Reviews of The Best Espresso Machines for Home or Office

Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Review and Comparison with Gaggia Classic

Gaggia is well known for making the best entry-level semi automatic espresso machines for home use. The Gaggia Classic is a favorite among home baristas, and is has been for many years. It’s a classic machine, alright! Another great choice for a home machine is the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe, which is the subject of this post. It’s a close competitor to the Classic, but just how close (or far apart) are they in terms of features? And which would make a better choice?

Keep reading for the answers…

First, let’s start with the features of the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe:

Compact semi-automatic espresso maker.
Pressurized portafilter can extract ground coffee or ESE pods.
Pre-infusion functions wets the coffee ground before extraction to ensure full saturation and an even extraction.
Pannarello steam wand which doubles as a hot water dispenser.
Water reservoir located at the front of the machine with a visible window for water level inspection. 47 oz capacity.
Heat up time is around 1 minute.
Controls: buttons and a dial knob for steam.
Wattage: 1300
Housing: stainless steel with plastic.

Click here to learn more about the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of Gaggia Classic:

Commercial style stainless steel espresso maker.
Commercial 58mm portafilter. Can be used with pressurized baskets, too.
Pannarello steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser.
Controls: switch buttons and knob for steam.
Water reservoir capacity: 72 oz.
Wattage: 1450
Housing: stainless steel.

Click here to learn more about the Gaggia Classic, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Gaggia Carezza Deluxe vs. Classic, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza De LUXE Espresso Machine Silver	Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
Feature	FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for Americanos & tea Brewing features: pressurized porta filter brews both ground Coffee and ESE pods. Pre-infusion function pre-wets grounds before brewing for rich, even extraction AUTOMATIC POWER DOWN: The Carezze will power down after 9 minutes of inactivity to save energy FRONT LOADED WATER RESERVOIR: Features a 47oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, water level is visible, and the reservoir is compatible with the Mavea Inteza water filter system 1 year warranty: hassle free 1 year warranty handled by Gaggia directly	Coffee/espresso machine with 72-ounce removable water reservoir Stainless-steel housing; brass portafilters and grouphead for temperature stability 17-1/2-bar pump with high-voltage boiler; hot-water dispenser; frothing wand Single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, tamper, and measuring scoop included Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches
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Although both espresso makers can make a quality shot of espresso or a nice creamy cup of cappuccino, there’s difference between the two machines:

Portafilters:

The Gaggia Carezza has a pressurized portafilter, while the Classic model gives you the option of using either a pressurized basket or non-pressurized.

Pressurized vs. non-pressurized portafilters:

If you’re wondering about the difference between pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, and if it should mean something to you, here’s how they’re different:

With a pressurized basket (the basket with a screen filter), the machine forces the coffee grounds into those tiny holes, the water usually stays in contact with the coffee longer before the coffee comes out. The Pressurization is what usually makes the crema on top of the espresso shot. This type of filter is a great option for beginners with moderate grinders, because in this case, the precision of the grind isn’t as important (it still has to be fine ground, though).
With a non-pressurized filter, the quality of the shot is all on you. The coffee grind has to be precisely right, the contact time has to be perfect and any inconsistency will definitely result in a bad shot.

Housing:

The Carezza combines stainless steel with plastic. But the body is mostly plastic.
The Classic is mostly stainless steel with few plastic parts.

Water Reservoir Capacity:

Carezza: 47 oz
Classic: 72 oz

Wattage:

Carezza: 1300 watts
Classic: 1450 watts

Which One Do You Buy?

We actually prefer the quality of the Classic way over the Carezza Deluxe. It’s a commercial-style espresso maker but made to accommodate the home user without any complications. With the Classic, you have the option of using a pressurized or non-pressurized basket, so you have the option for an easy shot extraction with room to practice the use of non-pressurized shots. The built of it, stainless steel housing, makes it a more durable machine. The only problem with the Gaggia Classic over the Carezza Deluxe is that it takes longer to heat up, up to 5 minutes, but that’s because it’s a more powerful machine, so that’s understandable.

Click here to learn more about the Gaggia Classic, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Breville Bambino Plus Review and Comparisons

Breville is at it again with an espresso machine that is stunning as it is easy to use. We’re no strangers to espresso machines by Breville. An all time favorite is the Breville Barista Express followed closely by the Breville Infuser. So let’s have a look at the Breville Bambino, how it works and how it compares to its elder siblings.

Features of Breville Bambino Plus:

Commercial-like quality while being compact in size and easy to use for the home user.

Full brushed stainless steel body.

Automatic microfoam milk texturing. The steam wand automatically froths milk to the temperature and texture you want.

Fast heat up time: the machine is ready to work in 3 seconds.

54mm porta filter with 19 gram dose for the best coffee house quality drink.

Pre-infusion setting saturates coffee ground with low pressure water to ensure full saturation before extraction.

Digital temperature control delivers water at the exact right temperature for optimal espresso extraction.

Auto purging ensures your machine is clean for the next use.

64 oz water reservoir.

Click here to learn more about Breville Bambino Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Who Is The Breville Bambino Plus Right For?

We all know that semi-automatic espresso machines come with a learning curve. You take your time to get your milk texturing skills right, getting the temperature right and handling your machine correctly, overall. And milk texturing is where everyone usually goes wrong. That micro foam texture is the dream of every beginner’s!

Some at-home baristas though do not have the patience for all that. They want the flexibility of a semi-automatic, but do not want to spend a lot of time getting things right. That’s where a machine like the Bambino Plus comes in…

The Bambino Plus gives you room to adjust your coffee shot volume, temperature and texture and it will remember things for you. Also, there are pre-sets all ready for you to use. As for the hard part of milk texturing: the automatic steam wand does it all for you! Select your temperature and your texture (how much foam you want) and it will be done for you. Your coffee drink comes out perfectly right the first time.

How does the machine know the right milk temperature, though? It’s all thanks to the included milk jug, which contacts a sensor placed right under its place where the steam wand goes. The sensor works to measure the temperature of the milk as it heats up and will stop when it reaches your desired temperature.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. Breville The Infuser, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel	Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine
Feature	Automatic microfoam milk texturing: the automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering Barista quality microfoam that enhances the flavor of the coffee and is essential for creating latte art. Faster heat up time: innovative thermojet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds. Ready to make your best coffee without the wait. 19 grams dose for full flavor: achieve a consistent and balanced Espresso using the right amount of ground coffee. The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and café quality coffee. Low pressure pre-infusion: low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup. Precise Espresso extraction: digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal Espresso extraction. Auto purge: automatically purging the heat system after steaming ensures your next Espresso is extracted at the right temperature.	Pre-infusion function applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction 1600w thermocoil heating system with integrated stainless steel water coil accurately controls water temperature Auto purge function automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature 15 bar Italian pump provides complete volumetric control - preset, manual over-ride or re-programmable volumes Accessories: single & dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, stainless steel jug, cleaning disc & tablets, cleaning tool, water filter with holder.
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The Breville Infuser is also a semi-automatic espresso machine with some programmable features. But it does not have the automatic features that the Bambino Plus has:

The frothing wand on the Infuser is not automatic. There’s no selection for temperature or texture like the Bambino Plus. So you’ll have to do your own tests til you get the temperature and texture you prefer.
The Infuser features a gauge that should make it easy for you to see where your machine at, temperature wise.
The Infuser has a built-in tamper and a built-in hot water dispenser. Bambino Plus has a tamper included as an accessory, but doesn’t have the hot water dispenser.
Although The Infuser is physically bigger than the Bambino Plus, it has a slightly smaller water reservoir with 61 oz capacity ( vs. 64 oz for the Bambino Plus).

So, there are some trade-offs between the two machines. If you’re someone who does not want things done automatically and willing to learn, then go for the Infuser. However, keep in mind that it isn’t as compact as the Bambino Plus, if space is an issue for you.

Click here to learn more about the Breville Infuser, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Breville Bambino Plus vs. DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe:

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Title	Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel	DeLonghi America, Inc EC685M Dedica Deluxe espresso, Silver
Feature	Automatic microfoam milk texturing: the automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering Barista quality microfoam that enhances the flavor of the coffee and is essential for creating latte art. Faster heat up time: innovative thermojet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds. Ready to make your best coffee without the wait. 19 grams dose for full flavor: achieve a consistent and balanced Espresso using the right amount of ground coffee. The 54mm porta-filter with 19 grams is the key for full flavor and café quality coffee. Low pressure pre-infusion: low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup. Precise Espresso extraction: digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal Espresso extraction. Auto purge: automatically purging the heat system after steaming ensures your next Espresso is extracted at the right temperature.	15-bar professional pressure ensures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences Whatever your preference - single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte -the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse The Premium Adjustable Frother allows you to adjust the foam and steam levels to customize a variety of delicious espresso-based drinks with little to no effort The machine does the work for you. The Automatic Flow Stop feature dispenses just the right amount of espresso, taking out the guesswork If you'd prefer a larger-sized beverage, no problem. The double drip tray is easy to adjust or remove to fit taller cups, such as latte glasses
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When it comes to size and footprint, the DeLonghi Dedica is quite comparable to the Breville Bambino Plus. In fact, it’s even smaller. The Dedica Deluxe is only 6″ wide, while the Bambino Plus is about 7.6″ or so.

