Enjoy a delicious cup of espresso whenever you want with your own espresso machine. Besides espresso, many of the machines listed below can be used to make a cup of high-quality cappuccino, latte and other specialty coffee beverages.
You can’t brew espresso or other specialty drinks with your average drip coffee maker, which is why we’ve created a list of the best home espresso machines for every budget.
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The Barista Express checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a versatile machine that’s an overall solid value for making specialty drinks in the comfort of your home. To start, simply add your favorite freshly ground beans. The machine starts with a low-pressure pre-infusion to soak the grinds, followed by a nine-bar high-pressure extraction process.
An integrated conical burr grinder lets you grind beans right before extraction. It also offers dose control so that you get the right amount each time. You can also choose between automatic and manual operation. Digital temperature control ensures the water is at the ideal temperature for delicious results. Finish off your espresso with the steam wand, which produces micro-foam milk that can be used to create latte art.
Find more Breville The Barista Express information and reviews here.
As far as super-automatic espresso machines go, the Saeco Xelsis is a moderately priced machine and a compelling solution if you’re trying to skip the crowded and expensive coffee shops. There are cheaper espresso machines out there, so is the Xelsis really worth it? Philips sent me a Saeco Xelsis for an in-depth review. Here are my thoughts after spending a few weeks with the appliance.
In terms of appearance, the Xelsis looks the part of a premium home espresso machine, thanks to its sleek brushed stainless steel front. While the rest of the machine is mostly plastic and tends to smudge a bit, the stainless steel doesn’t seem to show fingerprints. This is a really nice feature to have since you’ll need to use your fingers to empty the grounds container and fill up the water tank. More on that below.
Standing 11 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 15 inches high, this is a relatively compact machine that should fit under most kitchen cabinets. It’s similar in size to the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo, which I also reviewed. Both machines also use the same brew unit.
Although it’s the first super-automatic espresso coffee machine that I’ve tested, the user-friendly Xelsis quickly put my mind at ease. One of its most valuable assets is a crisp and clear 3.5-inch touchscreen display with intuitive controls. The colorful screen provides instant access to 15 different coffee drinks along with options for warm milk, frothed milk and hot water. You can create up to eight profiles and save specific drinks directly on the screen so that you don’t have to scroll through the menu to find your favorite drink.
Instead of simply pushing a button for a generic beverage, you can customize each cup by swiping the indicator bars up or down as desired. The display takes you through several optional steps to ensure each brew is just right. For example, the body of the coffee is fully adjustable, along with the brew temperature and strength. You can even play around with the temperature and level of foam, and choose whether you want the milk or coffee to be dispensed first. It’s easy to whip up specialty drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, caffe lattes, flat whites, espresso shots and more. While you can set specific temperatures for coffee beverages, this machine only has one temperature setting for the frothed milk.
This super-automatic espresso machine comes with a built-in hopper that holds around one pound of coffee beans. An incorporated grinder with a manually adjustable knob provides 12 distinct settings. There’s a small separate slot for ground coffee if you prefer. The machine produces an average amount of noise between the grinding, brewing and milk frothing processes.
Premium espresso machines can be high-maintenance, but Saeco used several quality components to make your life easier. For example, the company claims that its heavy-duty ceramic grinders will last for at least 20,000 cups. They also suggest that you can brew up to 5,000 cups without descaling if the filter is replaced at regular intervals. This number could be less if you have hard water. A test strip is included to check your water hardness.
This machine requires AquaClean filters, which can be fairly expensive to replace. The display shows the status of your filters every time the machine turns on. Saeco recommends removing the brew group and running it under hot water once a week then allowing it to dry. This should help get rid of oils that tend to accumulate over time. You can automatically clean the plastic and milk tubes with the push of a button and even perform a deeper cleaning when necessary.
While this coffee machine has several impressive features, it’s not without a few weak spots. For starters, the water tray is quite shallow and tends to spill when it’s removed, even after a single brew. It would also be nice to have an auto-on function if you want to wake up to a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The Xelsis can’t brew more than a cup of coffee at once.
