10 Best Home Espresso Machine 2024
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Here in this article “Best Home Espresso Machine” we’ve rounded up 10 of the top espresso makers of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide for the best models.
Image | Title | Click to Edit | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
TopTop Top Top Top | Breville BES870XL Barista Express | Best Rated | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | De'Longhi EC702, | Best For Cappuccino | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | Jura ENA 1 | Best Automatic | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine | Best Under $100 | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe | Best For Beginners | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | Nespresso VertuoPlus | Best With Pods | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | SOWTECH Espresso Machine | Best Basic | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | Mr. Coffee Café Barista | Best With Frother | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | De'Longhi EC155 | Best Under $250 | See on Amazon | |
Top Top Top Top | De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine | Best Under $1000 | See on Amazon |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Served in a variety of drinks, espressos are made by machines that send pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans—thus, the quality of the drink is dictated in large part by the quality of the machine that brews it.
Traditionally, the best espresso has been brewed in coffee shops with industrial-grade equipment. Today, continued innovation in the at-home espresso brewing industry has led to the creation of high-quality machines that can contend with some of the best baristas out there.
There are a lot of good machines out there, but what works for one person may not be the best choice for another. Before you make any decisions, take a look at this guide to buying the best home espresso machine.
Factors To Consider In A Good Home Espresso Machine
What makes a good espresso machine? What should you look for when comparing models? And how much should you expect to pay for the best home espresso machine?
With so many different brands, models, and features to consider, it is natural for anyone to feel confused and intimidated. If you are ready to take the plunge and invest in a home espresso machine, here are 10 factors to consider before buying an espresso machine.
1. Your drink preferences
Most espresso fans will agree that this is a richer, stronger, and creamier version of coffee and quality of brew matters the most.
If you are a beginner, you will probably be satisfied with the quality of brew offered by any decent home espresso machine.
However, if you are someone who appreciates the finer things about a cappuccino or mocha, you need to consider a lot of other factors. The number of boilers present in a machine can have a huge impact on quality.
If you prefer large milk drinks, you will most likely need a dual boiler or heat exchanger machine, unless you are only making one drink at a time. If you like straight espressos or Americanos, a single boiler machine will do the trick.
Other factors include whether the machine uses steam pressure, the highest temperature a machine can reach and whether it can stay steady at that temperature.
2. Cost of the machine
This is perhaps one of the most important things to know before buying a home espresso machine. If you look into the various models available, you can see that they fall into a broad spectrum of the price range.
The factors vary so widely that it is difficult to generalize the models into different categories.
In some higher end models, you’re paying more for durability and quality of materials.
In others, the higher cost may have more to do with extra features they include. Sometimes you’re paying for ease of use, other times for better tasting espresso that still takes a while to make. The really costly models are usually combining several of these things.
3. How often will you use the machine
The number of espressos you will make in a day is an important factor to consider while choosing an espresso machine for yourself.
Is this for a single morning cup, or will you use it throughout the day for multiple drinks? Will you entertain friends and family and need to make back to back drinks?
For single morning drinks, a single boiler or small dual boiler will be adequate. If you make multiple back to back drinks during the day a larger dual boiler machine will likely be preferable.
4. Size of the machine
The question to ask here is – whether you have cabinet clearance constraints or enough space on your kitchen counter top for either your espresso machine and the integrated grinder.
If you don’t drink coffee daily, you should find out how easy it would be to store the espresso machine you would like. A large home espresso machine could be difficult to store safely.
5. Durability
You should know how much the home espresso machine can handle before purchasing it. A professional-grade espresso machine should be able to work all day without malfunctioning.
You will be shelling out a lot of money to buy an espresso machine, so it makes sense to consider how long the product will last.
Most of the high-end models come with a manufacturer warranty that can give you a fair idea of the machine’s durability.
You may also check the brand reputation and customer reviews to get a picture of the life expectancy of specific models.
The type of material the machine is made of can also make a difference, espresso machines largely made of metals will tend to last longer, as well as maintain heat in a more efficient manner. And the more highly automated models with a lot of electric parts will likely need repairs more often than manual espresso machines.
6. Aesthetics
The factors that make a home espresso machine aesthetically pleasing shouldn’t stop at whether it would look nice on your kitchen countertop, coffee table, or dining table.
There are several other critical factors, including spout placement, cord length, and what color or material the exterior has.
7. Ease of use
Many espresso fanatics among us love having more control in their hands while brewing their espresso, while there are others who wish for an automated device to take the guesswork out of making a delicious cappuccino.
If you prefer the ease of use over anything else, look for models that can make the most complicated espresso drinks at the push of a button.
People who don’t have much time to indulge in the coffee brewing rituals in the morning may buy an automated home espresso machine that comes with programmable settings.
Make sure the espresso machine has intuitive controls and easy to use and understand features before you buy.
8. Ease of cleaning
If you end up with a model that’s easy to use but a pain to clean, then it’s not actually all that convenient after all. Make sure you have an idea of what will be involved in cleaning your home espresso machine before you buy it so you know how involved the process will be.
Find out how easy the espresso machine you would like could be disassembled and reassembled. Cleaning the espresso machine can be a chore, but it is necessary to do every so often to keep it operating at a high level.