So, how else are they comparable?

Both have a single or double shot buttons that can be programmed.
The steam wand on the Dedica is not as advanced as the Bambino’s. There’s no temperature or texture settings. However, you can adjust the frother so it either foams or heats milk (without creating foam). But it’s quite hard to get the right texture or micro foam (which is what you need for latte art) with this kind of frother.
Heat up time on the Dedica Deluxe is 35 seconds vs. only 3 seconds for the Bambino Plus.
Water tank capacity is 35 oz on the Dedica Deluxe and 64 oz on the Bambino Plus, so that’s quite a difference.
Cleaning wise, the Bambino Plus has auto purge which is purge out water to automatically clean the steam wand after each use. With the Dedica, you’ll have to manually clean your wand after use so it doesn’t clog up.

How do you choose between the Breville Bambino Plus and Dedica Deluxe?

There are some clear trade offs between the two machines. If you want automatic milk texture and temperature, as well as automatic cleaning, then Bambino is your choice. The Bambino produces better and more professional quality milk foam. The Dedica, even on its high foam setting, does not produce enough foam.

However, it’s important to note that there’s a big price difference (in the time of writing this post, at least) between the two machines. So you certainly get what you pay for here.

Click here to learn more about the DeLonghi Dedica, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Video Reviews:

Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse vs. Cafe Barista: What’s The Difference Between Them?

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista has been a favorite among many people who want an automatic machine that’s budget-friendly, user friendly and allows you to tweak your recipes, too. Mr Coffee has released an improved version of the popular machine, the One-Touch CoffeeHouse espresso and Cappuccino maker. In this post, I will highlight the features of the new coffee maker, how it compared to the older version and if it’s worth a buy.

Features of the Mr Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Maker:

19-bar Italian pump.
One-touch controls delivers the perfect cup of coffee with a single push of a button.
No pods required. Use your favorite coffee ground to craft your delicious coffee drinks.
Use pre-set buttons or select manual settings to create your drink to your liking.
Brew a single or double shots of espresso at a time.
Select from two Cappuccino options, two Latte options, two programmable options, a manual/espresso option and froth.
Integrated removable milk reservoir automatically heats, froths and adds the milk to your cup. With adjustable froth settings.
Milk tank capacity is 650ml. Left-over milk can be stored in the fridge by removing the tank and placing it directly in the fridge.
Adjustable cup tray can accommodate taller cups up to 10″ tall.

Click here to learn more about Mr Coffee One Touch CoffeeHouse, read the customer reviews and buy it.

How Is Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse Different Than Mr Coffee Cafe Barista?

This is the Mr Coffee Cafe Barista. As you can see, at first glance, there’s little to no difference in the way the look. But there’s certainly some upgrades and differences between the two models:

The One-Touch CoffeeHouse is designed to be taller, which means: it can accommodate taller cups, up to 10″ tall if you remove the cup tray.
The One-Touch CoffeeHouse has more options. You get two pre-sets for each drink (cappuccino, latte or espresso), you also get additional manual options to customize each drink.
On both models, the milk frother is integrated, removable and has the option to adjust the froth level. Capacity wise, it is 650ml in the CoffeeHouse model and 450ml in the Cafe Barista model.
The CoffeeHouse model can make a single or double shot at a time. It can also hold two cups at the same time. With the Cafe Barista, you can do one or two shots at the same time, but you can’t fit two cups on the tray.

Some technical differences:

The CoffeeHouse now has three thermos couples compared to two in the Cafe Barista. This means better temperature control and more consistent espresso extraction results.
The pump on the CoffeeHouse model is 19-bars vs. 15 bars in the Cafe Barista model. But to be fair, this will hardly make a real difference to you as a user.

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Title	Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine	Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Red
Feature	19-Bar Italian pump delivers ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors Easy 1-button interface takes the guesswork out of controlling the espresso maker Select single or double shots of espresso with a simple one-button press Thermocouple heating system evenly heats the water for piping-hot drinks Automatic milk frother whips any milk into a light, creamy froth Removable milk reservoir is easy to fill, clean and store leftover milk in the fridge Cup tray adjusts to conveniently fit tall and short mugs	Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino and latte maker 15-bar pump system brews rich-tasting espresso coffee Trouble-free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork One-touch control panel for drink selections; Creates single and double servings Easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs; Programmed cleaning cycle Cord length: 26 Inches & Watts: 1040
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Should You Upgrade From Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista To The Newer Model?

Although the One-Touch CoffeeHouse model does have some advantages to the Cafe Barista, like a larger milk tank, more pre-sets, better space for cup accommodation, it’s not necessarily a reason to upgrade unless these are features you really need. Either machine will give you a great cup of coffee. But if, for example, you need to make more cups faster, you’ll find that the fact that you can fit two cups in the drip tray instead of just one a very useful feature. The larger milk tank also means less refilling as it’s large enough to make 6 cappuccinos or 3 lattes.

Watch How The Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse Machine Works:

Nespresso OriginalLine vs. VertuoLine – Your Complete Guide

We still get a lot of questions about the difference between Nespresso’s machines and the difference between them. So we decided to write a detailed guide about their main lines of machines: OriginalLine and VertuoLine. We’ll talk about the machines, the difference between them and more.

What Is Nespresso VertuoLine?

VertuoLine is a line of machines from Nespresso that can make single serve espresso and coffee. Wit the release of VertuoLine machines, it was the first time that Nespresso offered a machine that can make a long coffee and not just espresso. VertuoLine machines use special capsules that have been entirely redesigned. They are available in different sizes for each coffee drink: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo (Americano), Coffee, and Alto XL which is the largest capsule that can make 14 oz coffee.

VertuoLine machines have several features to set it apart from the OriginalLine machines:

As mentioned, it makes coffee as well as espresso.
It adjusts automatically with the optimal settings for each capsule. Upon inserting a capsule, a laser reader will scan the barcode on the rim of the capsule and will automatically recognize the drink you’re trying to brew.
Instead of using a pump all most espresso and coffee makers, VertuoLine machines use Centrifusion technology. This tech spins the capsule rapidly while saturating it with water to extract the coffee. It ensures that the entire capsule has been fully saturated and extracted for maximum flavor.

Type of Drinks VertuoLine Can Make:

Espresso, Coffee, Americano (espresso + water), a Large 14 oz coffee.

Capsule Compatibility:

As of the time of writing this post, Vertuo machines are only compatible with officially branded capsules by Nespresso. There are no alternative from other brands or refillable capsules. However, Nespresso does offer a good variety of capsules in different roasts, intensities, and even flavored coffee.

Available VertuoLine Models:

All VertuoLine machines will brew the same capsules. The difference is going to be mainly in the design and capacity which can offer you different experience based on your need.

Vertuo:

This is the first machine to be introduced in the VertuoLine line. It has a water reservoir of 40 oz, fast 15-sec heat up time and a one button operation. One of the main issues one this machine is that it didn’t brew coffee hot enough. So Nespresso has fixed this problem in later models.

Read our full review on Nespresso Vertuo here.

Evoluo and Evoluo Deluxe:

The second edition to come after the Vertuo machine. The design has been updated to have a better cup holder that can sit in 5 different positions instead of 2. It comes in different colors. Evoluo comes in two sizes: the Evoluo with 40 oz water reservoir and 13-capsule capacity for used capsule drawer. Evoluo Deluxe is larger with 50 oz water reservoir and 17-capsule capacity for the used capsule drawer. Also, the Evoluo Deluxe includes an Aeroccino milk frother.

Read our full review about Evoluo here.

Evoluo Comparisons:

VertuoPlus:

This model features a completely redesigned head and water reservoir. The VertuoPlus has a motorized head (where the capsule goes) where you just press it down and it automatically lowers and punctures the capsule. The water reservoir is repositionable, so it can sit on the back or either sides of the machine. It is available as VertuoPlus with 40 oz water reservoir, and VertuoPlus Deluxe with 60 oz capacity.

Read our full review about VertuoPlus here.

Common Questions About Nespresso VertuoLine:

Where Can I Buy Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules?