Between its good looks and user-friendly features, we highly recommend the Xelsis if you’re looking for an upscale espresso machine with numerous options to personalize and save various beverages. I tested each available beverage and was impressed with the flavor profiles. At the same time, it’s not cheap, and the cost of maintenance can add up over time.
Find more Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine information and reviews here.
With its innovative heating technology and precise temperature control, this espresso machine specializes in producing a delicious cup of espresso. Thermoblock heating technology, combined with precise temperature control, produces consistent and even heating throughout the extraction process to produce a flavorful cup of espresso.
A 15-bar Italian pump produces the appropriate amount of pressure for robust flavor extraction. The water tank holds two liters and is removable for added convenience. A built-in steaming wand froths the milk you need to make your favorite specialty drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
If your idea of homemade espresso involves little more than turning on the machine and pushing a button to create your favorite drink, consider a fully automatic machine such as the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine.
I was sent a Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine sample unit for review. My first impression was the relatively compact size of the machine, especially given the built-in grinder, the removable water tank and room for drink prep. However, it does require more counter space than your average drip coffee maker.
The machine is quite intuitive and virtually takes over once you press your preferred drink button. To start, simply add your favorite whole or ground coffee. If you’re using whole beans, there are 12 grinder adjustment settings. While the built-in grinder does make a bit of noise once it gets to work, the machine is insulated to help dampen the sound. The beans are also ground within seconds.
You can’t adjust the brew temperature but you can adjust the coffee strength and amount, as well as the volume of milk, for every drink that you make. The machine automatically records your preferences and saves them for next time, so you don’t have to guess every time you want your brew of choice. Intelligent brewing technology holds the water temperature between 194 and 208 degrees Fahrenheit as the coffee brews, resulting in a rich and flavorful cup. I prefer a bolder taste and tend to keep the coffee strength on maximum for every cup that I make.
Aside from espresso, the drink whips up Americano, cappuccino, latte macchiato and regular coffee beverages with just the push of a button. Once you add your milk or milk alternative of choice, the frother automatically steams and froths the milk to create a rich and flavorful foam. You do need to manually clean the milk container after every use.
The waste container has a 12-cup capacity, but I find it’s best to clean it after every use to avoid moldy coffee grounds. Fortunately, you can easily clean the container, drip tray and other components with soap and water.
Reinvent your workplace coffee options with the Lavazza Expert coffee machine, which brews espresso, latte, macchiato and other delicious beverages. Even if space is at a premium, you won’t have to struggle to find a place for this compact coffee machine.
Lavazza Expert works with its own capsules, which can eliminate confusion among users. Each purchase also includes a kit with 36 capsules to sample. You’ll also find a milk frother for creating delicious specialty beverages.
This Lavazza coffee maker works equally well in apartments and smaller living spaces. Regardless of where it’s located, you can brew six different types of coffee beverages.
This Capresso machine has a thermoblock heating system and 15 bars of pressure to produce high-pressure brewed espresso. Pressurized portafilter sieves yield delicious crema, even if you haven’t quite yet mastered the ideal tamping pressure or grind size.
This beginner-friendly machine also has a swivel frother along with a single sieve that accepts your favorite ground coffee or pre-packaged espresso pods. You won’t have to wait if you want a second cup, as the two sieves can create two espressos at once.
This machine isn’t just designed for espresso drinkers, though. Unlimited steam output means you don’t have to rush to perfect your milk steaming or frothing technique for lattes and cappuccinos. Indicator lights help you keep track of the machine’s progress, including coffee and steam functions.
When it’s time to clean up, you can simply remove and clean the stainless steel drip tray. A warming platform holds your drinks at just the right temperature until you’re ready.
Some mornings may have you struggling with the decision to make an espresso or a cup of coffee, but the VertuoPlus lets you make both. Key features include a rapid heating time of 20 seconds along with an automatic shut-off after nine minutes of inactivity.
