Top Three Coffee Machines

Breville Barista Touch

The Breville Barista Touch ($1,345) is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed to deliver cafe-style coffee at home. It has a compact and elegant design that makes it a perfect fit for modern kitchens. The machine is equipped with a PID temperature controller, customizable settings, and a built-in grinder. However, it uses a thermoblock to heat water and steam, which some users have reported does not produce the best milk texture. Additionally, the built-in grinder is just fine, but not great. This machine is a good purchase for those who want to make good coffee with smart tech support, but if you're looking to improve your barista skills, there are better machines available at the same price.

The Sunbeam Torino

The Sunbeam Torino ($1,299) comes with a standalone grinder and has a full 58mm group head, a single boiler with a heat exchanger, and an element in the group head to keep the water temperature consistent. This single boiler system produces great milk texture when steaming. The machine has 360-degree water and steam wands with toggle taps and is 20% smaller in size compared to high-end home espresso machines. The only drawback is the grinder, which is underpowered and cannot be calibrated to grind fine enough for light and medium roasted coffees. Additionally, the Torrino lacks a PID controller, making it difficult to change the brew temperature for different coffees. The Torrino is a great choice, but it lacks some of the features that the aspiring home barista may eventually start looking for, especially with regards to extraction recipes requiring changes to brew temperature and pump pressure.

Breville Dynamic Duo

The Breville Dynamic Duo ($1,499) is a dual boiler machine with a good-quality grinder. The machine can be purchased separately (the Breville BES920 for $999 and the grinder for $299), or you  ditch the Breville grinder and put the savings into a specialty grinder like the Niche. The Breville BES920 has a full-size 58mm group head, temperature stability thanks to the dual boilers, a PID controller to easily change the brew and steam water temperature, and a heated group head. The machine produces perfect steam at 130 degrees for outstanding micro-foam and latte art. The BES920's display unit enables shot timing and a variety of customizable options, most importantly yields. This machine outperforms any machine at its price point in the market.

In conclusion, when choosing a mid-range coffee machine, consider your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a machine with customizable settings and smart tech support, the Breville Barista Touch may be a good choice. If you want a machine with good milk texture, the Sunbeam Torino is a good option. And for those who want all the options of tailoring extraction recipes in pursuit of the perfect espresso, the Breville BES920 or Dynamic Duo is the best choice.