For many coffee enthusiasts, investing in an espresso machine can be quite significant, allowing them to enjoy high-quality brews at home. Yet, there’s a notable range in the features, specifications, and build quality among different models. Therefore, choosing the right espresso machine wisely is crucial to ensure your money is well spent.
The best espresso machines should deliver rich, flavorful shots, have an intuitive interface, and be built to last. The machine should also be easy to clean and maintain, as a buildup of coffee oils can affect the flavor of your shots over time. Using the wrong machine can lead to poorly extracted coffee, consistency issues, and a shorter lifespan for your appliance.
When shopping for an espresso machine, look for factors such as pump pressure, boiler type, ease of use, and milk frothing capability. You might also want to consider if you prefer a manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic machine, as each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best espresso machine. We have researched, used and tested multiple models to identify the ones that deliver the perfect espresso shots every time. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the right machine for your tastes, preferences, and budget.
Best Espresso Machines
Selecting the right espresso machine is crucial to your daily coffee routine. The machine must be capable of delivering consistent, delicious shots of espresso, be simple to use and clean, and be sturdy enough to withstand long-term use. With countless options available in the market, choosing the ideal one can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of the best espresso machines based on our extensive research, usage, and testing, to help you make an informed decision.
De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Grinder, Milk Frother, 1450W, Barista Kit – Bean to Cup Coffee & Cappuccino Maker
If you’re looking for a bean-to-cup coffee machine that can make café-quality espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes at home, the De’Longhi La Specialista is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The built-in grinder allows you to choose the perfect level of fineness for your beans, ensuring that your coffee is always freshly ground to your liking.
- The manual control of dosage, grinding, and brewing allows you to customize your coffee to your taste, whether you prefer a short or long espresso.
- The machine’s direct-to-brew system allows you to go straight from bean to cup, without the need for a separate portafilter or pre-ground coffee.
Cons
- The machine’s built-in milk frother may not be suitable for those who prefer very hot milk, as it can take some time to froth and heat the milk to the desired temperature.
- The machine’s water tank may need to be refilled more frequently if you’re making multiple drinks in a row, as it only has a 1.3-liter capacity.
- The machine’s price point may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
We’ve been using the De’Longhi La Specialista for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The built-in grinder is a standout feature, as it allows us to customize our coffee to our liking and ensures that our beans are always fresh.
The manual control of dosage, grinding, and brewing is also a plus, as it gives us the ability to make exactly the coffee we want, whether we’re in the mood for a short or long espresso. The direct-to-brew system is convenient, as it eliminates the need for a separate portafilter or pre-ground coffee.
However, we do find that the machine’s built-in milk frother can be a bit slow to heat and froth the milk to our liking, which can be a bit of a hassle if we’re in a hurry. Additionally, the machine’s water tank may need to be refilled more frequently if we’re making multiple drinks in a row.
Overall, we would recommend the De’Longhi La Specialista to anyone who is looking for a high-quality bean-to-cup coffee machine that can make café-quality espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes at home.
Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine, 2 Liters, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES876BSS
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso machine that grinds its own beans, the Breville Barista Express® is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The built-in conical burr grinder allows you to easily adjust the grind size to your liking.
- The machine is easy to use and clean, with features like the steam wand cleaner and the pressure gauge.
- The Barista Express comes with a range of useful features, including a digital temperature control, a shot clock, and a milk texturing pitcher.
Cons
- The machine is relatively large and may not be suitable for those with limited counter space.
- The grinder can be a bit noisy, especially when grinding beans.
- The machine is a bit pricey compared to some other espresso machines on the market.
We’ve been using the Breville Barista Express® for a few weeks now and have been really impressed with its performance. The built-in grinder is a standout feature, as it allows you to easily adjust the grind size to your liking. We’ve found that the machine produces consistently great shots of espresso, with a nice crema on top.
One thing we really appreciate about the Barista Express is how easy it is to use and clean. The steam wand cleaner is a great feature that helps to keep the machine in good condition, and the pressure gauge makes it easy to monitor the water pressure.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Breville Barista Express® to anyone who is looking for a high-quality espresso machine that grinds its own beans. It may be a bit pricey, but the quality of the machine and the consistency of the espresso shots make it well worth the investment.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES870XL, Large
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that offers a complete coffee-making experience, from grinding beans to milk texturing, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in conical burr grinder is precise and consistent, allowing you to easily achieve your preferred grind size.
