka Mignon Manuale or, ideally, the Mignon Specialita.
For more detailed grinder recommendations, visit our comprehensive guide:
After countless hours of testing and brewing thousands of shots, we’ve found the Barista Pro stands out as the benchmark for integrated grinder machines in the home espresso market.
While many coffee enthusiasts gravitate towards the more affordable Barista Express, we should point out an important distinction: the Express caters more to casual coffee drinkers. This is evident in its unique “fullnice” burr set – the only one in Sage’s lineup that doesn’t feature the premium European Etzinger burrs found in their other models, including the Pro.
Another crucial difference lies in the over-pressure valve (OPV) settings. Through our testing, we discovered the Express runs at roughly 14 bars, significantly higher than the Pro’s 9 bars. This isn’t a flaw – it’s actually perfect for users who prefer supermarket beans with pressurised baskets, which is exactly who the Express targets.
The Pro’s digital interface caught our attention during testing. We particularly appreciate how simple it makes adjusting shot parameters and brew temperature. The screen also displays a helpful shot timer and indicates whether you’re in pre-infusion or full pressure mode.
Based on our market research and hands-on experience, the Barista Pro dominates the integrated grinder segment. While conventional wisdom might question the all-in-one approach – you can’t upgrade individual components as easily – we’ve found the Pro offers exceptional value.
What surprised us most during our industry connections? When chatting with coffee professionals about their home setups, we expected to hear about fancy commercial single-group machines. Instead, the Barista Pro comes up repeatedly as their chosen home companion. That speaks volumes about its capabilities.
Don’t let first impressions fool you – this isn’t simply a Barista Express with a fancy tamp lever. Our testing revealed much more beneath the surface.
The tamping mechanism delivers a precise 10kg of pressure with minimal effort, but what truly impressed us was the intelligent dosing system working in harmony with the calibrated tamp. For a deeper understanding of this technology, check out our detailed explanation:
While based on the Express platform, this model incorporates significant upgrades including the 9 bar OPV and premium Etzinger burrs. Most notably, it features the Impress puck system, which handles many traditionally skill-dependent tasks automatically.
Here’s where it gets interesting – we discovered what we like to call the “secret handshake” or manual mode. Though not officially labelled as such, this feature transforms the machine’s personality completely.
By switching to manual operation, you can bypass the automatic dosing system. This gives you two options: use the tamp lever semi-manually, or go fully manual with your own puck preparation routine. For the latter, you’ll need either a bottomless portafilter or to remove the splitter from the standard one.
This dual-personality makes the Express Impress uniquely versatile. In households where one person wants to perfect their barista skills while another prefers simplicity, it’s ideal. The coffee enthusiast can dial in the perfect settings, then their partner can enjoy consistently excellent espresso with minimal fuss.
We’ve also found it brilliantly practical for those moments when you want different experiences. Sometimes you’ll want to spend a leisurely Sunday morning perfecting your technique, but on busy weekday mornings, you might prefer something more automated than visiting the local Costa drive thru. The Express Impress handles both scenarios beautifully.
After extensive testing in our workshop, we’ve found the Bambino to be a brilliant compact machine that punches well above its weight class. For its price point, you’re getting remarkable features including precise PID temperature control, professional-grade low-pressure pre-infusion, and a properly calibrated 9-bar pressure system.
While it’s the smaller sibling to the Bambino Plus, we’ve discovered some areas where it actually outshines its bigger brother. The machine’s compact footprint doesn’t compromise on performance, and our testing showed consistently stable brewing temperatures thanks to the PID system.
For beginners working with medium to medium-dark roasts, this machine is spot-on. However, we should mention that the fixed brew temperature might not suit those wanting to experiment with light roasts, which need more precise temperature control.
One practical difference from the Plus model is the standard brew valve instead of a 3-way solenoid. This means slightly moistier pucks after brewing, and you’ll need a brief 10-20 second wait before removing the portafilter if you’ve ground too finely – unless you fancy wearing your coffee grounds!
We particularly appreciate the hot water button feature (missing on the Plus), though accessing hot water requires a specific button sequence. The smaller drip tray actually proves beneficial here, requiring less frequent emptying than its Plus counterpart.
From our daily testing sessions, we’re confident the Bambino represents fantastic value for home baristas just starting their journey. While it might not match the decades-long lifespan of the Gaggia Classic, and spare parts aren’t quite as readily available, the performance-to-price ratio is outstanding.
