Transform your coffee nook with the right espresso machine. Versatile and capable, these machines can brew everything from bold espressos to creamy cappuccinos, often featuring built-in grinders, steam wands, and automated brewing options. Once you select the ideal coffee maker, you'll create a café experience in your kitchen.
As a kitchen appliance specialist, I've spent months evaluating the best espresso machines with expert barista Laura Honey. We've thoroughly tested over 70 models, from Breville's premium machines to De'Longhi's user-friendly devices.
Our evaluations focus on brewing quality, usability, durability, and design. Our top pick is Breville's The Barista Pro, which excels in all criteria. If you're seeking budget-friendly, luxurious, or compact options, we've compiled five outstanding machines in this guide.
Quick Overview
Here are the highlights. Scroll down for detailed insights on each model.
Best Overall
1. Breville The Barista Pro Machine
This espresso machine is nearly flawless. User-friendly and technically advanced, it caters to all coffee enthusiasts. It's unbeatable for the price.
Best Luxury Machine
2. De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
Though Breville is more affordable, this model impresses with its exceptional espresso quality and versatility, including cold brew capabilities. It's beginner-friendly but comes at a higher price.
Best for Small Spaces
3. KitchenAid Artisan Machine
Ideal for compact kitchens, this stylish and straightforward machine is perfect for beginners.
Best Budget
4. Casabrews 5700 Pro
Popular on TikTok, this budget-friendly machine excels in crafting delicious coffees and frothing milk, although it may be a bit noisy.
Best Automatic
5. De'Longhi Eletta Explore
This fully automatic machine makes brewing effortless, offering over 52 types of coffee with just a tap. Perfect for busy coffee lovers.
Best for Sweet Foam
6. Jura J8 Automatic Espresso Machine
Perfect for sweet foam drinks, this fully automatic machine delivers rich espressos and delightful foam at the touch of a button.
Top Espresso Machines
Best Overall Espresso Machine
1. Breville The Barista Pro
A superb all-rounder, sleek and efficient.
Specifications
Type: Semi-Automatic
Dimensions: 12" x 12.25" x 14.5"
Weight: 27.6 lb.
Descaling Notification: Yes
Interface: Dial and button
Reasons to Buy
- Stylish design
- Adjustable temperature and grind control
- Accessory storage tray
- Durable construction
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- Large footprint
Who It Suits: If you seek the best espresso machine, the Barista Pro is unmatched. It's stylish yet user-friendly. For those who prefer automatic machines, consider our other recommendations.
What We Liked: The build quality impresses, with premium finishes and stability. Settings for temperature and brew times cater to all skill levels. The integrated grinder boasts 30 grind settings for expert results. Accessories included ensure you can start brewing delicious coffee right away.
What We Didn't Like: The Barista Pro's size and cost (over $1,000) may deter some. However, if you utilize its features, it's well worth the investment.
For more details, check our Breville Barista Pro review.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Flavor | Perfectly extracted coffee notes | ★★★★★ |
Usability | Simple to use with expert options | ★★★★★ |
Value | Expensive but high-quality | ★★★★ |
Appearance | Professional look, requires space | ★★★★ |
Best Luxury Espresso Machine
2. De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
The top choice for those with a generous budget.
Specifications
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 18.5 x 16.5 x 14 inches
Weight: 35.2 lbs
Descaling Notification: Yes
Interface: Dials
Pressure: 19 bars
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional coffee quality
- Very user-friendly
- Diverse coffee options
- Excellent grinder
Reasons to Avoid
- Large size
- High cost
Who It Suits: Ideal for beginners and professionals alike, the La Specialista Maestro simplifies the coffee-making process while providing manual options for experts.
What We Liked: This machine produces a variety of incredible coffees, hot or iced. Its aesthetic charm garners compliments, and the controls are designed for ease of use. Maintenance is minimal, as it self-cleans when needed.
What We Didn't Like: The high price and extra features may be excessive for some. It's also heavy and takes up considerable counter space.
Find more details in our De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Flavor | Bold and balanced flavors | ★★★★★ |
Usability | Intuitive but with technical options | ★★★★★ |
Value | High price if features aren't utilized | ★★ |
Appearance | Attractive design, low maintenance | ★★★★★ |
Best Espresso Machine for Small Spaces
3. KitchenAid Espresso Machine
A stylish and compact model with excellent features.
Specifications
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 6.38 x 13.15 x 11.26 inches
Weight: 15 lbs
Descaling Notification: Yes
Interface: Buttons
Pressure: 15
Reasons to Buy
- Great value
- Compact and stylish
- Produces quality coffee
- User-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- No built-in grinder
- Basic features for experts
Who It Suits: Perfect for those seeking a straightforward espresso machine for a small space. This model is great for beginners but might lack features for seasoned baristas.
What We Liked: The classic KitchenAid look is appealing, available in multiple colors. It brews delicious espresso effortlessly, and the steam wand produces smooth drinks without mess.
What We Didn't Like: While it offers excellent value, its plastic casing feels somewhat cheap. The lack of customization options may frustrate experienced users.
