For coffee aficionados, the journey to the perfect espresso is a deeply personal and rewarding one. But with countless models flooding the market, choosing the best 2022 espresso machine can feel overwhelming.
Investing in a quality espresso machine is an investment in your daily ritual, impacting both the taste of your coffee and the overall brewing experience. Therefore, making an informed decision is crucial.
This review article aims to simplify the selection process. We understand the importance of balancing quality with value, and navigating the diverse features available.
Our goal is to provide unbiased insights, empowering you to find the best 2022 espresso machine that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best 2022 Espresso Machine Compared
🏆 BEST OVERALL Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- Integrated burr grinder for fresh coffee
- Precise temperature control for optimal extraction
- Powerful steam wand for milk texturing
- Dose control grinding for consistent results
4.7/5
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🥈 2ND RUNNER UP Italian Coffee for Espresso Lovers pods compatible with PRO Professional Nespresso machines Zenius
- Authentic Italian espresso flavor.
- Convenient and mess-free espresso preparation.
- Designed for consistent results in compatible machines.
- 100% Made in Italy
4.7/5
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� BEST VALUE CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- 20 bar pressure system for good espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing wand for making lattes and cappuccinos.
- Compact design suitable for small kitchens.
- Removable 34 oz water tank for easy refilling.
4.3/5
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Espresso Machine with Grinder
- Built-in grinder with 30 adjustable settings for precise control.
- Powerful 20-BAR pump ensures optimal extraction.
- Milk frother creates creamy foam for specialty drinks.
- Detachable drip tray and removable water tank for easy cleaning.
4.7/5
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Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers
- 20-bar pump ensures optimal flavor extraction.
- Powerful steam wand creates excellent microfoam.
- Compact stainless steel design is both durable and stylish.
- Intuitive controls and semi-automatic operation are easy to use.
4.7/5
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS
- Automatic steam wand for easy microfoam creation.
- Fast 3-second heat-up time with Thermojet technology.
- Precise temperature control (PID) for optimal espresso extraction.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor extraction.
4.6/5
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ANYCOLD Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- Compact and stylish design.
- 20-bar pressure system for good espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing system with steam wand.
- Detachable water tank and easy-to-clean drip tray.
4.7/5
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Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville
- Compact and space-saving design.
- Fast 25-second heat-up time.
- Simple one-touch operation.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
4.4/5
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- 20-bar pressure system for good extraction.
- Integrated milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
- Compact design suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Large 43.9oz removable water tank.
4.8/5
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Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine
- Integrated Baratza burr grinder with a wide range of settings.
- Auto Milq feature with adjustable temperature and texture settings for various milk types.
- ThermoJet heating system for fast heat-up and energy efficiency.
- Barista Guidance feature aids in achieving optimal espresso extraction.
4.4/5
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Detailed Reviews of the Best 2022 Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Integrated burr grinder for fresh coffee
The Breville Barista Express aims to bring cafe-quality espresso into your home. Its integrated burr grinder is a key feature, allowing for fresh grinding directly into the portafilter. The machine offers dose control, pre-infusion, and precise temperature control, which are all important for optimal extraction.
The steam wand is designed for creating microfoam milk, enabling latte art. It comes with a variety of accessories, including a trimming tool, portafilter, filter baskets, and cleaning supplies. The 1/2 lb bean hopper and 67 oz water tank are decent sizes for home use.
While it offers a lot of control and features, it might take some practice to master the art of espresso making with this machine.
Pros
- Integrated burr grinder for fresh coffee
- Precise temperature control for optimal extraction
- Powerful steam wand for milk texturing
- Dose control grinding for consistent results
- Includes a variety of useful accessories
- Adjustable grind size dial
Cons
- Learning curve may be steep for beginners
- 1-year limited warranty could be longer
Italian Coffee for Espresso Lovers pods compatible with PRO Professional Nespresso machines Zenius – Authentic Italian espresso flavor.
These E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) pods are designed for specific professional-grade Nespresso machines, namely the Gemini and Zenius models. It’s crucial to verify compatibility before purchasing, as newer Momento machines (post-2022) are explicitly stated as incompatible.
The “100% Made in Italy” designation suggests a focus on authentic Italian espresso flavor, which could be a significant draw for those seeking a traditional taste. The pods offer a convenient and mess-free way to prepare espresso in a professional setting, ensuring consistency and ease of use. However, the limited machine compatibility greatly restricts the product’s appeal to a niche market.
Pros
- Authentic Italian espresso flavor.
- Convenient and mess-free espresso preparation.
- Designed for consistent results in compatible machines.
