Too Long Didn't Read Highlights.
| Coffee Maker | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino Plus | $$$ | Best Overall Budget Espresso Machine |
| DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | $$$$ | Best Fully Automatic Machine |
| Keurig K-Supreme Plus | $$ | Best Single-Serve Brewer |
| Nespresso VertuoPlus | $$ | Best for Coffee and Espresso Lovers |
| Hamilton Beach FlexBrew | $ | Best Budget-Friendly Choice |
What To Look For In a Coffee Maker (For Busy Parents)
My History
I grew up in ALASKA.
Yes- this Alaska.
Yes- this Alaska.
See the snow? The beautiful, cold, cold snow?
Well Alaskans are used to long dark snowy and cold winters.
Many of us:
1. Either drive to the nearest coffee drive through *That occur every single block*
or
2. Have a home coffee system like an espresso machine.
I have had an espresso machine in my home since I was around 10 years old. My mom got a small Breville and it was the greatest thing added to our home since a cordless phone.
Since then I have been through many, and I can't wait to share my thoughts.
Breville Bambino Plus Check It Out!
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Brews high-quality espresso in under 3 minutes
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Automatic milk frothing (perfect for lattes and cappuccinos)
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Compact and stylish — fits in small kitchens
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Easy to clean and maintain
Why I Love It:
Breville nails it with the Bambino Plus. It gives you coffee-shop quality without the crazy learning curve. If you're a latte lover or just need a strong morning shot, this machine is amazing.Breville: I got my first Breville when we had our third baby. (not including the one my mom had growing up).
My mom was actually the one to find a screaming deal from Bed Bath and Beyond and got it on massive clearance due to how long it was on the shelf. This beauty lasted about 8 years between my mom and I. (She gave it to me when she updated)
Until this year when it took up the bad habit of smoking every time I ran the shots.
I kept trying to tell it smoking is bad for you, but it really didn't want to listen.
However, the shots were perfection and the customer service offered me an awesome discount to put towards a new one even though it was nearly a decade old.
Breville Bambino Plus Check It Out!
-
Brews high-quality espresso in under 3 minutes
-
Automatic milk frothing (perfect for lattes and cappuccinos)
-
Compact and stylish — fits in small kitchens
-
Easy to clean and maintain
Why I Love It:
Breville nails it with the Bambino Plus. It gives you coffee-shop quality without the crazy learning curve. If you're a latte lover or just need a strong morning shot, this machine is amazing.Breville: I got my first Breville when we had our third baby. (not including the one my mom had growing up).
My mom was actually the one to find a screaming deal from Bed Bath and Beyond and got it on massive clearance due to how long it was on the shelf. This beauty lasted about 8 years between my mom and I. (She gave it to me when she updated)
Until this year when it took up the bad habit of smoking every time I ran the shots.
I kept trying to tell it smoking is bad for you, but it really didn't want to listen.
However, the shots were perfection and the customer service offered me an awesome discount to put towards a new one even though it was nearly a decade old.
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Check It Out!
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True one-touch brewing (espresso, latte, coffee)
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Built-in grinder for the freshest coffee
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Customizable settings for strength, temperature, and size
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Self-cleaning function (huge time saver!)
Why I Love It:
This is the dream machine for parents who want luxury and convenience. DeLonghi Dinamica Plus practically makes coffee for you while you deal with everything else life throws at you.
DeLonghi- This was the first one I got when we got married. It was a budget machine that made a decent espresso, but mostly I was broke and didn't have another option. This machine only lasted about 2 years. For the under $50 bucks I paid for it, I was pretty satisfied with how much it saved me, but the water down espresso was a bit of a deal breaker. However, I have since tried the newer Delonghi 's and the shots are creamy and not watery...so let's just say they changed my mind. This is very similar to the Jura my sister has (that I am 100% jealous of.) All automatic and *Chefs Kiss* But less than half the price!
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Check It Out!
-
True one-touch brewing (espresso, latte, coffee)
-
Built-in grinder for the freshest coffee
-
Customizable settings for strength, temperature, and size
-
Self-cleaning function (huge time saver!)
Why I Love It:
This is the dream machine for parents who want luxury and convenience. DeLonghi Dinamica Plus practically makes coffee for you while you deal with everything else life throws at you.
Keurig K-Supreme Plus Check It Out!
