![]() ![]() The CitiZ warms up in 25 seconds and brews in 30. We believe it’s the best Nespresso machine under $300. If your priority is a high quality-of-coffee to ease-of-use ratio, then the Nespresso CitiZ is for you. Nonetheless, this is a really good machine at its price point and an ideal introduction to hands-on espresso brewing. You’ll hear some strange sounds as it brews, and the steam wand really howls! Our only other complaint is that the machine is on the noisy side. You need to use a little muscle, and you might have to steady the machine with your off hand while you do it. Locking the portafilter isn’t as easy as it sounds, though. ![]() Just load and lock your portafilter, then turn a dial on the front of the machine for either a single or double shot. But the really nice thing about these portafilters is that they are 58mm, which means if you do develop some skill as a barista, you can try the machine with a regular portafilter and it will still fit. These forgiving portafilters are designed to lessen your margin for error and give you good crema on top of your espresso, even if you don’t get your grind and tamp exactly right. It comes with one single and one double pressurized portafilter. Like the Cafe Roma, this fully automatic machine has a 15-bar bump and thermoblock boiler to brew espresso at the correct pressure and temperature. It’s still essentially the same machine, with a few cosmetic changes. The Temp iQ was known in a previous life as the Sunbeam Mini Barista, before parent company Sunbeam re-branded it a few years ago. We actually have a hard time choosing between the two, so if you like the look of one more than the other, go for it. The Calphalon Temp iQ is right there with the Cafe Roma if you’re looking for a real espresso machine that does all the basics well. Three filter baskets, can use grounds or capsules.And on the plus side, the stainless steel wand pulls right off for easy cleaning. It has only one setting that isn’t particularly strong, but at this price point let’s not nitpick-it’s still a great machine for making milk-based drinks like flat whites and cappuccinos. I wouldn’t mind a little more control over the steam wand. The removable water reservoir holds enough for four double shots, or three lattés if you need some of that water to steam milk. Clearance between the spout and drip tray is enough to accommodate taller cups. Its pressurized portafilter takes a bit of the guesswork out of your grind, and it comes with filter baskets for a single, double or ESE pod. With a thermoblock boiler, the Café Roma heats up quickly. It has some heft and will take up space on your counter, but it will look good doing so. It’s a big, solid, durable machine that’s made of stainless steel. See Deal The Breville ESP8XL Café Roma scores big points for the simplicity of its design, operation and maintenance.
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