9. Safety
The temperature of each espresso machine’s exterior as it brews matters. Most machines become warm to the touch but don’t burn.
Still, this is something you’ll want to be aware of when choosing your home espresso machine. A status light that tells you when the machine is on can also help prevent accidental burns, in case you inadvertently press buttons. Makers with an auto shut-off feature receive more credit in our reviews than those without one.
Features To Consider When Buying An Espresso Machine
Above we talked about important factors that you’ll need to keep in mind when you are buying a home espresso machine. However, some models come equipped with some extra features that may persuade you while you’re shopping around. Here are a few extra features that you should consider.
1. Built-In Coffee Grinder
There are two main reasons to purchase a machine with a built-in grinder: 1) convenience and 2) quality.
Often, the quality of grind with a built-in grinder will be superior to the grind on a separate machine. If you spend enough to get a machine with this feature, it is more likely to be well-made and durable.
When it comes to convenience, it is just so quick and easy to have the machine do everything for you: store the beans, grind them and then automatically drop them into the portafilter.
2. Water storage
Most espresso machines can hold enough water for making up to 8 cups of espresso. If you need more than that you are making a ton of espresso.
Some machines have water tanks with small filling spouts. For these machines it is handy to have a funnel.
Large, high-end espresso machines are designed to connect to a water source, like a refrigerator with a water dispenser.
Before you purchase this type of an espresso machine find out if you need your piping rerouted just to accommodate it.
3. Frothing wand
Most home espresso machines can make espresso-based drinks like, lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. If you like these brews make sure you purchase an espresso machine that comes with a frother which froths the pressurized milk.
Most espresso machines come with the frother unless you are going for a really low budget machine. Just be aware that some of the cheaper ones do not have it and only make espresso.
4. Cup warmer
If you want your cup to help keep your espresso warm, rather than seeping the warmth out if it, a cup warmer is a nice feature.
The cups must be kept dry and warm in order to maintain the temperature and the nice color of the espresso cream longer. For this reason we usually place them on the cup warmer grill located on the top of each espresso machine.
5. Programmable settings
Once you know how you like your espresso best, you can program the machine and make it easier on yourself in the future. Some machines will let you program settings for multiple individuals, so everyone in the family can make their perfect shot more easily.
Most programmable home espresso machines have an LCD display and then there are buttons or dials that let you select the time you wish to program. Many machines also let you choose the desired strength and amount.
6. Water filter
Once you know how you like your espresso best, you can program the machine and make it easier on yourself in the future. Some machines will let you program settings for multiple individuals, so everyone in the family can make their perfect shot more easily.
Most programmable home espresso machines have an LCD display and then there are buttons or dials that let you select the time you wish to program. Many machines also let you choose the desired strength and amount.
7. Included accessories
The best home espresso machines include most of the pieces you need to get started right away. Also, some of the best cappuccino makers are either super automatic or pod machines that don’t require the extra bits.
Some manufacturers include a pitcher for frothing milk so you can make a cappuccino or mocha right out of the box.
The semi-automatic home espresso machines include at least one portafilter, but some may include a second one or a pod-adaptable filter. Most makers also come with a tamping tool, and some include a measuring spoon.
Home Espresso Machine reviews
Best Rated
Breville the Barista Express
- Dose Control Grinding: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand
- Optimal Water Pressure
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing
- Espresso Machine with Grind Size Dial
- Capacity & Settings: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper; 67 oz Water Tank; Single or double shots; Adjustable grind amount and Manual override
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The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is among the best semi-automatic home espresso machines which can be easily used by beginners and have highly customizable controls for experienced baristas. Because it is not entirely automatic, you too get to play barista at home.
It’s quite easy to use and keep clean, plus it has an attractive stainless-steel design.
It features an integrated conical burr grinder & ½ pound bean hopper which maximizes the surface area of the grind which optimizes the extraction of flavour from the bean.
With Breville BES870XL you get 4 filter baskets when with the barista express – pressurized and non-pressurized versions of a single and double filter. You could also call them single or double walled baskets.
The Breville Barista Express has a modern brushed stainless steel finish. Button and knob-based controls make this an exceedingly intuitive machine.
The compact machine is approximately twice the size of a regular coffee maker and can be easily integrated into many kitchens.
This best home espresso machine has a special tamper with a magnetized lock that can be used attached to the machine, if you intend to work with a double-wall filter. You can also detach the tamper if you prefer a manual tamp or are using a single-wall filter.
It features a digital temperature control that delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
The BES870XL has a hands-free portafilter holder. On pushing the portafilter inside the cradle, all the ground espresso will be sent straight towards the filter. Since it is an automated system, the grinding will stop automatically on dispensing the required coffee amount.
The Breville Barista is not just best for espresso but it is one of the best home espresso machines for cappuccino & latte too.
Its efficient commercial-style 360 degree swivel steam wand allows you to hand texture micro foam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of perfect latte art.
The custom controls on the Breville BES870XL give you several ways of modifying your espresso shot, so you can dial it in at a high level.
The Dose control lets you vary the grind amount in each cup, between 19 and 22g of ground coffee, which defines the coffee-to-water ratio.
