Nothing feels better than drinking a velvety smooth cup of espresso right before leaving for work in the morning. Pair that with having your espresso made with one of the best espresso machines and you’re living the dream—in the morning at least.
But since there are too many options, each with its own quirks and features, we thought we’d do all the research there is to do and help you make a decision best for your needs. Let’s begin.
It’s Key to Consider
Before purchasing an espresso machine, you should consider several important factors to make sure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are key aspects to look at when choosing among the best espresso machines:
Size
Consider the machine’s size and the available space in your kitchen. Compact and lightweight models are ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space, ensuring they fit easily without overwhelming the area.
Ease of Use
The ease of operation is crucial, especially for beginners. Look for machines with user-friendly features such as one-touch systems, intuitive controls, and clear instructions. This simplicity can significantly enhance the coffee-making experience.
Pressure and Quality
Consistent pressure is a hallmark of the best espresso machines, ensuring each shot is perfectly brewed.
Heat-Up Time
Quick heat-up times are beneficial, especially for users who need their coffee promptly. Machines that reach the ideal brewing temperature within seconds are highly convenient for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
Water Tank Capacity
The size of the water tank impacts how frequently it needs refilling. Larger tanks are advantageous for households with high coffee consumption, while smaller tanks are suitable for occasional use. Consider your daily coffee needs when evaluating this feature.
Noise Level
Some espresso machines can be noisy during operation. If noise is a concern, look for models specifically noted for their quiet performance to ensure a more pleasant coffee-making experience.
Cost
While the initial cost of the machine is important, also consider ongoing expenses such as coffee pods or beans, maintenance, and potential replacement parts. Some machines may have higher long-term costs due to proprietary coffee systems or frequent maintenance requirements.
Customization Options
The ability to customize coffee settings, such as grind size, temperature, and brew strength, can enhance your coffee experience. Advanced machines offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor each cup to your exact preferences.
Additional Features
Look for features that add convenience, such as automatic milk frothers, programmable settings, and energy-saving modes. These features can enhance usability and improve the overall coffee-making process.
Build Quality
Invest in a machine built from high-quality materials like stainless steel and equipped with durable components. This ensures longevity and reliable performance, making it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.
Espresso Machines’ Reviews
Best espresso machines have received various feedback from users, reflecting their diverse experiences and needs. Most users highlight several benefits that make these machines a valuable addition to their homes.
A common benefit noted in best espresso machine reviews is the quality of espresso produced. Many users appreciate the rich flavor and consistent crema, which rivals coffee shop quality. This significant benefit enhances their daily coffee experience.
Ease of use is another frequently mentioned advantage. Users love the convenience of having a high-quality espresso at home without complicated steps. This convenience makes their morning routine smoother and more enjoyable.
Durability is also praised in many best espresso machine reviews. Owners report that these machines are built to last, offering reliable performance over the years. This reliability provides peace of mind and a good return on investment.
Users share positive experiences about the variety of drinks they can make. From espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos, the versatility of these machines meets various preferences. This versatility allows users to enjoy a café-like experience at home.
As a whole, user satisfaction with the best espresso machines is high. Most reviews point to a positive impact on daily coffee habits and the overall enjoyment of homemade espresso. Consistency, ease of use, and durability are notable patterns in these reviews.
Best for Beginners
| Dimensions | 7.6″D x 12.5″W x 12.2″H |
| Wattage | 1560 Watts |
| Capacity | 4 lbs |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
The hands-free automatic steam wand creates microfoam milk, perfect for latte art. With three adjustable milk temperatures and textures, it suits your taste preferences. This feature is crucial for those who enjoy crafting café-quality drinks at home.
The innovative ThermoJet heating system reaches the optimum extraction temperature in just three seconds. This fast heat-up time allows you to make the best espresso without waiting. Additionally, it uses 32% less energy annually compared to Thermoblock systems.
Low pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction ensures a creamy, caramel-colored espresso. This process, supported by a 15 bar Italian pump, guarantees a rich and complex flavor in every cup. The result is a truly satisfying coffee experience.
The Breville Bambino Plus includes an easy step-by-step 3D interactive setup. Partnering with BILT Intelligent Instructions, the setup is seamless and user-friendly. Download the free app to get started and make the best third wave specialty coffee from the start.
With its professional features and user-friendly design, the Breville Bambino Plus stands out among the best espresso machines. Its quick heat-up time, automatic steam wand, and precise brewing process make it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine Reviews
- Auto-frothing: The automatic steam wand is lauded for creating excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Easy to use: Users find it straightforward to operate, making great espresso accessible for beginners.