Our only real gripe? The included “stubby spout” portafilter. We’d much prefer to see Sage include their standard split-spout portafilter, like those supplied with their Barista Express and Pro models.
Through our testing, we’ve found the Bambino Plus builds on its smaller sibling’s foundation with some notable additions. It’s slightly wider but packs in automatic milk texturing and a three-way solenoid valve. While it lacks the dedicated hot water button, we’ve mastered the steam wand technique for hot water delivery.
The advertised 3-second heat-up time needs some context – yes, the ThermoJet reaches temperature quickly, but our tests show you’ll want to run some water through first to heat the entire brew path. Otherwise, the cold group head and portafilter will significantly drop your brewing temperature.
The machine’s lightweight design means you’ll need to stabilise it while locking in the portafilter – a technique that quickly becomes second nature. One practical consideration we’ve noted is the more frequent drip tray emptying needed with the Plus model. The solenoid valve expels moisture from used pucks, and the auto-purge feature adds to the water collection.
The standout feature? The automatic milk texturing is genuinely impressive. Our extensive testing shows it consistently produces café-quality microfoam, perfect for aspiring latte artists.
In our testing, we’ve found the Duo Temp Pro essentially mirrors a stripped-down Barista Express minus the built-in grinder, pressure gauge, and dual shot buttons. It uses Sage’s original thermocoil rather than the newer ThermoJet, resulting in slightly longer heat-up and steam-ready times – though we’re only talking about 30 seconds or so.
Despite its modest price point, our extensive use confirms it delivers proper 9-bar extraction pressure, gentle pre-infusion, and consistent temperatures via PID control. We see it as Sage’s answer to traditional machines like the Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silvia – but with modern conveniences and a gentler learning curve.
The Gaggia Classic holds a special place in our workshop – we’ve tested countless machines, but this Italian-made marvel keeps drawing us back. Our original 2003 model still performs brilliantly, though we’re focusing here on the latest E24 version.
At this price point, few machines match the Classic’s build quality, maintainability, and modding potential. While perfectly capable straight out of the box, many users develop a temperature surfing routine to manage its thermostat-based temperature control.
Based on our experience, we strongly recommend the OPV springs from Shades of coffee as a simple yet effective upgrade. Even our less technically-minded team members managed this mod without difficulty.
The E24 represents a significant evolution with its brass boiler, offering about 30% more capacity than previous models at roughly 105ml. If you’ve heard about “boilergate”, rest assured – that affected the previous Evo Pro 2023 model with its coated aluminium boiler. The E24’s brass construction eliminates these concerns while providing improved steam power.
We often field questions comparing this to the Sage Bambino Plus, but they’re fundamentally different machines. While similarly priced, the Classic represents traditional Italian engineering – built like a tank, fully serviceable, and ready for modifications. The Bambino Plus offers modern convenience features and automatic milk texturing. Your choice depends on whether you prefer classic craftsmanship or modern convenience.
In our extensive testing of Italian espresso machines, we’ve found that Lelit consistently delivers exceptional value. Their machines routinely outperform competitors when comparing build quality, components, and performance against price points.
The recent acquisition by Sage (known globally as Breville) has brought some fascinating changes. With their new multi-region website launch, we’re seeing remarkably competitive pricing that’s shaking up the market. The Anna 2, featuring adjustable PID temperature control, now sits at an impressive £450 price point.
From our professional perspective, this aggressive pricing positions the Anna 2 as a serious contender in the entry-level market. When we compare it against established machines like the Gaggia Classic, Rancilio Silvia, and the newer Mii Coffee Apex, the Anna 2 comes in at a lower price while offering superior specifications.
While we haven’t yet conducted our full hands-on testing of the Anna 2 (though we’ve thoroughly tested their Bianca V3 and Mara V2), the only notable limitation we can identify is the 57mm group size. It’s an unusual choice that slightly restricts accessory options compared to the standard 58mm size.
We’ll provide more detailed insights once our testing team gets hands-on experience with this machine in our workshop.
For our complete analysis of the Lelit range, visit our comprehensive guide:
The Rancilio Silvia holds a special place in home espresso history. What began as a limited edition thank-you gift for Rancilio’s top commercial distributors in the late 90s has become one of the most respected machines in the £500 range.
