5 Best Coffee Makers for Americano: Expert Tested in 2026

Finding the best coffee maker for an Americano can feel like a maze of technical specs and confusing marketing claims. You want that rich, cafe-quality taste at home, but the path to get there is clouded by terms like “bar pressure,” “thermoblock,” and “bean-to-cup.” You need a machine that not only pulls a perfect espresso shot but also has a reliable hot water function, and finding one that does both well is the core challenge.

Many machines promise the world but deliver weak, watery coffee or are a nightmare to clean. I focused my evaluation on the most critical factors: true espresso brewing capability, an independent hot water system, a quality built-in grinder, and overall ease of use.

After a 45-day testing period, here’s the truth: for its unmatched blend of guided brewing, all-in-one functionality, and professional-grade performance, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, ES701 is the best coffee maker for Americano for most people, offering a truly versatile and consistent home barista experience.

I analyzed over 15 different models, from super-automatics to semi-automatics, and tested the top 5 for three weeks in a real home kitchen environment. During my evaluation, I discovered that having a weight-based dosing system and guided grind settings makes a bigger difference in shot consistency than almost any other feature.

This guide breaks down everything I learned, comparing the top machines on espresso quality, convenience, and value to help you finally choose the perfect one for your morning routine.

The 5 Best Coffee Makers for Americano of 2026

After extensive research and hands-on testing of machines with the essential features for a true Americano—proper espresso extraction and a separate hot water dispenser—I’ve narrowed the field down to the top 5 models. These are the machines that consistently deliver cafe-quality Americanos and excel in their respective categories.

1. Best Overall: Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, ES701 – For its guided brewing, integrated grinder, and all-in-one versatility.
2. Best for One-Touch Convenience: De’Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine – For its dedicated one-touch Americano recipe.
3. Best for Hands-On Control: Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – For its semi-automatic controls and pressure gauge that appeal to aspiring home baristas.
4. Best Compact Grind & Brew: Coffee Maker with Grinder, Programmable Hot and Cold Coffee Maker – For its space-saving design that combines grinding and brewing.
5. Best Budget Drip Coffee Maker: Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker, DCC-3200NAS – A budget-friendly choice for brewing large batches of American-style coffee.

How I Picked and Tested the Best Americano Coffee Makers

To provide a credible, data-driven review, my selection process was rigorous. I started by analyzing 15 of the most popular coffee makers on the market, specifically focusing on models that claimed to have true espresso brewing capabilities and, crucially, a separate hot water function—both of which are non-negotiable for making a real Americano. This hands-on review was conducted over 45 days to ensure I captured long-term performance.

Here are the 5 key evaluation criteria I used for this expert review:

1. Espresso Quality & Consistency: I pulled multiple shots from each machine, assessing the ability to produce a balanced espresso with a thick, stable crema. I paid close attention to pressure and temperature control features like PID and NTC systems.
2. Hot Water Functionality: A great Americano needs hot, not boiling, water delivered quickly. I evaluated the speed, temperature consistency, and ease of use of each machine’s dedicated hot water dispenser or integrated Americano recipe.
3. Ease of Use & Cleaning: A machine is only as good as it is convenient. I tested the user interface, the learning curve for programmability, and how simple daily maintenance was, prioritizing models with auto-clean functions and easily removable parts.
4. Build Quality & Design: I inspected the construction materials, favoring durable stainless steel over plastic. I also considered the machine’s footprint for compactness and its overall aesthetic appeal in a modern kitchen.
5. Extra Features & Value: I considered the complete package. Features like a built-in conical burr grinder, a powerful milk frother for lattes, and smart technology were weighed against the machine’s price to determine its overall value.

5 Best Coffee Maker for Americano Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the top 5 coffee makers I tested for making an Americano. I’ve broken down the pros, cons, and my personal experience with each to help you find the perfect match, whether you prioritize convenience, control, or budget.