The Grind size control lets you choose from 16 levels of fineness, which affects the extraction and flavor of your espresso.
The Barista Express has a 15-bar pump and thermocoil heating system to make brewing and frothing simple.
Pre-programmed espresso options allow you to make a single or double shot by simply pressing the corresponding button.
The Breville Barista Express features a 67oz. removable reservoir and comes with a carbon resin water filter for clean water and great tasting espresso.
The Breville Barista Express is perfect for both home use as well as for a small commercial establishment.
Pros:
- Built-in grinder
- Beginner friendly
- Good value for money
- High-quality espresso, cappuccino & latte
- Great for latte art
- Conveniently designed
- Customizable settings
Cons:
- Coffee sludge
- Requires regular cleaning
Best For Cappuccinos
DeLonghi EC702
- Pump driven and 15 bars
- Automatically self-primes, Water level indicator
- Use pods or ground coffee with the convenient patented filter holder.
- Craft cappuccinos or lattes with the patented easy to use frothier
- 44 oz. and 1.3 litter removable water tank.
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The De’Longhi EC702 is a pretty solid choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It’s competitively priced and its Stainless steel components give the espresso machine a hardy, durable look.
The machine comes with the kit to allow for both single and double shots. Also, you can use either fine, loose grounds or ESE pods.
The machine has a self-priming operation, allowing the boiler to heat up and prepare for brewing on its own.
The De’Longhi has a patented dual-thermostat system so you can monitor and set the temperatures for the steam wand and the water tank separately.
Also, you have control over the amount of coffee you want to brew at once with both single and double pressurized filter baskets. Thanks to the machine’s consistent thermoblock heating mechanism and optimization for brewing more than once with every use, you can count on good espresso cup after cup.
DeLonghi EC702 is a 15-Bar-pump machine that is integrated with a Cappuccino System frother. It makes it easy for you to make cappuccino, latte as well as coffee.
Due to its 15-bar pump, it creates a perfect pressure which extracts out the full flavor of coffee. The 1.3 liters and 44 oz water reservoir are removable for fast water refilling.
The De’Longhi EC702 is ESE (easy-serve-espresso) pod compatible, so you can easily pop in an espresso pod if you don’t have time to grind your beans.
The EC702 is the best home espresso machine for cappuccino on our list as it features a “Rapid Cappuccino System” which allows you to brew your cappuccino, steam and froth milk, and then go immediately back to brewing to prepare yet another cappuccino, latte or other frothy beverage of choice.
Pros:
- No fuss, or confusing extra features
- Comes with cup warmer
- Easy to use, beginner friendly
- Rapid Cappuccino System
- Pressurized portafilters and Pannarello steam wand require no skill to use
- Pulls a very hot shot
- Sturdy build with some stainless steel components
- Compact, lightweight, good looking machine
Cons:
- Not suitable for professional baristas
- Can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to heat up
Best Automatic
Jura ENA 1 Automatic
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 Barista quality specialties including Ristretto, Espresso and coffee at the touch of a button
- COMPACT: Slim design, perfect for small spaces
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER
- ECO FRIENDLY
- CAPACITY: 37 ounce water tank, 7 ounce bean container
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The Jura ENA Micro 1 is an espresso-only bean-to-cup machine with a compact design. It can make espresso from both ground coffee and beans.
Jura ENA Micro 1 is a great choice for your coffee habit as well as for your kitchen. It’s not only good in appearance but also makes an amazing cup of rich coffee, espresso through its highly advanced brewing system.
It is ultra-easy to use and with consistency, every time a delicious cup of your favorite beverage pours into the cup.
The Jura Micro 1 is the best looking home espresso machine on our list. It’s clear symmetrical shapes, harmonious lines, and thoughtful details give the espresso machine an attractive appearance, so it will look great in any kitchen.
Although it’s primarily made of plastic, it’s a reliable home espresso machine. Its boiler is made of stainless steel-line aluminum with Thermoblock design.
It has a 37oz. water reservoir located at the back of the machine.
Even though the water tank is at the back of the machine, you can easily remove it since the machine is quite easy to maneuver.
The bean hopper, with 5 oz. capacity, comes with an aroma preservation cover. It even has ventilation slots on top of the machine.
There are multi-level grinders along with a micro brewing unit that makes it certain that ultimate espresso is achieved every single time.
One thing is for certain that every time the same high-quality will be delivered by the machine and it is guaranteed that you won’t be complaining about different tastes ever.
Its zero-energy switch keeps the machine from drawing power when it’s turned off.
It also comes with two modes to help you save even more energy. One mode sends the machine to standby mode after several minutes of inactivity, and the other turns it off completely after 120 minutes of inactivity.
The Jura ENA 1 is one of the best home espresso machine under $1000 as it’s among the smallest single-cup brewer and only weighs under 20 pounds.
It has an adjustable coffee spout to accommodate larger containers like travel mugs.
The Jura ENA Micro 1 features Pulse Extraction Process which is Jura’s exclusive extraction process that lets the machine pulses pressure to the brew unit to have optimal extraction. Hence, you can get a consistent, nuanced flavor of your coffee, cup after cup.