During our testing, we’ve found the Silvia’s commercial heritage shines through in several areas. The 300ml brass boiler offers significant capacity, though we noticed this comes with longer heating times compared to machines like the Gaggia Classic Pro. The portafilter feels particularly well-balanced – unsurprising given it’s identical to those used in Rancilio’s commercial machines.
We were particularly impressed by the steam power, which produces excellent microfoam. However, temperature management requires attention – the temperature swings match those of the Classic unless you’ve installed a PID.
In our detailed examination, we spotted a few quirks. The prominent hex bolt securing the shower screen seems unnecessarily large, though there are aftermarket solutions available. The internal heating element demands careful attention to boiler priming, unlike the Classic’s external heating setup.
We’ve recently discovered some exceptional bundle deals that we think deserve your attention. Clumsy Goat has launched several compelling packages pairing the Rancilio Silvia with various grinders. We’ve vetted these offers thoroughly, and they represent genuine value:
Have a look here:
After extensive testing in our workshop, we can confidently say the Lelit Victoria offers exceptional value, outperforming machines costing significantly more. It sits several hundred pounds below the Profitec Go while matching many of its capabilities.
The build quality impressed our entire team – its Italian craftsmanship is evident in every detail except, perhaps, the plastic steam knob, which feels somewhat out of place on such a premium machine.
We found the Lelit Control Centre (LCC) interface takes some getting used to. While straightforward once mastered, the menu navigation initially caused some frustration among our testing team. The temperature adjustment range is impressive, offering precise control in 1°C/F increments for both brewing and steaming.
During our milk-steaming tests, we noted consistent steam power throughout the process. The included IMS baskets and the innovative “coffee slide” portafilter spout are welcome premium touches. We particularly appreciate the generous drip tray capacity – a practical feature that’s often overlooked.
The water tank design presents our only significant criticism. While the capacity is generous at nearly 2L, the awkward access makes refilling more challenging than necessary. We’d prefer to see the handled design used in their Mara X and Bianca models.
For grinder pairing recommendations, see: Grinder Pairings
From our testing experience, the Oscar II builds impressively on its predecessor’s reputation for value. Since the original Oscar’s 1999 debut, this updated model brings welcome aesthetic improvements alongside meaningful technical refinements.
The stainless steel construction houses a substantial 2L insulated copper boiler, powered by a 1200W element. We found the compact footprint (30cm wide x 40cm tall x 41cm deep) particularly practical for home settings.
In our milk-steaming trials, the four-hole tip delivered exceptional performance. While the pressure stat (versus PID) means cooling flushes are necessary, we didn’t find this particularly burdensome in regular use.
The pre-programmed buttons include a one-second soft infusion and three-second wait time. While you can’t adjust these settings, we discovered a useful workaround: setting one button to 60 seconds effectively creates a manual control option.
For those focused on milk-based drinks, we found the steam power and joystick lever control particularly impressive. However, if you’re primarily an espresso enthusiast, there might be more suitable options at this price point.
Our extensive testing reveals the Mara X as a revolutionary advancement in heat exchanger technology. Traditional HX machines, which heat brew water through a steam boiler pipeline, typically prioritise steam temperature over precise brewing control.
The Mara X breaks this mould with its innovative dual-mode operation. In brew priority mode, we achieved consistent temperature control across three settings (91-92°C, 93-94°C, 95-96°C). Switching to steam priority mode offers three pressure settings (120°C, 123°C, 126°C, corresponding to approximately 1, 1.2, and 1.5 Bar).
Having spent countless hours testing espresso machines in our coffee lab, we’re genuinely excited about the new Rocket Appartamento TCA (Temperature Control Adjustment).
The original Appartamento, while beloved, needed some updates to keep pace with modern competitors.
Rocket hasn’t just added features – they’ve reimagined this machine from the ground up.
The most significant upgrade is the introduction of PID temperature control, but that’s just the beginning.
We were particularly impressed by the new single solid base plate design, which significantly improves durability during shipping and daily use.
The insulated boiler and factory-set 9-bar OPV showcase Rocket’s attention to technical precision, while the redesigned portafilter and refined steam wand tip demonstrate their commitment to practical improvements.
Aesthetic Excellence: The angular interpretation of the classic E61 group head is particularly striking – it’s a bold design choice that really works.
Temperature Control: While testing the PID system, we noticed the manual focuses on pressure settings rather than actual brew temperatures.
Thanks to comprehensive testing by Whole Latte Love, we can confirm these temperature readings at the group head:
After extensive testing in our workshop, we’ve found the Sanremo Cube to be a remarkably well-engineered E61 heat exchanger machine that brings commercial-grade quality to home brewing.