Capsules are available to buy directly from nespresso.com , you can also buy them from Amazon. If you prefer to buy them in-store, find the nearest Nespresso boutique to you using their Store Locator.

Are There Any Vertuoline Alternative Pods?

No, there isn’t any (yet). This is one of the down sides Vertuoline, you’re limited by the capsules in comparison to OriginalLine.

Are VertuoLine Pods Recyclable?

Yes. They’re made of aluminum and are completely recyclable.

Can I reprogram the serving sizes on my Vertuoline machine?

Yes, that’s possible, but it might results in a not so ideal taste. Watch this video to see how:

Can I Make a Cappuccino or Latte Using Vertuoline?

Absolutely. Those drink are made of espresso and frothy milk. So all you have to do is brew a shot of espresso and add the frothy milk to it. If you plan on making milk based drinks frequently, then it’s best to bundle your machine with an Aeroccino milk frother.

Which Vertuoline Machine Should I Buy?

We would suggest that you skip the first one, Vertuo, as it’s outdated by now. Between Evoluo and VertuoPlus, find the best design and price for your budget. Otherwise, you’d be getting the same coffee results.

Are There Vertuoline Hot Chocolate pods?

No. Vertuoline only makes espresso and coffee capsules.

Pros and Cons of VertuoLine:

Pro: can make espresso and coffee in different brew sizes.
Cons: Lack of capsule alternatives or refillable option. Capsules can get quite expensive over time.

What Is Nespresso OriginalLine?

OriginalLine is what Nespresso started with. It’s their original line of machines that make espresso and espresso based coffee drinks. These machines also use the original Nespresso capsule design. OriginalLine espresso machines are designed by Nespresso as well as other brands like DeLonghi. Breville or Kitchenaid, so you’ll find a larger variety of machines to choose from.

As we mentioned, Vertuo machines use entirely new technology – Centrifusion – to brew coffee and espresso. On the other hand, OriginalLine machines keep it classic, they use pressure pump for a classic espresso experience.

Drinks You Can Make with an OriginalLine Machine:

Espresso, Lungo and Ristretto on some models.
Milk based drinks like Cappuccino, Latte, Macchiato can be prepared with one button setup on some models that have built-in milk frother or with the use of an external milk frother.

Capsule Compatibility:

This is where the OriginalLine excels over the Vertuo line. When it first came out, it used to be that OriginalLine machines only used capsules from Nespresso exclusively. But ever since Nespresso lost the patent of the capsule design, you can now find these capsules from a lot of brands. Even Starbucks makes Nespresso OriginalLine capsules now. Other brands even expanded their capsule collections to include tea and hot chocolate. And one of the best parts is, there are refillable capsules available from third party brands that you can fill with your favorite coffee ground.

Available OriginalLine Machines:

There are many many machines that can brew the OriginalLine capsules, and they’re not all by Nespresso. We’ll start with Nespresso’s own OriginalLine machines:

Essenza Mini:

A compact espresso machine that can make it all. It has two sizes Espresso and Lungo, both can be reprogrammed to your desired volumes. It has a small 20 oz water reservoir but even though it’s small in size, it does not compromise in coffee quality. This machine is replacing the Inissia model as the smallest Nespresso machine. It’s available in two designs, one by DeLonghi and another by Breville. Apart from design differences, both models are the same.

Read our detailed post about Essenza Mini here.

Pixie:

Still a small machine, but larger than the Essenza Mini. Pixie has always been a favorite by customers for it’s striking design. It offers two cup sizes, Espresso and Lungo. It has aluminum side panels that gives its body more durability in addition to the beautiful design. The used capsule drawer is illuminated with LED light that blink with the drawer is full or when the machine is low on water.

Read our full review of Pixie here.

CitiZ:

This is Pixie’s biggest competitor. It’s another beauty that’s available in a chrome finish or colored finish (red, white or red). It’s slightly larger than the Pixie, with a larger 33 oz water reservoir. It’s pre-set with Espresso and Lungo sizes. CitiZ is also available as CitiZ and Milk model, with has an Aeroccino frother built into its base for quick and easy milk based drink preparation.

Read more about CitiZ here.

Lattissima:

The Lattissima line includes several models: Lattissima Touch, Lattisima Pro, Lattissima Plus and Lattisima One. The biggest between Lattissima machines and other OriginalLine models is the built-in milk frother. These machines are pre-set with several coffee drinks like Cappuccino, Latte, Macchiato in addition to espresso and lungo. So you can get your favorite coffee drink with a push of button, the machine will automatically heat, froth the milk, add it to the glass then pour coffee over it. You can read about each model and the difference between them in the following posts:

Creatista, Creatista Plus and Creatista Uno:

This line of OriginalLine machines are designed and made by Breville. Like Lattissima machines, these also have a built-in milk frother but it’s quite different. The Creatista line has a steam wand that is more like a commercial espresso machine’s. It gives you the power to make a truly professional micro-foam milk that you can use to create latte art with. You can program your favorite coffee drink customizations and save them, and depending on the models, all setup and customization is done by a colored touchscreen.

You can learn more about Creatista machines by reading the following posts:

THE RECAP – OriginalLine vs. Vertuo:

so, to recap, here’s the summary of our comparison:

Brewing Drinks:

OriginalLine: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.70 oz) and on some models Ristretto (0.70 oz). All drinks can be reprogrammed.

Vertuo: Espresso (1.35 oz) Double espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo Americano (5 oz), Coffee (7.77 oz), Alto XL (14 oz). Volumes can be reprogrammed and each drink requires the capsule made for it.

Brewing Technology:

OriginalLine: High Pressure Pump – like any classic espresso machine.

Vertuo: Patented Centrifuision technology – Rapid spinning (7,000 per minute) while saturating the capsule with hot water. Uses a barcode system to automatically read the capsule type and adjusts automatically.

Capsule Compatibility:

OriginalLine: Nespresso Capsules, Third party capsules, refillable capsules. Available in coffee, tea or hot chocolate varieties. (hot chocolate and tea are from 3rd party only).

Vertuo: Compatible with official Nespresso capsules only.

Cost Per Capsules:

OriginalLine: can go anywhere from $0.70 up to $0.90 – 3rd party companies sometimes sell capsules for less.

Vertuo: $0.85 to $1.20 for the largest capsule size.

Which Should I Choose? OriginalLine or Vertuo?

Do you want to brew espresso as well as coffee using the same machine? If so, then Vertuo line is your choice.
If you mostly drink specialty coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and so on, OriginalLine will make a better option for you. The option for capsules is quite better, the variety in blends, roasts and even in prices is better. You’re not limited to Nespresso’s capsules if you choose to go with OriginalLine. The only downside is that you won’t be able to brew a cup of coffee using the same machine.

Aeroccino 3 vs. 4 – Which Nespresso Frother To Buy?

Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother is usually an add-on with many of their espresso machines like CitiZ, Pixie or Inissia. But it’s also available to buy individually. It’s an easy way to heat and prepare froth for any coffee drink recipe with a push of a button.

There are several models to the Aeroccino milk frother:

Aeroccino Plus, which is now discontinued.
Aeroccino 3, and;
Aeroccino 4.

Since Aeroccino Plus is no longer available, we will compare the two available models, Aeroccino 3 vs. 4.

Let’s start with the features of Aeroccino 3:

One touch operation for either hot or cold froth.
Includes a single whisk that can be used for a dense froth or can be converted by removing the outer spring to make less frothy milk.
Maximum capacity for milk froth is 120 ml
Max capacity for hot milk is 240 ml.
Teflon interior coating.
Plastic exterior.
Not dishwasher safe. Only rinse with water.

Click here to learn more about Aeroccino 3, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of Aeroccino 4:

Stainless steel design with plastic handle for easier pouring.
Detachable base features a button for each type of foam.
Can prepare hot or cold froth.
Choose from 3 hot foam types: dense, light or hot milk. And one cold froth.
Ceramic interior coating.
Dishwasher safe pitcher and attachments.

Click here to learn more about Aeroccino 4, read the customer reviews and buy it.

How Are They Different?

Starting with the design, the Aeroccino 4 has a better quality design and finish. It has a stainless steel exterior instead of plastic, a ceramic coating instead of teflon, and it has a handle.
Aeroccino 4 is finally dishwasher safe. This is the first time an Aeroccino became dishwasher safe. Aeroccino 3 is not dishwasher safe and cannot be submerged in water.
Frothing options on the Aeroccino 4 are better, you can select the density for hot froth, select cold froth or just heat milk using the dedicated selection buttons. With the Aeroccino 3, there’s just a single button without additional selection.