Although it’s simply-designed, you can still make a few tweaks and changes for the cup size and the dose levels. For the volume, you can choose either ristretto, espresso or large coffee drinks. For the coffee strength levels, there are two levels — from eight to 10 grams of ground coffee.
Pros:
- Exceptionally beautiful design
- Very hot and super rich espresso
- Individually adjustable cup filling amount
- Separate compartment for ground coffee
- Icons displayed makes it user-friendly
- Durable product
- Integrated cleaning system
- Built-in Burr grinder
Cons:
- Often residual drips after carafe removal
- There is no hot water dispenser or cappuccino frother
Best Under $100
Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine
- CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO AT HOME
- NO-FUSS MILK FROTHER
- EASY-FILL WATER RESERVOIR
- MAKE 2 CUPS AT ONCE: Two brew head spouts allow for simultaneous brewing of 2 cups of espresso.
- EASY TO CLEAN
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The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine Model 40715 enables you to make wonderfully delicious rich lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, and mochas in your own kitchen any time you want. It will enable you to froth milk for a variety of authentic coffee house style coffee beverages.
The espresso machine is easy to operate and affordable, has patented Slide and Lock technology to ensure café-quality results, choose either finely ground espresso or a pod, and use the selector dial for espresso and steam functions.
The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine lets the user serve two different cups of espresso at once because it has two brewing head spouts that let you serve up two cups at once.
The water reservoir holds 40 ounces of water and you can even add more water even while the machine is still on. You also can use your favorite ground coffee or choose from a variety of pre-measured ESE coffee pods.
The Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine is extremely easy to use with its simple push button operation.
This home espresso machine is also very easy to clean with its removable drip tray, frothing nozzle, cup rest, filter holder, brewing head, and water reservoir. All the machine parts can be easily and quickly removed for cleaning.
Pros:
- Powerful 15-bar pump
- Dual-shot brewing
Cons:
- Loud
- High vibration
Best For Beginners
Delonghi Dedica Deluxe
- 15-bar professional pressure ensures quality results every time
- Make single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte
- The premium adjustable frother allows you to adjust the foam and steam levels to customize a variety of delicious espresso-based drinks
- The automatic flow stop feature dispenses just the right amount of espresso.
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The De’Longhi EC685M offers a manual latte brewing experience in a small package, and makes some pretty tasty espresso shots too.
The EC685M makes a great beginner’s home espresso machine, if you want to try out making cafe style coffee at home. It is a good looking, sleek machine that you can probably find space for in your kitchen.
The machine has an adjustable frother to alter various levels of steam and milk to make different flavors of coffee. It has an auto-shutdown feature that conforms to whatever espresso volume could be filled over your cups.
If you have large and tall cups, then don’t panic, this latte machine has a double dip tray to help you with that.
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M can also be used with ground espresso as well as ESE (easy-to-serve) pods, meaning it is perfect for a first time user.
Ground espresso is probably the choice you ought to end up making, as it’s cheaper. But it’s nice to have the option for ESE pods when you’re in a rush so that you don’t make a mess.
The Delonghi Dedica Deluxe EC685M has stainless steel casing and has been designed with the beginners in mind. The machine is slim line and sleek looking, and doesn’t take up too much space on your counter.
The top of the machine can be used as a cup warmer which we always like and it looks elegant in the kitchen.
There are three buttons on the top for single shot, double shot and steam, but it doesn’t feel overly plastic or engineered, which is often a problem with cheaper machines.
The back of the machine houses a removable water container that can hold enough water to make several beverages. The steam spout is located on the right side of the body, with an on/off dial above it. Directly on the spout is a rubber switch, which determines how much foam your milk will have when you steam it.
The front of the machine has a metal portafilter that looks and feels like a professional-grade filter. It has a good weight to it and makes you feel like a real barista when you’re using it.
The EC685 comes with three filter baskets, a removable drip tray and stand, and a plastic scoop/tamper.
Pros:
- Stylish and compact
- Utilizes both ground espresso and ESE pods
- Convenient way to have a variety of espresso drinks at home
Cons:
- No grinder
Best Pod Espresso Machine
Nespresso Vertuo
- VERSATILE AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER: Brew different single serve coffee cup sizes
- VERSATILE AND AUTOMATIC
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MACHINE
- Moveable 54 ounce water tank, a fast heat-up time of 20 to 25 seconds and has an automatic shutoff after 9 minutes
- COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules
- BUNDLE: The Aeroccino 3 milk frother is included
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If you like the taste and convenience of Nespresso but think the pods are too small for a knock-your-socks-off dose of caffeine, consider the alternative, Nespresso Vertuo system. Where the contents of a standard Nespresso capsule weigh in at a pretty paltry four grams, a single-shot Vertuo espresso capsule contains a much more substantial seven grams.
But it doesn’t stop there because the whole concept of the Vertuo system is to provide a range of coffee styles and five different pod sizes to suit everyone.
Nespresso’s coffee pods use enticing colors, and while the machine looks pretty low-key, it’s deceptive. Clicking the silver leaver at the front raises the top of the machine, where you leave the coffee pod to spin up to 7000 times a minute to blend ground coffee and water to produce the perfect crema.