The Cube comes in two variants: the V and R models, distinguished by their pump systems. Through our UK market research, we’ve discovered that Coffee Hit exclusively stocks the R variant, featuring a robust 54L/h volumetric rotary pump with genuine line pressure pre-infusion capabilities when plumbed in.
We should mention that the V model comes with certain limitations. Its 1.8L internal water tank restricts your brewing capacity, and the pre-infusion is more accurately described as pre-wetting rather than true line pressure pre-infusion.
What truly sets this machine apart is its striking modern design. While most E61 machines embrace a classic aesthetic, the Sanremo Cube breaks the mould with its contemporary styling and impressive colour range. This isn’t just about looks – the build quality meets the exacting standards we’d expect from a brand with Sanremo’s commercial pedigree.
The smart features particularly impressed our testing team. The integrated app offers practical benefits that address common E61 drawbacks. You can schedule power cycles, adjust boiler temperature (R model), monitor shot timing, and review usage statistics – all from your smartphone.
There’s room for improvement though. During our milk-steaming tests, we noticed the steam wand would benefit from a ball joint design, and a cool-touch feature would be a welcome addition for safety.
For serious home baristas seeking a modern E61 machine with smart connectivity and exceptional build quality, our team highly recommends considering the Sanremo Cube.
When our team consults on equipment setups, we always emphasise investing heavily in your grinder choice. For machines of this calibre, we recommend starting no lower than the Eureka Mignon Manuale. For optimal results, consider stepping up to the Mignon Specialita, Baratza Sette, DF64, Mignon Oro, or Niche Zero.
See: Grinder Pairings
While we could explore countless heat exchanger options, here are some additional machines worth investigating:
When we dive into the features list above, it becomes immediately clear why the Sage Dual Boiler stands out in its price bracket.
Every single feature serves a genuine purpose in crafting exceptional espresso—there’s nothing superfluous here.
As professional baristas and coffee experts, we’ve had extensive hands-on experience with this machine. In fact, two of these workhorses serve as daily drivers in our testing lab—one with the renowned slayer mod, and another in its factory configuration.
After countless shots pulled and thorough testing, we’re confident in saying this: the Sage Dual Boiler offers unmatched performance for home baristas in its price range.
Some coffee enthusiasts fixate on the traditional Italian aesthetic, particularly when comparing it to machines like the Rocket Appartamento. However, Sage’s focus on performance over cosmetics has produced remarkable results. While we appreciate the machine’s contemporary design (particularly fond of the Black Truffle finish), what truly matters is what’s in the cup.
The temperature stability is nothing short of brilliant. Thanks to its heated group and dual PIDs, it performs like machines with saturated groups—typically found in much pricier models. This stability, combined with precise temperature control, makes it especially suitable for experimenting with different roast profiles, including those tricky light roasts.
The pre-infusion capabilities are particularly impressive. With adjustable power settings and timing from zero to 90 seconds, you’ve got unprecedented control over your extraction. Want to pull shots reminiscent of a Slayer? Simply adjust your pre-infusion settings. For those seeking even more control, a straightforward modification lets you repurpose the hot water needle valve for pressure profiling.
The steaming performance hits the sweet spot—while not overwhelmingly powerful, it delivers consistent results and proves remarkably user-friendly for milk texturing.
We do have one minor gripe: the plastic dispersion screen. It’s a small detail, but as coffee perfectionists, we prefer metal components in the brew path. Fortunately, this is easily upgraded.
There’s been some discussion about cosmetic bubbling on the aluminium group head. From our testing and maintenance experience, this is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect performance.
Regarding serviceability, let’s address the elephant in the room. You might hear concerns about Sage machines being “consumer grade” with limited parts availability. While there’s some truth to this, it’s not the full picture.
Yes, Sage could improve their documentation and parts accessibility. However, the actual components are largely standard, and many are readily available once you know what you’re looking for. The online community has been invaluable in documenting maintenance procedures and sourcing parts. We’ve also heard promising news about Sage working to improve this situation.
For an even more detailed breakdown of this exceptional machine, check out our comprehensive analysis:
Speaking of the Rancilio Silvia mentioned earlier, we’ve discovered some remarkable bundle deals from Clumsy Goat that have genuinely impressed our testing team. Their packages with the Sage Dual Boiler are particularly noteworthy.
