When you make a purchase through our provided links, Insider has the potential to earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how this works. Enjoying cafe-quality drinks from the comfort of your own home requires an exceptional espresso machine. However, finding the best espresso machine for your specific needs is dependent on several factors. While we recommend the convenience of Nespresso machines, it’s important to note that pods cannot match the complexity of a manually pulled shot.
When selecting an espresso machine, it’s crucial to ensure that it can maintain a steady pressure of approximately six to ten bars. It’s important to consider that making high-quality espresso can be both costly and time-consuming. Basic machines typically start at a minimum of $400, and investing in the best coffee grinder can cost just as much. However, we also provide more budget-friendly options for grinders.
To determine the best espresso machine for your kitchen, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the different styles available. These include manual machines, which require manual operation through the physical pulling of a lever. Semi-automatic machines are our top pick for those who wish to make true espresso at home. These machines control their own pressure while allowing you to control extraction time through a switch. Fully automatic machines turn coffee beans into espresso with the press of a button while managing their own pressure and shot time. They often have programmable features and some even include milk attachments for a wider variety of cafe drinks. Pod machines, such as those that brew Nespresso capsules, fall under the category of fully automatic machines. Instead of using ground beans, you use pre-filled pods for convenience.
In the process of creating this guide, we tested machines from each of these categories. We also consulted with industry experts and professional baristas, while conducting multiple taste tests. When selecting your espresso machine, you may want to consider adding the best espresso cups or tampers to complete your collection.
Here are our top picks for espresso machines:
1. Best Overall: Gaggia Classic Evo Pro – available at Amazon.
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro offers exceptional value for its price. This compact machine is a user-friendly choice for learning the ins and outs of espresso making.
2. Best Value: GE Café – available at Best Buy.
The GE Café is a small automatic espresso machine that delivers brew of higher quality compared to similar machines, while taking up minimal counter space.
3. Best with a Built-in Grinder: Breville Barista Express Impress – available at Amazon.
The Barista Express Impress is an all-in-one machine that provides consistency and mess-free assisted tamping. It has everything you need to easily make top-quality espresso drinks at home.
4. Best Portable: Flair Espresso – available at Amazon.
For those looking to make excellent espresso without breaking the bank, the Flair Espresso maker is a fantastic manual option, both at home or on the go.
5. Best Pod Machine: Breville-Nespresso Pixie – available at Amazon.
If you prefer a cost-effective and time-saving option, the Breville-Nespresso Pixie is an excellent choice.
6. Best Luxury Automatic Machine: Jura Z10 – available at Amazon.
Jura’s Z10 comes incredibly close to achieving cafe-quality espresso drinks and even cold brew with just the push of a button.
7. Best Stovetop: Grosche Milano – available at Amazon.
Constructed with thick, durable aluminum and featuring a heat-resistant handle and silicone gasket, the Grosche Milano is built to last and offers great value.
We believe that the Gaggia Classic Pro is the best overall choice. This machine is ideal for beginners looking to acquire hands-on experience, while also satisfying experts with its exceptional brew quality. The Classic Evo Pro is compact, equipped with a simple interface, offers great espresso, and is relatively affordable. However, it does have a serious learning curve due to limited guidance in terms of shot parameters and pulling techniques.
The latest model of the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro features several notable upgrades, including a new grouphead made entirely of brass and a stainless steel portafilter. The interior of the new boiler is coated with a non-stick coating to prevent scaling and mineral leaching. For optimal use of this machine, we recommend investing in a dedicated espresso grinder and replacing the included plastic tamper with a higher quality one.
For those seeking the best value, the Café Affetto is an excellent choice. It serves as a great introduction to espresso making and is significantly cheaper than most other automatic machines. While the built-in grinder may not produce the highest quality grind, it still allows you to use freshly roasted beans of your choice to make a satisfactory shot of espresso. Plus, it offers additional features like the option for an Americano and a customizable “my cup” setting. The frother on the Café Affetto works just as well as those on most semi-automatic machines and is removable and washable for easy maintenance.
If you prefer an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, the Breville Barista Express Impress is the top choice. Its tamp-assisting feature makes it incredibly easy to operate with just one hand, ensuring a mess-free experience. The built-in pressure gauge and adjustable grinder settings further enhance the quality of your espresso. However, it may take some time to find the right grind size using the dial, and the grinder burrs may occasionally stick. Keep in mind that the Barista Express Impress may only be repaired under the limited two-year product warranty.
Overall, we hope this guide helps you find the perfect espresso machine to suit your needs. Invest in one of our top picks and elevate your coffee experience at home.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