The tiny dashes on the sides of the pod are actually a barcode – the machine reads this to tailor its blending technique to suit the capsule.
The Vertuo range is made up of three different sized capsules capable of delivering five different types of extraction: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and extra large Alto. The single-shot Espresso capsule produces 40ml of coffee, the Double Espresso 80ml, the Gran Lungo 150ml, the Mug 230ml and the Alto a whopping 414ml.
As explained above, each capsule comes with a different barcode which the machine reads before extracting the perfect dose.
There’s no getting around it, the Vertuo pods make great-tasting coffee. From crema to decent espresso and long blacks, it gets close to doing it all. And there’s no “adding two pods to get a bigger coffee” vibe of pods of yore.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville’s compact design makes it easy to keep on your countertop or store where space is limited. It boasts a 40-ounce water tank that can swivel out easily.
The motorized head opens with a light lift, different from traditional Keurig machines that often require a forced push and thus increase the chance of wear and tear.
The machine can also automatically eject the used capsules into a hidden container, saving you from burning your fingertips by manually taking out the pods.
For the eco-conscious latte lovers, the capsules can be dropped off at various collection sites and their boutique retail stores for the manufacturer to recycle.
Perhaps the greatest aspect of Nespresso’s machines is how user-friendly they are. You’d be hard-pressed to find something that’s easier or more intuitive to use. Even someone who’s never seen a Nespresso machine before could figure out how to work it with relative ease.
Pros:
- No-fuss functionality
- Ridiculously easy to use
- Produces rich, full-bodied coffee
- Delivers thick crema
- Offers more possibilities for coffee variants than similar models
- Water reservoir swivels to fit various spaces
Cons:
- Cost of the pods is high
- Larger pod size takes up more storage space
Best Basic
SOWTECH Espresso Machine
- EASY TO USE - Single switch knob with indicator light for easy operation with function transform-coffee/steam selector and on/off.
- COMPACT DESIGN - The stainless steel compact design of the espresso coffee machines saves lots of space, smaller and lighter.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY - Coffee espresso machine with frothing arm makes creamy froth to top off your cappuccinos and lattes.
- BREW LIKE A PRO - Powerful 3.5 bar pressure espresso coffee maker can make 1-4 cups (240ml) espresso coffee and rich smooth cream.
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The Sowtech Espresso Machine uses stainless steel accents throughout its compact design, saving you a lot of space in the kitchen. Smaller and lighter than your usual home espresso machine, it is perfect for small kitchens, single apartments, offices, and during travels.
If you are looking for a best basic home espresso machine with no fuss or bells and whistles then Sowtech Espresso Maker is the one for you.
The Sowtech Espresso Machine is easy to use, featuring a single knob for all your espresso needs. It makes a rich-tasting espresso without any difficult contraptions, hard-to-understand manuals, or any fancy machines.
The machine takes about 90 seconds to build pressure and heat up and then you’re ready to pull your shot. Then you switch over to the steam mode, so you can steam your milk, which takes around 45 seconds. The machine does a great job of foaming the milk.
Using the frothing arm, you can make creamy froth to top off your cappuccinos and lattes. With the powerful 3.5 bar pressure, you can make 1-4 cups of rich, tasty espresso.
It’s easy-pour glass cup is also made to make your life easier, clearly marked to serve the perfect amount every time.
The temperature of this machine is extremely consistent. The machine will heat up to just below water boiling temperature and stay there. It doesn’t overheat, nor does it go cold if you aren’t using it consistently.
Consistent water temperature is extremely important for good coffee extraction. This means that the Sowtech is suitable for people who are particular about their coffee taste or who take their coffee black.
As a by-product of consistent temperature, the Sowtech espresso machine produces good quality, consistent steam with good pressure. This makes producing good quality micro-foam very possible.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- It can make up to four espressos at once.
- Easy to operate.
- The frothing wand of this coffee maker does a fabulous job to make thick and creamy foam.
- Operates quietly.
- Has 3.5 bar steam pressure for a rich, smooth crema.
- Excellent quality construction.
- Compact and portable design.
- Single-knob function.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Low-pressure unit.
- The appearance of the plastic looks light and not stylish.
Best With Frother
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
- Semi automatic 3 in 1 espresso maker, cappuccino maker, and latte maker
- 15 Bar Pump System Brews Rich Tasting Espresso Coffee
- Trouble Free Automatic Milk Frother
- One touch control panel for drink selections
- Easy fill, removable water and milk reservoirs
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The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista automatically pulls shots of espresso, steams milk, and creates cafe-style coffee drinks at the push of a button. The coffee machine also has a removable milk reservoir that’s refrigerator-friendly for easy storage.
This is a semi-automatic, 15-bar espresso machine. It features a one touch control panel, so you can easily brew plain espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos with single and double shot options for each. The milk frother is automatic, so you don’t have to worry about jumping into the world of latte art and milk frothing if you aren’t ready yet.
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is a solid bargain buy, but naturally exemplifies the validity of the tradeoff between price and quality.
Like with all inexpensive espresso machines, you as the barista are going to find yourself sacrificing some of the consistency of your espresso and coffee drinks.
