For the discerning coffee lover, achieving café-quality espresso at home is a tantalizing prospect. The market is flooded with options, making the search for the best consumer espresso machine a daunting task.
A poorly chosen machine can lead to frustration, wasted money, and subpar coffee. That’s why carefully considering your needs and understanding the features that truly matter is crucial.
This review article cuts through the noise, focusing on key factors like brewing performance, ease of use, durability, and overall value. We understand the importance of investing wisely, ensuring you get the most out of your daily espresso ritual.
Our goal is to provide you with the information needed to confidently select the best consumer espresso machine for your lifestyle and budget, transforming your kitchen into your personal coffee shop.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Consumer Espresso Machine Compared
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- Milk frothing wand for creating various coffee beverages.
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design.
- Removable 34 oz water tank for easy refilling.
4.4/5
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Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers
- 20-bar pump and temperature control for good espresso extraction.
- Powerful steam wand for frothing milk.
- Compact and durable stainless steel design.
- Easy-to-use semi-automatic operation.
4.8/5
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De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
- Compact and contemporary design
- 15 BAR pump for optimal espresso extraction
- Manual milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes
- Durable stainless steel boiler
4.8/5
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SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- One-touch touchscreen simplifies operation.
- Powerful steam wand for milk frothing.
- NTC temperature control for customized brewing.
4.5/5
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Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- 20 bar pressure system for espresso extraction.
- Milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
- NTC temperature control for consistent brewing.
- Automatic and manual extraction options.
4.5/5
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Espresso Machine with Grinder
- Built-in precision grinder with 30 settings.
- 20-BAR pump for adequate extraction.
- Milk frother with hot water function.
- Detachable drip tray and removable water tank for easy cleaning.
4.4/5
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- Compact and stylish design suitable for various kitchen sizes.
- 20-bar pressure system for potentially better espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing system for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
- Relatively large, removable 43.9 oz water tank.
4.5/5
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QJA Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- 20 Bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- Intuitive LED touch screen with programmable brewing time.
- Effective milk foaming system with steam wand and removable nozzle.
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design.
4.6/5
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS
- Fast 3-second heat-up time.
- Automatic steam wand for consistent milk texturing.
- Precise temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor.
4.3/5
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- Integrated grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
- PID temperature control for consistent extraction.
- Effective steam wand for milk texturing and latte art.
- Intuitive grind size dial.
4.5/5
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Consumer Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar – 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
The CASABREWS espresso machine offers a home barista experience at a reasonable price. The 20-bar pressure system, coupled with the 1350W boiler, promises a robust extraction and flavorful espresso. The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature for dialing in your preferred taste.
The included milk frothing wand allows for creating lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos with textured milk foam. The machine’s compact stainless steel design makes it suitable for various kitchen sizes. The detachable 34 oz water tank is convenient for refilling.
However, users should be aware of the cooling down period required after frothing milk to avoid overheating issues, as indicated in the manual and instructional videos.
Pros
- 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- Milk frothing wand for creating various coffee beverages.
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design.
- Removable 34 oz water tank for easy refilling.
- Includes pressure gauge for personalized brewing.
- Affordable price point for a home espresso machine.
Cons
- Requires a cool-down period after frothing milk to prevent overheating.
- May require some practice to master the milk frothing technique.
Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers – 20-bar pump and temperature control for good espresso extraction.
The Gevi espresso machine offers a range of features aimed at delivering a café-quality experience at home. With its 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, and pre-infusion, it promises optimal flavor extraction. The inclusion of a pressure gauge is a helpful addition for dialing in your espresso.
The steam wand seems capable of producing good microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, and the hot water function adds versatility for making Americanos or other hot beverages. The stainless steel construction gives it a durable and aesthetically pleasing design, while its compact size makes it suitable for various kitchen spaces. The semi-automatic operation and intuitive controls should make it easy to use, even for beginners.
Overall, this machine seems like a solid option for home espresso enthusiasts.
Pros
- 20-bar pump and temperature control for good espresso extraction.
- Powerful steam wand for frothing milk.
- Compact and durable stainless steel design.
- Easy-to-use semi-automatic operation.
- Hot water function for added versatility.
- 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support provided.
Cons
- Semi-automatic, so some manual technique is still required for optimal results.
