Best Espresso Machines

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 30, 2023
Fast, delicious, convenient and genuine! This is all about the perfect coffee you can make with help of espresso machine. In this ...Read more
PROS
The grain milling control feature allows you to experiment with your coffee recipes.
CONS
It might look a bit bulky in a small kitchen.
OUR VERDICT

Breville's Barista Express is a top-quality espresso maker that can bring the café espresso experience home. The model is packed with useful features and built-in programs designed to make it easier to make your favorite drink and achieve perfection in coffee making.

detailed parameters
Control Type
Semi-automatic
Type
Pump-driven
Power/Pressure

1600 watts / 15 Bars

Single Beverage Preparation Time
~ 1/2 min
Number of Cups
8
Temperature control
Automatic
Сappuccinatore
Panarello
Burr grinder
Built-in
Functions
Variable grain milling and cup dosing, Frothing wand
Convenience
Exchangeable charcoal water filter, Clean indicator, Auto steam shut-off after 5 min of continuous steaming, Removable water reservoir.
Warranty

1 year

PROS

This machine can prepare the servings of hot drink for you in 4 different types: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, and Coffee. To do this, it is enough to use the capsules of different sizes. And don't forget to add ice if you like cold coffee.

CONS

The milk frother will have to be purchased separately.

OUR VERDICT

The Breville BNV220CRO Vertuo combines stylish design, portability, and ease of use. With this coffee maker at your disposal, you will feel like a real barista and pull consistent shots of espresso without leaving your home. The Nespresso capsule starter kit is included in the box.

detailed parameters
Control Type

Semi-automatic

Type

Pump-driven

Power/Pressure

1350 watts

Single Beverage Preparation Time

~ 1/2 min

Number of Cups

5

Temperature control

Automatic

Сappuccinatore

No

Burr grinder

No

Functions

Centrifusion brewing system with barcode reading, Automatic capsule ejection & storage, Automatic power off after 9 mins, Variable cup dosing, Adjustable cup support

Convenience

Removable 40 oz. water tank, Descaling alert, 12-capsule container capacity, Starter set of Nespresso capsules included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This espresso machine can be fully customized to your brewing needs so that you can prepare the coffee that you like the best.

CONS

Pretty loud in work.

OUR VERDICT

This ultra-compact and user-friendly espresso machine from a famous Delonghi company enables you to prepare the best-ever cups of coffee literally in mere seconds.

detailed parameters
Control Type

Semi-automatic

Type

Pump-driven

Power/Pressure

1450 watts / 15 Bars

Single Beverage Preparation Time

~ 35 sec

Number of Cups

2

Temperature control

Manual

Сappuccinatore

Panarello

Burr grinder

No

Functions

Programmable water hardness, Variable cup dosing

Convenience

3-in-1 filter holder, Auto shut off, Built-in cup warmer, Removable water reservoir

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The durable ceramic grinder blades will give you up to 20,000 cups of excellent coffee. The proprietary Aroma Extract system ensures the optimal balance between the brewing temperature and aroma extraction.

CONS

The milk container lid is not very secure.

OUR VERDICT

The Philips 3200 is an automatic machine with a convenient touch screen that will impress any coffee lover. Now you can not only prepare your favorite coffee drinks, but also heat up water. The AromaSeal will protect the beans from rotting and at the same time make the grinder quieter.

detailed parameters
Control Type

Automatic

Type

Pump-driven

Power/Pressure

1500 watts / 15 Bar

Single Beverage Preparation Time

~ 1/2 min

Number of Cups

The actual number of cups depends on selected coffee varieties, rinsing and cleaning patterns

Temperature control

Automatic

Сappuccinatore

LatteGo system

Burr grinder

Built-in (12-step adjustment)

Functions

Touch display, 5 beverages, My Coffee choice menu, Aroma Extract system, AquaClean filter, AromaSeal, Automatic shutoff

Convenience

Dishwasher safe parts, Removable brew group, Measuring scoop, Water hardness test strip, AquaClean filter, LatteGo storage lid, Grease tube included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

An opportunity to regulate the milk frothing allows you to make cappuccino and latte according to your taste.

CONS

Because there isn't much space for a cup, it may be quite tricky to prepare two portions of espresso simultaneously.

OUR VERDICT

This compact and affordable espresso machine prepares really fantastic coffee! Due to automatic milk frothing, the process of making coffee is almost effortless. Enjoy your favorite morning beverage and stay upbeat during the whole day.

detailed parameters
Control Type

Semi-automatic

Type

Pump-driven

Power/Pressure

1040 watts / 15 Bars

Single Beverage Preparation Time

~ 1/2 min

Number of Cups

2

Temperature control

Automatic

Сappuccinatore

Milk carafe with an opportunity to regulate milk foam thickness.