Nespresso Aeroccino Compared To Other Brands:

Nespresso Aeroccino vs. Breville Milk Cafe:

Breville’s Milk Cafe is a personal favorite. Like everything else Breville does, this appliance excels at what it’s supposed to do. It has many features that we’re yet to see in a milk frother from other brands:

First things first, the Breville frother is fully stainless steel. That’s exterior and interior. It’s more durable and there’s no risk of any coating peeling after a while of use.
Instead of the usual pitcher that sit into an electric base, the Breville jug has zero electric parts in it. The base of the frother uses induction heating to transfer heat.
You have full control over the temperature of your froth. Starting from cold stir, warm, 120F, 140F, 160F or over for really hot milk/froth.
Breville knows that frothing milk isn’t just for coffee, so it allows you to add ingredients directly into the frother as it heats or whisks the milk. You can add chocolate shavings, syrups, green tea powder or anything you like.
It has a large capacity of 750ml.
Includes two whisks.

Click here to learn more about the Breville Milk Cafe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Aeroccino vs. Secura Milk Frother:

The Secura Frother is a great budget friendly choice for a milk frother:

It makes hot or cold froth. One button operation.
Includes two whisks.
Stainless steel exterior, Teflon interior.
NOT dishwasher safe.
Max capacity for froth: 125 ml, Max capacity for hot milk 250ml.

This model is more comparable to the Aeroccino 3 and nearly has the same features but at a more accessible price.

Click here to learn more about Secura Milk Frother, read the customer reviews and buy it.

K-Cafe vs. K-Latte, What’s The Difference Between These Keurig Machines?

For the first time ever, Keurig has released two new machines that specialize in Cappuccino, Latte and specialty coffee drinks, that’s in addition to coffee. K-Cafe and K-Latte are as convenient as other Keurig machines, one button operation gets you a nice cup of Cappuccino, Latte or any other coffee creation you want. And for the first time, these Keurig machines have built-in milk frothers, which means, fresh creamy milk froth at a touch of a button!

In this post, I’ll be talking about the features of K-Cafe and K-Latte, what they do and what’s the difference between them.

Features of Keurig K-Cafe Coffee, Cappuccino and Latte Maker:

Use any K-Cup pod to make delicious coffee drinks: coffee, cappuccino, latte and more.
Coffee serving sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
Shot size: 2 oz for specialty coffee drinks.
Strong Brew option: for making a stronger coffee, using this option which steeps your coffee longer before brewing.
Built-in milk frother heats and froths milk. Choose from Cappuccino froth, Latte froth or Cold froth for iced drinks.
Frother is dishwasher safe.
Simple button controls makes machine operation very easy.
Compatible with My K-Cup reusable K-Cup filter.
Water reservoir capacity: 60 oz.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Cafe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of Keurig K-Latte Coffee, Cappuccino and Latte Maker:

Brew a cup of coffee or create any specialty coffee drink like cappuccino or latte.
Coffee serving sizes: 6, 8 and 10 oz.
Shot serving size: 2 oz.
Built-in milk frother – makes hot froth only.
Frother is NOT dishwasher safe in this model.
Base under the frother flips up to save space when not in use.
Compatible with all K-Cup pods including My K-Cup refillable filter.
Button controls.
Water reservoir capacity: 36 oz.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Cafe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What K-Cup Pods Are Compatible with K-Cafe and K-Latte?

Whether you’re brewing a cup of coffee or preparing a shot for a specialty coffee drink, you can use any type of K-Cup pod you want. That includes branded or non-branded K-Cups and refillable filters. When making a shot for specialty coffee, you’re free to use any type of coffee pod you want and not necessarily an espresso K-Cup. This gives you a lot of options to choose from, which is one of the great things about these Keurig machines.

Do K-Cafe and K-Latte Make Espresso Shots?

No, they’re not designed to make authentic espresso shots as that would requires a much powerful pump in the machine. So, how do they make ‘shots’ for your cappuccino and latte? What K-Cafe and K-Latte do is brew a really strong concentrate of coffee that resembles a shot of espresso. Instead of brewing an 8 or 10 oz of coffee out of the K-Cup pod, it will brew a 2 oz coffee concentrate that you use as the base of the cappuccino or latte. Then, you’ll add the froth to it to complete your drink.

Can I Use Any Type of Milk With the Keurig Frother?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you like. That includes soy, almond, rice or coconut milk. But do keep in mind that different milks give different froth results.

What Is The Difference Between K-Cafe and K-Latte?

Image
Title	Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker + Milk Frother, Dark Charcoal	Keurig K-Latte Single Serve K-Cup Coffee and Latte Maker, Comes with Milk Frother, Compatible With all Keurig K-Cup Pods, Matte Black
Feature	COFFEE, LATTES & CAPPUCCINOS: Use any K-Cup pod to brew coffee, or make delicious lattes and cappuccinos. COFFEE SHOT FOR SPECIALTY DRINKS: Press the SHOT button to brew a concentrated shot of coffee from your favorite K-Cup pod to make delicious hot or iced lattes and cappuccinos. DISHWASHER SAFE FROTHER: Froth fresh milk, including skim, soy, and almond. The frother is dishwasher safe for easy clean up after use. STRONG BREW: Increase the strength and bold taste of your coffee. 4 CUP SIZES: 6, 8, 10, and 12oz. SIMPLE BUTTON CONTROLS: Just insert any K-Cup pod and use the button controls to brew delicious coffee, or make hot or iced lattes and cappuccinos. LARGE 60oz WATER RESERVOIR: Allows you to brew 6 cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. Removable reservoir makes refilling easy. SMART START: Your coffee maker heats, then brews in one simple process. No need to wait for it to heat before selecting your cup size. ENERGY EFFICIENT: Programmable auto off feature automatically turns your brewer off 2 hours after the last brew for energy savings. TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.2" tall and is top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.	COFFEE & LATTES: Use any K-Cup pod to brew coffee or make delicious lattes. \| DISPENSE HOT WATER: Open and close the brewer handle (without a K-Cup pod) and select your cup size for hot water on demand. COFFEE SHOT FOR SPECIALTY DRINKS: Press the SHOT button to brew a concentrated shot of coffee from your favorite K-Cup pod to make delicious lattes. \| COMPATIBLE WITH THE MY K-CUP UNIVERSAL REUSABLE COFFEE FILTER: Brew your own ground coffee (sold separately). EASY-TO-CLEAN FROTHER: Froth fresh milk, including skim, soy, and almond. Frother base flips up to save counter space. \| TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.0 tall. SIMPLE BUTTON CONTROLS: Just insert any K-Cup pod and use the button controls to make your perfect coffee or latte. \| ENERGY EFFICIENT: Auto off feature automatically turns your brewer off 2 hours after the last brew for energy savings. REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: 36oz removable reservoir makes refilling easy. \| BREWS MULTIPLE CUP SIZES: 6, 8, and 10oz. \| SMART START: Your coffee maker heats, then brews in one simple process. No need to wait for it to heat before selecting your cup size.
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Now you’ve looked at the features of each model, it’s time to differentiate between them so you can decide which one is the best choice for you. Ultimately, both do the same things, same drinks, using the same pods. Yet, there are some differences that you want to consider for your final decision.

The Frother:

The frother on the K-Cafe is made of stainless steel. It’s dishwasher safe and has multiple options: cappuccino froth, latte froth and cold froth.
On the K-Latte, the frother is built from different material. It has a plastic exterior and non-stick interior. This makes it not dishwasher safe. Also, there’s no options for froth density. It only heats and froths milk, so you can’t choose between capp, latte or cold froth. K-Latte frother is made for making latte froth.

Coffee Serving Sizes:

K-Cafe has four sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
K-Latte has only three: 6, 8 and 10 oz.

Strong Brew Option:

This option is available in the K-Cafe model only.

Water Reservoir capacity:

K-Cafe: 60 oz.
K-Latte: 36 oz.

Overall, the K-Cafe model is larger machine. Since it can brew larger serving size, it is equipped with a larger reservoir. The milk frother has more options and if you want to get a bolder flavor, the Strong Brew option is a great features of the K-Cafe. K-Latte, as it’s name indicates, is best for latte lovers. The frother is programmed to make a less dense froth and it only makes hot froth.

Keurig Rivo vs. K-Cafe vs. K-Latte, What’s The Difference?

Before there was Keurig K-Cafe or K-Latte to make specialty drinks, there was Keurig Rivo. Like K-Cafe and K-Latte, it has a built-in frother and it makes cappuccinos, lattes and other coffee drinks. So how come I said it’s Keurig’s first time making machines for specialty coffee drinks? Well, because there’s a huge difference in how Rivo, K-Cafe and K-Latte work, and they’re entirely different systems.

