The best espresso machines on the market offer futuristic levels of service, allowing you to whip up barista-level shots and café-quality lattes without so much as needing to step out your front door and head to your local coffee shop. That said, before you set out on your shopping expedition, you have to know what you’re looking for—and what not to buy. After all, there’s a lot of variety out there: Some of the best espresso machines require minimal user interaction, making your morning coffee experience a total breeze; others ask that you get somewhat more involved in the process (they’re much like some of our favorite coffee makers in that regard—finicky, but essential). The point is, you have choices when it comes to picking out the best espresso machines for your home and lifestyle. (Our top pick is the Breville Bambino Plus, but we’re sharing the details on several other excellent options ahead.)
The Jura S8 is a splurge, but it’s one of our other top picks for the best espresso machines on the … [+] market.
Williams Sonoma
The truth is, in a perfect world, we’d all be able to bring home the commercial espresso machine from our local coffee shop and enjoy playing barista. But that’s not entirely possible—nor would we want it to be. The sheer size and cost of those ultra-professional, over-the-top units makes home use all but impossible. Luckily, many consumer-facing brands know that, and they’ve recognized that there’s an increasing demand for espresso-brewing coffee grinders right at home. Those manufacturers have created models that fit perfectly in the modern home kitchen, with just one downside: Even the best espresso machines for home use don’t come with someone to teach you the ropes. But with the help of user-friendly technology and a little bit of practice, you’ll be pulling perfect shots of espresso in no time. (You can also add to the fun with a coffee subscription—we’ve got tons of great recommendations in that arena, too.)
Ahead, find the best espresso machines for making quality espresso at home, from fancy machines with all the bells and whistles to one-touch models that rely on simple pods.
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Best Espresso Machine Overall
A Straightforward Machine With Outstanding, Reliable Results
MOST POPULAR
Dimensions: 7.75” W x 12.5” D x 12.25” H | Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 3 seconds
Whether you’re an espresso-pulling pro or you’re a bit lackluster in the “barista skills” department, Breville’s got you covered: Their Bambino Plus model can help you get the job done with that much more ease. Equipped with 9-bar extraction pressure (the same as commercial machines in coffee shops), this espresso machine is simple, straightforward and offers reliably robust results, even for newbies. When you start the machine, it pre-infuses ground espresso with low water pressure to soak and expand the grinds before kicking into high gear. This translates to more even extraction, balanced flavor and a picture-perfect layer of crema.
As your skills and confidence improve, the machine grows with you. The adjustable steam wand offers an automatic microfoam setting for beginners and a manual setting for those ready to go to the next level. The setup includes two filter baskets, a tamper, a frothing jug, a trimming tool and cleaning supplies.
Best Espresso Machine With Grinder
An All-In-One Option With Precise Temperature Control
Dimensions: 14.5” W x 12.5” D x 15.75” H | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: N/A
Calphalon may be best known for its nonstick cookware, but the premium retailer knows how to make a serious espresso machine, too. The Temp IQ combines an espresso machine, grinder and steam wand into one sleek-looking countertop appliance. It has an integrated conical burr mill grinder that has 30 adjustable grind settings, plus advanced heating technology and temperature control that ensures a perfectly extracted brew.
Unlike other at-home models, this espresso machine also has an enlarged portafilter that rivals the same robust flavor extraction that you’d get at your favorite local coffeehouse and a cup warming tray that ensures your shot stays at the perfect temperature once it hits your mug. The setup includes a stainless steel milk jug, tamper, cleaning disc and cleaning pin.
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Best Budget Espresso Machine
A Wallet-Friendly Option That Doesn’t Skimp On Quality
Dimensions: 9.62” W x 7.25” D x 11.87” H | Pressure: 15 bar | Heating time: N/A
When it comes to espresso machines, you generally get what you pay for. But there are a few lower priced models that still pull worthy shots. De’Longhi’s manual machine is one of them. It comes equipped with 15-par pressure and features two thermostats—one for water and for one steam pressure—so whether you’re making a double espresso shot or an extra foamy cappuccino, everything will stay at the right temperature. The three-in-one portafilter includes a holder for one or two espresso shots, and another for pre-portioned espresso pods.
The fixed manual milk frother steams milk well too, so you can make lattes and cappuccinos without the need for a separate device.
Best Latte Machine
A Luxury Machine That Does The Work For You
Dimensions: 17.25” W x 11” D x 14” H | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: N/A
The Jura S8 is not your average home espresso machine. This fully-automatic machine has an integrated burr coffee grinder and utilizes a specialized Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) that optimizes extraction time and ensures a perfect pull every time. It has a large touchscreen that lets you toggle between automatic brewing of 15 espresso-based drinks, from lattes to flat whites, and a professional quality foam frother that effortlessly creates fine-textured microfoam—no barista training required.
If you’re not exactly sure what you should be doing, there are user-friendly demos and animations that guide you through the brewing process so you can fully take advantage of the 10 coffee strength and three temperature levels.
Best One-Touch Espresso Machine
A User-Friendly Model That Requires Minimal Effort
Dimensions: 8.3” W x 11.9” D x 11.9” H | Pressure: 19 bars | Warmup time: 0.5 seconds
If you want the rich taste of espresso without fumbling around with loose grinds or portafilters, the Nespresso Vertuo is an excellent one-touch option that literally makes it as easy as pressing a button. The machine utilizes pods that are pre-dosed and recyclable.