The buttons on the front of the machine are clearly labeled with the corresponding drink, and there are manual and automatic options.
The milk reservoir conveniently fits within the unit, and it’s removable, so leftover milk can be stored in the fridge when not in use. The frother also has a clearly labeled knob that controls how much froth goes into each drink.
Like most home espresso contraptions, the Cafe Barista comes with a portafilter for both brewing shots and loading the machine with grounds.
It’s essentially a metal filter attached to a sturdy handle that you must lock tightly into place under the Cafe Barista’s brew head. Mr. Coffee also includes two filter baskets to choose from, for single and double shots.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Most parts are suitable for dishwashing
- Heats up in 3 minutes
- Modern design
- Removable frother allows you to store the extra milk elsewhere
- Easy to understand controls
Cons:
- Cannot accommodate tall cups
- Works loudly
Best Under $250
De’Longhi EC155
- Use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter holder.
- Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother
- Eliminate annoying start-up preparation with the self-priming operation. On/off switch
- Always brew espresso at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats
- Enjoy delicious espresso for years to come with the durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler and 15 bar pump pressure.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Blending together the perfect recipe for a low price and quality features, the DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Pump espresso and cappuccino maker also puts together the perfect recipe for tasty beverages, right in the comfort of your own home.
It is one of the best espresso machines for home use and anyone who desires the convenience of having a very easy-to-use espresso and cappuccino machine at home must check this one out.
The EC155 is compact and has clean lines. It comes in black and has stainless steel features. It does have a milk frother but no grinder.
The De’Longhi is compatible with E.S.E. coffee pods as well as with normal ground coffee, so you can choose the coffee type that best suits your convenience.
The DeLonghi machine can exert 15 bars of pressure, which is remarkable given the machine’s size and price. Typically, this amount of power is reserved for much larger and more expensive machines like you’d find at a cafe.
It has a tank that carries up to 35 ounces of water. This model also has a patented easy to maneuver frothing wand that produces lots of rich and creamy foam.
Like any typical countertop espresso machine, the DeLonghi takes about 45 seconds to heat up to temperature after you flip the “on” switch. There’s an indicator light which tells the user when the machine is ready.
The DeLonghi has a good capacity water storage tank, grounds storage bin, and shot bandwidth and it is capable of pulling two espresso shots simultaneously.
The DeLonghi EC155 comes with a frother, cup warmer, and a basic cup and filter system. The cup and filter system are well-constructed and should last you a long time as they’re made of stainless-steel.
The frother is connected to the cappuccino maker just next to the portafilter and designed with a natural angle for milk steaming and frothing.
Aside from the easy operation of the brew cycle, the self-priming system creates a smooth start-up without needing to prime manually, meaning the process is automatic, convenient, and hands-off.
The dual thermostat control ensures both the water pressure and the steam levels are just right – different temperatures for your steaming hot espresso or just mellow and warm for your cappuccinos.
Pros:
- Nice and easy to use.
- Good for beginners.
- High-pressure pump produces consistently good cups of coffee.
- Good value.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Pour spout height limits the size of cup
- Will produce only one or two shots at a time
Best Under $1000
De’Longhi La Specialista
- Sensor grinding technology
- The smart tamping station
- Active temperature control with dual heating system
- Advanced latte system
- 1 second quick start
- Separate hot water spout
- Warranty: 2 years
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The DeLonghi La Specialista is a nice looking semi-automatic home espresso machine with a classic, stainless steel look that also features all of the tools needed to make coffee, espresso, and more.
The La Specialista is one of the best home espresso machines with grinder that can be adjusted for both fineness and dosage, a tamping station, and a dial that can switch between brewing coffee, an americano, or espresso.
The button interface is easy to understand, with a x2 button for making a double shot or pouring into two cups, a “my” button to customize the length of your drink.
This is a high end Italian espresso machine with sensor grinding technology. It gives you complete control and consistency in coffee pouring as it works with two sensors that detect and deliver a consistent and optimal coffee dose to your cup.
To ensure maximum temperature stability, Delonghi has developed the high performing dual Thermoblock that has a controlled temperature system. This ensures maximum temperature stability and all of the right conditions for a perfect coffee brew.
After making your drink, you can easily heat up milk for a latte or cappuccino with the steam wand. The La Specialista has two heating elements, meaning there is no wait time when switching from brewing to steaming.
A slider on the steam wand allows you to choose between Flat or Foam for lattes and Flat Whites, or a cappuccino for the latter.
As with many bean-to-cup machines, the La Specialista has one-touch controls for espresso, Americano or long coffee. There are also auto-rinse and clean functions and an automatic process for descaling.
The DeLonghi La Specialista’s one-of-a-kind programming is designed to work with its included pressurized baskets—meaning users looking to manually control their machine have few options for customization.
The DeLonghi has an extremely short start-up time of just one second.
You don’t have to stand around for your espresso machine to heat up for ten minutes. In just 1 second, this Delonghi La Specialista is ready to go and is prepared to start grinding.
It looks great, produces high quality drinks and is really easy to use. It has a huge level of customisation, which makes it easy to really explore the science behind brewing the perfect espresso.