Keurig Rivo, while it has the Keurig name, it does NOT brew K-Cup pods and it does NOT make coffee. It only makes Espresso using pods made from Lavazza, the Italian coffee brand. In this model, espresso made the authentic way, with high pressure pump. That’s why the machine is not able to make regular coffee.

On the other hand, K-Cafe and K-Latte using K-Cup pods, which are widely available, available from more brands and they give you the option to make regular coffee as well as cappuccino and latte.

Common Questions About Keurig K-Cafe, K-Latte:

Can I make Hot Chocolate or Tea with K-Cafe or K-Latte?

Yes indeed! You can still brew any kind of K-Cup pod using these machines. Hot Chocolate will be even better with frothy milk!

Can I add other ingredients to the milk frother?

No, it’s not recommended that you add any ingredients (syrup, chocolate powder, chocolate shavings) to the frother. You can only heat/froth milk in it.

Do I have to use an Espresso roast K-Cup pod when making Cappuccino or Latte?

No, that’s not necessary. You can use any type of K-Cup coffee pod. However, an espresso pod would give you better results since it’s usually dark roasted and gives stronger tasting coffee.

Can K-Latte make Cappuccinos too?

To make a Cappuccino, you’ll want more and higher density froth, which the frother on the K-Latte can’t make.

Nespresso Lattissima One – What Is It and How It Compares To Lattissima Touch and Pro

What Is Nespresso Lattissima One? What’s New In It?

Nespresso Lattissima models have always been made with Cappuccino and Latte lovers in mind. With a single touch, you can prepare delicious creamy milk based coffee drinks. There are many models in the Lattissima line: Lattissima Pro, Lattissima Plus and Lattissima Touch. They’re made in partnership with DeLonghi, which adds their patented milk frothing system to the machines.

So, what sets the Lattissima One from other Lattissima machines? And who should buy it?

Features of Nespresso Lattissima One:

The first machine to feature an innovative single-serve milk frothing system. The detachable frothing compartment holds the the right amount of milk for a single cup and pours frothy milk directly to your cup.
Lines on the milk jug mark the amount of milk to add for your required type of froth (latte or cappuccino).
Simple operations, three buttons on the machine are for Espresso, Lungo and Froth Milk.
Quick operation: heats up in 25 seconds for espresso, 40 seconds for milk drinks.
Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.
Compact design.
Made in Italy.
Water reservoir capacity: 33.8 oz
Milk container capacity: 4.2 oz.
Used capsule drawer capacity: 8 capsules.
Available in two colors.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Lattissima One, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What’s New In Lattissima One?

The newest features of the Lattissima One is its single-serve milk container. The milk container holds enough milk for just one use. Which means less waste or no need to manage any left over milk. It also means you’ll always use fresh milk.

The marked lines on the container tell you exactly how much milk you’ll have to add to get froth for a cup of cappuccino or latte. Unlike other frothers, where you sometimes just guess how much milk you’ll use, and end up tossing the left over milk or keeping it in the fridge for later use (meaning – less freshness).

Lattissima One vs. Lattissima Pro, What’s The Difference?

The Lattissima Pro is another Nespresso machine made in cooperation with DeLonghi, and it’s also Italian made. And it is quite a best seller thanks for its ease of use and premium design.

How Are They Different?

Image
Title	Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi, Silky White	De'Longhi America EN750MB Nespresso Lattissima Pro Machine
Feature	New innovative de'longhi single-serve milk frothing system. Fill the milk jug with the amount of milk needed for your drink. The machine froths it directly into your cup One-touch latte, cappuccino, Espresso solution accessible through 3 buttons only: Espresso, Lungo and milk button for latte and cappuccino (one touch milk system) Latte made in seconds. Reach the perfect heat in just 25 seconds for Espresso and 40 seconds for milk beverages Ultimate Coffee quality. Each Espresso capsule holds distinctive, locally sourced Espresso 19 bar pump: the high-performance pump offers barista-style Coffee every time, extracting the delicate flavor & premium aromas of each Coffee capsule and creating an incomparably dense and rich crema MADE IN ITALY. The machine's simplistic design empowers you to brew up the authentic flavor you're looking for	Patented De'Longhi automatic cappuccino Latte Crema System Patented Nespresso capsule system Sensor touch display Premium finishes and Italian design Choose among 6 pre-programmed drinks (ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, hot milk and hot water function for tea
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At their core, both Lattissima machines are made for making espresso and milk drinks with a lot of ease. So if your favorite drink is milk based, you’ll want one of these machines. But here’s how they compare:

Milk Container:

The Lattissima One is the first to have a single-serve milk container.
The Lattissima Pro has a larger container. Designed as detachable to allow you to keep any left over milk for later use.

Programmed Drinks:

The Lattissima One has three buttons: Espresso, Lungo and Milk. The milk button will froth the entire amount of milk in the container. Which is why it’s important to have those marks on it to indicate the amount of milk you need for the drink you’re preparing.
Lattissima Pro, on the other hand, has 6 preset drinks: espresso, lungo, ristretto, latte, cappuccino and hot milk. It also has the option to dispense hot water only, to use for making tea or instant meals.

Controls:

Lattissima One has backlit press buttons.
Lattissima Pro as a touch screen with and LCD display.

Capsule Compatibility:

Both Lattissima Pro and Lattissima One are compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. It also means they’re compatible with Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Capacity:

Lattissima One: 33.8 oz water reservoir. 4.2 oz milk container.
Lattissima Pro: 44 oz water reservoir.

Used Capsule Drawer:

Lattissima One holds up to 8 capsules.
Lattissima Pro holds up to 16 capsules.

Lattissima One vs. Lattissima Touch:

The Lattissima Touch offers the same drink options as the Lattissima Pro. On it, you’ll find buttons for: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, and hot milk. What’s missing though is the hot water on demand. This is something the Lattissima One also lacks.

The milk frothing system on the Lattissima Touch is also by DeLonghi. But unlike the Lattissima One, it’s a full size container. It’s also detachable so you can keep it in the fridge if there’s any left over milk.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Lattissima Touch.

Who Should Buy Nespresso Lattissima One?

The Lattissima One is the prefect choice for:

a single user who prefers who doesn’t need a large machine or large milk container. The Lattissima One holds the perfect amount of milk for a single brew.
Someone who drinks milk based drinks occasionally. This type of user also doesn’t need a larger milk container, so this single-serve milk frother is the best choice.
Anyone who wants a single-serve cappuccino or latte maker that doesn’t take a lot of space. The Lattissima One is compact in size in comparison to other Lattissima machines.

Should You Upgrade To Lattissima One?

If you already own a Lattissima machine that is perfect working condition, we don’t see the need for the upgrade. However, if it’s going to be your first Lattissima, consider the points mentioned above to decide whether Lattissima One or another Lattissima is the best choice for you

Watch How It Works:

Buying Guide And Comparisons – JURA Super Automatic Espresso Machines

JURA is an innovative company and a leader in its field of super automatic coffee maker, which is why their coffee makers, although priced on the high end, are still popular. When it comes to bean to cup experience, either for home or office, a JURA coffee maker will not disappoint. But the trick to getting your best JURA machine is knowing exactly what you want and not picking one randomly.

A Jura coffee maker will always give you a fresh cup of coffee with a quick touch of a button. But since they make many coffee makers, you’ll find that some models have more or less features than others. So to avoid disappointments, read up on the features of all model features before buying one. And for that reason exactly, we’re doing this write-up of popular JURA automatic espresso and coffee makers.

What Makes JURA Special:

Built-in grinder means you get freshly ground beans at every brew. There’s no need to buy a high quality grinder separately.
Fully automatic, saves time and always prepares coffee in precisely measured coffee/water ratio and temperature.
High quality build.
High upfront cost, but saves money over time.
No continuous pod costs. You’re always using fresh coffee beans or your choice of ground coffee.

Popular Jura Product Lines:

ENA Micro: ENA Micro 1, ENA Micro A1, ENA Micro 5 and ENA Micro 9
Impressa: Impressa C60/C65, Impressa S9, Impressa Z9
GIGA: Giga 5
E Line: E6, E8

Review of JURA ENA Micro:

The JURA ENA Micro line is a simple and compact super automatic that is as straight forward as they come. There’s no complicated features on the ENA Micro machines, only simple size selection buttons where you select what you want to drink. Press and leave the rest to your machine to do.

What makes the ENA Micro special is its comparatively compact size (in comparison to other super automatics, which are usually rather large). But let’s look at the features of each ENA Micro model:

Features of ENA Micro 1:

1-cup coffee spout with adjustable height.
Designed to be as small as possible. Dimensions: 9 x 12.7 x 17.5 inches. (W x H x D)
Drinks to make: coffee, espresso and ristretto.
Built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind levels.
Bypass chute for pre-ground coffee.
Water reservoir capacity: 36.8 oz
Touch panel for choosing cup size and aroma level (strength)
Intelligent pre-heating ensures coffee is heated before it brews.