Burr grinder

No

Functions

Variable cup dosing, Automatic cleaning and descaling procedures, Cup warming

Convenience

Removable water reservoir, 1-cup and 2-cup filters, measuring spoon for ground coffee

Warranty

1 year

A Favorite of Thousands

The Breville BES870XL is a favorite of thousands of people in the US and all over the world, and for a good reason.

First things first, it has a very attractive price. If you're looking for a good, semi-automatic coffee maker with the power of a professional device that sits in the mid-tier pricewise, the Breville BES870XL is what you need.

And secondly, it's the quality of coffee. Equipped with a 15-bar pump, the machine extracts the perfect coffee that has the taste true to the finest taste in Italy and results in no bitterness or sourness in the end, so you can make the best coffee in the comforts of your home.

Another strength of the model is the ease of use. Surely, there will be some learning curve, but in general, thanks to the intuitive controls and the pressure-gauge on the side of the unit, you'll be able to see at a glance when the machine has reached the right pressure and is ready to operate.

Number Of Cups

When it comes to Breville's espresso machine capacity, the unit is designed to prepare up to 8 cups of coffee. This amount of coffee makes it ideal for use at home as well as hotels, coffee houses, and even small offices. Do you have a large family of coffee lovers? Be sure that the coffee produced by the BES870XL will get approval of your guests. 

Functions & Convenience

The versatilty of the machine makes it a good fit for both professional baristas and beginners. It can help prepare fine espresso as well as all of the other coffee-based drinks made by adding frothed milk, such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and more. So, you're free to practice the technique and adjust the grain size and dozing as you like. For convenience of use, the manufacturer supplies it with a set of cleaning tools, which can be stored in a special comparment underneath the unit.

Automation

This high-performance semi-automatic espresso machine can make the extraction process simple and quick. Thanks to the dual-wall pressurized filters, the required water pressure is adjusted automatically. There is a built-in thermocouple heating system that maintains the temperature at the desired level. However, you can manually adjust it above and below the factory set point - this will help you achieve your desired golden espresso taste

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $697.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CH9QWOU

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4)

Build quality appears to be very good.

Key Specs(4.2)

This is great. Burr grinder works flawlessly. Nice, decent capacity water storage tank. Makes the most perfect coffee every time...and fast.

Controls(4)

If you enjoy espresso and want some control on the taste of it, this is a step up from the nespresso machines and a must buy.

Features(4.2)

This is a great espresso maker with a lot of features. You can fine tune the grind and amount dispensed.

Details(4.4)

There is storage inside for the cleaning tools and on top for the tamper, razor and carafe. A very nice product.

You Coffee Bar at Home

Absolutely no need to drive out and visit a local coffee shop to enjoy a barista grade cup of coffee. The Breville Vertuo coffee/espresso machine will do all the hard work – and do it on the level.

Finally you can make a pro grade single serve or espresso cup with just one button push. This machine comes with a range of branded capsules that have one-of-a-kind aroma profiles. That’s all you need for consuming coffee with a consistent flavor each and every time. Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, or Coffee – it’s all there for your convenience. And if you love your brewage cold, just pour over the ice, and you’ll be good.

What makes the Vertuo so efficient and precise? Most of it comes from the Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology that utilizes barcodes for the best possible results. This also includes the ideal crema for larger coffee cups. And if you want your coffee super hot, simply preheat the machine (as well as your cup) and get it from the first try.

The Vertuo can produce hot as well as cold froth for you. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to buy the milk frother separately.

Stylish & Quick

Let’s focus on the design of this machine a little bit. It successfully combines the classic art deco motives with the modern look, making it a real match for a stylish kitchen interior. Show it off to your guests – and they’ll be sure to appreciate it.

This handy coffee maker comes with a 40 oz. removable water tank to save your time and minimize refills. Great for parties, it supplies coffee without the annoying breaks and constant excuses. The device takes as little as 15 seconds to heat up and also features an adjustable drip tray.

Do you have to manually remove the capsules after use? Actually, no. As soon as the coffee is brewed, the machine ejects the capsules automatically. That’s what should be called a “smart” kitchen device.

Finally, you’re more than welcome to try other coffee capsules than those included in the box. Choose one from 30+ types and aromas – and start your morning with a perfect cup, each and every day. You can even put the machine on your office’s to-buy list and upgrade from that old and limited coffee machine everyone is using.

Overall, the Vertuo coffee maker is a real treat for connoisseurs as well as casual coffee fans due to its unwavering quality.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N6TVX8H

A Stylish Addition to Your Kitchen Interior

This espresso machine by DeLonghi is without a doubt a masterpiece of kitchen appliances presented on the modern market that combines elegance with high performance and user-friendly controls in one compact design. Despite the fact it's half the width of most other pump-driven espresso machines, the EC680M features a very capacious water tank and boasts of a good-sized cup warmer located at the top of the housing. Still, it is small enough to fit very confined spaces. And it is very beautifully designed, with the silver housing and chrome elements glittering in the sunlight. Coffee connoisseurs will surely appreciate a full body espresso that the EC680M can brew and will definitely be pleased with the option to use a frother for making milky cappuccinos and lattes.