Obviously, finding that perfect cup requires a lot of trial and error, but coffee aficionados will enjoy tinkering away with the settings and making drinks that match their personal preferences when it comes to taste and strength.
The Specialista is a unique bean to cup coffee machine. You get very close to the convenience of push-button superautomatic machines, but with more programmability to experiment with.
Pros:
- Integrated coffee grinder
- Integrated coffee tamper
- Smart sensor grinding technology
- Smart tamping station
- Advanced latte system that allows either hand-free or manual control
- 1-second start uptime
- Active temperature control for espresso extraction
- Dual thermoblock heating system
- Self-cleaning function
- Sleek design with stainless steel body
Cons:
- A bit expensive to buy
- Stainless steel exterior is easily scratched
- Learning curve to make a perfect espresso
What You Can Make With An Espresso Machine
A lot of the most popular drinks at coffee shops are made with espresso, so if you typically order any of the items on the list below, an espresso machine may be worth considering.
If you own an espresso machine, any one of these can be made in your own kitchen for less money, as long as you have the proper ingredients and a little time to spend on them.
Needless to say a best espresso machine under $1000 will be able to make all the below beverages and more for you.
a) Espresso Shot
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee served in small, strong shots and is the base for a number of coffee drinks.
It’s made from the same beans as coffee but is stronger, thicker, and higher in caffeine. However, because espresso is typically served in smaller servings than coffee, it has less caffeine per serving.
It is made by forcing pressurized hot water through very finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine.
The result is a liquid stronger than coffee topped with a “crema,” a brown foam that forms when air bubbles combine with the soluble oils of fine-ground coffee and sits on top of a properly pulled shot of espresso.
The difference between coffee and espresso is in the grind and the treatment of the beans. The beans are ground to a finer consistency than coffee and firmly packed before hot water is forced through using an espresso machine.
b) Macchiato
The macchiato gives coffee addicts a nice middle ground between an espresso and a cappuccino. It doesn’t pack as much of a punch as an espresso shot, but it’s also stronger than your regular cappuccino.
Macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. This term is used because of how the drink is made. The drink is a double shot of espresso with a splash of milk in it. The “mark” comes from the barista adding a small dollop of foam on top of the drink as some customers don’t want the full strength of an espresso.
The point of this drink is to have an espresso slightly moderated or subdued by a splash of milk. Compared to other espresso-based drinks, the macchiato tips the espresso to milk scale the furthest towards espresso.
This drink is prepared by first pulling a shot of espresso, as normal. Then about 1-2 teaspoons of steamed milk and a bit of foam are poured on top.
c) Cappuccino
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink that is traditionally prepared with double espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam on top.
Cream may be used instead of milk and is often topped with cinnamon. It is typically smaller in volume than a caffè latte, with a thicker layer of microfoam.
Microfoam is frothed/steamed milk in which the bubbles are so small and numerous that they are unseen, but make the milk lighter and thicker.
When the espresso is poured correctly, the microfoam will remain partly on top of the mug as well as mix well with the rest of the cappuccino.
Cappuccinos are usually made using an espresso machine. The double espresso is poured into the bottom of the cup, followed by a similar amount of hot milk, which is prepared by heating and texturing the milk using the espresso machine steam wand.
The top third of the drink consists of milk foam; this foam can be decorated with latte art made with the same milk.
d) Mocha
Mocha is another espresso based drink and another name for “mocaccino,” “mochaccino,” or “mochachino.”
A cafe mocha is essentially a chocolate flavored variant of a cafe latte, or even a hot chocolate with shots of espresso in it. It is made up of espresso, milk, and chocolate.
It can include one or two shots of espresso depending on taste preferences and traditionally is topped with milk foam, just like a latte.
Unlike other coffee drinks, the mocha is a lot sweeter in taste and can be great for those who have a sweet tooth or enjoy a good dose of sugar.
It is a very customizable drink in as many types of chocolate can be used. Depending on the place, a mocha can have chocolate syrup, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
Toppings can also be customizable with some people replacing the milk foam on top with whipped cream.
Some mochas can also have chocolate shavings or cinnamon added on top for extra decoration and taste.
Those are the main standards, but if you want you can always add extra touches based on your preferences like whipped cream, flavorings like hazelnut, caramel or peppermint, and even use alternatives to milk.
d) Latte
The name “latte” is derived from the Italian words caffè latte, which means “milk coffee.”
The latte is very similar to the cappuccino, but contains more milk and is also served in the larger 8 ounce cup compared to cappuccino’s 6 ounce cup.
It is made with one or two shots of espresso, 5-6 ounces of hot steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam on the top.
The layers of espresso and steamed milk are usually mixed together with only the top foam being its own distinct layer. Many times the top foam layer is made into latte art by the barista.
As the latte is an espresso-based drink and steamed milk doesn’t contain caffeine, the amount of caffeine in your cup depends on the amount of espresso shots.
Depending on your order or the place you get your coffee from, your latte could contain one to two espresso shots.
With an espresso machine in your home, you can experiment to your heart’s delight and produce concoctions that beat out the flavor of the drinks at your local coffee shop because they’re based on your personal preferences.