For additional insights, see our KitchenAid Espresso Machine review.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Flavor | More delicate flavors than top picks | ★★★★ |
Usability | Very simple, might limit pros | ★★★★★ |
Value | Well-priced, but lacks grinder | ★★★★ |
Appearance | Slim and stylish design | ★★★★★ |
Best Budget Espresso Machine
4. Casabrews 5700 Pro Espresso Machine
Remarkable value with features often found in pricier machines.
Specifications
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.2 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 21.5 lbs
Descaling Notification: No
Interface: Dials
Pressure: 20 bar
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding value
- Built-in grinder
- Rich feature set
- Brews smooth coffee
Reasons to Avoid
- Slow brewing
- Delay between shots
- Less smooth operation
Who It Suits: This machine is perfect for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts seeking quality without the luxury price. It's suited for more patient users due to its slower operation.
What We Liked: Incredible value, with numerous included extras. The heavy tamp and other accessories enhance the experience. The coffee brewed was aromatic and smooth, producing a great crema.
What We Didn't Like: The machine operates slowly and noisily. When tested against the Breville Barista Pro, it was noticeably slower.
For a detailed review, check our Casabrews 5700 Pro review.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Flavor | Good flavors, though not as refined as top options | ★★★★ |
Usability | Simple use, but slow and noisy | ★★★ |
Value | Excellent value for the price | ★★★★★ |
Appearance | Professional look, but not chic | ★★★★ |
Best Automatic Espresso Machine
5. De'Longhi Eletta Explore
The best bean-to-cup machine for effortless brewing.
Specifications
Type: Fully automatic espresso machine
Dimensions: 4.17 x 3.07 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 0.77 lbs
Tank Capacity: 80 ml
Pressure: 18 bars
Reasons to Buy
- Extremely user-friendly
- Touchscreen interface
- Offers both hot and cold coffee
- Compact design
Reasons to Avoid
- High price
- Options may be overwhelming
Who It Suits: Perfect for those who enjoy luxurious, hands-off coffee making. With over 50 coffee styles available, it's ideal for varied preferences.
What We Liked: An exceptional bean-to-cup machine that produces aromatic espresso with smooth milk froth. It even self-cleans when necessary, making it low-maintenance.
What We Didn't Like: At nearly $2000, the upfront cost is significant, though it offers great savings for daily coffee drinkers.
Read more in our De'Longhi Eletta Explore review.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Flavor | Produces flawless espresso | ★★★★★ |
Usability | Easy to operate and fully automated | ★★★★★ |
Value | Expensive | ★★★★ |
Appearance | Stylish and modern | ★★★★★ |
Best Espresso Machine for Sweet Foam Drinks
6. Jura J8 Automatic Espresso Machine
This premium machine is a must-have for sweet foam lovers.
Specifications
Type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Dimensions: 12.5D x 17.6W x 13.7 H inches
Materials: Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic
Weight: 23 Pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional sweet foam drinks
- Rich, perfect espresso
- Swiss craftsmanship
- BPA-free materials
Reasons to Avoid
- Complex automatic sensors
- No cold foam options
- Pricey
Who It Suits: Ideal for espresso lovers and sweet foam enthusiasts, this machine can impress guests with its café-style drinks.
What We Liked: It excels in creating sweet foam and delivers bold, smooth espresso. The unique syrup capsule feature allows for customized flavors.
What We Didn't Like: The automatic sensors can be tricky. I also missed having iced coffee options.
For more information, see our full review of the Jura J8 Automatic Espresso Machine.
Machines That Almost Made the List
Runner up for best small
Breville Bambino Plus
This compact stainless steel machine is perfect for small spaces. It produces high-quality espressos without taking up much room.
Read more in our full review
Best Portable
Wacaco Picopresso
This tiny machine, about the size of a soda can, makes excellent espresso comparable to larger machines but in smaller servings.
Read more in our full review
Best Manual
La Pavoni Professional
This Italian, elegant machine is a conversation starter, ideal for coffee enthusiasts.
Best for Versatility
De'Longhi All-In-One Combination
If you enjoy drip coffee and espressos, this versatile machine combines multiple appliances into one compact unit.
Best for Style
Smeg ECF01/2 Machine
With its retro design, this machine is visually appealing but lacks performance value.
Best Silent
Flair NEO Flex Manual
This minimalistic and portable machine excels in silent operation, although it requires skill to use effectively.
Read more in our full review
Our Testing Process for Espresso Machines
We follow a rigorous testing process for all coffee makers, ensuring thorough evaluations.
Research: I research extensively to identify promising espresso machines for our readers. I test them in my home kitchen for about a month to discover any hidden benefits or drawbacks, then bring the best to our testing kitchen for comparative evaluations with our expert barista.
Design: We assess build quality and aesthetics, prioritizing functionality.
Brewing Performance: We begin with a basic espresso to evaluate the machine's capabilities. Our expert barista defines quality espresso standards for flavor and crema.
Ease of Use and Maintenance: After brewing, we evaluate cleanup processes and overall user experience.
Value for Money: After testing, we score each espresso maker based on performance and user feedback. Only the highest-rated machines make our buying guide.
For more insights, check out our coffee maker testing process.
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