- Consistent quality: The machine produces consistently rich and flavorful espresso, comparable to coffee shop standards.
- Small drip tray: The drip tray fills up quickly and requires frequent emptying, which can be annoying.
Best Budget-Friendly
| Dimensions | 8.07″D x 13.5″W x 11.22″H |
| Wattage | 1200 Milliliters |
| Capacity | 1100 Watts |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
The De’Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine brings elegance and efficiency to your home espresso experience.
This compact and stylish machine fits perfectly on any kitchen countertop without taking up too much space. Its refined design, featuring stainless steel elements, enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
Equipped with a 15 bar pump pressure, the Stilosa ensures optimal extraction for both single and double espressos. This feature allows you to enjoy rich and flavorful espresso shots comparable to those from the best espresso machines in professional cafés.
The durable stainless steel boiler is engineered for long-lasting performance, ensuring years of reliable use.
One of the standout features is the manual steam wand, which lets you froth milk to your preferred texture for lattes and cappuccinos. This manual frother is praised for its consistency, making it easy to create café-quality milk-based drinks at home.
The two-level cup holder accommodates taller cups, providing flexibility in drink preparation.
The Stilosa is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The included portafilter, tamper, and measuring spoon make the brewing process straightforward, even for beginners.
Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, ensuring that your machine remains in top condition with minimal effort.
In summary, the De’Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine offers a premium espresso experience at an affordable price. Its compact design, robust features, and ease of use make it one of the best espresso machines for home use.
Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, the Stilosa meets a variety of needs, delivering consistently great coffee with each use.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine Reviews
- Compact size: Reviewers love its compact design, which fits well on small kitchen countertops and saves space.
- Easy to use: Users find the De’Longhi Stilosa straightforward to operate, making it accessible even for beginners.
- Consistent quality: The machine produces consistently rich and flavorful espresso, which users find comparable to coffee shop quality.
- Auto-frothing: The steam wand is praised for creating excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Affordable: Many users highlight the good value for money, offering high performance at an affordable price.
Best Durable Build
| Dimensions | 9.2″D x 11.4″W x 13.3″H |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Capacity | 10.14 Fluid Ounces |
| Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
Its compact size doesn’t compromise performance, offering great steaming power and quick recovery time between shots. This makes it ideal for those who want a consistent espresso experience.
Constructed with a lead-free brass boiler and a stainless steel encased heating element, the Silvia ensures durability and safety.
The boiler is wrapped in insulation, increasing energy efficiency. This combination of materials and design advancements makes it one of the best espresso machines for home use.
The Silvia features a commercial-grade steam wand made from stainless steel. This allows for precise milk frothing, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. The specially engineered single-hole milk frothing tip enhances the frothing experience, providing silky microfoam.
For those who appreciate professional-grade equipment, the Silvia includes a commercial brew group and an ergonomic filter handle. Silvia could also be considered one of the best single-serve coffee makers.
The heavy-duty steel frame and brushed stainless steel body ensure the machine’s longevity and robustness, making it a valuable investment for coffee enthusiasts.
One of the standout features is the professional, wood-handle tamper included with the machine. This tamper adds to the overall barista-like experience, making it easier to achieve the perfect espresso shot.
In short, the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine stands out among the best espresso machines for its reliability, durability, and professional features.
Its compact design, strong steaming power, and high-quality construction make it an excellent choice for serious home baristas.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Reviews
- Espresso quality: Many users appreciate the rich, strong shots with great flavor, rivaling professional espresso quality.
- Steaming power: Reviewers highlight the powerful steam wand, which produces excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Durability: Customers praise its solid construction and long-lasting performance, often exceeding expectations for home machines.
- Design: The stainless steel design is frequently admired for its sleek, professional appearance and compact footprint.
- Learning curve: Several reviewers mention a steep learning curve, making it less suitable for beginners.
Best Portable
| Dimensions | 2.44″D x 6.14″W x 2.8″H |
| Wattage | 1260 Watts |
| Capacity | 80 Milliliters |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
The WACACO Nanopresso portable espresso maker is a manual, battery-free espresso machine perfect for on-the-go coffee lovers.
Its innovative pumping system reaches up to 18 bars of pressure, delivering excellent coffee extraction. This high pressure ensures a dense crema and rich flavor, making it one of the best espresso machines for portable use.
Achieving the perfect espresso shot with the Nanopresso is easy, though it requires finely ground coffee tamped hard. Its design allows users to extract professional-quality espresso, comparable to larger machines.