- 100% Made in Italy
Cons
- Extremely limited machine compatibility (only Gemini and Zenius).
- Incompatible with newer Momento machines (post-2022).
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – 20 bar pressure system for good espresso extraction.
The CASABREWS espresso machine offers a convenient way to make espresso-based drinks at home. The 20 bar pressure system and 1350W boiler aim for quality extraction, and the included pressure gauge is a nice touch for users who want to fine-tune their brewing process. The milk frothing wand allows for creating lattes and cappuccinos, adding versatility.
The machine is compact and stylish, suitable for smaller kitchens, and the 34oz water tank is adequate for multiple servings. However, it is important to be aware of the cool-down period required between frothing milk and brewing espresso to avoid overheating issues.
Pros
- 20 bar pressure system for good espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing wand for making lattes and cappuccinos.
- Compact design suitable for small kitchens.
- Removable 34 oz water tank for easy refilling.
- Includes pressure gauge to help users fine tune their brewing.
Cons
- Requires a cool-down period after frothing milk to prevent overheating.
- Users must carefully follow instructions to prevent overheating.
Espresso Machine with Grinder – Built-in grinder with 30 adjustable settings for precise control.
This espresso machine aims to bring barista-quality coffee into your home with its built-in grinder, 20-BAR pump, and 1500W motor. The integrated conical burr grinder offers 30 grind settings, providing ample control over coffee texture and flavor. The milk frother performs well, producing creamy foam for cappuccinos and lattes, and the hot water function is a nice addition.
Cleaning is facilitated by the detachable drip tray and removable 2.8-liter water tank. Customizable settings, including grinding time and single/double cup options, allow for personalized coffee brewing. Overall, it appears to be a well-featured machine for home espresso enthusiasts.
Pros
- Built-in grinder with 30 adjustable settings for precise control.
- Powerful 20-BAR pump ensures optimal extraction.
- Milk frother creates creamy foam for specialty drinks.
- Detachable drip tray and removable water tank for easy cleaning.
- Customizable settings for a personalized coffee experience.
- Hot water function is a useful addition.
Cons
- With so many features, there may be a learning curve for beginners.
- While the 2.8L water tank is sizable, frequent use may still require regular refills.
Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – 20-bar pump ensures optimal flavor extraction.
The Gevi espresso machine offers a range of features aimed at delivering a cafe-quality experience at home. With its 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, pre-infusion, and pressure gauge, it provides users with a good degree of control over the extraction process. The steam wand efficiently produces microfoam for milk-based drinks, and the removable nozzle simplifies cleaning.
The machine’s stainless steel housing adds a touch of durability and elegance, while its compact design makes it suitable for smaller spaces. Intuitive controls make the brewing process straightforward, and the hot water function adds versatility. Backed by a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support, the Gevi espresso machine seems a solid option for those looking to elevate their home coffee brewing.
Pros
- 20-bar pump ensures optimal flavor extraction.
- Powerful steam wand creates excellent microfoam.
- Compact stainless steel design is both durable and stylish.
- Intuitive controls and semi-automatic operation are easy to use.
- Includes a hot water function for added versatility.
- Comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support.
Cons
- Semi-automatic operation may not appeal to users seeking fully automated convenience.
- Requires some practice to master optimal espresso extraction.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS – Automatic steam wand for easy microfoam creation.
This espresso machine aims to bring barista-quality coffee to your home. The 54mm portafilter, designed for 19 grams of coffee, promises full flavor extraction. The automatic steam wand is a standout feature, offering hands-free microfoam creation with adjustable temperature and texture, potentially simplifying latte art.
The Thermojet heating system boasts a rapid 3-second heat-up time, minimizing wait times. Low-pressure pre-infusion is included to aid in even flavor extraction. The digital PID temperature control ensures precise water temperature during the brewing process, contributing to optimal espresso quality.
User-friendly controls for cup size, steam, and milk settings are provided. It has a 1-year limited warranty. Power consumption is 1560 Watts, requiring a 110-120V power supply.
Pros
- Automatic steam wand for easy microfoam creation.
- Fast 3-second heat-up time with Thermojet technology.
- Precise temperature control (PID) for optimal espresso extraction.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor extraction.
- User-friendly control panel with adjustable settings.
Cons
- 1-year limited warranty may be shorter than some competitors.
- 54mm portafilter is smaller than professional-grade machines (58mm), potentially impacting extraction consistency for very experienced users.
ANYCOLD Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Compact and stylish design.