Click here to learn more about JURA ENA Micro 1, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

Features of ENA Micro 5:

2-cup coffee spout with intelligence feature.
By turning the spout, the machine automatically understands if you’re brewing a single or double cup and adjusts settings accordingly.
Built-in conical burr grinder with Aroma+ feature with Aroma preservation cover that keeps the coffee beans fresh. Aroma+ grinds the beans quicker for better results.
Drinks to make: Coffee, Espresso, Ristretto. (single or double cups at the same time).
Intelligent preheating.
Adjustable coffee strength.
Adjustable and rotating coffee spout height.
Bypass chute for pre ground coffee.
Water reservoir capacity: 36.8 oz
Dimensions: 9.1 X 12.7 X 17.5 (W X H X D)

Click here to learn more about JURA ENA Micro 5, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of ENA Micro 9 One Touch:

The smallest ENA Micro automatic machine that is able to prepare espresso, coffee as well as cappuccino and latte drinks with a touch of a button.
Single spout with height adjustable feature.
Built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind levels.
Built-in milk frother for automatic preparation of milk based drinks.
Dedicated pipes for coffee and milk dispensing.
Integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling program.
Rotary switch, select buttons and LCD plain text display for controls and programmability.
Hot water function.
Drinks to make: coffee, espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, latte machiatto, cafe creme, hot water.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.06 x 12.72 x 17.52

Click here to learn more about JURA ENA Micro 9, read the customer reviews and buy it.

ENA Micro 9 vs. 90, Is There a Difference?

Micro 90 is the same as the Micro 9 but with one difference:

Micro 90 has P.E.P technology (Pulse Extraction Process) which optimizes the extraction time and guarantees the most aromatic shot of espresso.
The Micro 90 is the newer version, so it has some slight design updates, too.

Click here to learn more about JURA ENA Micro 90, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

Jura ENA Micro 1 vs. 5 vs. 9, What’s The Difference?

Image
Title	Jura Ena Micro 1	Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch Automatic Coffee Center	Jura 15106 ENA Micro 5 Automatic Coffee Machine, Silver
Feature	Simply espresso, the ultra-compact 1-cup coffee machine Designed to make the perfect espresso Bean to cup in a compact design; User defined cup sizes Aroma preservation cover keeps the coffee beans fresher longer Automatic energy saving mode with the intelligent preheating system	Thermoblock 2010 pump heats and steams faster Fine foam technology Height-adjustable dual spout Programmable coffee strength and temperature Easier, faster water filter programming during initial start-up	Unique rotating coffee spouts automatically control selection of one or two drinks Height adjustable coffee spout ranges from 1.2" to 4.4" high 4 oz. Bean Hopper has air tight aroma preservation cover to keep beans fresh Boiler Design - Stainless Steel ThermoBlock Powerful pump rated to produce 15 bars of pressure
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To recap and list the biggest difference between these models:

ENA Micro 1 has a single spout and is designed to simply make espresso, coffee or ristretto. There’s on option for adding a frother, but of course, you can purchase any electric frother separately.
ENA Micro 5 has a two-cup spout. The spout is rotated for single or double use, and the machine will automatically know if you’re brewing one or two cups at a time and adjusts accordingly. Like the ENA Micro 1, it only brews coffee, espresso or ristretto. For milk based drinks, you’ll have to purchase a frother separately. The Micro 5 also has an Aroma+ grinder, which grinds better and faster while preserving aroma.
ENA Micro 9 and Micro 90 have a single spout, but finally, this is where the milk frother is available. If you want to make milk based drinks like Cappuccino or Latte, you’ll want this model. The Micro 90 is the newer version and it has Pulse Extraction Process that produces a better shot with stronger aroma.

Review of JURA Impressa:

The Impressa line is where the JURA takes things to the next level either with the machines capability or controls. If you want combination of features and power, the Impressa is something to consider. Yes, the Impressa is still middle-line for JURA, and there are more powerful models available.

Features of JURA Impressa C60:

Simple Rotary Switch operation with text display. Just turn the dial to select your drink.
Dual, height adjustable spout.
Built-in conical burr grinder.
Built-in milk frother with fine foam technology.
Programmed drinks: coffee, espresso
Hot water function.
Four adjustable coffee strength levels.
Two adjustable coffee temperature levels
Integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling programs.
Bypass for pre-ground coffee.
Water reservoir capacity: 63.6 oz
Bean container capacity: 7 oz

Click here to learn more about JURA Impressa C60, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Buy it from 1stInCoffee.com brand new or refurbished.

Is There a Difference Between Impressa C60 vs. C65?

No, there is no difference other than the small design difference. The C65 has silver panels in its front while the C60 is all black.

Features of Jura Impressa S9 Classic:

One touch Cappuccino system. Coffee and froth milk dispense in one side, with a separate pipe for each. Great for creating cappuccino or latte without having to move the cup.
Dual spout for espresso or coffee.
Height adjustable spout.
Built-in Aroma+ conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings.
Dedicated hot water dispenser.
Drinks to make: espresso, ristretto, coffee, cappuccino.
Active bean hopper monitoring alerts you when you’re about to run out of coffee beans.
Bypass for pre ground coffee.
2 Thermo blocking heating system (one for the coffee/espresso side, another for the Cappuccino system).
Five adjustable coffee strength.
Three levels of hot water temperature.
Two levels of coffee temperature.
Rotary switch with plain text display for controls.
Integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling program.
Integrated milk system cleaning program.
Water reservoir capacity: 90.3 oz

Click here to learn more about JURA Impressa S9, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

Features of Impressa Z9:

Top of the line model with one touch system for specialty drinks.
Dual spouts for espresso or coffee drinks.
Additional spout for coffee and milk dispensing, to make specialty drinks with one touch and without moving the cup.
All spouts are height adjustable.
Coffee spout is also width adjustable.
Colored TFT display allows you to choose and program your drinks with a lot of ease.
Program your drink volume, strength and other properties and save your favorite settings, so you can use it again next time.
Built-in Aroma+ conical burr grinder.
Two thermoblock heating systems.
Built-in frother allows you to froth or heat milk either to use with coffee or prepare hot milk on its own.
Hot water dispenser with multiple settings.
Adjustable coffee strength, 5 levels.
Adjustable temperature for coffee or hot water.
Active bean hopper monitor.
Includes a stainless steel vacuum milk container.

Click here to learn more about JURA Impressa Z9, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

JURA Impressa C60 vs. S9 vs. Z9, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Jura IMPRESSA Z9 Automatic Coffee Machine, Black (Certified Refurbished)	Jura Impressa S9 Classic Black One Touch Espresso Coffee Machine	Jura Impressa C60 Piano Black Combination Espresso Machine
Feature	This Certified Refurbished product is tested & certified by Jura Capresso to look and work like-new. The product includes all original accessories, and is backed by a 90 day warranty. The Aroma plus grinder can grind fresh coffee beans twice as fast as conventional grinders while at the same time preserving all their delicious aroma Two thermoblocks - one for coffee and hot water and another for steam, to ensure optimum preparation conditions. Rotary Switch and TFT colour display ensure intuitive operation. Featuring fine foam technology \| You can create any coffee you could possibly want in no time at all.	Cappuccino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button, without you having to move the cup Mini graphic display (menu system with graphical cues) 3 temperature settings for hot water The IMPRESSA S9 Classic flatters the palate with coffee à la carte in all conceivable variations *Milk container is not included*	Stainless steel and piano black ABS plastic Makes coffee, cappuccinos, espresso, and other specialities One rotary switch operation and 15 bars of pressure Fine foam technology produces silky smooth milk foam Height adjustable spout accommodates small cups as well as large cups
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Cappuccino System:

The Impressa S9 and Z9 have a one-touch Cappuccino system. This means that the machines are equipped with two thermoblock heating systems that operate separately. One of these heating systems is used to operate a milk frother and coffee spout for preparing the speciality milk based drinks. This is separated from the coffee spout that is located in the middle of the machine.
The C60 has a built-in milk frother, so you can make speciality milk based drinks with it. However, it has a single thermoblock heating system. You’ll have to heat and froth the milk separately, then move your cup to the coffee side to add the coffee.
On the Z9, you can dispense hot milk only using the milk frother.

Hot Water Function:

All three models have a hot water function where there is a dedicated hot water spout. But on the Z9, there is three levels of hot water instead of just one.
There are temperature settings for hot water on the Z9 and S9 but not on the C60.

Water Reservoir Capacity:

The Z9 has the largest water capacity of 93.7 oz, followed by the S9 with 90.3 oz capacity. The C60 has a 63.6 oz capacity.

