Table of Contents
Espresso machines are a must-have for any coffee enthusiast. They offer the convenience of brewing your favorite cup of espresso at home, just the way you like it. With so many options available, choosing the right espresso machine can be overwhelming. To assist you in this task, we have extensively researched, tested and analyzed various espresso machines on the market to identify the best ones for your needs.
Through our extensive tests and evaluations, we have paid close attention to crucial aspects such as the machine’s ease of use, the quality of espresso it produces, the different features it offers, its durability, and overall value for money. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to choose the best espresso machine, one that will last you a long time and contribute to countless moments of coffee bliss.
Best Espresso Machines
Choosing the right espresso machine is pivotal to ensuring your daily dose of caffeine is top-notch and satisfies your preferences. The ideal espresso machine should boast simplicity in operation, deliver rich and flavorful espresso, and have a build that ensures long-lasting performance. However, given the abundance of espresso machines on the market, making an informed decision without proper guidance can be quite a task.
Our team has dedicated an ample amount of time researching, experimenting, and analyzing various espresso machines to identify the ones that emerge as clear standouts in the market. In this review, we will present to you the best espresso machines based on their performance, build and features, helping you choose the one that caters to your needs the best.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES870XL, Large
If you’re looking for a home espresso machine that grinds beans to order, the Breville Barista Express is a great option.
Pros
- The integrated conical burr grinder allows you to easily adjust the grind size to suit your taste.
- The machine comes with a tamper fork to ensure even distribution of ground coffee within the portafilter.
- The precision temperature control delivers water at precisely the right temperature to extract your espresso.
Cons
- The machine is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
- The steam wand may require some experimentation to get the milk texture just right.
- The price point may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
The Breville Barista Express is a great choice for those who want to enjoy cafe-quality espresso at home. The integrated conical burr grinder allows you to easily adjust the grind size to suit your taste, and the machine comes with a tamper fork to ensure even distribution of ground coffee within the portafilter. The precision temperature control delivers water at precisely the right temperature to extract your espresso, ensuring a great taste every time.
One potential downside to the Breville Barista Express is its size. The machine is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens. Additionally, the steam wand may require some experimentation to get the milk texture just right. Finally, the price point may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
Overall, the Breville Barista Express is a great investment for those who want to enjoy high-quality espresso at home.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure + Milk Frother Steam Wand, Black / Stainless, EC260BK, 13.5 x 8.07 x 11.22 inches
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish espresso machine that can make delicious cappuccinos and lattes, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The integrated milk frother steam wand makes it easy to create delicious milk-based drinks.
- The 15 bar pump pressure ensures a rich and creamy espresso every time.
- The compact size of the machine makes it perfect for small kitchens or tight spaces.
Cons
- The portafilter may be difficult to clean thoroughly.
- The steam wand may require some practice to get the milk frothing just right.
- The machine may not be suitable for those who prefer a fully automatic espresso machine.
We’ve been using the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The integrated milk frother steam wand is a standout feature, allowing us to easily create cafe-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home.
The 15 bar pump pressure ensures a rich and creamy espresso every time, and the compact size of the machine makes it perfect for small kitchens or tight spaces. We also appreciate the fact that the machine is easy to clean, with all parts being dishwasher safe.
While the portafilter may be difficult to clean thoroughly, and the steam wand may require some practice to get the milk frothing just right, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons with this machine. Overall, we would highly recommend the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine to anyone in the market for a compact and stylish 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 yet powerful espresso machine, the CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a great option.
Pros
- The 20 bar pressure ensures a perfect extraction of the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and aromatic espresso.
- The steam wand with milk frother function allows you to easily make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks.
- The compact size and removable water tank make it easy to clean and store.
Cons
- The machine is not automatic and requires you to manually turn it on and off.
- The portafilter can be difficult to screw on and off.
- The machine may make strange noises after a few months of use.
The CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a great choice for those who want a powerful and compact espresso machine. The 20 bar pressure ensures a perfect extraction of the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and aromatic espresso. The steam wand with milk frother function allows you to easily make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. The compact size and removable water tank make it easy to clean and store.
However, the machine is not automatic and requires you to manually turn it on and off. The portafilter can be difficult to screw on and off, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the machine may make strange noises after a few months of use. Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and compact espresso machine, the CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a great option to consider.
Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine, 2 Liters, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES876BSS
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that can grind your coffee beans and make a great shot of espresso, then the Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in conical burr grinder allows you to easily adjust the grind size to suit your taste.
- The machine heats up quickly and makes a great shot of espresso.
- The steam wand makes it easy to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Cons
- The machine is a bit expensive compared to other espresso machines on the market.
- The grinder can be a bit noisy when grinding the beans.
- The machine requires descaling every few months, which can be a bit of a hassle.
We’ve been using the Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The built-in conical burr grinder is a great feature, as it allows you to easily adjust the grind size to suit your taste. The machine heats up quickly and makes a great shot of espresso, and the steam wand makes it easy to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
One thing to keep in mind is that the machine is a bit expensive compared to other espresso machines on the market. However, we think that the built-in grinder and the overall quality of the machine make it worth the investment. The grinder can be a bit noisy when grinding the beans, but we haven’t found it to be too bothersome.
Overall, we think that the Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine is a great option for anyone who wants to make great espresso drinks at home. It’s easy to use, makes great coffee, and is built to last.
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 coffee machine that can make a variety of coffee drinks with ease, then the De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Grinder, Milk Frother, 1450W, Barista Kit – Bean to Cup Coffee & Cappuccino Maker is a great choice.
Pros
- The integrated professional grinder with 13 adjustable grinding settings allows you to easily adjust the coarseness of the coffee grounds, ensuring that you get the perfect taste for your preferred coffee.
- The patented Direct-To-Brew system ensures that you get a delicious crema every time you make a coffee.
- The automatic milk frother allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes with ease, and the adjustable dispense control allows you to adjust the amount of milk and froth to your liking.
Cons
- The machine is quite large, so it may not be suitable for those with limited counter space.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other coffee machines on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the machine breaking down after a year or two of use.
We’ve been using the De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The integrated grinder is a standout feature, as it allows you to easily adjust the coarseness of the coffee grounds to your liking. The patented Direct-To-Brew system ensures that you get a delicious crema every time you make a coffee, and the automatic milk frother makes it easy to make cappuccinos and lattes with a simple twist of the dial.
One thing to note is that the machine is quite large, so it may not be suitable for those with limited counter space. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other coffee machines on the market, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality coffee machine that can make a variety of coffee drinks with ease, then the De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best espresso machine, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Brewing Pressure
The pressure at which water is forced through the coffee grounds is a crucial factor in making a great espresso. Look for a machine that can produce at least 9 bars of pressure. This will ensure that the coffee is extracted properly and that the resulting espresso has a rich, full-bodied flavor.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the water used to brew the espresso is also important. Look for a machine that allows you to adjust the temperature of the water. This will give you greater control over the extraction process and allow you to fine-tune the flavor of your espresso.
Grinder
A good grinder is essential for making great espresso. Look for a machine that comes with a built-in grinder or that is compatible with a high-quality external grinder. This will ensure that your coffee is ground to the perfect consistency for espresso brewing.
Steam Wand
A steam wand is essential for making milk-based espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Look for a machine with a high-quality steam wand that allows you to easily steam milk to the perfect texture. Some machines also come with a built-in milk frother for even greater convenience.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider how easy the machine is to use. Look for a machine with simple controls and clear indicators for when the coffee is ready. Some machines also come with built-in cleaning programs to make maintenance easier.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best espresso machine for your needs and enjoy delicious espresso drinks in the comfort of your own home.