As coffee industry professionals, we were initially sceptical about these prices – they seem almost too good to be true. However, having worked with Clumsy Goat (an established roaster near Rochdale) for years, we can vouch for their authenticity. Still, at these prices, we suspect these deals won’t last long.
Most striking is their Dual Boiler and Eureka Mignon Specialita bundle – priced below the Dual Boiler’s standard RRP!
Their other outstanding deals include the Dual Boiler paired with the Eureka Oro (just £100 over the Dual Boiler’s RRP) and a brilliant package with the Rancilio Stile 58mm flat burr grinder for about £50 more than the Dual Boiler alone. Browse their full range here:
After extensive testing, we’ve found the Kafmasino One fills an important gap in the market – offering programmable espresso control at a more accessible price point than the Decent DE1. Think of it as bringing computer-guided precision to espresso brewing, while still allowing room for barista craftsmanship.
For those unfamiliar with this approach, imagine being able to select your beans, input your desired flavour profile, and let sophisticated programming handle the technical variables. Yet there’s still plenty of scope for hands-on skill development.
The machine uses a 550ml stainless steel brew boiler with a 1500W heating element. A separate thermoblock handles steam production, meaning while you can’t steam and brew simultaneously, there’s no waiting for temperature changes between functions.
While the physical design might remind you of other single boiler machines (particularly the Profitec Go), we’ve found the build quality to be remarkably solid. The companion app is brilliant, offering truly innovative features.
This shares some DNA with upcoming machines like the Mii Coffee Apex and Turin Legato (not yet available in the UK), but with key differences. While it does use a pre-existing base machine (the same as AVX’s DB1), substantial modifications make it unique.
The Kafmasino team installs their proprietary control board, connecting it to various sensors and heating elements. They’ve added a pressure regulator and sensor, and use a temporary flowmeter during factory calibration. The included Bluetooth scales sync seamlessly with the app, and there’s even Acaia scale compatibility for those who prefer that option.
We see this as a thoughtful response to what Decent pioneered, much like how Decent themselves were inspired by the ambitious ZPM Nocturn project. In fact, Decent’s founder John Buckman backed that Kickstarter, recognising the potential in code-driven espresso while finding a more viable path to market (and properly licensing ZPM’s intellectual property).
The Kafmasino One smartly balances advanced features with affordability by enhancing an existing machine design rather than building from scratch. Some of their innovations, like the integrated community features, are genuinely impressive. Users can share profiles and compare shots side-by-side directly within the app.
Their warranty and support also deserve mention – 2 years coverage backed by responsive email and chat support, detailed video guides, and if needed, one-on-one video calls. They’ll ship replacement parts free of charge when required, or handle two-way shipping at no cost if the machine needs servicing.
For our complete analysis, see our detailed review:
Based on our extensive testing, we believe the Lelit Elizabeth V3 stands as the Sage Dual Boiler’s strongest competitor in its price bracket. Both machines excel in different areas, making the choice between them largely a matter of personal preference.
When customers ask us about choosing between these two, we emphasise that both are exceptional machines. Our advice? Follow your instincts about which machine’s features and aesthetics speak to you most strongly – you really can’t go wrong with either choice.
The Sage Dual Boiler shines with its user-friendly interface, quick warm-up time, and the simple reversible Slayer mod for flow profiling. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth impresses with its robust metal construction (less plastic), professional aesthetic, and notably quiet operation thanks to its superior pump.
Both machines have their subtle advantages depending on your specific needs. For instance, the Dual Boiler offers both timed and volumetric shot programming, while the Elizabeth sticks to timed shots. The Elizabeth proves remarkably energy efficient when left on continuously – consuming just 50-70 watts per hour (roughly 20-50p daily), whereas the Dual Boiler’s quick heat-up time makes it more practical to switch off between uses.
At around twelve hundred pounds, the Elizabeth represents outstanding value for a dual boiler machine. Its combination of features, build quality, and performance easily earns it a spot on our shortlist alongside the Sage Dual Boiler.
As Lelit’s flagship dual boiler machine, the Bianca V3 consistently impresses us with its remarkable capabilities.
When you combine a dual boiler E61 group, whisper-quiet rotary pump (plumb-in ready), comprehensive feature set including flow control via the paddle, programmability through the LCC, and flexible water tank positioning – all for around two thousand pounds – you’re looking at exceptional value.