The device’s compact and lightweight nature makes it ideal for travel, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The Nanopresso is designed for ease of use, requiring 15% less force to pump compared to previous models. This improvement makes it user-friendly, even for those new to manual espresso machines.
Its simple operation and robust construction ensure a consistent and satisfying coffee experience.
Cleaning the Nanopresso is straightforward, as every component of the portafilter can be easily separated. This feature allows for thorough cleaning, maintaining the machine’s performance and longevity.
Its durability and ease of maintenance make it one of the best espresso machines in the portable category.
Accessories such as the NS Adapter and Barista Kit enhance the Nanopresso’s versatility.
The NS Adapter allows compatibility with Nespresso Original capsules, while the Barista Kit enables the preparation of double espresso shots. These accessories expand the functionality of the Nanopresso, catering to various coffee preferences.
In summary, the WACACO Nanopresso portable espresso maker stands out among the best espresso machines for its portability, ease of use, and excellent espresso quality.
Its manual operation, high-pressure extraction, and easy maintenance make it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts who love to travel.
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker Reviews
- Portable design: Users love its compact, lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and outdoor adventures.
- High pressure: Many reviews highlight the 18 bars of pressure, delivering strong and flavorful espresso shots.
- Easy to use: Customers appreciate its simple operation, requiring no electricity and minimal effort to pump.
- Versatile: The ability to use ground coffee or Nespresso capsules with an adapter is highly valued by users.
- Quality build: Reviewers love its sturdy construction, noting it feels durable despite being made of plastic.
Best Automatic Features
| Dimensions | 10″D x 17″W x 15″H |
| Wattage | 1500 Watts |
| Capacity | 3.8 lbs |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
The PHILIPS 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine offers a seamless coffee experience, blending convenience with high-quality results. You could consider it one of the best coffee makers with grinders.
With this machine, you can enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature.
The built-in LatteGo Milk System ensures a silky-smooth layer of milk froth, ideal for cappuccinos and lattes.
The intuitive touch display allows you to select your preferred coffee with just one touch. This user-friendly feature simplifies the process, making it easy to enjoy your favorite coffee anytime.
The My Coffee Choice menu lets you adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage, providing three different settings to match your preferences. This customization ensures each cup is tailored to your taste.
One of the standout features of the PHILIPS 3200 Series is the Aroma Extract system. This system maintains the water temperature between 90 and 98°C, ensuring optimal brewing and aroma extraction.
The machine’s powerful AquaClean filter purifies water and significantly reduces the need for descaling. By changing the filter as prompted, you can enjoy up to 5000 cups without the hassle of descaling. This feature adds to the convenience and longevity of the machine.
The new Aroma seal protects your coffee beans, preserving their original aroma over time and reducing grinder noise. This feature ensures that every cup you brew is fresh and aromatic.
The PHILIPS 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine combines ease of use, advanced features, and high-quality performance, making it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking the best espresso machines for home brewing.
PHILIPS 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Reviews
- Easy to use: Customers frequently praise the user-friendly touch controls, making coffee preparation simple and convenient.
- Good coffee quality: Many reviews highlight the excellent coffee quality, noting rich flavors and consistent brewing.
- Milk frothing: The LatteGo milk system is appreciated for creating smooth, creamy froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Customizable settings: Users enjoy the My Coffee Choice menu, allowing adjustments to coffee strength and quantity.
- Low maintenance: The AquaClean filter reduces descaling frequency, making maintenance easier and extending machine lifespan.
- Fresh aroma: The Aroma Extract system and seal help preserve the coffee’s fresh aroma, enhancing the overall experience.
Best Manual Espresso
| Dimensions | 11.81″D x 5.91″W x 9.84″H |
| Wattage | N/A |
| Capacity | 60 Milliliters |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
The Flair Espresso Maker Classic offers a manual, human-powered espresso experience. This machine allows users to produce professional-quality espresso shots at home or on the go.
With its capacity to brew between 6-9 BAR, it delivers the perfect pressure range for extracting rich, flavorful espresso.
Using the Flair is simple yet requires a precise approach. Add 60ml of boiled water and up to 18 grams of finely ground coffee to yield a 40 ml shot with beautiful crema.
The included custom pressure gauge provides immediate visual feedback, ensuring each shot meets professional standards. This feature makes it one of the best espresso machines for those who appreciate the art of manual brewing.
The Flair’s patented design includes a fully detachable brewing head, making it easy to clean. Users can separate the parts and rinse them under cool water, ensuring thorough maintenance without hassle.