Choose to make an 8-ounce cup of coffee or a 1.35-ounce espresso to start your morning off the right way. This machine uses a larger capsule for coffee and a smaller one for espresso. All you need to do is insert the appropriate capsule then wait for the machine to brew directly into your cup.
Find more Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker information and reviews here.
As its name suggests, this espresso machine and cappuccino maker does it all, from grinding your favorite coffee beans to creating delicious beverages such as Americano, macchiato and Italian espresso to frothing. The machine is ready to go in less than a minute and simply requires you to add your favorite beans and choose between a single or double shot for each extraction.
An innovative heating system maintains an accurate temperature, while the 15-bar pump pressure system delivers a flavorful cup of your favorite brew. The water tank holds up to 1.25 liters, which is enough for several cups. It’s also removable for added convenience. When it’s time to clean you can detach the frothing tip and remove the drip tray.
The machine comes with everything you need to get started, including an electric bean grinder, tamper and measuring spoon, a milk frothing cup and two espresso cups.
If you’re looking for a Miele coffee machine that does it all, the feature-rich 5300 is a solid choice. This countertop coffee machine whips up several different specialty beverages, with options to brew espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, coffee, cafe latte, long coffee and more. It also stores up to eight user profiles, so you can easily access your preferred settings when you go to brew a cup.
Instead of simply selecting your preferred beverage, you can customize the pre-brewing and brewing temperature, grinder setting, amount of water and amount of coffee. Unlike most other home espresso machines on the market today, you can enjoy hot milk and hot milk froth with the push of a button.
An intuitive display guides you through the process of selecting your favorite drink. Instead of waiting around for your turn to enjoy a cup of coffee, this espresso machine brews up to two specialty beverages at the same time. You don’t have to guess when it’s time to clean the machine or empty out the drip tray, as the CM 5300 takes care of the dirty work.
The machine automatically rinses itself and even comes with a separate storage compartment for various components. Not only is this automatic cleaning process simple and effective, it also keeps the machine in top shape.
Depending on your preference, you can pour in your favorite coffee beans or open up a separate chute to add your favorite ground coffee. A built-in grinder takes care of the grinding process and can even be adjusted according to personal grind preference. This Miele coffee machine also has a removable water tank and can brew up to eight cups of coffee in a pot for larger crowds.
Miele sent me a sample CM 5300 coffee machine for review.
The Oracle Touch puts the controls at your fingertips, so you can simply swipe through the menu and select your drink of choice. Options range from espresso to latte to flat white, cappuccino and other beverages. In addition to the five pre-programmed beverage selections, you can create and save up to eight customizable settings.
You can use your favorite whole beans to ensure a delicious and fresh cup. This espresso machine comes with a built-in conical burr grinder, which automatically grinds the beans then doses and tamps each batch to ensure an optimal brew.
Digital temperature control technology maintains the optimal temperature for your favorite beverages. The built-in steam wand gets to work automatically frothing the milk to your preferred temperature and taste. Other features include adjustable grind control and programmable milk temperature and texture.
A home espresso machine doesn’t have to be a large or expensive addition to your home, as this personal espresso machine shows. The coffee machine has a built-in frothing wand for making a variety of delicious beverages, from espressos to cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes.
Users appreciate the simple yet effective brew and steam functions, which only require the push of a button. You can also use the steam wand to customize your desired levels of heating and frothing.
Safety-conscious consumers will appreciate the steam pressurized safety cap. If you detest messy cleanups, you’ll appreciate the removable drip tray that promotes easy cleaning. A constant 5 bars of pressure produces consistent results each time.
Find more BELLA Personal Espresso Maker information and reviews here.
A 15-bar pump operation provides optimal flavor extraction without that bitter taste, leaving you with a cleaner and more flavorful espresso. You can manually adjust the controls to get the consistency and flavor just right. This espresso machine heats up quickly and allows you to brew a single or double espresso.