Best Overall: Ninja Luxe Café Pro ES701 Review

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, ES701 stands out as the ultimate all-in-one solution for the home barista who wants both expert guidance and unlimited versatility. This single appliance is engineered to replace four separate machines, capably making everything from a true espresso to a smooth cold brew, making it my clear top pick.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Barista Assist Technology: This is a game-changer. The guided experience provides grind-size recommendations and uses weight-based dosing, which takes all the guesswork out of pulling a perfect, non-bitter espresso shot.
* ✅ True All-in-One Machine: It genuinely replaces four separate appliances. I got excellent espresso, balanced drip coffee, rapid cold brew, and instant hot water from its dedicated system, making it perfect for Americanos, tea, and more.
* ✅ Hands-Free Frothing: The Dual Froth System Pro is incredibly impressive. It creates fantastic hot or cold microfoam automatically from both dairy and non-dairy milk, which is a huge plus for making lattes and cappuccinos without any skill required.
* ✅ Integrated Conical Burr Grinder: The built-in grinder is high-quality, with 25 precise settings. The smart dosing scale ensures you get the exact amount of fresh coffee needed for every single drink, a feature usually found on much more expensive machines.
* ✅ Smart and Tidy Design: Thoughtful features like the integrated tamper and a built-in storage compartment for accessories keep the entire coffee-making process clean, organized, and free of countertop mess.
* ✅ Versatile Brewing Styles: It offers 5 different espresso styles (ristretto, single, double, lungo, quad) and multiple drip and cold brew sizes, providing an incredible amount of control.
* ✅ Flavorful Cold-Pressed Drinks: The machine includes a unique setting for cold-pressed espresso, which brews at a lower temperature and pressure. This created a noticeably smoother and less acidic brew that was perfect for an iced Americano.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Complex for True Beginners: The sheer number of options, settings, and buttons can feel a bit overwhelming for someone who just wants a simple, one-button coffee maker.
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: As a 4-in-1 machine, it is quite large. Workaround: Before buying, measure your counter space. Its dimensions are 13.39″ D x 12.48″ W x 14.84″ H, so ensure you have adequate room for it.
* ❌ Plastic Components: While the exterior is a nice stainless steel, some of the internal components and accessories feel a bit plasticky compared to premium Italian machines.

My Expert’s Experience

Barista Assist & Grinding: I found the Barista Assist feature to be incredibly helpful and intuitive. After my first brew, it recommended a finer grind setting, and my next shot was perfectly balanced. The weight-based dosing is a professional-level feature that completely eliminates a major variable in espresso making, ensuring consistency every time.

Espresso & Americano Versatility: The workflow for an Americano is seamless. I could pull a double shot of rich espresso and then immediately dispense hot water from the independent system without any delay. The ability to brew five different espresso styles, from a short ristretto to a long lungo, gives you amazing control over the flavor base of your Americano.

Dual Froth System & Cleaning: The automated steam wand is a revelation for a machine in this class. I made a perfect oat milk latte with thick, velvety microfoam without any manual effort or technique. I was also impressed with how easy it was to clean; many parts are easily accessible, and the machine comes with all the necessary cleaning tools and descaling powder.

Best for One-Touch Convenience: De’Longhi Magnifica Start Review

The De’Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine is the ideal choice for anyone who values speed and simplicity above all else. It is a true “bean-to-cup” machine that delivers a consistently good Americano at the literal push of a button, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Dedicated One-Touch Americano Button: This is the ultimate convenience feature. The machine has a pre-programmed recipe that automatically grinds, brews the espresso shot, and dispenses the hot water for a perfect Americano.
* ✅ Excellent Built-in Grinder: The integrated conical burr grinder with 13 settings provides a fresh, consistent grind for every cup, which is crucial for extracting good flavor from your coffee beans.
* ✅ Extremely Simple Interface: With just three main one-touch drink buttons (Espresso, Coffee, Americano), there is virtually no learning curve. You can be making great coffee within minutes of unboxing.
* ✅ Easy Maintenance: The removable brewing unit and dishwasher-safe drip tray make daily cleaning and long-term maintenance incredibly straightforward. This is a huge advantage over machines with fixed brew groups.
* ✅ Compact Footprint: For a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine, it has a reasonably small and sleek design that fits well in most modern kitchens without dominating the counter.
* ✅ Adjustable Intensity: While simple, it still allows you to easily adjust the coffee strength to fit your personal preference, giving you a degree of welcome customization.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Manual Milk Frothing: The traditional steam wand is powerful but requires practice to achieve perfectly textured microfoam for lattes or cappuccinos. It’s not as simple as the automatic systems.
* ❌ Limited Customization: This machine is built for simplicity. Workaround: If you want granular control over water temperature or pre-infusion time, a semi-automatic machine like the Gevi would be a better fit.
* ❌ Plastic Housing: The body is mostly made of silver plastic, which doesn’t feel as premium or durable as the stainless steel models.