Straightforward Controls

The location of the control buttons at the top of the housing isn't quite typical and yet, very convenient, as you will have all controls right before your eyes. This isn't the only convenience that you get with this espresso machine. It also enables you to brew several cups of coffee at a time. This way, depending on the option you select, you can make a Single portion and a Double portion, and adjust the drink temperature and the size of a cup in the menu you'll see upon holding the Steam button for several seconds. If you have any difficulty adjusting the settings, feel free to consult the manual included with the appliance.

3-in-1 Filter Holder

The espresso machine comes fitted with three replaceable filters - a single, double and coffee pod filter, each being marked on the underside to avoid confusion. Single and double filters are used for ground coffee; a coffee pod filter is designed for capsules conforming with the ESE standard.

Choose Your Color

The DeLonghi EC 680 is available in 3 colors: stainless steel, black and red. Thus, you can choose the finish that will blend perfectly into your kitchen interior and will match your other kitchen appliances and utensils.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $219.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00KA8YC6A

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4)

The killer feature for this model is its relatively small footprint (this was the smallest I could find), so you don't have to dedicate too much counter space for it.

Key Specs(4)

Big opening on the water tank means it is easy to fill.

Controls(3.8)

It heats up fast and the controls are easy to read.

Features(3.8)

Programmable water dose levels for single and double shots

A Durable Coffee Maker

Just one step to enjoying the aromatic freshly ground coffee at your home. The Philips 3200 Series delivers on a promise, supplying you with 5 delicious coffees without any effort on your part.

Did you know you could make as many as 20,000 coffee cups with this machine? Thanks to the reliable ceramic grinders, it will last long and bring you fresh, exquisitely smelling coffee. The grinders are also very precise, which makes the coffee brewing even more efficient.

What can you make with this machine? Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, and Coffee all have a specific button to push it – and make it. Start your morning with a fresh cup of your favorite drink and “power up” for the long day ahead.

Speaking about the buttons; this coffee machine has a very user-friendly interface that lets you pick and customize each cup. Choose the right amount of beans, water, and frothed milk for the perfect outcome.

Needless to say, the machine also looks stylish with the all-black body and sleek touch panel. Don’t hide it in the kitchen – bring it out during a party to impress your guests.

Keep the Beans Fresh

This Philips coffee maker includes an AromaSeal container. What it does is keep the original aroma of the coffee beans for longer so that the steam doesn’t affect them. This, in turn, allows you to boost the deliciousness of every coffee cup.

As for the Aroma Extract system, it helps retain an optimal balance between the temp and extracting the aroma (and you may guess from the name). Just when you thought this coffee machine couldn’t get any better, it’s all ready to surprise.

The better brew quality is also supported by the AquaClean filters that prevent limescale buildup. Don’t forget to change them every 3 months to keep the coffee super clean.

But that’s not all; you can even heat up water using this versatile device. Not sure if buying a water heater is really worth it? Settle for the Philips unit, and you’ll have one less problem on your hands.

Cleaning this device is easy with the removable brewing group. Both the water tray and container are dishwasher safe for your convenience.

Summing up, this hi-tech coffee machine will make the visits to Starbucks a thing of the past for you.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $699.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07VFY4MXM

It Will Make You a Real Barista

Coffee making is nothing less than art. Baristas in coffeehouses make incredible coffee masterpieces with caramel, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and various toppings. If you crave to master this art, the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker will help make your dream come true. This espresso machine allows you to prepare coffeehouse-quality drinks in no time. The device comes with a recipe book that includes about twenty delightful coffee beverages. Toffee latte, caramel macchiato, cafe mocha, espresso lungo are only a few examples of what you'll be able to make with the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker. Become a coffee guru and impress your family and friends with something new and delicious every day.

Quality Coffee at One Touch of a Button

If you overslept in the morning and worry that there isn't enough time for you to prepare a cup of coffee, don't start looking for a coffee stick. The Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker is so fast and easy in use that you won't notice how a cup of fragrant coffee will appear on your table. The device features a one-touch control panel that allows you to quickly get your drink. Choose between latte, espresso, and cappuccino, select the serving, push the button, and wait for a minute while the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker prepares your delicious beverage. You can start every day with coffee, no matter how much time you've got.