- The digital temperature control (PID) allows you to easily achieve optimal espresso extraction temperatures.
- The machine comes with a steam wand for texturing milk that is simple to use and gives great results.
Cons
- The grinder can be loud, especially if you’re using it early in the morning.
- The water tank and bean hopper have limited capacity, which may require frequent refilling if you’re making multiple drinks.
- The machine is quite large, which may not be ideal if you have limited counter space.
We’ve been using the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The grinder is precise and consistent, and the digital temperature control makes it easy to achieve the perfect espresso extraction. The steam wand is also great for texturing milk, and we’ve been able to achieve great results with minimal effort.
One thing to keep in mind is that the grinder can be quite loud, especially if you’re using it early in the morning. Additionally, the water tank and bean hopper have limited capacity, which may require frequent refilling if you’re making multiple drinks. Finally, the machine is quite large, which may not be ideal if you have limited counter space.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine to anyone who is looking for a complete coffee-making experience in their home. It’s easy to use, offers great results, and is a great investment for any coffee lover.
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Maker with Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that’s easy to use and produces great results, the Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Maker with Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher is a solid choice.
Pros
- The one-touch control panel allows you to easily brew espresso or froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
- The 15-bar pump system ensures fast heating and consistent espresso extraction.
- The removable water tank makes it easy to fill and clean the machine.
Cons
- The steam wand can be difficult to clean, especially if milk gets burned on it.
- The machine is relatively large and may not be suitable for small kitchens.
- The portafilter can be difficult to insert and remove, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we’ve found the Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Maker with Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher to be a reliable and easy-to-use espresso machine. The one-touch control panel makes it simple to brew espresso or froth milk, and the 15-bar pump system ensures fast heating and consistent extraction. While the steam wand can be difficult to clean, the removable water tank makes it easy to fill and clean the machine overall. Overall, we would recommend this machine to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use espresso machine.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Maker with Milk Frother Steam Wand, Compact Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Latte, Gift for Dad or Mom
If you’re looking for a compact espresso machine that doesn’t compromise on quality, the CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 20-bar pressure pump ensures fast and even extraction, resulting in a rich and flavorful espresso.
- The built-in electric pump simplifies operation, and the steam wand allows for easy frothing of milk.
- The machine is compact and easy to use, making it a great option for small kitchens or offices.
Cons
- The portafilter may be difficult to clean, as it has small crevices that can trap coffee grounds.
- The machine may make strange noises or stop working altogether if not properly descaled.
- The machine may take some time to heat up, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.
We’ve used the CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar for several weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The 20-bar pressure pump ensures that we get a great espresso shot every time, and the built-in electric pump simplifies operation.
One thing to note is that the portafilter can be a bit tricky to clean, as it has small crevices that can trap coffee grounds. However, this is a minor inconvenience that we’re willing to overlook, especially since the machine is so easy to use.
Overall, we would recommend the CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar to anyone who is looking for a compact and reliable espresso machine. It’s easy to use, produces great-tasting espresso, and is a great value for the price.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an espresso machine, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and we understand the importance of each feature. In this section, we will discuss the factors that you should consider when purchasing an espresso machine.
Brewing Capability
The brewing capability of an espresso machine is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for a machine that can extract a shot of espresso quickly and efficiently. A good espresso machine should be able to extract a shot in under 30 seconds. Additionally, consider the pressure output of the machine. A higher pressure output will result in a more flavorful shot of espresso.
Milk Frothing Capability
If you enjoy milk-based espresso drinks, look for a machine with a built-in milk frother. This will allow you to easily create latte, cappuccino, and other milk-based drinks at home. Consider the type of milk frother that the machine has. Some machines have a steam wand, while others have a automatic frother. A steam wand will give you more control over the frothing process, while an automatic frother is easier to use.
Ease of Use
Look for an espresso machine that is easy to use and clean. A machine with a user-friendly interface and simple controls will make it easy to brew a great shot of espresso. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the machine. A smaller, lighter machine will be easier to move and store.
Price
Espresso machines can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. Consider your budget and look for a machine that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that a higher-priced machine may have more features and better brewing capability, but it may not be necessary for your needs.
In conclusion, when purchasing an espresso machine, consider the brewing capability, milk frothing capability, ease of use, and price. By considering these factors, you can find an espresso machine that will meet your needs and provide you with great-tasting espresso drinks at home.