Types Of Espresso Machines
There are essentially four types of espresso machines available for use in the home setting and in the commercial environment.
When shopping for an home espresso machine, it can become very confusing to choose among these many different makes and models that may or may not suit your needs and lifestyle. To narrow your search for the best home espresso machine the first essential step is to learn the basic categories that almost all espresso machines fall into.
By learning these categories, you will understand the variances and nuances between “ease of use” and “user control”. With this understanding, you can select the appropriate home espresso machine that will meet your needs.
Lever Driven Espresso Machine
Manual lever espresso machines can make espresso without the need of a pump. Generally there are less components meaning less to maintain.
Manual espresso makers allow you to control every part of the process of making a shot of espresso so that you can potentially end up with the perfect shot.
There are two kinds : manual and spring-loaded.
A manual machine can be recognised by the horizontal resting position of the lever. When it is raised, an opening in the brewing chamber draws in pre-heated water to saturate the grounds.
The barista can control the length of pre-infusion, flow rate, and pressure by when they bring down the lever.
The pressure produced with the help of this kind of espresso machine amounts to 8 to 10 Bar.
In spring-driven machines, the lever points up when the internal spring is relaxed. Pulling the lever down causes the spring to compress and brings the piston up. This creates space in the brewing chamber for water to enter.
The lever comes back up as the spring releases its tension. This causes the piston to push the water down and extract the espresso.
Manual espresso machines are often attractive, almost as decorative as they are functional. They’re costly, but for the real connoisseurs willing to put the work in, they can produce a great shot of espresso.
The La Pavoni Europiccola on our list is a representative of non-spring manual lever style home espresso machines.
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
These are very similar to semi-automatic machines, but they automatically stop the flow of water. This ensures consistent volume in each shot and means you don’t have to stand over each espresso to stop overflow.
The fully-automatic espresso machines measure the amount of water that passes through the coffee grinds.
Once the preset amount is reachable, the machine will automatically shut off the water.
The pre-set amount of water forced through the coffee is usually programmable by the user on commercial machines.
In addition, most fully-automatic espresso machines allow the operator to utilize the machine as a semi-auto, whereby the operator can control the amount of water to be pumped.
Whether for your home or your office, the Automatic espresso machines are the front-runners in preparing hot beverages.
The DeLonghi ECAM22110SB and the Jura ENA 1 Automatic on our list are one of the best automatic home espresso machines under $1000.
Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The idea behind Super Automatic Espresso Machine is to make the process of making a shot of espresso as easy as adding your coffee grounds and pressing a button. That’s it. Quick and simple with no mess to clean up.
These automatic machines with single or dual pumps grind whole coffee beans using a built in grinder with hard steel conical burrs.
They measure the appropriate amount of coffee grinds, tamp the grinds into a puck in the extraction chamber, measure the water, dispense the espresso and eject the extracted grinds into a dump container, removable for easy cleaning.
Most super automatic espresso machines have some type of indicator to warn the user of low water, out of beans, or full dump box. These machines are a perfect example of bean to cup coffee machines.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Semi-automatic machines use an automated system to drive the water through the grouphead. Grinding, tamping, and control of extraction time are the responsibility of the barista.
They are a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine offers you with the real-time control of your extraction of coffee, Latte or Cappuccino.
The set up of the Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine consists of a portafilter, a boiler, a button as well as a piston for extraction.
This kind of Machine can be both programmed as well as manually controlled.
In the manually controlled system, the user has to stop the flow of Coffee once the sufficient amount of Coffee has come out. And in the programmed system, the flow of coffee stops on the basis of the preset time which you have entered in your machine.
The Breville Barista BES870XL is one of the best semi automatic home espresso machines available in the market today.
Conclusion
Our top pick is the Breville Barista BES870XL which is the best home espresso machine overall. The Breville Barista Express is built to set you up for success. Featuring an integrated conical burr grinder, this machine cuts down the time between grinding and extracting leaving you more time to enjoy the exquisite tasting shots.
Our second pick is the DeLonghi EC702 which is a budget option if you’re looking for a best home espresso machine for cappuccino. The De’Longhi EC702 is a pretty solid choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It’s competitively priced with other beginner-friendly powerhouses like Mr. Coffee, and has the brand backing and vision of an industry leader: De’Longhi.
The Jura 13626 ENA 1 is our pick for the category best automatic home espresso machine with a grinder. The Jura ENA Micro 1 is an eco-friendly alternative to pod and capsule machines for making the perfect cup of espresso or crema coffee. The Jura Micro 1 features a multi-level grinder, micro brewing unit and powerful pump to make the ultimate espresso.
Shiv Kumar
Shiv has been a coffee fanatic since caffeine became a necessity in college, and since then, his enthusiasm has only grown. He specializes in espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers.
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ABOUT US
We are a team of coffee affcianados with experience and expertise in making world renowned coffee. In fact, preparing the best coffee ever with a fluffy top reminds us of magic, with secrets of how to achieve each particular effect. Making coffee is not our only hobby, we always keep our ears open as to what’s happening around and what scientists and manufacturers produce for consumers. It’s not an easy task to do – it’s rather time consuming. Hence, Caféish website was launched.
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