This espresso machine offers a compact and stylish design suitable for home or office use. It features a 20-bar pressure system and a 1450W motor, promising efficient espresso extraction. The included milk frothing system, with its steam wand, allows for the creation of lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
The 34oz water tank is detachable for easy refilling, and the drip tray simplifies cleaning. The package includes essential accessories like a portafilter, single and double cup filters, and a tamper/spoon. Note that users should carefully follow the provided instructions, especially regarding cooling down the machine after frothing milk to avoid overheating protection mode.
Overall, it seems like a decent entry-level machine for home baristas.
Pros
- Compact and stylish design.
- 20-bar pressure system for good espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing system with steam wand.
- Detachable water tank and easy-to-clean drip tray.
- Includes essential accessories.
- Good for small kitchens.
Cons
- Requires careful attention to cooling down after milk frothing.
- May not be suitable for high-volume espresso production.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville – Compact and space-saving design.
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a compact and convenient espresso machine designed for single-serve coffee lovers. It heats up quickly in approximately 25 seconds and features an automatic shut-off for energy saving. The machine is user-friendly, offering one-touch operation for brewing two different cup sizes.
While it aims to deliver barista-grade espresso, achieving optimal results may require some experimentation with grind size and coffee amount, as well as consulting the user guide. The included starter set of Nespresso capsules is a nice bonus to get you started. Overall, it’s a decent option for those seeking a simple and space-saving espresso solution.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design.
- Fast 25-second heat-up time.
- Simple one-touch operation.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
- Includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules.
Cons
- Optimal results may require adjustments to grind size and coffee amount, requiring user to consult manual
- Relies on Nespresso capsules, limiting coffee options.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar – 20-bar pressure system for good extraction.
The CASABREWS espresso machine aims to bring the cafe experience to your home. Its 20-bar pressure system and 1350W motor promise optimal extraction for a richer coffee aroma. The integrated milk frothing system allows for creating lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos with a creamy micro-foam.
The machine’s compact design makes it suitable for various kitchen sizes, and the 43.9oz removable water tank minimizes refills. Included accessories such as the portafilter, tamper, and dual-cup filters are a plus. Initial setup requires removing a rubber plug and performing a first-use cycle.
While the machine offers potential for creating quality espresso drinks, users should consult the included manual and available instructional videos for optimal performance.
Pros
- 20-bar pressure system for good extraction.
- Integrated milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
- Compact design suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Large 43.9oz removable water tank.
- Includes necessary accessories (portafilter, tamper, filters).
Cons
- Requires initial setup and following instructions carefully.
- May require practice to achieve optimal results with the milk frother.
Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine – Integrated Baratza burr grinder with a wide range of settings.
The Barista Touch Impress offers a range of features aimed at replicating the café experience at home. Its integrated Baratza burr grinder, with 45 grind settings, provides flexibility in dialing in your espresso. The ‘Auto Milq’ function caters to various milk alternatives, offering adjustable temperature and texture control.
The ‘ThermoJet’ heating system promises rapid heating and energy efficiency. A standout feature is the ‘Barista Guidance’ which helps users adjust grind size for optimal extraction. The machine also boasts ‘Auto Queue’ to streamline the brewing process.
While it appears to offer a comprehensive suite of features, potential users should consider the learning curve and maintenance associated with such an advanced system. The 58mm stainless steel portafilter ensures a professional feel and dose.
Pros
- Integrated Baratza burr grinder with a wide range of settings.
- Auto Milq feature with adjustable temperature and texture settings for various milk types.
- ThermoJet heating system for fast heat-up and energy efficiency.
- Barista Guidance feature aids in achieving optimal espresso extraction.
- Auto Queue streamlines the brewing process.
- Professional-style 58mm stainless steel portafilter.
Cons
- Potentially steep learning curve for new users.
- Advanced features may require more maintenance compared to simpler machines.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best 2022 Espresso Machine
Types of Espresso Machines
Choosing the best 2022 espresso machine involves understanding the different types available. Manual espresso machines offer the most control but require a significant learning curve. Semi-automatic machines automate water flow but leave tamping and grind consistency to the user. Automatic machines handle water flow and volume, while super-automatic machines grind, tamp, and brew with the touch of a button. Pod machines offer convenience but limit coffee choices. Consider your skill level, budget, and desired level of control when selecting a type.
Key Features to Consider
Several factors influence the best 2022 espresso machine choice. Pressure is crucial; most experts recommend at least 9 bars for proper extraction. Temperature stability ensures consistent flavor. A powerful steam wand is essential for milk-based drinks. Built-in grinders offer freshness but require maintenance. Ease of cleaning and maintenance is also vital for longevity. Finally, consider the size and design to fit your kitchen space and aesthetic preferences.