- The long-term durability of the machine components is unknown and may require maintenance over time.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine – Compact and contemporary design
This compact espresso machine offers a contemporary design suitable for modern kitchens. Its 15 BAR pump aims to deliver rich espresso, and the manual milk frother allows for creating various milk-based coffee drinks. The stainless steel boiler suggests durability.
The inclusion of a portafilter with single and double espresso filters is a practical feature. The two-level cup holder accommodates different cup sizes, which is a nice touch. Cleaning is reported to be easy, and the machine’s compact size is advantageous for smaller spaces.
It’s a decent option for those looking for a smaller, entry-level espresso machine.
Pros
- Compact and contemporary design
- 15 BAR pump for optimal espresso extraction
- Manual milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes
- Durable stainless steel boiler
- Includes portafilter with single and double filters
- Two-level cup holder for various cup sizes
Cons
- Manual milk frothing might require some practice to master
- Entry-level machine may lack advanced features found in higher-end models
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar – 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
This espresso machine offers a range of features for home baristas. The 20-bar pressure system aims to deliver flavorful espresso, and the steam wand allows for milk frothing for cappuccinos and lattes. The one-touch touchscreen simplifies operation with preset options and manual controls.
The NTC temperature control is a plus, giving users some control over extraction. The compact stainless steel design is visually appealing and includes a decent-sized 45oz water tank. The machine comes with essential accessories like filters and a tamper, making it ready to use.
While the features are attractive, long-term durability and reliability need to be considered. Cleaning ease, beyond the drip tray, should also be kept in mind. Overall, it appears to be a solid option for those looking to upgrade their home coffee experience.
Pros
- 20-bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- One-touch touchscreen simplifies operation.
- Powerful steam wand for milk frothing.
- NTC temperature control for customized brewing.
- Compact stainless steel design.
- Includes essential accessories.
Cons
- Long-term durability is unknown.
- Cleaning, beyond the drip tray, might be cumbersome.
Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – 20 bar pressure system for espresso extraction.
This espresso machine offers a decent entry point for home baristas. The 20 bar pressure system aims to deliver a quality espresso, and the milk frother allows for making lattes and cappuccinos. The NTC temperature control is a nice feature for consistent brewing.
The machine offers both automatic and manual extraction options, providing flexibility for different preferences. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller kitchens or offices. The use of ABS and stainless steel in construction is a plus, and the suction cup feet help stabilize the machine during operation.
The detachable water tank and drip tray simplify cleaning.
Pros
- 20 bar pressure system for espresso extraction.
- Milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
- NTC temperature control for consistent brewing.
- Automatic and manual extraction options.
- Compact size suitable for various spaces.
- Detachable parts for easy cleaning.
Cons
- Primarily made of ABS plastic.
- Long manual extraction time (102 seconds) might be a bit excessive for some users.
Espresso Machine with Grinder – Built-in precision grinder with 30 settings.
This espresso machine aims to bring barista-quality coffee into your home. The built-in grinder with 30 settings is a significant advantage, allowing for precise control over the grind size. The 20-BAR pump and 1500W motor seem adequate for proper extraction.
The inclusion of a milk frother that also dispenses hot water adds versatility, enabling the creation of lattes and cappuccinos. Cleaning seems relatively straightforward thanks to the detachable drip tray and removable water tank. The ability to adjust grinding time and cup volume is also a plus, letting users dial in their preferred coffee strength and size.
Overall, it appears to be a solid all-in-one machine for home espresso enthusiasts.
Pros
- Built-in precision grinder with 30 settings.
- 20-BAR pump for adequate extraction.
- Milk frother with hot water function.
- Detachable drip tray and removable water tank for easy cleaning.
- Adjustable grinding time and cup volume for customization.
Cons
- The 2.8-liter water tank capacity, while decent, might require frequent refilling for heavy users.
- Long-term durability remains unknown, as user reviews are necessary to assess build quality over time.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar – Compact and stylish design suitable for various kitchen sizes.
The CASABREWS espresso machine offers a compact and stylish solution for making espresso-based drinks at home. Its 20-bar pressure system and 1350W motor aim to provide a quality extraction, while the milk frothing system allows for creating lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The 43.9 oz removable water tank is a convenient feature for making multiple cups.
The included accessories, like the one and two cup brewing filters, portafilter, and tamper, are a nice addition for beginners. The machine seems reasonably easy to clean with its removable drip tray. Remembering to remove the rubber plug and perform the initial cycle as instructed is important for first-time use.
