We received so much positive feedback on our “Best Espresso Machines for Former Baristas” article and video that we’re back for round two! Read on for our favorite espresso brewers to recommend to coffee professionals looking to brew at home. Our last pick may surprise you!

Rocket Appartamento TCA

First up, we have the Rocket Espresso Appartamento TCA. This machine takes the classic styling of the Appartamento platform and overhauls it for a more modern set of features and capabilities. 

While it may be based on the original Appartamento design, nearly everything here is redesigned. This machine features an upgraded case and frame, a redesigned brew group, a newer control board, and soft-touch controls all around the machine. Also on the design front - a new RGB indicator light helps to tell you what’s going on with the machine on the inside, and a 30 minute eco-mode helps you to save on energy use when not using the machine.

The biggest new feature of this machine, though, is the hybrid PID controller. With 4 preset temperature adjustments you get just enough adjustability and the benefits of rock-solid PID controlled temps. Oh - and last but not least, you can get the Appartamento TCA in stainless or black, with a few different side panel colors.

Why do we recommend this one to former baristas? Its heat exchanger design and high end components will remind them of the brew and steam platforms they’re used to from working in a cafe!

Rancilio Silvia Pro X

If you’re a current or former coffee professional then it’s likely that you’re familiar with the original Silvia. This workhorse was one of the first home espresso machines to take nods from commercial models with its rugged design and no-frills interface. While the original Silvia is still a fantastic machine, the dual boiler Pro X really is on another level.

The biggest challenge with using the Silvia was the way that users had to “temperature surf” the uneven boiler temps that were due to the standard thermostat that controlled the heat. While you could get used to managing temperatures and get a great shot from the Silvia, using it is made much easier with the Pro X’s PID controller. Further, unlike the Appartamento TCA, the Silvia Pro X’s PID controller can be easily adjusted on the front of the machine. 

Otherwise, this is just a great performing home espresso machine. With easy to access and use controls, must-haves like a dedicated hot water spout, and a relatively compact design perfect for a countertop, this machine is easy to fall in love with whether you’re a former coffee professional or not.

We think the Silvia Pro X works well for former baristas because of its dual boilers (something found on most commercial machines) and PID controlled temps. These two elements help make this machine feel a bit more like something you’d find in your favorite coffee shop.

Diletta Alto Espresso Machine

The Alto from Diletta is another smartly designed dual boiler espresso machine. On the surface, this option feels a bit like a combination of the features found on the Rocket Appartamento TCA and the Rancilio Silvia Pro X. It’s a dual boiler machine with a PID controller and front mounted controls (which double as a shot timer), but the interface is a little closer to what you find on the Appartamento TCA. What really sets this machine apart is the tactile feel of its controls and the swanky flow control module.

First, while this machine may look like the Rocket at first glance, its flip-knob steam and hot water designs are a really fun and fresh way to control these elements. While you do lose that feeling of opening the steam wand up, the Alto makes up for it with easier to actuate and deactivate controls.

Flow control, meanwhile, is an optional add-on to the Alto that gives you extra control over the flow rate of the water moving through the group head. By operating the screw knob at the top of the group you can make minute adjustments to pressure, and you can see what these adjustments do in real time thanks to the at-the-group pressure reader.

These features make the Alto the machine to go to if you’re a former barista looking for the ultimate in espresso control. Rounding this package our is the shorter size, making this an easier to manage option if you need to place it under a cabinet.

Breville Oracle Jet

We know, this is a strange one for this list. A machine that helps you dial it in? Why would we recommend this to former baristas? We’ll get there - we promise. First, what makes this machine special?

Well for starters, this is an all-in-one espresso machine with a built in grinder. That alone makes it unique on this list, but the grinder also comes equipped with an auto-tamping feature that helps ensure consistency from shot to shot. You’ve also got the MilQ automatic steamer, which uses sensors for air integration and temperature, letting you get some incredibly high quality automatic milk. Finally, the machine is controlled through the touchscreen interface on the face, which can help you dial in your shots and take you step-by-step through brewing.

So why recommend a machine like this to former coffee professionals? Mainly - convenience. If you know your coffee you know that it can take work to get that shot of espresso. While some former baristas may bring their passion for coffee with them into their next endeavor, many of us value a machine that can automate the work without sacrificing quality. We feel that the Breville Oracle Jet manages this, and we think it’s a machine that coffee professionals will appreciate for that reason.

Want to see these machines and get some more thoughts on what makes them tick? Check out our video below! We’d also love to hear from you in the comments about your favorite espresso machines.