Bean Hopper Capacity:

Both the Z9 and S9 have 9.9 oz capacity. The C60 has a 7.1 oz capacity.

Controls:

The Z9 has a TFT color display combined with buttons for operation.
The C60 and S9 have Plain text display and rotary switch.

Coffee Spouts:

The Z9 has a coffee spout that is both height and width adjustable. The Cappuccino spout is also height adjustable.
The spouts on the S9 and C60 are height adjustable.

Review of JURA E Line:

The JURA E Line is the first in the world to include P.E.P technology. Pulse Extraction Process, which is developed by JURA, optimizes extraction time by forcing hot water through the coffee ground in short intervals. This allows the coffee ground to fully expand and develop flavors.

Features of JURA E6:

Fully automatic espresso and coffee maker with P.E.P technology.
Dual height adjustable coffee spout.
Drinks to make: Espresso, Coffee, Cappuccino, milk foam and hot water.
Hot water spout also height adjustable.
Built-in Aroma G3 Conical burr grinder.
Built-in milk frother.
Single thermoblock heating system.
Eight levels of adjustable coffee strength level.
Three levels of hot water.
Drinks can be adjusted in strength, volume or temperature. Including hot water.
Two levels of brewing temperature.
TFT color display for easy controls.
Water reservoir capacity: 63.6 oz.
Bean container capacity: 9.9 oz

Click here to learn more about JURA E6, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

Features of JURA E8:

Fully automatic espresso and coffee maker with P.E.P technology.
Programmed drinks: ristretto, espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, milk foam, milk and hot water.
One-touch cappuccino system.
Dual height adjustable coffee spout.
Built in Aroma G3 conical burr grinder.
Bypass for pre-ground coffee.
Single thermoblock heating system.
TFT Color display with buttons for controls.
Eight levels of adjustable coffee drinks.
Three levels of hot water.
Adjustable drink strength and water amount.
Adjustable brewing temperature.
Height adjustable cappuccino spout and hot water spout.
Water reservoir capacity: 64 oz
Bean hopper capacity: 10 oz.

Click here to learn more about JURA E8, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Also available from 1stInCoffee.com

JURA E6 vs. E8, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Jura 15070 E6 Automatic Coffee Center, Platinum	Jura 15109 Coffee Machine, Black
Feature	Makes 6 specialty drinks including: cappuccino, Coffee, two coffees, Espresso, two Espresso, milk foam Controls make it easy to find, customize and brew your favorite drinks Pulse extraction process brews Coffee with a full, rich bouquet and delicious flavor Eight Coffee strength levels allow you to fine tune each drink Fast, quiet G3 grinder creates 60 percent less Leftover ground Coffee	Piano black housing Pure Extraction Process optimizes extraction and guarantees best aroma Features Six-level Aroma G3 grinder High-performance pump with 15 bars of pressure Professional fine foam frother for barista specialties 11" W x 13.8" H x 17.3" D; Weight : 22.5 lb
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Programmed Drinks:

The E8 has more pre-set drinks available in its menu. In addition to the espresso, coffee, cappuccino and milk foam or hot water the E6 can make, the E8 also has ristretto, latte, flat white and hot milk (as in a full cup of hot milk and not just extra foam).

Grinder Settings:

Both machines have the same grinder as well as 8 levels of coffee strength levels. However, the E6 does not have a bypass for pre-ground coffee. Which means, you’ll always have to use the built-in grinder. While on the E8, you have to option of using pre ground coffee instead of the built-in grinder.

Cappuccino System:

The E8 has a one-touch cappuccino system. Which means the machine will froth milk and dispense coffee in a separate spout.

With the E6, the milk spout is on the same side as the coffee spout. So there’s no separate cappuccino system.

Capacity:

The E8 is slightly bigger in capacity than the E6. It has a 64 oz water reservoir capacity rather than 63 oz, and 10 oz bean hopper capacity instead of 9.9 oz. So that barely makes any difference.

Which Of These JURA Espresso and Coffee Makers Should You Buy?

As you can see from all the features we talked about above, each of JURA’s lines comes with specific features as well as limitations. There’s also a price range that might be important to your decision. For prices, please check at the time of your purchase as prices change constantly by vendors, so we can’t mention precise prices.
The ENA Micro line is as simple as it gets. It is made for espresso and coffee preparation only. No milk frother. This line is also compact in size, making it a great option with space limitation. This line is perfect for someone who wants a simple push-button bean-to-cup experience without doing any work. You can purchase an electric milk frother separately if you ever choose to expand the drinks you want to make. You can brew a shot using your ENA and then make the froth separately. That’s if you choose either the ENA Micro 1 or 5. ENA Micro 9 has a built-in milk frother as well as a hot water function. But of course, that takes it’s price ranger higher than the other models in the ENA Micro models.
Next comes the IMPRESSA line, where the built-in milk frother is a default. But the choice here is between either a dedicated cappuccino system (Z9 or S9) where the milk based drinks are prepared fully in a separate section. Or a built-in frother like the C60’s, where you prepare the milk on one side and then move the cup to the coffee spout. Also, the IMPRESSA Z9 used the colored TFT display which the other two Impressa machines lack.
The E Line introduces P.E.P technology, which promises a better extraction process to produce a great shot of espresso or coffee. P.E.P (Pulse Extraction Process) releases the hot water through the coffee ground in short intervals, this process works on developing the flavors of the freshly ground coffee and bringing the best out of the bean’s flavor and aroma.
The E Line has the colored TFT display by default. This nice display makes much easier and quicker to navigate the options and customize your drinks.

How To Save On Your JURA Machine Purchase?

One of the best way to save money on JURA machines is to buy a refurbished machine. This cuts on the price of the machine, by half sometimes! However, you won’t always find the exact model you’re looking for. But it’s certainly worth checking! We highly recommend our partners at 1stincoffee.com for refurbished JURA machines.

Video Reviews:

Demo of the JURA Ena Micro 9:

Review of the JURA Impressa C60:

Review of JURA Impressa Z9:

Review of the JURA E8:

Additional JURA Articles To Read:

DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M vs. Dedica EC680M, What’s New?

We have already featured DeLonghi’s Dedica espresso maker on our site before. This espresso maker has been a favorite of ours, especially as a choice for beginners, since it packs a lot of great features without any of the complications.

DeLonghi has released an upgraded version of the Dedica, named the Dedica Deluxe EC685M. It looks identical to the Dedica, but it’s more expensive. So is there any new features that are worth the extra bucks? And if you already have a Dedica machine, is it worth it to upgrade?

Features of DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685:

15-bar pressure espresso machine.
Automatic flow stop, choose from a single or double shot, and the machine will dispense the exact right amount.
Adjustable steam frother allows you to adjust the foam and steam level to create different milk styles for your desired coffee drink.
Double removable drip tray allows you to accommodate different and taller cup sizes by removing the tray.
Stainless steel housing.
35 oz removable water reservoir
Very sleek and narrow design makes the machine very convenient to keep in any counter space.
Available in variety of colors.

Click here to learn more about Dedica Deluxe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is The Difference Between DeLonghi Dedica and Dedica Deluxe?

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Title	De'Longhi EC680 Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine	DeLonghi America, Inc EC685M Dedica Deluxe espresso, Silver
Feature	Sleek Design provides outstanding espresso while only taking up 6 Inch of space Thermo block technology allows the machine to heat up to the ideal temperature in a quick 40 seconds Cappuccino Frothing system provides Barista quality foam Automatic Flow Stop Stainless Steel Construction	15-bar professional pressure ensures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences Whatever your preference - single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte -the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse The Premium Adjustable Frother allows you to adjust the foam and steam levels to customize a variety of delicious espresso-based drinks with little to no effort The machine does the work for you. The Automatic Flow Stop feature dispenses just the right amount of espresso, taking out the guesswork If you'd prefer a larger-sized beverage, no problem. The double drip tray is easy to adjust or remove to fit taller cups, such as latte glasses
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There are two main differences that have been upgraded in the Dedica Deluxe:

The steam wand now has a switch that allows you to adjust the level of foam. You can also just heat the milk without foaming. This is a great option to have more control over your milk texture, even if you’re new to steaming milk.

The machine can now accommodate taller cup sizes, such as latte cups. This is thanks to the double drip tray, so you can remove two trays instead of one.

Should You Buy The Dedica Deluxe?

If this is going to be your first Dedica, then it is certainly worth your consideration. Do keep in mind that it is more expensive than the Dedica model, which lacks the two upgrades mentioned above. If those upgrades are not important to you, then you’ll be just as happy with the Dedica EC680M.
If you already own the Dedica EC680M, should you upgrade to the newer model? If your machine is still working and in great shape, we really don’t see the need for the upgrade. Your Dedica still has the best features of the machine, and you’re still getting the same drink quality, so it wouldn’t be worth it to upgrade.