Perfect Foam

The peculiarity of the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker is that it allows you to adjust milk frothing so that you can get an ideal amount of foam for your latte or cappuccino. Whether you enjoy beverages with thick foam or just with a bit on the top, this model will froth the milk according to your taste. Besides, if you simply fill your mug with frothed milk, add there a few teaspoons of cocoa powder, it may be a wonderful drink for your children. Yet, you also won't resist the temptation to drink this amazing beverage.

Uncomplicated Maintenance

Though this espresso machine will allow you to make excellent coffee as a real barista, it's very easy to use and maintain. Removable water and milk reservoirs can be cleaned in a dishwasher or by hands. Apart from that, the Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Maker features a programmed cleaning cycle and allows you to carry out an automatic descaling. It's very convenient because a lot of coffee machine owners are bound to fight with scale.

This model is perfect for making various types of coffee. Make your friends and relatives feel like they do at the best coffeehouses!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $188.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B007K9OIMU

VIDEO

How it works:

This browser does not support the video element.

Infographics


What Is an Espresso Machine?

Some people can't even imagine their mornings without a cup of espresso with pure golden crema. They need an extra boost to make their bodies and minds work. However, it is almost impossible to brew a real espresso at home without a special machine at hand. Today, you have a chance to make homemade espresso and cut the time that you constantly waste queuing in the coffee shops for your morning cup of Joe. Espresso machine designed for home use will let you experience the whole new sensations of preparing espresso without leaving your kitchen in the morning or any other time of the day. These are stylish and simple units that will turn you into a real barista and let you brew a perfect espresso at a single press of a button. The main function that sets espresso machines apart from other coffee makers is a grinding function. It means you will always enjoy your favorite drink made of freshly ground beans. In addition, a frothing wand will come in handy if you're eager to surprise your guests with home-made foamy lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and other milky coffee drinks.

Consumers who can't live a day without a cup of coffee may also get interested in one of the coffee machines that we've recently reviewed, while for those, who already own a coffee maker, we'd like to offer to take a look at the coffee grinders that may become a nice addition to the machine.

What Features to Compare

So, you’ve decided to get an espresso machine, but not sure what to start with, this is where you should find our recommendations handy and useful. The first thing you should definitely look into is the Type of the chosen machine. There are pump- and steam-driven espresso machines that work pretty much similar but heat up to a different temperature. Unlike steam-driven machines that use the water of about 90 degrees for brewing espresso, pump-driven machines release boiling water but under considerably less bar pressure (around 3-5 bar). Making the choice would certainly depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a bitter taste of sprightly coffee, you would make more use out of steam-driven espresso machines while those, who prefer a milder drink, would surely like more espresso brewed with pump-driven coffee makers. Pump-driven machines are also considerably faster in brewing, halving the time required to make a cup of espresso.

When you choose the right espresso machine you should mark the Number of Cups it can make per one brewing. For example, you don't have to buy an 8-cup coffee machine if there are only a few people who drink coffee in your family. A 4-cup machine is viewed as the most popular for household usage.

The Control Settings have got to be considered as well. Coffee machines are classified according to their operation. There are fully automatic, semi-automatic and machines with a manual control. Automatic machines do the most tedious job for you; if you're looking for a device to brew espresso quickly and effortlessly, this is the one for you. Semi-automatic machines are good for more skilled coffee drinkers and baristas. They create the right pressure, so the process is still mostly controlled by the machine, however, you need to adjust the water and steam flow to make the perfect shot of espresso. The manual espresso machines are the ones you need to get accustomed to because mastering these units is a tough job for a newbie. Nevertheless, this manual machine will reward you in the long run. Not only will the machine help you sharpen your skills at the craft, it will also serve you for many years.

Furthermore, the other critical component you should note is the ability to automatically control the water and steam temperature. It is extremely convenient when a machine automatically sets the temperature for the optimal coffee extraction. 2 thermostats are the ones that help to extract the coffee properly, so you will get the nice flavor and the taste of genuine espresso in your cup.

Most of the models come with a bunch of Functions that determine the Convenience of the machine. These include a milk frother, a cup warmer, a strength control, automatic double-grinding, etc.

We hope that this review will help you choose the right espresso coffee machine that will suit all your needs and make the brewing process simple and quick.

Sources:

1. Kristen Hicks How to Buy An Espresso Machine, Compact Appliance. August 26, 2015.

2. Espresso machine, Wikipedia. March 13, 2017.

3. How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price, Home-Barista. March 09, 2011.

4. Lisa Freeman The Perfect Espresso Maker – Which One to Choose? Start Cooking.

5. How to Make an Espresso, wikiHow.

6. Amy Fleming How to make the perfect espresso, The Guardian. May 9, 2012.

7. Barista Technique: Frothing Milk, Home-Barista.

8. ReneediCherri How to Use an Espresso Machine ~ Pulling Shots, Steaming Milk, and More! Instructables.

Other reviews