Portability is a key advantage of the Flair espresso maker. It comes with a precision-cut, padded carrying case, allowing you to enjoy high-quality espresso wherever you are. Whether at home, traveling, or camping, the Flair ensures you never miss your favorite coffee.
Constructed from durable materials like cast aluminum and stainless steel, the Flair is built to last. This robust build quality makes it one of the best espresso machines for durability and reliability.
In summary, the Flair Espresso Maker Classic is ideal for those who value the manual brewing process and high-quality espresso. Its portability, ease of cleaning, and durable construction make it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a professional-level espresso experience.
Flair Espresso Maker Classic with Pressure Kit Reviews
- Espresso quality: Customers praise the Flair Classic for producing high-quality, café-level espresso shots with rich crema.
- Durable build: Many users appreciate its solid construction, made from durable materials like cast aluminum and stainless steel.
- Portability: The included carrying case makes it easy to transport, ideal for travel and outdoor use.
- Easy to clean: Reviewers find it straightforward to clean, with a detachable brewing head for easy rinsing.
- Manual control: Users enjoy the manual brewing process, allowing for a hands-on, customizable coffee experience.
Best High-Tech
| Dimensions | 13.62″D x 14.09″W x 16.42″H |
| Wattage | 1750 Watts |
| Capacity | 67.6 Fluid Ounces |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
The Breville Barista Touch Impress espresso machine offers a premium home coffee experience with step-by-step barista guidance. Its advanced features and intuitive touchscreen make it one of the best espresso machines for both beginners and enthusiasts.
The Impress Puck System simplifies the grinding, dosing, and tamping process, ensuring a precise puck every time with less mess and fuss.
With a 3-second heat-up time, the ThermoJet heating system gets you from bean to cup faster than ever.
The machine incorporates the 4 keys formula used by professional café machines, ensuring the right dose of freshly ground beans, precise temperature control, optimal water pressure, and true microfoam milk for latte art.
The Barista Touch Impress includes a hands-free automatic steam wand, allowing you to adjust the milk temperature between 104-167° Fahrenheit and select from 8 textures. This feature delivers silky smooth microfoam with at least one million microbubbles per milliliter.
The integrated Baratza European Precision Burrs offer 30 grind settings, providing the right amount of coffee on demand for maximum flavor.
The improved touchscreen guides you through every step, from grinding to brewing, with eight café favorite presets or the option to customize up to eight drinks.
In summary, the Breville Barista Touch Impress espresso machine is a top choice among the best espresso machines.
Its advanced features, quick heat-up time, and user-friendly touchscreen make it ideal for anyone seeking a high-quality, customizable coffee experience at home. Whether you prefer automatic or manual control, this machine delivers café-quality results with ease.
Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine Reviews
- Great coffee quality: Many users praise the machine for producing café-quality espresso with rich flavor and perfect crema.
- Quick heat-up: The 3-second heat-up time is a standout feature, allowing for quick and efficient coffee making.
- Milk frothing: The automatic steam wand is highly praised for creating smooth, silky microfoam suitable for latte art.
- Customizable settings: Users enjoy the ability to customize drink settings, including grind size, milk temperature, and texture.
- Compact design: Despite its capabilities, the machine fits well on most kitchen countertops without taking up too much space.
Best Customizable Settings
| Dimensions | 11.22″D x 14.37″W x 15.87″H |
| Wattage | 1600 Watts |
| Capacity | 56 Fluid Ounces |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
With eight grind settings, it accommodates various bean types and preferences, making it one of the best espresso machines for customization. De’Longhi also makes some great drip coffee makers that you can check out in another article.
The machine’s active temperature control includes three infusion temperatures, ensuring optimal water temperature for different coffee beans. This feature maintains stability throughout the brewing process, guaranteeing consistent extraction and flavor.
The My Latte Art wand is designed for creating silky milk foam, perfect for latte art. It remains cool-to-the-touch after steaming, making it safe and easy to handle. This feature is ideal for those who enjoy personalizing their coffee with artistic touches.
La Specialista’s compact design is both stylish and practical, fitting well in modern kitchens. The machine’s detachable and dishwasher-safe parts simplify maintenance, saving time and effort. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals.
The espresso machine includes three preset coffee recipes: Espresso, Americano, and Hot Water. These presets make it easy to start brewing right away, providing a user-friendly experience as a programmable coffee maker.
Additionally, the included barista kit, with premium tools like a dosing funnel and tamping mat, helps users achieve professional-level tamping and extraction.
In summary, the De’Longhi La Specialista espresso machine combines advanced features, precise control, and ease of use into one dual coffee maker.
