With Thanksgiving approaching, early Black Friday discounts are available on several espresso and coffee machines tested and recommended by WIRED reviewers. The selection includes semi-automatic machines from Breville, Meraki Tech, Diletta, and Casabrews, as well as a pod-based Nespresso bundle—giving shoppers options ranging from hands-on espresso preparation to nearly effortless brewing.
These machines can help hosts serve espresso or cappuccinos without wrestling with a steam wand or instruction manual in front of guests. The deals also offer a chance to avoid paying full price while learning to pull a consistent shot; the source estimates that this can take about three weeks of practice.
Featured machines
Meraki Tech Espresso Machine
The Meraki Tech Espresso Machine is listed at $1,999, with a reduced price of $1,799 through Shop. Amazon also lists it at $1,999. Shop the Meraki Tech Espresso Machine.
This sleek, design-oriented semi-automatic machine has dual boilers, allowing it to froth milk while pulling a shot. It also includes a conical burr grinder. Former WIRED critic Matthew Korfhage described its appearance as a “steampunk gas factory.” The machine narrowly missed the Top Pick spot because of maintenance concerns, including an overly complicated descaling procedure.
Diletta Mio Espresso Machine
The Diletta Mio Espresso Machine is listed at $1,409, with a reduced price of $1,209 at Amazon. Seattle Coffee Gear lists it at $1,409. Shop the Diletta Mio on Amazon.
This is WIRED’s favorite traditional espresso machine: a classic Italian-style model built to be durable and enjoyable to use. Although its construction is largely analog, it includes a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) temperature controller to keep brewing temperature stable. A separate grinder is required.
Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is listed at $700, with a reduced price of $500 at Amazon. Best Buy and Seattle Coffee Gear also list it at $700. The sale applies to the black and stainless steel colorways only. Shop the Breville Barista Express on Amazon.
Breville’s semi-automatic Barista Express has been a top WIRED contender for years. It combines an espresso machine and grinder in one unit, with strong durability and design. A WIRED colleague has reportedly used one happily for seven years, and the machine remains a perennial bestseller. For people who regularly buy coffee on the way to work, the source says it could pay for itself over time.
WIRED also links to the Fellow Series 1, although it is currently out of stock.
Casabrews 5700 PRO
The Casabrews 5700 PRO is listed at $450, with a reduced price of $400 at Amazon. Bering’s lists it at $490. Shop the Casabrews 5700 PRO on Amazon.
WIRED contributing critic Pete Cottell, a longtime former barista, uses this machine at home. It is a straightforward semi-automatic model with an onboard grinder, accessible controls, and a serviceable milk frother. Because it has a single boiler, it cannot froth milk while making espresso shots.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Brewer and Aeroccino 3 Frother Bundle
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Brewer and Aeroccino 3 Frother Bundle is listed at $179, with a reduced price of $129 at Amazon. Nespresso lists it at $180. Shop the Nespresso bundle on Amazon.
This is WIRED’s favorite espresso pod machine, with virtually no learning curve. Vertuo pods do not produce “real” espresso, but reviewers were still impressed by the resulting drink’s body and mouthfeel. The bundle includes an Aeroccino 3 milk frother, which the source says is worth $100 on its own.
The machines featured here were tested by WIRED reviewers and are personally recommended by the publication. For more early Black Friday offers, WIRED directs readers to its broader deals coverage.
Source: www.wired.com