Pros
- Compact and stylish design suitable for various kitchen sizes.
- 20-bar pressure system for potentially better espresso extraction.
- Milk frothing system for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
- Relatively large, removable 43.9 oz water tank.
- Includes necessary accessories like filters, portafilter, and tamper.
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
Cons
- Requires an initial “first use cycle” procedure.
- The quality of components (tamper, etc) may be basic.
QJA Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – 20 Bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
The QJA Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker offers a convenient way to create cafe-style beverages at home. The 20 bar pressure system and 1400W boiler promise optimal extraction, and the LED touch screen simplifies operation with programmable brewing time and cold extraction functions. The milk foaming system, complete with a steam wand and removable nozzle, allows for easy creation of creamy foam for lattes and cappuccinos.
The machine features a compact design with a stainless steel construction, a removable water tank and drip tray for easy cleaning. Noise reduction and self-cleaning programs add to the user-friendliness. Included accessories, such as the portafilter, single and double cup filters, and tamper, provide a comprehensive starting point for home espresso brewing.
The inclusion of overheating protection is a good safety feature, though it necessitates careful adherence to the instructions.
Pros
- 20 Bar pressure system for optimal extraction.
- Intuitive LED touch screen with programmable brewing time.
- Effective milk foaming system with steam wand and removable nozzle.
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design.
- Self-cleaning and descaling programs for easy maintenance.
- Comprehensive set of accessories included.
Cons
- Overheating protection can be triggered if instructions are not closely followed.
- The instruction manual is essential for proper operation, which may indicate a slight learning curve.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS – Fast 3-second heat-up time.
This espresso machine aims to bring barista-quality coffee into the home. It features a 54mm portafilter holding 19 grams of coffee, alongside an automatic steam wand designed for creating microfoam. The ThermoJet heating system is notably fast, reaching optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds.
Low-pressure pre-infusion helps to ensure even flavor extraction, while digital temperature control (PID) maintains precise water temperature throughout the process. The control panel offers settings for one or two cups, a steam button, and adjustable milk temperature and texture. The machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty and operates at 1560 watts and 110-120 volts.
It’s a promising option for those seeking a convenient and consistent espresso experience.
Pros
- Fast 3-second heat-up time.
- Automatic steam wand for consistent milk texturing.
- Precise temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction.
- Low-pressure pre-infusion for balanced flavor.
- User-friendly control panel with adjustable settings.
Cons
- 54mm portafilter is smaller than the standard 58mm.
- 1-year limited warranty could be longer.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL – Integrated grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
The Breville Barista Express offers a convenient all-in-one solution for home espresso enthusiasts. Its integrated grinder allows for fresh grinding, delivering coffee from bean to cup relatively quickly. The machine incorporates features like low-pressure pre-infusion and PID temperature control which aim to optimize extraction and ensure consistent espresso quality.
The steam wand provides good performance for milk texturing, enabling latte art creation. The grind size dial is simple and intuitive, providing control over the grind regardless of the bean type. The included accessories are comprehensive, catering to both beginner and experienced users.
The 1-year limited warranty provides a basic level of protection. Overall, it seems a decent machine, but may require a learning curve to master all the features and achieve optimal results.
Pros
- Integrated grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
- PID temperature control for consistent extraction.
- Effective steam wand for milk texturing and latte art.
- Intuitive grind size dial.
- Comprehensive accessory kit.
- Relatively compact all-in-one design.
Cons
- 1-year limited warranty may be insufficient for some users.
- May require some practice to master all settings and achieve consistent results.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Consumer Espresso Machine
Understanding Your Espresso Needs
Before diving into the world of espresso machines, assess your needs. How often will you be making espresso? What types of beverages do you enjoy (espresso, lattes, cappuccinos)? Are you a beginner or an experienced barista? This will help you determine the features and price range that align with your lifestyle. Choosing the best consumer espresso machine requires careful consideration.
Key Features to Consider
Several factors contribute to a great espresso machine. Pump pressure, measured in bars, is crucial for proper extraction. Look for machines with at least 15 bars, but 20 bars is often preferred. The presence and quality of a milk frothing wand are essential for milk-based drinks. Temperature control is also vital for consistent brewing. Consider the water tank size, ease of cleaning, and overall design. Some best consumer espresso machine options include built-in grinders for fresh coffee.
