Best The Espresso Maker

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Integrated conical burr grinder saves counter space and initial cost.

The Breville Barista Express is a popular choice for those looking to step up their home coffee game, and for good reason. It’s an all-in-one machine that combines a conical burr grinder with a capable espresso maker, aiming to take you from bean to cup in under a minute. The feature set is impressive for its price point, including digital temperature control (PID) for stable extraction and low-pressure pre-infusion, which helps produce a more balanced shot.

There is a learning curve involved. You’ll need to experiment with grind size, dose, and tamping to dial in your shots, but the built-in pressure gauge provides excellent feedback. The manual steam wand is powerful enough to create quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos once you get the hang of it.

Overall, it’s a well-designed machine that offers a hands-on, rewarding espresso-making experience without requiring separate purchases for a grinder and other essential tools.

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – High 20-bar pressure system for quality extraction.

The CASABREWS espresso machine is a solid option for those wanting to make espresso-based drinks at home without investing in a high-end unit. Its 20-bar pressure system is quite powerful for this price point, and the built-in pressure gauge is a thoughtful addition, allowing for some control over the extraction process. The machine successfully pulls single or double shots with a decent crema.

The steam wand is capable of producing a good microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, though it takes some practice to get the texture just right. Its compact, stainless steel design fits well in most kitchens. The 34 oz water tank is a reasonable size for daily use.

It is important to note the manufacturer’s advice about letting the machine cool down after steaming milk before pulling another shot to avoid overheating. Overall, it’s a capable machine for beginners.

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

This Breville espresso machine offers a compelling blend of professional features and automated convenience, making it a great option for the home user. The standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which brings the machine to an optimal extraction temperature in just three seconds, eliminating the usual wait time. For the espresso, the combination of low-pressure pre-infusion and precise PID temperature control helps ensure a balanced, flavorful shot.

The 54mm portafilter holds a generous 19-gram dose, which is key for rich flavor. Perhaps most appealing for many users is the automatic steam wand. It capably textures milk to a desired temperature and consistency with minimal effort, making it easy to create quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

It successfully bridges the gap between a fully manual machine and a super-automatic, providing control where it counts while simplifying the milk frothing process.

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BSS – All-in-one design with an integrated conical burr grinder.

The Breville Barista Touch is a comprehensive all-in-one espresso machine that effectively bridges the gap between manual control and automated convenience. Its core strength lies in the intuitive touchscreen interface, which simplifies the process of making various coffee drinks. The integrated conical burr grinder is efficient, and the ThermoJet heating system brings the machine to the optimal temperature in just three seconds, which is a significant convenience for daily use.

Features typically found in higher-end machines, such as low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control, help ensure a quality extraction. The automatic steam wand is a standout feature for beginners, consistently creating well-textured microfoam for milk-based drinks. While it offers plenty of customization for those who want to fine-tune their shots, the pre-programmed favorites make it accessible for anyone to get started immediately.

It’s a thoughtfully designed machine for the home user.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi – Extremely fast 25-second heat-up time.

This Nespresso machine provides a very convenient single-serve coffee experience. The 25-second heat-up time is a standout feature, delivering coffee or espresso with minimal waiting. It’s quite versatile, offering four pre-set brew sizes (5oz and 8oz coffee, plus single and double espresso), which makes it suitable for different preferences.

The ability to brew over ice for iced lattes and coffees adds to its utility. I appreciate the practical, energy-saving automatic shut-off function. The included starter set of capsules is a nice touch, allowing you to sample a few blends right away.

A significant factor is the company’s focus on sustainability, with a free and accessible recycling program for their aluminum capsules, which helps address the environmental concerns often associated with pod-based systems. It’s a solid, user-friendly machine for consistent daily brewing.

CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar – High-pressure 20-bar pump for quality espresso extraction.

The CASABREWS espresso machine presents a solid entry point for anyone looking to make espresso-based drinks at home. Its main draw is the 20-bar pressure system, which is designed to produce a rich and aromatic shot of espresso, forming the base for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The inclusion of an integrated steam wand is a key feature, allowing users to froth milk for those coffeehouse-style beverages.

Aesthetically, the machine has a modern stainless steel finish and a compact design, making it suitable for smaller kitchens or office spaces without occupying too much counter real estate. Practical features include a large 43.9 oz removable water tank, which is convenient for brewing multiple cups, and a complete set of starter accessories like a portafilter, two filter baskets, and a tamper. It appears to be a well-equipped package for beginners wanting to move beyond basic coffee makers.

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Compact and modern design saves counter space.

This espresso machine presents a solid value for those looking to make café-style drinks at home without a large footprint. Its compact, contemporary design is a definite plus for smaller kitchens. The 15-bar pump is effective, consistently pulling single or double shots with a decent crema using the included filters.

The manual milk frother is a key feature for making lattes and cappuccinos; while it performs well, expect a learning curve to achieve the ideal milk texture. The machine’s construction, featuring a stainless steel boiler, feels durable and built for consistent performance. The adjustable two-level cup holder is a thoughtful touch, easily accommodating both small espresso cups and larger mugs.

Overall, it’s a well-equipped machine for an entry-level home barista, covering all the essential bases from brewing to frothing in a user-friendly package that is easy to clean.

XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine – Professional 20-bar pressure system for rich espresso and crema.

The XIXUBX semi-automatic espresso machine is a solid choice for home baristas, especially those with limited counter space. Its stainless steel construction feels durable and the compact design is a definite plus. The 20-bar pressure system consistently pulls a decent shot of espresso with a nice layer of crema.

A key feature is the instant heating technology, which is genuinely convenient as it eliminates the usual wait time between brewing espresso and frothing milk. The steam wand is powerful enough to create silky micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos, though it requires prompt cleaning. The ability to customize and save single or double shot volumes is a thoughtful touch that adds to the user-friendly experience.

The 42 oz water tank is a good size for making several drinks before needing a refill. Overall, it’s a capable machine that brings the core functions of a café into the home kitchen.

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – Durable stainless steel construction and compact design.

The Gevi espresso machine is a capable semi-automatic option for home baristas. Its full stainless steel body gives it a premium feel and appears durable, while the compact footprint is a major advantage for smaller kitchens. The inclusion of a 20-bar pump and a pressure gauge are excellent features at this level, providing the user with better control over the extraction process for a more consistent espresso shot.

The steam wand is powerful and heats milk effectively for lattes and cappuccinos, though mastering the art of microfoam will require some practice. The controls are intuitive, making it relatively easy to get started. The dedicated hot water function is a thoughtful addition, useful for making Americanos or even tea.

Overall, it’s a solid machine that balances manual control with user-friendly operation, suitable for those looking to upgrade from more basic coffee makers.

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

This semi-automatic espresso machine is a capable unit for home use, particularly for those looking to step up from pod-based systems. The 20-bar pressure pump provides the necessary force for a decent espresso extraction, and the 1450W motor heats up relatively quickly. Its compact, stainless steel design fits well in most kitchens without occupying too much counter space.

The integrated steam wand is a key feature, allowing for the creation of lattes and cappuccinos with frothed milk. The 34 oz removable water tank is convenient for refills and cleaning. It’s important to note the manufacturer’s instruction to let the machine cool down after steaming milk before brewing another shot to avoid the overheating protection mode.

Overall, it’s a functional machine that includes the essential accessories like a portafilter and filters to get started on your home barista journey.