Budget and Value
The best 2022 espresso machine doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive. Consider your budget and prioritize features accordingly. While high-end models offer advanced functionalities and durability, mid-range options can provide excellent espresso quality. Look for machines with a good balance of features, performance, and price. Read reviews and compare models to find the best value for your needs.
Evaluating Your Needs
Before purchasing, assess your coffee consumption habits. If you drink multiple espressos daily, a machine with a larger water tank and faster heat-up time may be beneficial. For occasional users, a smaller, more compact machine might suffice. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, a powerful steam wand is a must. Consider whether you prefer the convenience of pods or the control of fresh grounds. Answering these will guide you to the best 2022 espresso machine.
The Best 2022 Espresso Machine
The best 2022 espresso machine is subjective and depends on individual needs. However, models with integrated grinders, precise temperature control, and powerful steam wands consistently receive high ratings. Consider brands known for quality and reliability, such as Breville, Nespresso, and Casabrews. Ultimately, the ideal machine is one that fits your lifestyle and delivers delicious espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best 2022 Espresso Machine
Which type of espresso machine is easiest for beginners to use?
Pod-based espresso machines are the simplest for beginners. They require minimal effort, using pre-packaged capsules for a convenient and mess-free experience. Automatic machines are another good option as they control water flow and volume, simplifying the brewing process. While the espresso taste may be slightly less nuanced than with manual machines, pod and automatic systems offer a user-friendly introduction to espresso making.
What is the ideal pressure for making good espresso?
The ideal pressure for espresso extraction is around 9 bars. While some machines advertise higher pressures (e.g., 15 or 20 bars), this refers to the maximum pump pressure, not necessarily the pressure at the coffee puck. Nine bars is considered the optimal pressure to extract the desired flavors and oils from the coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.
How important is a built-in grinder for an espresso machine?
A built-in grinder is highly beneficial if you prioritize freshness and flavor. Grinding beans right before brewing preserves the coffee’s volatile oils, resulting in a richer and more aromatic espresso. However, machines with built-in grinders tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance. If you’re on a budget or prefer convenience, a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee may be suitable.
What features should I look for in a steam wand for milk frothing?
When choosing an espresso machine with a steam wand, look for one that is powerful, adjustable, and easy to clean. A powerful steam wand will create microfoam more quickly and effectively. Adjustable wands allow you to position the wand for optimal frothing. Easy cleaning is crucial for hygiene and preventing milk buildup, which can affect performance.
How often should I clean my espresso machine?
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. Daily cleaning should include wiping down the exterior, rinsing the portafilter, and cleaning the drip tray. Descaling should be done every 1-3 months, depending on water hardness. Backflushing (for machines with that feature) should be done regularly as well.
What is the difference between a single boiler and a dual boiler espresso machine?
Single boiler espresso machines use one boiler to heat water for both brewing espresso and steaming milk. This means you need to wait for the boiler to reach the appropriate temperature for each function. Dual boiler machines have separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing you to perform both tasks simultaneously and maintain consistent temperatures. This leads to faster and more efficient espresso making.
Are pod-based espresso machines worth it for the convenience they offer?
Pod-based espresso machines are worth it for their convenience if you prioritize speed and ease of use over the nuanced flavor of freshly ground espresso. They eliminate the need for grinding, tamping, and measuring coffee, making them ideal for busy individuals or those new to espresso making. However, pod systems often limit your coffee choices.
What are some common problems that can occur with espresso machines and how can they be prevented?
Common problems include clogged portafilters, inconsistent espresso shots, and malfunctioning steam wands. Prevent these issues by regularly cleaning your machine, using filtered water, and descaling as needed. Also, ensure you’re using the correct grind size and tamping pressure. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and performing routine maintenance will help prevent many common problems.
How does the water tank size affect the espresso machine’s performance?
The water tank size affects the frequency of refilling. A larger water tank is beneficial if you brew multiple espressos daily or entertain guests frequently. It reduces the need for constant refills, making the brewing process more convenient. However, a smaller tank may be sufficient for occasional users and can also save space in a smaller kitchen.
What is the role of a PID controller in an espresso machine?
A PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller is a temperature control system that helps maintain a consistent and precise brewing temperature. This is crucial for optimal espresso extraction, as even small temperature fluctuations can affect the flavor of the shot. Machines with PID controllers are known for their ability to deliver consistent and high-quality espresso.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is a solid option for those looking to create high-quality espresso at home. Its integrated grinder and precise controls offer a good balance of convenience and customization, but be prepared to invest some time in learning the nuances of espresso making. If you’re serious about coffee and enjoy hands-on involvement, this machine is worth considering.