Types of Espresso Machines
Espresso machines come in various forms: manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. Manual machines require the most user involvement, while super-automatic machines handle everything from grinding to tamping. Semi-automatic machines offer a balance of control and convenience. Automatic machines simplify the brewing process with pre-programmed settings. Selecting the right type depends on your skill level and desired level of automation. Ultimately, the best consumer espresso machine is one that you enjoy using.
Budget Considerations
Espresso machine prices vary widely. Entry-level machines can be quite affordable, while high-end models can cost several thousand dollars. Determine your budget before you start shopping. Remember that a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better espresso. Focus on finding a machine that meets your specific needs and offers good value for money. Researching several models can help you find the best consumer espresso machine within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about Consumer Espresso Machine
What is the ideal pump pressure for an espresso machine?
While 9 bars is often cited as the ideal pressure at the group head, espresso machines usually advertise higher pump pressures like 15 or 20 bars. This is because some pressure is lost during the brewing process. A machine with at least 15 bars should be sufficient, but 20 bars may offer better extraction, especially for beginners. Ultimately, consistent temperature and proper tamping technique matter just as much as pump pressure.
What is the difference between a manual and automatic espresso machine?
Manual espresso machines require the user to control every aspect of the brewing process, from tamping the coffee grounds to pulling the shot. Automatic machines automate many of these steps, often with pre-programmed settings for different types of espresso. Semi-automatic machines offer a middle ground, allowing the user to control the length of the shot. The best choice depends on your desired level of control and experience.
Is a built-in grinder worth the extra cost?
A built-in grinder offers convenience and ensures that you’re using freshly ground coffee, which is crucial for optimal flavor. However, the quality of the grinder is important. Lower-end built-in grinders may not be as consistent as a separate, high-quality burr grinder. Consider whether you value convenience over ultimate grind quality when making your decision. For many, the convenience and space-saving aspect of a built-in grinder make it a worthwhile investment.
How important is temperature control in an espresso machine?
Temperature control is extremely important for consistent espresso extraction. If the water is too cold, the espresso will be sour and under-extracted. If the water is too hot, the espresso will be bitter and over-extracted. Look for machines with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control, which helps maintain a stable and precise brewing temperature. This feature can significantly improve the quality of your espresso.
What accessories do I need to buy with my espresso machine?
Most espresso machines come with some basic accessories, such as a portafilter, tamper, and filters. However, you may want to purchase additional accessories, such as a higher-quality tamper, a distribution tool, a milk frothing pitcher, and a knock box for disposing of used coffee grounds. These accessories can enhance your espresso-making experience.
How often should I clean my espresso machine?
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance and lifespan of your espresso machine. You should clean the portafilter and drip tray after each use. Descale the machine every one to three months, depending on the hardness of your water. Backflushing the machine regularly is also recommended to remove coffee oils and residue. Proper maintenance is key to enjoying your best consumer espresso machine for years to come.
What is the best type of coffee beans to use in an espresso machine?
The best coffee beans for espresso are freshly roasted, high-quality beans. Look for beans that are specifically labeled as “espresso roast” or “dark roast.” Arabica beans are generally preferred for their complex flavors and smooth body. Experiment with different beans and roasts to find what you like best. Freshness is key, so buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing.
How do I troubleshoot common espresso machine problems?
Common espresso machine problems include weak espresso, bitter espresso, and no espresso at all. Weak espresso can be caused by not tamping the coffee grounds firmly enough or using too little coffee. Bitter espresso can be caused by over-extraction or using old coffee beans. No espresso at all can be caused by a clogged portafilter or a lack of water in the tank. Consult your machine’s manual for specific troubleshooting tips.
Is a more expensive espresso machine always better?
Not necessarily. While more expensive espresso machines often have more features and higher-quality components, they may not always produce better espresso. The best consumer espresso machine for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your budget, skill level, and desired level of automation when making your decision.
What is pre-infusion, and why is it important?
Pre-infusion is a process where the coffee grounds are briefly saturated with water before the full pressure is applied. This allows the coffee grounds to bloom and release their flavors more evenly. Pre-infusion can result in a more balanced and flavorful espresso shot. Look for espresso machines that offer a pre-infusion function. It is an important feature to consider in the best consumer espresso machine.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Overall, the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar espresso machine is a decent option for those looking to make espresso-based drinks at home. While the cooling down requirement is a small inconvenience, the machine’s features and price point make it a worthwhile consideration for entry-level espresso enthusiasts.