There are many Nespresso models out there, but this particular model has a large capacity water tank that allows you to brew multiple espresso drinks (or coffees) without refilling and it comes with an Aeroccino3 milk frother so you can add microfoam—or cold foam—to your cup if you’d like.
Best Fully-Automated Espresso Machine
The Closest You’ll Get To A Live-In Barista
Dimensions: 13.25” W x 12.5” D x 15.75” H | Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 3 seconds
A more advanced model from Breville, the Barista Touch Espresso Machine is probably the closest you’ll get to having a live-in barista. This fully-automatic machine has a 9-bar extraction pressure system, automatically doses out grinds based on your preferences and has a razor tool that trims down espresso to the ideal level for precision dosing and consistent extraction.
A digital touch screen lets you select your drink of choice from five options (espresso, Americano, latte, flat white or cappuccino), or adjust shot volume, milk texture and milk temperature to create and save up to eight personalized drinks. Plus, the automatic milk texturing allows you to make silky latte milk or perfectly aerated cappuccino foam completely hands-free.
Best Small Espresso Machine
A Narrow Machine That Packs A Lot Into A Small Package
Dimensions: 5.9” W x 13” D x 12” H | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: 40 seconds
Most home espresso machines require some serious countertop space (a sacrifice that’s well worth it if you ask me). But if you don’t have any extra kitchen real estate to spare, or you just can’t bear the thought of a fairly large appliance on your counter, the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe Espresso Maker is the answer to your cappuccino prayers. It packs a single boiler, adjustable manual milk frother and double drip tray into a 6-inch wide body. And even though it’s narrow, it doesn’t skimp on features.
It has a Thermoblock Heating System that brings water up to temperature in less than 40 seconds and advanced technology that helps maintain water temperature in between brews so you don’t have to wait if you’re making more than one drink. It also has a cup warmer, automatic flow stop function and removable 35-ounce water tank.
Best Professional-Quality Espresso Machine
An Option That Rivals The Espresso Machine At Your Favorite Coffee Shop
Dimensions: 14” W x 21” D x 15” H | Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 15 minutes
Those able to splurge on their espresso machine will be rewarded with perks like sleek design, a built-in grinder, temperature adjustment capabilities and a powerful frother with a commercial-grade steam valve that produces the ideal steamed milk for latte art. Even with a 3.5-liter water reservoir—enough to last through many brew cycles—the Linea Mini has a smaller footprint than other commercial machines, but it brings that same level of professional quality to your home kitchen.
Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
An Iconic Espresso Maker That Doesn’t Require An Outlet
Dimensions: 4.5” D x 9.5” H | Pressure: 1.5 bars | Warmup time: varies
A stovetop espresso maker is a good option for when you want to be able to brew quality espresso at home, but aren’t quite ready to invest in a machine. The Bialetti Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker is iconic and incredibly easy to use. Simply put it over heat on your stovetop, insert your grounds and water, wait for it to brew and enjoy the results. The whole process takes just a few minutes. The Bialetti features an angular shape that, frankly, will look cool sitting out on your stovetop. The top and handle also won’t overheat, so you can grab and pour your espresso directly from the pot. Choose from 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-cup sizes.
What To Consider When Buying An Espresso Machine
When it comes to purchasing one of the best espresso machines on the market, there’s a lot you’re going to want to take into consideration. After all, this isn’t a small purchase—it’s bound to require a big chunk of cash, not to mention a large portion of countertop space. It’s best to come prepared to the shopping experience with as much know-how as possible. Ahead, find our full buying guide, including details on each of the details you’ll want to explore as you look at various models.
Size
Space is an incredible important consideration here, says Matt Woodburn-Simmonds, co-founder of Home Coffee Expert. “It will sit on your countertop, so look at how much real estate you can afford to give up to a coffee machine whilst still being able to cook and fit your other appliances,” he advises. One thing to consider, per Woodburn-Simmonds: “Lots of machines with built-in grinders load beans from the top, so make sure you have enough space above the machine if it’s going underneath cabinets.”
Cost
You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to be able to pull a really great shot of espresso, but you will find more features in more expensive machines, says coffee consultant Ben Kaminsky, of the GGet Coffee Club. “You have to go by you want to drink first,” he says. “If you just want espresso, you can get a manual machine. If you want to be drinking lattes, you need to get something that steams milk. And, if you want to do that well, then the price starts creeping up.” Still, Kaminsky points out that you can “get something that’s tiny and inexpensive—it just won’t necessarily steam milk.”
Pressure
In general, “you’re going to want something that can hit 9 bar of pressure,” says Brian W. Jones, author of Brew: Better Coffee at Home. He continues, “if you want to make milk drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, I would also highly recommend a dual-boiler machine. This will allow you to pull an espresso shot and steam milk at the same time with each having their own dedicated boiler.”
Warm-Up Time
It’s crucial to factor in your morning routine, Woodburn-Simmonds says. “If you’re constantly in a hurry to get out the door, then a machine taking five minutes to warm up will feel like a lifetime,” he points out. “If you generally have a bit of time, then you’d probably never notice.”
