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The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is a strong choice for coffee lovers who want café-style drinks at home without complicated steps. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with dose control, so you get freshly ground coffee with each cup for better flavor. The 2-liter water tank is a decent size, meaning you won’t have to refill it too often. It also uses a fast heating system, reaching the ideal brewing temperature in just a few seconds, which saves you time.
The automatic steam wand is a standout feature, letting you adjust milk temperature and texture easily to create smooth microfoam—great for lattes or cappuccinos and even latte art. The touch screen interface is simple and user-friendly, guiding you through grinding, brewing, and milk frothing in three steps, and you can save up to 8 personalized coffee settings to match your taste. The machine offers 5 pre-programmed coffee options and adjustable grind settings, so it suits a range of preferences.
Cleaning is fairly straightforward, especially with the included accessories and cleaning kit, though like most espresso machines, it requires some regular maintenance to keep it performing well. One minor drawback is the size—it's a bit bulky, so make sure you have enough counter space. Also, while it offers cup height adjustment, extremely tall mugs might still be a tight fit. This machine is ideal for those who want a versatile and programmable automatic espresso machine with quality milk frothing, especially coffee drinkers who appreciate customization and convenience.
BrevilleThe Breville Oracle™ Jet is designed for coffee lovers who want a café-quality experience at home with minimal effort. It offers a wide range of beverage options, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and even cold brew or cold espresso, all accessible through a modern touchscreen interface that makes selecting drinks simple and intuitive. The built-in grinder uses precision burrs to automatically grind, dose, and tamp coffee, which means you don’t have to handle these steps yourself.
For milk frothing, the Auto MilQ system provides hands-free microfoam with settings tailored for alternative milk types, making creamy drinks easier to prepare. The machine heats up quickly thanks to its ThermoJet system, ensuring optimal temperature for a good espresso shot within seconds. It also features Barista Guidance to help you adjust grind size if your espresso isn’t perfect, a useful assist for beginners or those still dialing in their taste. The water tank holds 2.3 liters, which is ample for multiple drinks before needing a refill, and the cup height adjustment lets you use different cup sizes comfortably.
Cleaning is simplified by automatic routines and design choices, but given its size and weight (over 18 kg), it’s less portable than smaller machines. The machine is packed with programmable options to customize your drinks. This espresso maker is well suited for users who want advanced features and hands-off convenience, but it might feel a bit bulky and pricey for casual coffee drinkers or those wanting something very straightforward.
The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is a versatile automatic coffee machine designed for those who want the convenience of barista-quality coffee at home. It offers both hot and cold milk frothing through its LatteCrema system, enabling you to enjoy creamy lattes or refreshing iced coffee with ease. The integrated grinder works smoothly, grinding your coffee beans fresh each time, and you can customize the coffee strength and size via the intuitive 3.5-inch colour touch display. It accommodates larger mugs up to 16 cm tall, which is handy if you like bigger servings or take-your-coffee-to-go.
Cleaning is straightforward with automatic rinsing and descaling programs, and many removable parts like the milk carafe and tray are dishwasher safe, saving time. The machine is programmable, allowing you to save your favorite recipes and adjust settings to your taste repeatedly.
This machine is ideal for coffee lovers who value customization and enjoy a variety of drinks, including hot and cold milk-based coffee. If you want an automatic machine that combines ease of use with quality milk frothing and grinder precision, this model is a strong contender. Those looking for a very compact or budget option might want to consider alternatives.