Its comprehensive design and thoughtful features make it a top choice among the best espresso machines for those seeking a versatile and high-quality coffee-making experience at home.
De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Grinder Reviews
- Auto tamping: The auto-tamping feature is highly regarded, making it easy to achieve the perfect tamp every time.
- Quick heating: Users love the quick heat-up time, allowing them to make coffee without long waits.
- Stylish design: The sleek, modern design is frequently mentioned as a stylish addition to any kitchen.
- Water tank placement: The rear placement of the water tank is inconvenient for frequent refills.
Best Compact Design
| Dimensions | 12.28″D x 5.9″W x 11.97″H |
| Wattage | 1350 Watts |
| Capacity | 34 Fluid Ounces |
| Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
The CASABREWS espresso machine’s compact and stylish design does not compromise its performance. Its semi-automatic operation and professional 20-bar pressure system ensure top-quality espresso extraction, delivering a rich and fragrant aroma.
The built-in pressure gauge allows precise adjustments to match personal taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
The machine’s powerful steam wand is essential for creating creamy, rich microfoam, enhancing the flavor of your coffee, and enabling milk foam art. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy customizing their drinks and adds a professional touch to home-brewed coffee.
The 34 oz removable water tank provides convenience, allowing users to brew multiple cups before needing a refill. This feature is practical for both home and office use, making the CASABREWS one of the best espresso machines for various settings.
The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity and complements any kitchen decor.
For optimal use, it is crucial to let the machine cool down after frothing milk to avoid overheating. This step ensures the machine remains in good working condition and prevents it from going into overheating protection mode.
The included components, such as the one-cup and two-cup brewing filters, portafilter, tamper with spoon, and instruction manual, provide everything needed to start making excellent espresso at home.
Overall, the CASABREWS espresso machine offers a comprehensive coffee-making solution, combining high performance, ease of use, and stylish design.
Its features cater to coffee enthusiasts who seek barista-quality coffee at home, ensuring a satisfying and personalized coffee experience.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine Reviews
- Milk frothing: The powerful steam wand is noted for creating excellent microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Value for money: Many find the machine to be an excellent value, providing high performance at a reasonable price.
- Durable build: Customers highlight the machine’s solid construction and durable stainless steel design.
- Learning curve: A few customers mention a learning curve when first using the machine, especially for perfecting the grind and tamp.
- Small water tank: The water tank size is a common complaint, with users wishing it had a larger capacity for less frequent refills.
- Grounds removal: Some find it challenging to remove the espresso grounds from the basket after brewing.
Best convenience
| Dimensions | 9″D x 4.7″W x 12.6″H |
| Wattage | 1200 Watts |
| Capacity | 1.5 lbs |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
The Nespresso Inissia espresso machine is designed to make your life easier with its compact, lightweight build and ergonomic handle. Its tiny footprint ensures it fits perfectly into any kitchen design, making it ideal for small spaces.
Despite its size, the machine delivers impeccable barista-style coffee every time. You might also be interested in knowing that Nespresso also makes some very good pod coffee makers.
The Inissia is simple to use, featuring a one-touch operation and a patented extraction system that delivers up to 19 bar pressure. This system ensures consistent, high-quality coffee with every use.
The machine heats up quickly, reaching the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without long waits.
One of the standout features of the Inissia is its folding drip tray, which accommodates taller recipe glasses, adding versatility to your coffee-making options.
The machine also includes an energy-saving mode that automatically switches it off after nine minutes of inactivity. This feature not only saves energy but also enhances safety.
The Inissia comes with a welcome set of 14 Nespresso capsules, each with unique aromas, providing a variety of coffee experiences.
The flow stop feature allows you to set your preferred coffee length, and the machine automatically stops brewing at the desired level, ensuring a customized coffee experience.
In short, the Nespresso Inissia espresso machine is one of the best espresso machines for those seeking a compact, efficient, and easy-to-use coffee maker.
Its fast heat-up time, energy-saving features, and high-pressure extraction system make it an excellent choice for anyone who values convenience and quality in their coffee-making routine.
The machine’s stylish design and practical features make it a top contender among the best espresso machines for home use.
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine Reviews
- High quality espresso: Reviewers frequently highlight the machine’s ability to produce high-quality espresso with rich flavor and crema.
- Compact design: Users love its compact size, which fits well in small kitchens without taking up much counter space.
- Quick heat-up: The machine’s fast heat-up time is a standout feature, allowing for quick and convenient coffee preparation.
- Pod cost: A few customers mention that the cost of Nespresso pods can add up over time, making it more expensive than other options.
