Thanksgiving is approaching, and early Black Friday discounts make this a good time to upgrade the coffee setup before guests arrive. WIRED reviewers have tested and recommended the espresso machines below, with current deals including $200 off the Breville Barista Express, Meraki Tech Espresso Machine, and Diletta Mio, plus $50 off the Casabrews 5700 PRO and Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ bundle.
These machines cover several approaches to home coffee, from traditional semi-automatic models that require some practice to a pod-based brewer with virtually no learning curve. With about three weeks of practice, even a beginner can become more comfortable pulling espresso shots and frothing milk.
Featured espresso machine deals
Meraki Tech Espresso Machine: $200 off
The Meraki Tech Espresso Machine is available for $1,799 at Shop, reduced from $1,999. Amazon lists it at $1,899, reduced from $1,999.
This sleek, design-oriented semi-automatic machine was described by former WIRED critic Matthew Korfhage as resembling a “steampunk gas factory.” It has dual boilers, allowing users to froth milk while pulling an espresso shot, along with a conical burr grinder. The machine narrowly missed a Top Pick designation because of maintenance concerns, including an overly complicated descaling procedure.
Check the Meraki Tech Espresso Machine deal at Shop.
Breville Barista Express: $200 off
The Breville Barista Express is $500 at Amazon, down from $700. It is also listed for $700 at Best Buy and Seattle Coffee Gear.
Breville’s semi-automatic Barista Express has been a top WIRED contender for years. One WIRED colleague has used a Breville machine happily for seven years, and the Barista Express remains a perennial bestseller because of its durability and design. It combines a grinder and espresso machine in one unit and offers strong pressure and temperature control. The reviewer would prefer an upgraded grinder, but the all-in-one design can make it a practical alternative to buying coffee-shop drinks every morning.
The discount applies to the black and stainless steel colorways only. The Fellow Series 1 is mentioned as an alternative but is currently out of stock.
Diletta Mio Espresso Machine: $200 off
The Diletta Mio is $1,209 at Amazon, reduced from $1,409. Seattle Coffee Gear lists it at $1,409.
The Diletta Mio is WIRED’s favorite traditional espresso machine. Its classic Italian design is built to be durable and enjoyable to use, while a PID, or proportional-integral-derivative, temperature controller helps keep the brewing temperature stable. The machine is largely analog in construction, and a separate grinder is required.
Shop the Diletta Mio deal at Amazon.
Casabrews 5700 PRO: $50 off
The Casabrews 5700 PRO is $400 at Amazon, down from $450. Bering’s lists the machine at $490.
WIRED contributing critic Pete Cottell is a longtime former barista and uses this machine at home. The 5700 PRO is a straightforward semi-automatic espresso machine with an onboard grinder, accessible controls, and a serviceable milk frother. Because it uses a single boiler, it cannot froth milk and pull espresso shots at the same time.
Shop the Casabrews 5700 PRO deal at Amazon.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Brewer and Aeroccino 3 Frother Bundle: $50 off
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Brewer and Aeroccino 3 Frother Bundle costs $129 at Amazon, reduced from $179. It is also available from Nespresso for $180.
There is almost no learning curve with this pod-based machine, which WIRED considers its favorite espresso pod machine. Vertuo pods do not produce “real” espresso, but reviewers were impressed by the body and mouthfeel of the resulting drink. The bundle includes an Aeroccino 3 milk frother, which is worth $100 on its own. The Vertuo Pop+ is available in several colors, and its capsules are recyclable, although flavored pods can be inconsistent and inserting a pod can feel counterintuitive.
Shop the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ bundle at Amazon.
What to consider before buying
Semi-automatic machines such as the Breville, Meraki, Diletta, and Casabrews offer more control over grinding, extraction, and milk frothing, but they require practice and, in some cases, a separate grinder. Pod machines such as the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ are simpler to operate, though their drinks differ from traditional espresso and depend on compatible capsules.
The machines in this guide were tested by WIRED reviewers, and the listed deals and prices may vary by retailer and colorway.
Source: www.wired.com