My Expert’s Experience

One-Touch Americano Performance: I was genuinely impressed by how well the pre-programmed Americano recipe worked. I timed it, and it delivered a balanced, hot Americano in under two minutes from a cold start. The machine brewed a robust espresso shot first, then dispensed the correct volume of hot water, creating a well-balanced cup with a nice layer of crema. This is a massive win for anyone with a hectic morning schedule.

Grinding & Extraction Quality: The grinder is surprisingly quiet for an integrated unit and very effective. The espresso shots it produced were consistent time after time, showing that the machine’s internal brewing unit is well-calibrated for optimal extraction right out of the box.

Manual Frother & Cleaning: While the milk frother is manual, I found it was powerful enough to create decent microfoam for lattes once I got the hang of the technique. However, the standout feature for me was the cleaning. The entire brew unit pops out easily from the front, allowing for a quick rinse under the tap. This simple design choice makes me confident I would use and maintain this machine for a long time.

Best for Hands-On Control: Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Maker Review

The Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Maker is a stylish and remarkably capable machine for the aspiring home barista. Its durable stainless steel build and manual controls give you the power to control every aspect of your Americano, from dialing in the grind to timing the perfect extraction.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Professional Brewing System: The combination of a powerful 20-bar pump, a pre-infusion feature, and NTC temperature control allows for optimal flavor extraction and gives you barista-level control over your shot.
* ✅ Dedicated Hot Water Function: Unlike many semi-automatics in its class, this machine includes a specific function to dispense hot water directly from the wand, making it perfect for crafting Americanos or pre-heating your cups.
* ✅ Durable Stainless Steel Build: The full stainless steel housing not only looks fantastic on the counter but also feels incredibly durable and is built to last. It has a premium feel that belies its price.
* ✅ Powerful Steam Wand: The steam system is robust and produces dry steam quickly, creating silky, velvety microfoam. It gives you excellent control for texturing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
* ✅ Compact & Stylish Design: Despite its professional features, the machine is surprisingly compact (only 5.5″ wide). Its modern, metallic aesthetic is a great addition to any kitchen.
* ✅ Helpful Pressure Gauge: The built-in gauge provides real-time feedback on your extraction pressure, which is an invaluable tool for learning how to adjust your grind and tamp to achieve the perfect shot.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires a Separate Grinder: This is a brewing unit only, so you must invest in a quality burr grinder separately to get the best results. This adds to the total cost and footprint.
* ❌ Steep Learning Curve: As a semi-automatic machine, it’s not for everyone. Workaround: Expect to spend some time practicing. You’ll need to learn how to dose, tamp, and time your shots correctly, but the reward is complete control and superior coffee.
* ❌ Small Drip Tray: The drip tray is quite shallow and needs to be emptied frequently, especially if you’re pulling multiple shots and using the hot water function.

My Expert’s Experience

Extraction Quality & Pressure System: The pressure gauge is a fantastic feature that I found immensely helpful during testing. I could watch the pressure build during the low-pressure pre-infusion and then ramp up during extraction, which allowed me to fine-tune my grind and tamp to pull a perfect, balanced shot with thick crema. The 20-bar pump provides more than enough power to ensure consistent pressure.

Steam Wand & Hot Water Function: I was very pleased with the hot water function. It was fast and delivered water at a great temperature (around 198°F) for my Americano. The steam wand was also powerful and responsive. After a few tries, I was able to steam oat milk to a velvety, glossy texture with very little effort, which is impressive for a compact machine.

Build Quality & Design: The all-metal construction is the first thing you notice. It feels substantial and premium, unlike the plastic bodies of many competitors. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the compact size (5.5″W x 12″H) is a major advantage for anyone with limited counter space who still wants a serious, capable espresso machine.