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Brews coffee in under 2 minutes
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Strong Brew and Iced Coffee options
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Adjustable brew strength and temperature
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Fits a variety of K-cup pods
Brews coffee in under 2 minutes
Strong Brew and Iced Coffee options
Adjustable brew strength and temperature
Fits a variety of K-cup pods
Why It's Great for Busy Parents:
Sometimes you just need that cup fast — and the Keurig K-Supreme Plus delivers without sacrificing flavor.
4. Nespresso VertuoPlus Check It Out!
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One-touch brewing for coffee or espresso
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Barista-quality crema
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Sleek and compact design
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Includes a milk frother (depending on bundle)
Why It's Great for Busy Parents:
Nespresso is perfect if you want amazing coffee and espresso with zero fuss. It’s a serious upgrade from drip coffee without complicating your mornings.
4. Nespresso VertuoPlus Check It Out!
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One-touch brewing for coffee or espresso
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Barista-quality crema
-
Sleek and compact design
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Includes a milk frother (depending on bundle)
Why It's Great for Busy Parents:
Nespresso is perfect if you want amazing coffee and espresso with zero fuss. It’s a serious upgrade from drip coffee without complicating your mornings.
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2-in-1 machine: Brew a single cup or a full pot
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Compatible with K-cups and ground coffee
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Very affordable price
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Great for families with multiple coffee drinkers
Why It's Great for Busy Parents:
If you need flexibility (one cup for you, a pot for guests), this machine handles it — and it’s budget-friendly too.
Hamilton Beach- This is the coffee machine you see in a VRBO or AirBnb
In my opinion it's the bare minimum, but that is because I'm an espresso loving gal and I will die on that hill.
|I know this is the machine my dad would be the happiest with. Keeping up with the old phrase- "Keep it simple stupid." Okay okay, I'm just teasing.
If you want to go with an awesome drip coffee maker. This is your guy! Honestly I think it's incredible that it is a 2-1. I'm all for combining products in the house.
If you go with a machine that has cups like this or the Nespresso below. I highly recommend a re-usable option for the cups.Like This!
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2-in-1 machine: Brew a single cup or a full pot
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Compatible with K-cups and ground coffee
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Very affordable price
-
Great for families with multiple coffee drinkers
Why It's Great for Busy Parents:
If you need flexibility (one cup for you, a pot for guests), this machine handles it — and it’s budget-friendly too.
In my opinion it's the bare minimum, but that is because I'm an espresso loving gal and I will die on that hill.
|I know this is the machine my dad would be the happiest with. Keeping up with the old phrase- "Keep it simple stupid." Okay okay, I'm just teasing.
If you want to go with an awesome drip coffee maker. This is your guy! Honestly I think it's incredible that it is a 2-1. I'm all for combining products in the house.
If you go with a machine that has cups like this or the Nespresso below. I highly recommend a re-usable option for the cups.Like This!
What I decided to go with...
My Best-of-all-worlds espresso machine.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL Check It Out!
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Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh coffee grounds every time
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Precise espresso extraction with digital temperature control
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Manual microfoam milk texturing for latte art and creamy cappuccinos
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Durable stainless steel design built to last
Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh coffee grounds every time
Precise espresso extraction with digital temperature control
Manual microfoam milk texturing for latte art and creamy cappuccinos
Durable stainless steel design built to last
Why I Love It:
After trying different machines, this is the one I personally chose for myself. The Breville Barista Express makes truly café-quality coffee at home — and once you get the hang of it, it’s fast and consistent. The built-in grinder saves time in the mornings, and the flavor is unbeatable.
For parents who want the full coffee shop experience without leaving the house, this machine is a game changer.
I personally have found that Breville machines have lasted longer AND have had great customer service, and easy fixings if there is a simple little problem. They build their machines to last and that is something I'm dependent on when searching for appliances. *Lets be honest, who isnt?
PRO TIP
If your mornings are extra busy, pre-measure and pre-grind your beans the night before. That way, you can pull a perfect shot of espresso in just a few minutes — no extra steps or stress needed!
PARENT TIP
Teach the kids how to froth milk — it’s like a science experiment and you get a latte at the end!? ☕✨
Mornings are busy enough without fighting with your coffee maker.Whether you’re looking for fast single-serve brews, creamy lattes, or simple strong coffee, these machines can help you survive (and even enjoy!) your busy days.
☕ Ready to upgrade your mornings?Check out one of the machines above and find the perfect fit for your family!