A steam nozzle froths your favorite milk or non-dairy beverage at the optimal consistency for your favorite espresso or cappuccino. The water tank has a 1.5-liter capacity, which is enough to brew roughly six cups. A tamper is included, along with a measuring spoon.
Gaggia Anima Prestige is a user-friendly machine with programmable drink options for your convenience. This Gaggia coffee machine makes a delicious cup of espresso, cappuccino, macchiato and other specialty coffee beverages. A built-in automatic frother whips up milk for one customized cup after the next. One-touch programmable options mean you can simply push a button and let the machine take over.
There are three temperature control settings, with a range of roughly 177 to 184 degrees Fahrenheit. The removable water reservoir holds up to 60 ounces of liquid, meaning you can enjoy several cups of your favorite beverages before you need to refill the reservoir. The coffee bean hopper holds just under nine ounces at a time.
Once you add your favorite beans, the machine gets to work grinding them with a ceramic grinder. A powerful 15-bar pump pressure delivers high-quality results every time.
If you like this machine but aren’t sure about the price tag, consider the less expensive Anima Class. You’ll get many of the same features, except for adjustable grinder settings and the Optiaroma system, which lets you choose your desired amount of coffee per brew.
Features such as a 15-bar Italian pressure pump and a frothing wand let you create delicious espresso, latte and cappuccino beverages in the comfort of your home. This espresso machine also works with espresso pods and ground espresso for added convenience.
To get started, simply insert your grounds of choice then slide the portafilter into place and lock it. A selector dial gives you a choice between espresso and steam functions.
In case you’re unsure, indicator lights let you know whether the machine is on or off. There’s also a cup warmer to keep your drink warm. All removable parts can be washed with warm, soapy water for your convenience.
If you’re more hands-on when it comes to making espresso, consider the Flair Signature Espresso Maker. Flair is a fully manual espresso machine that delivers professional-quality shots complete with a delicious crema. The machine also has a custom pressure gauge and brews between six and nine bars for optimal espresso extraction. A stainless steel tamper is included, along with a portafilter.
Not only is this manual espresso maker portable, it also has a fully detachable brewing head for easy cleaning. A separate burr grinder is recommended for optimal flavor. Once you’ve added your freshly ground beans, simply push down on the lever to begin. The coffee maker produces a shot in 30 to 45 seconds.
In the world of espresso machines, there's a lot of talk about bar pressure rating. The number 15 is often used to designate a higher-end pump. However, you don't necessarily have to spring for a 15-bar pump to enjoy great tasting espresso. According to the coffee experts at Coffee Revolution, the industry standard is 10 bars, and a range of seven to nine bars should be adequate for most espresso drinkers.
There are many types of automatic espresso machines. If you're looking for a machine that virtually takes over with the push of a button, you'll want to browse some fully- or super-automatic espresso machines. Some of our favorites include Breville's Oracle Touch, a fully automatic espresso machine, and Saeco Incanto, a super-automatic espresso machine.
If you don't mind putting in a bit of work for your drink, we recommend the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine or the EspressoWorks All-In-One Espresso & Cappuccino Maker.
With so many espresso machines out there, which one should you get? The best espresso machine for your home comes down to factors such as your budget, counter space and preferred features. You'll find budget-friendly espresso machines such as the BELLA Personal Espresso Maker and the De’Longhi Manual Espresso Machine, with mid-range options such as Breville's Barista Express and even the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. If you're looking to splurge, you can't go wrong with the Gaggia Anima Prestige or Breville's Oracle Touch.
It's also worth considering whether you want a machine that produces only espresso (Flair Signature Espresso Maker) or one that brews specialty beverages with creamy milk froth, including lattes and cappuccinos. A study by Nestle showed that both black coffee and coffee with milk delivered an equal amount of polyphenols, the antioxidants in coffee, according to Coffeescience.org. The same source explains that milk can help reduce the overall acidity of coffee.
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