Video Review:

Best DeLonghi Accessories To Buy With Your Espresso Machine:

DeLonghi Dedica Conical Burr Grinder:

We all know the perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect grind. And Dedica Conical Burr Grinder was designed to make it as easy as possible for you to get the right grind for your cup of coffee. The Dedica grinder has 18 variable grind settings for different brew methods: espresso, drip coffee, pour over or french press, so it’s not just for your espresso needs. An LCD display makes it easy to adjust your settings and get the grind you need. And you have the option to grind right into a portafilter or the included jar.

Design wise, the grinder matches the Dedica espresso machine perfectly, so they’ll look beautiful setting on your counter top.

Click here to learn more about DeLonghi Dedica Conical Burr Grinder, read the customer reviews and buy it.

DeLonghi Frothing Pitcher:

One of the downsides of the Dedica machine is that it does not include a frothing pitcher. So it would be a good idea to purchase one with your machine. We recommend DeLonghi’s brushed stainless steel jug with 14 oz capacity, although, of course, any jug of your choice will do.

Click here to learn more about DeLonghi Frothing Jug, read the customer reviews and buy it.

DeLonghi Double Walled Cups:

Coffee looks a lot better and enticing in double walled glasses and the floating effect they give your drink. Not only that, but double walled glasses hold the temperature of your drink, whether hot or cold, for a longer time. DeLonghi offers these beautiful glasses in many sizes for each coffee drink. Pictured above are the tall glasses for Lattes, sold in a set of 2.

Click here to learn more about DeLonghi Double Walled Latte Glasses, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Breville Barista Touch vs. Oracle Touch and Barista Express – Here’s our Full Comparison.

The Breville Oracle Touch has been a top pick for many at-home baristas for so many reasons. It is favored for its ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners, but also, it has room for you to grow your skills with its manual options. Now there’s an upgraded version of the Barista Express, and it’s called Barista Touch.

If you’ve seen the Breville Oracle Touch which we’ve written about in a previous post, then you know how the Touch system in Breville’s new espresso machines work. It allows you to automatically create barista-style coffee drinks, customize them to your taste and even save your creations under any name you want, all with the simple to use touch screen display.

But that’s not all, of course. So, let’s have a look at the specs of the Barista Touch and see what makes it special.

Features of Breville Barista Touch:

Color touch screen display with pre-set coffee drinks. Simply press the icon for your preferred drink to start making it.
Customize the temperature and texture of your coffee drink and milk. You can also save your customized drink under any name you want. You can save up to 8 customized drinks.
Presets include: Americano, Latte, Cappuccino and Flat White.
Automatic steam wand automatically textures milk to your liking. Simply select the temperature and texture of milk you want using the touchscreen display.
3-second heat up time.
Pre-infusion function gradually increases water pressure to ensure even extraction of the coffee.
Automatic purge function cleans the steam wand after use.
Cradle holds the portafilter while grinding for hands-free operation.
Magnetic built-in tamper.
Built-in stainless steel burr grinder.
Bean hopper capacity: 1/2 lbs.
Water reservoir capacity: 67 oz
Stainless steel housing.

Click here to learn more about Breville Barista Touch, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Breville Barista Express vs. Barista Touch, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine	Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine
Feature	15 Bar Italian Pump and 1600W Thermo coil heating system Purge Function: Automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature Stainless steel conical burr grinder with 1/2 lb. sealed bean hopper 67 fl.oz (2L) removable water tank with handle Newer model of the Breville BES860XL Barista Express	Intuitive Touchscreen Display: Simplifies how to make your favorite cafT coffee in 3 easy steps - Grind, Brew and Milk. You can easily adjust the coffee strength, milk texture or temperature to suit your taste. Then save it with your own unique name. Crea Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: Auto steam wand, allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering barista quality micro-foam that enhances the flavor of the coffee and essential for creating lattT art.Then it cleans Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital Temperature Control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. Faster Heat Up Time: Innovative heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds. Ready to make your best coffee without the wait. Hands Free Operation: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at-home Barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter. Integrated Coffee Grinder: With a single touch, the integrated conical burr grinder with dose control,delivers the right amount of
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Controls:

The first biggest difference between the two machines is the touch screen, which is the most innovative part of the Barista Touch. The Barista Express has buttons and dial control for choosing your espresso shots and grind controls.

Microfoaming and Steaming:

The Barista Touch has automatic milk foaming and texturing, and you get to choose the texture your like as well as the temperature.
With the Barista Express, microfoaming is manual and there’s no temperature selection. So, getting the exact texture and temperature you want will take some practice.

Customization:

With the Barista Touch, there are a number of drink selections to choose from, as well as your own customized drinks. You get to save up to 8 customized drinks, and customization options include the grind settings, milk texture, temperature and volume.
On the Barista Express, you can customize your drinks by choosing your grind settings and reprogramming the volume for each espresso shot. There’s no temperature settings or milk texture settings. And there’s no way to save a full customized drink recipe under a name. However, your reprogrammed espresso volumes will be saved.
Apart from those features, both Barista Express and Barista Touch have the same bean hopper capacity, water reservoir capacity, built-in grinder and pre-infusion/purge functions.

Click here to learn more about the Breville Barista Express, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Barista Touch vs. Oracle Touch, What’s The Difference?

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Title	Breville Oracle Touch Automatic Manual Coffee Machine BES990	Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine
Feature	Breville Oracle Touch	Intuitive Touchscreen Display: Simplifies how to make your favorite cafT coffee in 3 easy steps - Grind, Brew and Milk. You can easily adjust the coffee strength, milk texture or temperature to suit your taste. Then save it with your own unique name. Crea Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: Auto steam wand, allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering barista quality micro-foam that enhances the flavor of the coffee and essential for creating lattT art.Then it cleans Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital Temperature Control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction. Faster Heat Up Time: Innovative heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds. Ready to make your best coffee without the wait. Hands Free Operation: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at-home Barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter. Integrated Coffee Grinder: With a single touch, the integrated conical burr grinder with dose control,delivers the right amount of
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Now let’s compare the Barista Touch to its more expensive competitor, the Oracle Touch.

Boilers:

The Oracle Touch is a dual-boiler machine. This means you can extract espresso and heat and foam milk at the same time. You can also change the temperature of the boilers using the machine settings.
The Barista Touch is a single boiler, so you have to do each task one at a time. As for the boiler temperature, it is pre set and can’t be changed.

Capacity:

The Oracle Touch is a larger machine. It has a 84 oz water reservoir. The water reservoir can be filled from top of the machine using a filling slot on the top front part. But if you need to take out the tank for cleaning, it can be pulled from the back of the machine easily.
The Barista Touch has a 67 oz water reservoir capacity. The reservoir is removable so it can be easily cleaned or filled.

Portafilter Size:

58mm on the Oracle Touch.
54mm on the Barista Touch.

Grinder:

The Oracle Touch automatically grinders, tamps and polishes. So all you have to do is set your portafilter to the grinder’s cradle and lock it and it will do it all.
With the Barista Touch, you’ll have to place your portafilter in the grinder cradle and push to activate the grinding. You’ll also level off the grind and tamp it manually.

Auto Start Settings:

The Oracle Touch can be programmed to automatically start and turn off at any set time. It won’t brew your coffee at the set time, but it will start, heat up and be ready for you to use at any time you need it to.
This option is not available on the Barista Touch.

Dimensions:

Barista Touch: 12.5″ x 13.25″ x 16”
Oracle Touch: (L) 16¼” x (D) 15″ x (H) 18″

Click here to learn more about the Breville Oracle Touch, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Which One To Buy?

Like any other buying decision, it all starts with your budget. Since the Oracle Touch is more advanced and packs more features, naturally, it is more expensive than the Barista Touch.
Features wise, The Oracle Touch does everything for you. Grinding, leveling out any extra grind and tamping. Milk texturing is also done for you. Espresso extraction and milk foaming can be done at the same time, since it’s a dual boiler machine. So there’s no wait time.
If you don’t mind doing some of the work, like holding the portafilter to collect the grind and tamping manually, or the wait between extraction and milk foaming, then you’ll be happy with less expensive Barista Touch.
On the other hand, it’s important to keep in mind that the Oracle Touch is larger, while the Barista Touch has an overall smaller footprint. At 18” high, you’ll want to make sure you can fit the Oracle Touch under your cabinets, or have the space for it, before you buy it.
If automation is not your thing and you’d rather do everything manually, or semi-manually, then the Barista Express is definitely worth considering.