Best Popular Espresso Machines

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – All-in-one design with an integrated conical burr grinder saves counter space.

The Breville Barista Express is a capable all-in-one machine for the aspiring home barista. Its main appeal is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows you to go from fresh beans to espresso in a very short time. The machine includes features often found on more expensive models, such as PID digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, which contribute to a consistent and flavorful extraction.

The manual steam wand is powerful and produces good quality microfoam for lattes, though it takes some practice to master. While it provides a great deal of control over grind size and dose, this means there is a notable learning curve. It’s not a ‘press-and-go’ appliance, but for those willing to invest a little time to learn the process, it delivers excellent results and provides a genuine café experience at home.

The included accessory kit is comprehensive and very helpful for getting started.

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – High-pressure 20-bar pump provides for quality espresso extraction.

The CASABREWS espresso machine is a solid entry-level option for those looking to make espresso-based drinks at home. It features a 20-bar pump and a 1350W heating system, which deliver good pressure and heat for a decent shot with a respectable layer of crema. The inclusion of a pressure gauge is a standout feature in this category, allowing users to get real-time feedback and refine their technique.

The steam wand is quite capable, producing fine-textured microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with some practice. Its compact, stainless steel design is attractive and fits well in smaller kitchens without consuming too much counter space. One operational detail to note is the necessary cool-down period after steaming milk before you can brew coffee again, which is important for the machine’s longevity and performance.

Overall, it’s a well-equipped machine for its price point.

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – 20-bar pump and pressure gauge for controlled extraction.

The Gevi espresso machine presents itself as a capable semi-automatic option for home use. Its feature set, including a 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, and a pressure gauge, aims to provide the user with significant control over the brewing process for better flavor extraction. The full stainless steel body gives it a durable and premium feel, while its compact footprint is a major advantage for smaller kitchens.

The powerful steam wand is designed for creating silky microfoam, suitable for lattes and cappuccinos. The inclusion of a dedicated hot water function adds versatility for making Americanos or other hot beverages. While it requires more hands-on involvement than a fully automatic machine, its intuitive controls are designed to make the process accessible for those new to home espresso.

Overall, it appears to be a well-rounded machine for enthusiasts looking to elevate their coffee experience beyond basic brewers.

Ninja | Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker| Luxe Café Premier Series | Integrated Coffee Grinder – Highly versatile with espresso, drip, and cold brew options in one machine.

This all-in-one coffee machine is designed to cater to a wide range of preferences, combining espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew capabilities into a single unit. Its standout feature is the ‘Barista Assist Technology’, which aims to remove the guesswork from coffee making by providing guided recommendations on grind size and using a built-in scale for precise, weight-based dosing. The integrated conical burr grinder offers 25 settings, providing good flexibility for different beans and brew styles.

Another significant convenience is the automated milk frother. It features several presets for creating different textures of hot or cold foam, working with both dairy and plant-based milks to consistently produce microfoam. Overall, it’s a feature-rich appliance that streamlines the process of making various café-style drinks, making it approachable for users who want versatility without a steep learning curve.

TENKER Espresso Machine with Grinder – All-in-one design with a built-in grinder, brewer, and milk frother.

This all-in-one espresso machine presents a comprehensive package for the home barista. The integrated grinder, with its 30 adjustable settings and automatic dosing for single or double shots, is a significant convenience that ensures fresh grounds for every brew. Performance-wise, the 20-bar pump and PID temperature control work together to deliver consistent espresso shots with a rich crema, and the pre-infusion feature is a nice touch for maximizing flavor extraction.

The steam wand is quite capable, producing sufficient pressure for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The large 61oz water tank is another practical feature, reducing the frequency of refills. While the unit is feature-rich, new users should expect a slight learning curve, particularly with the multi-function steam knob, as detailed in the instructions.

Overall, it’s a capable machine that consolidates grinding, brewing, and frothing into a compact footprint.

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS – Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time.

This Breville espresso machine is a strong contender for those wanting to elevate their home coffee experience without a significant learning curve. Its most impressive feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which readies the machine for extraction in just three seconds, a major convenience for busy mornings. The automatic steam wand is another key highlight, taking the guesswork out of milk texturing by consistently producing quality microfoam with adjustable temperature and texture levels.

The inclusion of PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion helps in pulling balanced and flavorful espresso shots from its 54mm portafilter. While the build incorporates some plastic components, it feels solid for its category. It strikes an excellent balance between automated convenience and manual control, making it a great entry point into the world of specialty coffee at home, especially for those who enjoy milk-based drinks.

SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Powerful 20-bar pump ensures rich espresso extraction.

This semi-automatic espresso machine offers a solid set of features for its category. The 20-bar pressure system and 1350W motor consistently produce espresso with a rich crema and robust flavor. The one-touch LED screen is quite intuitive, making it easy to select single or double shots, and the manual mode provides flexibility for those who prefer to control the extraction time themselves.

The temperature control with three settings is a notable feature, allowing for some customization of the brew. The steam wand performs well, creating a decent microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos after a bit of practice. Its compact, stainless steel design is a great space-saver for most kitchens.

The 45 oz water tank is generously sized, reducing the need for frequent refills. While it requires some manual effort, the included accessories provide everything needed to start brewing right away.

ANYCOLD Espresso Machine 20 Bar – 20-bar pressure pump for rich espresso extraction.

This semi-automatic espresso maker is a compact, stainless steel unit designed for home use. It features a 20-bar pressure pump and a 1450W motor, which are specs aimed at producing rich espresso with good crema. The integrated steam wand is a key feature, allowing users to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and it also dispenses hot water.

The design is practical for smaller kitchens, and maintenance seems straightforward with its 34 oz removable water tank and a detachable drip tray for easy cleaning. The package includes the necessary accessories like a portafilter, single and double shot filters, and a combination tamper/spoon. It’s important for users to note the operational instructions, specifically the need to let the machine cool down after steaming milk before brewing coffee to prevent overheating.

Overall, it presents a complete package for someone starting their home barista journey.

QJA Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – Powerful 20-bar pressure system for quality espresso extraction.

The QJA Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker is a capable machine for home use, offering a good balance of features and a compact footprint. Its 20-bar pressure system and 1400W boiler produce rich, flavorful espresso shots with a nice crema in a timely manner. The LED touch screen is a significant advantage, providing intuitive controls and programmable options that allow for more customization over the brewing process than more basic models.

The steam wand is effective for frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and the removable parts simplify the cleaning routine. Its stainless steel construction feels sturdy and looks modern on the countertop. While there is a learning curve, the inclusion of features like a self-cleaning program and a large, removable water tank makes the overall experience quite manageable for someone looking to elevate their home coffee setup without a huge investment.

PHILIPS 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine – LatteGo Milk System – Extensive selection of 20 coffee recipes, including dedicated iced options.

This fully automatic coffee machine offers a remarkable range of 20 coffee varieties, from standard espresso and lattes to specially calibrated iced coffees that maintain a rich flavor. The LatteGo milk system is a standout feature, creating a consistently smooth froth and being exceptionally easy to clean with its two-part, tube-free design. Performance is enhanced by the QuickStart function, which eliminates warmup time for immediate brewing, and the SilentBrew technology, which noticeably reduces operational noise for a quieter morning routine.

The modern touch display with colored icons simplifies drink selection. Users can easily customize coffee strength, volume, and milk quantity, and then save their preferred settings in one of two personal profiles for quick access. It’s a highly versatile and user-friendly appliance for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate convenience and variety in their daily coffee experience.