Espresso is a very popular coffee drink and to prove it let’s have a look at some figures…
In a 2016 survey, 22% of 18- 24 year olds in the U.S. said that they drink espresso.
50% of Americans (150 million) drink speciality coffees, including espressos with the average coffee shop selling two to three hundred of these speciality coffees daily.
And do you want to know the one fact that should make you go out and buy your own espresso machine, now?
In the USA, the average cost of an espresso based drink is $3.45!
One of those a day is burning quite a considerable hole in your pocket.
So let me help you find the best single serve machine for you.
I have chosen five and put them in a comparison chart below.
But what features should you be looking to consider?
Pressure
A good espresso is made when hot water is injected into ground coffee at high speed.
And so the speed (or pressure) that the water is forced through at, is an important feature.
It is measured in bars.
This is because in order to get as much flavor out of the coffee grinds as possible
And in my selection, there is a even spread of “different” pressures.
15 Bar The Delonghi and the Mr Coffee machines have 15 bar of pressure.
19 Bar The Essenza Mini and the Hamilton Beach produce 19 bars of pressure.
20 Bar The Caffe Brio produces 20 bars of pressure.
Now, here’s the thing.
A perfect espresso is made when water is forced through the coffee grinds at 9 bar of pressure.
But the pressure must be consistent as it passes through the coffee. It cannot drop.
To guarantee this consistency, manufacturers have designed machines that are capable of producing much more pressure.
And this makes sense up to about 15 bar of pressure.
Anything greater is a “complete” nonsense.
If you don’t believe me, watch this snippet of video in which a very experienced barista says as much.
Well, OK. She called it “superfluous” but it means the same thing.
Filter
The next feature to think about is the type of filtering.
Although you are primarily after a single serve machine, do you want it to be capable of making 1 shot of espresso or 2 shots?
Ground Coffee vs Coffee Pods
And do you want a device that uses ground coffee or coffee pods?
Nespresso Capsules There are three machines that are purely single serve and that use Nespresso capsules.
These are; Essenza Mini, Hamilton Beach and Caffe Brio
Ground Espresso There are two machines in my comparison that use ground coffee.
They are; the DeLonghi and the Mr Coffee models.
Water Reservoirs
Reservoirs are convenient because they stop us having to refill our coffee makers after every cup of espresso.
However, they are not popular with everyone.
Some people think that water reservoirs can be a source of mould and bacteria.
The largest water reservoir is in the Mr Coffee Espresso maker and its capacity is 54 oz. or 1.5 liters.
The Caffe Brio has the smallest reservoir at only 20 oz or 0.6 liters.
Dimensions
I think that the most important dimension is the width of the machine.
Most of us have limited space on our kitchen counters and so slimline machines (that can still pack a punch) are becoming more popular.
The Essenza Mini and the Hamilton Beach espresso machines are the slimmest at 3.3 inches wide.
The coffee maker with the widest body is Mr Coffee.
Just Espresso
The final feature of an espresso machine to consider is simply, do you want it to only make espressos or to have a milk frother so that it can cappuccinos and lattes as well?
Two models in this comparison have a built- in frother and another comes with a milk frother as part of a bundle.
The two models with a built- in frother are the DeLonghi and Mr Coffee.
The Essenza Mini bundle includes a separate frother.
DeLonghi Espresso Machine EC680M
Details
- Dimensions (in.): 13 (D) x 5.9 (W) x 13 (H)
- Pressure (bar): 15
- Compatibility: 3 in 1 Portafilter
- Frother: Manual
- Water Reservoir (oz | L): 35 | 1
- Control: Buttons |
Touch Screen - Power (watts): 1450
Features
With its rounded stainless edges, manual frother and filter holder with a elegant black handle, the DeLonghi Dedica EC680 looks like a scale model of a professional espresso machine.
Coffee shop at Home Create your own espressos, cappuccinos or lattes as if they are shop bought.