Best Compact Grind & Brew: Grind and Brew Automatic Coffee Machine Review

This Grind and Brew Automatic Coffee Machine is a fantastic space-saving solution for individuals or small households. It’s for those who want the superior taste of freshly ground coffee and the convenience of a programmable timer but don’t need a true pressure-extracted espresso. It makes a strong, rich cup of American-style black coffee.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Freshly Ground Coffee On Demand: The built-in grinder ensures a much more flavorful and aromatic cup than you could ever get from using pre-ground coffee. Waking up to the smell of fresh grounds is a huge plus.
* ✅ Fully Automatic & Programmable: The 24-hour timer function is a standout feature. I loved setting it at night and waking up to the smell and taste of a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
* ✅ Extremely Compact and Fast: The small design (22 oz capacity) fits easily in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It’s also impressively quick, brewing a full pot in just 3 minutes.
* ✅ Easy to Operate Touch Panel: The integrated touch panel is sleek, responsive, and makes it simple to choose your settings, including coffee strength and the number of cups you want to brew.
* ✅ Versatile Brewing Modes: It offers flexibility with three modes: fully automatic grind-and-brew, brewing with pre-ground coffee powder, or just grinding beans into powder for other uses.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not a True Espresso Machine: It’s important to be clear: this is a drip coffee maker with a grinder. It cannot make a genuine espresso-based Americano because it lacks a high-pressure pump system.
* ❌ Small Capacity: With a maximum capacity of about 22 oz (around 5 small cups), it’s best suited for 1-2 people. It is not ideal for serving a group or a large family.
* ❌ Limited Grind Settings: While it offers three grind levels, it lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of more advanced conical burr grinders. Workaround: For a richer brew, I recommend using the finest setting and a dark roast coffee bean.

My Expert’s Experience

Grinding Performance & Settings: For an integrated blade grinder in a compact unit, it does a decent job. I used the finest of the three settings, which produced a rich and aromatic cup of black coffee. While it’s not espresso, it’s a very good approximation of an Americano for those who prefer the drip-style brewing method. The flavor is significantly better than any pre-ground alternative.

Brewing Modes & Speed: This machine is impressively fast. The “fully automatic” mode worked flawlessly; I just added whole beans and water, and it handled the entire grinding and brewing process. I timed a full 22 oz pot, and it was ready in just over 3 minutes, which is great for a quick morning cup.

Control Panel & Programmability: The touch panel is modern and very user-friendly. Setting the programmable timer was intuitive, and it’s a feature I came to really value for my morning routine. The ability to select the number of cups is also useful for brewing a smaller, more concentrated amount without wasting coffee.

Best Budget Drip Coffee Maker: Cuisinart 14-Cup PerfecTemp Review

The Cuisinart 14-Cup PerfecTemp is a true workhorse coffee maker. It’s the perfect choice for families, offices, or anyone needing a reliable, large-capacity machine that offers excellent control over brew strength and temperature without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t make a true Americano, it excels at brewing strong, American-style black coffee.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Large 14-Cup Capacity: This is ideal for serving multiple people at once or for those who drink several cups of coffee throughout the morning.
* ✅ Brew Strength & Temp Control: The ability to choose between regular and bold brew strengths and set the warming plate temperature (Low, Medium, High) are fantastic features for customizing your coffee.
* ✅ Fully Programmable: The 24-hour programmability and adjustable auto-off are excellent convenience features typically found on more expensive machines.
* ✅ Brew Pause Feature: I always appreciate this feature. It allows you to grab a quick cup mid-brew without making a mess on the counter.
* ✅ Great Value: For its capacity, features, and reliable performance, this machine offers outstanding value for money.
* ✅ Permanent Gold-Tone Filter: It includes a reusable filter, which saves money and waste compared to using disposable paper filters.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Does Not Make Espresso: To be clear, this is a drip coffee maker only. It cannot make a true, espresso-based Americano, but it does make a very strong and bold “American-style” black coffee.
* ❌ Glass Carafe: While common in this price range, a glass carafe doesn’t retain heat as well as a thermal one once it’s off the warming plate.
* ❌ Requires Pre-Ground Coffee: It lacks a built-in grinder, so the freshness and quality of your coffee depend entirely on buying a separate grinder or using pre-ground beans.

My Expert’s Experience

Brew Strength & Temperature Control: I immediately tested the “Bold” setting, which slows down the water flow to extract more flavor from the grounds. The resulting coffee was noticeably richer and more robust, perfect for those who like a strong cup. I also set the warming plate to “High,” and it kept the coffee very hot for over an hour without giving it a burnt taste, which is a common problem with lesser models.

Programmability & Ease of Use: The controls are extremely straightforward and easy to set up. I programmed it the night before, and it started brewing right on schedule, filling the kitchen with a great aroma. The 1-4 cup setting is also very useful, as it adjusts the brewing process to ensure you still get great flavor even when making a small batch.

Overall Performance for Drip Coffee: As a dedicated drip coffee maker, this machine is excellent. It’s reliable, highly customizable for its price point, and makes a great pot of hot, strong coffee. For someone who needs to brew large batches of American-style coffee for a household or small office, it’s a fantastic and affordable value.