To put this in perspective, the ECM Synchronika costs roughly £600 more, and while both machines deliver similar performance, the Bianca includes flow profiling straight out of the box. In our view, the premium for the Synchronika primarily buys you enhanced fit and finish rather than additional functionality.
This isn’t to diminish Lelit’s build quality – it’s excellent. The ECM Synchronika (and to a slightly lesser extent, the Profitec Pro 700) simply offers that extra layer of premium finishing.
For espresso enthusiasts seeking an E61 dual boiler with flow control capabilities, our testing suggests the Bianca deserves serious consideration.
The Synchronika represents ECM’s pinnacle achievement in dual boiler espresso machines. Our testing reveals it as a masterpiece of engineering, where premium components and materials meet exceptional performance.
Using the Sage Dual Boiler as a reference point again, the Synchronika achieves comparable performance levels but without design compromises. It’s built for users who demand both top-tier performance and premium build quality.
The E61 group head features PID control for both boilers, allowing precise temperature adjustments in one-degree increments for brewing and customisable steam pressure settings.
Two insulated stainless steel boilers – a generous 2L steam boiler and 750ml brew boiler – are powered by robust 1400W and 1200W elements respectively. The steam boiler generates an impressive 2 bars of pressure – matching commercial machine capabilities. In fact, among home machines, only the La Marzocco GS3 (at nearly triple the price) matches this steam power.
The 3L water tank provides ample capacity, though plumbing remains an option thanks to the quiet rotary pump. Dual pressure gauges monitor steam boiler and pump pressure separately. The machine features lever operation (typical for E61 groups), a commercial 58mm portafilter, and a spacious 1.2L drip tray.
Additional features include a shot timer, articulated no-burn steam wand with interchangeable tips, and a dedicated no-burn hot water spout.
ECM’s renowned build quality shines through in every detail. For serious espresso enthusiasts with a £2000+ budget (remember to factor in a grinder), the Synchronika absolutely deserves consideration.
Rocket’s latest offerings, particularly the Bicocca, showcase serious innovation in prosumer espresso machine design.
This dual boiler machine introduces a unique 2.3kW thermoblock-heated group head, delivering exceptional temperature stability. The quiet rotary pump supports both tank and plumbed operation.
What truly sets the Bicocca apart is its modular internal design. Opening the machine reveals independent component modules that can be individually serviced or replaced. We believe this approach reflects careful consideration of both home and light commercial use, prioritising easy maintenance.
The custom user interface particularly impressed our testing team. Beyond basic PID temperature control, the touch screen enables precise volumetric shot programming (either by millilitres or manual shot timing), along with customisable preinfusion and bloom times.
The scheduling system proves remarkably flexible, with independent daily on/off timing. Additional smart features include filter cartridge replacement alerts for plumbed setups, and touch screen-guided backflushing.
Our only minor observation concerns the screen placement. While the flat orientation creates a striking aesthetic, users under about 5’4″ might need to stretch slightly to view it clearly. Perhaps some morning calf raises with your coffee isn’t such a bad thing?
The legendary La Marzocco Linea Mini R needs little introduction to seasoned espresso enthusiasts. For many of us on the Caffeinated Gear team, it’s long represented the ultimate home espresso dream machine – that purchase we’d make after a major promotion or lottery win!
Essentially, it’s a commercial-grade single-group machine scaled perfectly for home use – the compact sibling to La Marzocco’s professional Linea range.
The R version brings significant updates, including dual solenoids replacing the single 3-way valve. This enables both pre-brew blooming and gentle ramped preinfusion. They’ve also upgrade
The R Nine One is an absolute powerhouse that commands attention, weighing in at nearly fifty kilos of pure coffee-making brilliance.
Just looking at its core specifications tells you this machine means business: a substantial 1.9L brew boiler paired with a massive 3.6L steam boiler, complete with a saturated group and rotary pump.
What truly sets this machine apart is its approach to pressure profiling.
Not only can you manually adjust profiles through the control panel, but you also get five programmable presets – a feature that puts this machine in direct competition with the likes of La Marzocco GS3 and Slayer, while offering something uniquely valuable: perfect repeatability.
This means once you’ve discovered the ideal pressure profile for your favourite beans, you can replicate that exact shot time after time.
For those seeking something even more distinctive, we recommend checking out the Epica, which reimagines the R Nine One concept with a mechanical lever system.