Pressure? What pressure? Awesome coffee needs a little bit of pressure and this machine delivers 15 bars…
Triple EspressoThe filter holder comes with three cartridges; single shot, double shot and Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pod.
Your choice of milk, as you like it: the manual frother gives you total control over the milk of your choice- soy, almond or skimmed
Coffee Grande Please If you want a larger cup of coffee, then the bottom tray can be adjusted.
Slim Good Looks At just 6 inches wide this model is perfect for a kitchen counter that is short on space.
Mr Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Capuccino Maker
Details
- Dimensions (in.): 8.86 (D) x 11.22 (W) x 12.6 (H)
- Pressure (bar): 15
- Compatibility: 2 in 1 Portafilter
- Frother: Automatic
- Water Reservoir (oz | L): 54 | 1.5
- Control: Buttons |
Touch Screen - Power (watts): 1040
Features
Starting in 1970, Mr Coffee has developed into a highly respected coffee machine making company.
Multi talented– This coffee maker will make espressos cappuccinos and lattes.
Pump Power– 15 bars of pressure help to make your espressos taste great.
Bubbles Please– An automatic frother creates the perfect topping for your lattes or cappuccinos.
Touchy Feely– buttons allow you to choose between brew sizes and types of coffee.
Easy Access-the water and milk reservoirs can be removed, making them easy to refill and clean
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Details
- Dimensions (in.): 12.9 (D) x 3.3 (W) x 8 (H)
- Pressure (bar): 19
- Compatibility: Nespresso Capsules
- Frother: Automatic
- Water Reservoir (oz | L): 29 | .6
- Control: Buttons |
Touch Screen - Power (watts): 1100- 1450
Features
Capsule Heaven This model uses Nespresso OriginalLine capsules- making great tasting coffee has never been so easy.
Spoilt for Choice With dozens of different roast varieties and blends to choose from, your perfect espresso is here.
Small and Elegant At just over 3 inches wide, this machine is seriously small. But is still makes delicious espressos.
Espresso Injection This tiny marvel delivers about 19 bar of pressure
Hot & Efficient It takes just 25 seconds to get the water to temperature and it will automatically turn off after 9 minutes.
For Me? Each Essenza Mini includes an OriginalLine welcome pack of 14 different capsules
Espresso+ This product comes with the Aeroccino 3 milk frother so that you can make lattes and cappucinos.
Hamilton Beach 40792 Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
Details
- Dimensions (in.): 16.5 (D) x 6.41 (W) x 11.75 (H)
- Pressure (bar): 19
- Compatibility: Nespresso Capsules
- Frother: No
- Water Reservoir (oz | L): 22 | .6
- Control: Buttons |
Touch Screen - Power (watts): 1350
Features
Espressos are synonymous with Italy- they are the most popular form of coffee.
The Hamilton Beach is a shade of red that also has a strong link to Italy…
Ferrari red.
Italian Power a pump that delivers 15 bar to help create a perfect crema.
This Espresso or That– Use ground coffee or ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods
Totally Secure– the filter holder slides and locks into place. You know that it is ready to go.
Take Away The drip tray and the water reservoir are both removable.
Caffé Brio Nespresso Espresso Maker
Details
- Dimensions (in.): 13 (D) x 3.8 (W) x 9 (H)
- Pressure (bar): 20
- Compatibility: Nespresso Original Line Capsules
- Frother: No
- Water Reservoir (oz | L): 20 | .6
- Control: Buttons |
Touch Screen - Power (watts): 1200
Features
One Shot or Two? Decide how many shots of espresso you want using the Variable Timer Control
Quick of the Mark The Brio has a 30 second brew time.
Capsule Espressos This model is designed to work with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.
Tidy Storage– Up to 12 used capsules are automatically ejected and stored.
Up and Down The cup platform has two height settings for different sized cups
Smart Energy– The machine goes into standby after 15 minutes of inactivity.
No Brainer The Brio comes with a 30 day free money back guarantee and a 3 year warranty.