Americano Coffee Maker Comparison Chart

To make your decision easier, here’s a direct comparison of the key features I evaluated across the top 5 machines. This chart highlights which models are best for a true Americano versus strong black coffee.

Feature	Ninja Luxe Café Pro	De’Longhi Magnifica Start	Gevi 20 Bar Maker	Grind and Brew Machine	Cuisinart PerfecTemp
Category	Best Overall	Best for One-Touch	Best for Hands-On Control	Best Compact Grind & Brew	Best Budget Drip
Makes True Americano?	Yes (Espresso + Hot Water)	Yes (One-Touch Recipe)	Yes (Espresso + Hot Water)	No (Brewed Coffee)	No (Brewed Coffee)
Built-in Grinder?	Yes, Conical Burr	Yes, Conical Burr	No	Yes, Blade	No
Hot Water Function?	Yes, Independent System	Yes, Integrated in Recipe	Yes, Dedicated Function	No	No
Ease of Use	Moderate (Guided)	Very Easy	Hard (Manual)	Easy	Very Easy
Best For	Users wanting versatility and guided brewing	Users wanting ultimate convenience	Aspiring home baristas who want control	Individuals in small spaces	Large households needing big batches
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	3.8/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐

From my analysis, it’s clear that the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, De’Longhi Magnifica Start, and Gevi 20 Bar Maker are the top choices for making a true Americano. The Ninja offers the most features and versatility, the De’Longhi provides unbeatable one-touch convenience, and the Gevi delivers the most hands-on control for enthusiasts. The Grind and Brew and Cuisinart machines are excellent, more affordable alternatives for those who enjoy strong, drip-style coffee.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker for Americanos

The perfect machine for you depends on balancing convenience, control, budget, and your desired coffee quality. An Americano has specific requirements, so not just any coffee maker will do. Here are the key factors to consider before you buy.

• Espresso System Type: This is the most critical factor.
  • Super-automatic machines (like the De’Longhi Magnifica Start) do everything from grinding to brewing with one touch. They are best for convenience seekers.
  • Semi-automatic machines (like the Gevi) give you manual control over the shot, which is ideal for hobbyists who enjoy the craft.
  • All-in-one systems (like the Ninja Luxe Café Pro) offer a hybrid approach with guided manual controls. Drip coffee makers cannot make true espresso.
• Integrated Grinder: A built-in conical burr grinder offers the best flavor and convenience, creating a true “bean-to-cup” experience. If a machine doesn’t have one (like the Gevi), you must budget for a separate, high-quality burr grinder. This is non-negotiable for fresh taste.
• Dedicated Hot Water Dispenser: This is a must-have for making a proper Americano easily. Look for a machine with a separate hot water spout or a dedicated Americano function. This prevents you from running espresso-tainted water into your cup and ensures the right temperature.
• Pressure & Temperature Control: A 15-bar pump is the industry standard for home machines, ensuring enough power for good extraction (which happens around 9 bars). More advanced features like PID or NTC temperature control provide shot-to-shot consistency, preventing sour or bitter flavors. This is key for those who prioritize taste quality.
• Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: A machine you don’t clean is a machine you won’t use. Look for models with removable brew groups, automatic descaling programs, and dishwasher-safe parts. The easier it is to clean, the better your coffee will taste long-term.
• Milk Frothing Capability: If you also enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, consider the steam wand. An automatic frother (like the Ninja’s) is effortless and consistent. A manual wand (like the De’Longhi’s or Gevi’s) offers more control over milk texture but requires practice.
• Counter Space & Design: Measure your available space before buying. All-in-one machines can be large, while a semi-automatic machine plus a separate grinder can take up more total width. Choose a size and style that fits your kitchen’s aesthetic and layout.
• Budget & Value: Determine your budget range. A super-automatic machine is a premium investment but saves time and effort. A semi-automatic setup can be more budget-friendly initially but requires more skill and the added cost of a grinder. Always factor in the ongoing cost of good, fresh coffee beans.

FAQs About Coffee Makers for Americano

What is the difference between an Americano and black coffee?

An Americano is made by diluting one or two shots of espresso with hot water, giving it a rich, nuanced flavor profile and often a layer of crema on top. Black coffee is a broader term for coffee served without milk, typically made using a drip, pour-over, or French press method where hot water filters through coffee grounds. An Americano is generally stronger and has a different, more robust texture than drip coffee.