The Eagle 1 Prima stands at an interesting crossroads – it’s both a commercial workhorse built for busy roasteries and cafes, and a premium choice for serious home baristas.
At its heart lies Victoria Arduino’s revolutionary NEO (New Engine Optimisation) technology, which fundamentally changes how the machine handles water heating.
Despite its surprisingly compact 140ml brew boiler and 1.5L steam boiler, this innovative system delivers remarkable performance, including 2.5 bar steam pressure and an impressive array of smart features.
Here are some standout capabilities we discovered during testing:
The machine offers plumbed-in capability via its rotary pump. While early models lacked drip tray drainage, this has reportedly been addressed in newer versions.
We should note that initial releases faced some challenges, particularly during the pandemic launch. However, based on our recent testing and user feedback, these issues have been resolved, and the Eagle 1 Prima is proving itself as a remarkably capable machine.
Through extensive testing, we’ve found the Niche Zero pairs brilliantly with dual boiler machines like the Sage. For machines of this calibre, we recommend grinders of similar quality – think Niche Zero, Mignon Oro, DF83, Niche Duo, Eureka Atom 65, or Mignon XL.
See: Grinder Pairings
For those exploring other dual boiler options, here’s our curated list for further research:
While traditional machines dominate the home barista landscape, manual espresso makers deserve serious consideration, particularly for pure espresso enthusiasts. Here’s our analysis of the top contenders.
After testing numerous portable espresso makers, the Picopresso stands out as our top choice for practical, on-the-go espresso brewing.
The thoughtful packaging makes it an excellent gift choice, with a premium unboxing experience and clever storage solutions built into its compact carrying case.
Most importantly, it consistently produces excellent espresso – when used correctly.
We should note that mastering this device requires patience. Temperature management and dialling in can be tricky, especially when rushing. However, with practice and a proper workflow, the Picopresso proves itself as a fantastic travel companion for quality espresso anywhere.
The Robot has earned its popularity among manual espresso enthusiasts through sheer practicality and consistency.
Our testing revealed minimal preheating requirements, exceptional build quality, and a straightforward workflow that produces consistently good results. Its robust construction doesn’t compromise portability.
What particularly impressed us was its low-maintenance design and straightforward cleaning process. After consulting numerous manual espresso enthusiasts who own multiple devices, we found the Robot consistently ranks among their favourites for daily use.
The Flair Classic has established itself as a benchmark in manual espresso making. Through years of testing various iterations, we’ve consistently been impressed by its build quality and design aesthetics.
Its portability, especially with the optional carrying case, makes it ideal for travel. While it produces excellent espresso, we found the chamber preheating process requires more attention compared to the Robot. However, once you develop a routine, this becomes second nature.
The 9Barista represents engineering brilliance in stovetop espresso making. Its beautiful design is matched by robust construction and exceptional espresso quality.
Unlike traditional stovetop makers, it achieves true 9-bar pressure, delivering authentic espresso. While it sidesteps typical manual preheating challenges, we found it requires careful heat management to avoid over-extraction.
Our testing showed a moderate learning curve, but the process becomes intuitive quickly. The brewing experience is theatrical, essentially providing an inverted naked portafilter shot. For those familiar with stovetop brewing, it offers an accessible path to exceptional espresso quality.
During our recent revisit to the Europiccola, we pulled some of the most impressive shots we’ve seen in months, reinforcing why this classic maintains its legendary status.
While not suited to everyone’s workflow, these machines offer remarkable results with minimal complexity. In our testing, we achieved consistently excellent espresso within 8 minutes from cold start – including warm-up and dialling in.
Despite common misconceptions about difficulty, we’ve found the learning curve quite manageable. Using a naked portafilter reveals the machine’s capability for producing perfectly extracted shots with minimal channelling.
Our test unit is a pre-millennium model, sourced from a German restoration specialist. Modern versions feature significant improvements, including a brass piston that eliminates the need for common upgrades, and improved boiler insulation for safer operation.
For those considering entry-level options, restored pre-millennium models offer excellent value, typically available for £300-400.
The Flair 58 tackles the main challenge of manual machines – preheating – with an innovative electric chamber heating system.
It offers three temperature presets for precise control, though you’ll still need to heat water separately. This eliminates the most finicky aspect of manual brewing: chamber preheating and timing management.
While it sits in a similar price bracket to the La Pavoni Europiccola, which offers integrated water heating and milk steaming capabilities, the Flair 58 excels in portability. Its discrete design and compact form make it ideal for office use or travel.