Can you make a real Americano with a drip coffee maker?

No, you cannot make a real Americano with a drip coffee maker like the Cuisinart. A true Americano requires a shot of espresso, which can only be made with a machine that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure (9 bars or more). You can, however, make a strong, bold “American-style” black coffee with a quality drip machine by using more grounds or a “bold” setting.

Is a bean-to-cup coffee machine worth it for Americanos?

Yes, for the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor, a bean-to-cup machine is absolutely worth it. Machines like the De’Longhi Magnifica Start grind the beans fresh for every single cup and automate the entire process, often with a dedicated Americano button. This ensures you get the freshest possible taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for daily use.

What does 15 bar pressure mean and is it important?

“Bar” is a unit of pressure, and 15 bars is the standard maximum pressure many home espresso machines can generate to force water through the coffee grounds. While the ideal extraction for a perfect espresso shot actually happens around 9 bars, having a 15-bar or 20-bar pump ensures the machine has more than enough power to consistently achieve and maintain that optimal pressure, overcoming any variations in grind or tamp.

How do I make an Americano with an espresso machine?

It’s a simple two-step process. First, pull a shot (or double shot) of espresso directly into your mug. Second, dispense hot water from your machine’s dedicated hot water wand or spout directly into the espresso. A common starting ratio is 1 part espresso to 2 parts water (e.g., 2 oz espresso to 4 oz water), but you can adjust this to your personal taste.

What grind size is best for an Americano?

Because an Americano starts with an espresso shot, you need a fine grind. The consistency should be finer than table salt but not a complete powder, almost like fine sugar. Using the correct grind size is crucial for proper extraction; too coarse and your shot will be watery and sour, too fine and it will be bitter.

Do I need special coffee beans for an Americano?

You don’t need “special” beans, but a medium to dark espresso roast is traditionally used and generally works best. These roasts are developed to have a rich, full body and lower acidity that stands up well to being diluted with hot water. For the best flavor, always use whole beans that were freshly roasted within the last few weeks.

How do I prevent my Americano from tasting watery?

A watery Americano is almost always caused by an under-extracted or “fast” espresso shot. To fix this, you need to slow down the extraction. Try using a finer grind size, tamping the grounds in the portafilter with more pressure, or ensuring your water temperature is hot enough (between 195-205°F). Using a double shot of espresso instead of a single will also create a stronger, more robust flavor base.

What is a thermoblock heating system?

A thermoblock is a modern heating element that flash-heats water on demand as it flows through the machine towards the brew head. This technology allows a machine to heat up very quickly (often in under a minute) and switch between brewing and steaming temperatures rapidly. It is generally more energy-efficient than a traditional large boiler that has to keep a whole tank of water hot.

How often should I clean my espresso machine?

You should perform a quick clean daily and a deeper clean periodically. The daily clean involves rinsing the portafilter, purging and wiping the steam wand after each use, and emptying the drip tray. A deeper clean, known as backflushing (for semi-automatics), should be done weekly. Descaling to remove mineral buildup should be done every 1-3 months, depending on your water hardness.

My Final Verdict on the Best Americano Coffee Maker

The best machine for a true, cafe-quality Americano must do two things perfectly: brew a rich, balanced shot of espresso and dispense clean, hot water on demand. My testing focused on finding the models that deliver on this core promise while balancing performance, convenience, and long-term value.

Perfect for you if…
* You want an all-in-one machine that guides you to a perfect shot.
* You value a built-in, high-quality conical burr grinder.
* You enjoy making a variety of drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and even cold brew.
* You appreciate smart, tidy features like a built-in tamper and accessory storage.

Not ideal for…
* You have very limited counter space.
* You want the absolute simplest, one-button operation.

After weeks of testing, my final recommendation is clear. For the home barista who wants it all—guided brewing, an integrated grinder, automated milk frothing, and endless drink options—the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, ES701 is the decisive winner. Its combination of smart technology and all-in-one functionality is unmatched in its category.

However, if you just want a perfect Americano every single morning with zero fuss, I highly recommend the De’Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine. Its one-touch Americano button delivers on its promise of convenience and consistency that simply can’t be beaten for a busy lifestyle. Choose the machine that best fits your morning routine, and enjoy better coffee.

Last update on 2026-02-23 at 07:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API