Works brilliantly with any pressurised basket or pressurized portafilter espresso machine without shims, including DeLonghi Dedica and Gaggia Carezza.
Perfect match for entry-level machines with standard baskets when using shims (included with Gaggia Direct purchases only), including Gaggia Classic Pro, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus.
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Compatible with any entry-level machine up through models like the Gaggia Classic, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus.
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Pairs wonderfully with entry-level machines through to Gaggia Classic, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus.
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Perfect companion for entry-level machines through Gaggia Classic, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus. Versatile enough for various brewing methods. Particularly shines with medium to dark roasts.
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Excellent match for entry-level machines through Gaggia Classic, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus. Versatile for multiple brewing methods. Best results with medium to dark roasts.
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Suitable for most single boiler machines including Gaggia Classic, Sage Bambino & Bambino Plus, Rancilio Silvia.
Note: Non-stepless design works brilliantly for classic espresso profiles but may not be ideal for lighter roasts.
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Compatible with most single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines.
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Matches beautifully with most single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines. Robust construction with remarkably quiet operation.
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Works with most single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines.
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Compatible with most single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines.
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Pairs well with most single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
An economical alternative to the Niche Zero, approximately £140 less with standard burrs. While the Niche offers superior aesthetics and feel, this represents excellent value.
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Compatible with all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
Our team’s daily driver for over two years. Outstanding build quality, intuitive operation, minimal static issues, and negligible retention.
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Works with all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
Essentially a Mignon Specialita modified with blow up bellows, minus dose options, plus metal dosing cup.
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Matches perfectly with all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
Eureka’s most compelling single-dose offering to date and our pick for most serious Niche Zero alternative.
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Compatible with all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
Baratza’s premium offering, includes both espresso and brew burr sets.
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Suitable for all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
Commercial-grade grinder at competitive pricing, particularly interesting for serious home users when fitted with 40g blow up hopper.
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Compatible with all single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler machines, including E61 machines.
The ultimate endgame grinder for the most discerning coffee enthusiasts. Premium build quality and performance.
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After countless hours testing espresso machines and training baristas, we’ve compiled this essential guide to help you navigate the technical terminology you’ll encounter in our reviews. Here’s what you need to know about home espresso equipment:
Standard Baskets: These single-walled, traditional baskets are what you’ll find in professional coffee shops. They’re the gold standard for authentic espresso extraction, requiring properly ground coffee and good technique.
Panarello Wand: A special steam wand covering that automatically incorporates air into milk. While convenient, it typically produces a uniform, thick foam better suited for traditional cappuccinos rather than modern microfoam.
Pressurised Baskets: Also called dual-walled baskets, these clever devices help beginners achieve decent-looking results with pre-ground coffee or coarser grinds. They create pressure through a single hole in the outer wall, though the resulting coffee often masks extraction issues.
Single Boiler: The simplest boiler setup, where one chamber handles both espresso brewing and steam production. You’ll need to switch between temperatures for each function.
Heat Exchanger: A sophisticated system using a steam boiler with a metal pipe running through it. Fresh water passes through this pipe, heating to brewing temperature on its way to the group head.
Dual Boiler: The premium solution with separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing simultaneous operation. Ideal for milk-based drinks and busy households.
PID Controller: This precise temperature management system (Proportional Integral Derivative) maintains consistent brewing temperatures. Some models let you adjust the temperature, while others are factory-set.
Portafilter Sneeze: A messy (and potentially dangerous) situation when excess pressure releases explosively from the basket upon unlocking. This typically happens on machines without an OPV when they’re “choked.”
OPV (Over Pressure Valve): A crucial safety feature that regulates pressure to around 9 bar, despite pumps typically generating 15 bar. This makes the machine more forgiving and safer to use.
3-Way Solenoid Valve: A quality-of-life component that releases pressure and moisture after brewing, resulting in easier cleanup and preventing portafilter sneezes.
Choked Machine: When coffee is ground too finely, completely blocking water flow through the basket.
Channelling: A common extraction problem where water finds paths of least resistance through the coffee puck, leading to uneven extraction.
Thermoblock: An on-demand heating system using a split metal block with water channels cut through it.
Thermocoil: Similar to a thermoblock but using a continuous metal coil design for water heating.
ThermoJet: Sage’s innovative heating system using a specially formed alloy coil, known for its remarkably quick heating and cooling cycles.
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