An Essential Guide to Espresso Machines

An Espresso Machine is a coffee-brewing device that forces water into the ground coffee to produce a concentrated coffee (espresso).

Luigi Bezzera, an Italian mechanic, is credited for inventing the espresso machine in the 1900s. However, the first patent for a device with the same function was created by Angelo Moriondo, an Italian engineer. He received a certificate of industrial title for his invention, “steam machinery for the instantaneous economic confection of coffee beverage method ‘A. Moriondo’, Plate CXL.”

Bezzera used Moriondo’s invention as inspiration for creating his machine and improving its mechanism. In 1905, La Pavani, an Italian company, bought the patent and began producing and distributing the espresso machine in Milan.

Countertop espresso machines are used in coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants, but there are portable espresso devices such as French Press, Moka Pot, and Aeropress.

What is the best espresso machine to buy? 

There are a lot of espresso machines on the market, so it can take time to decide which is the best one for you. But the best espresso machine to buy depends on your requirements, preferences, and budget. You should also consider that there are different types of espresso machines, and what may be suitable for another may not be the best option for you.

However, if budget is not an issue and if we are going to base it on users’ reviews, the one that gets consistently mentioned in the list of the best espresso machines in the market is Breville Bambino Plus.

Check out our list of 25 best espresso machines to buy below for more insights.

What are the 3 types of espresso machines?

Automatic espresso machine

An automatic espresso machine uses steam instead of pressurized water to extract espresso. It offers an all-in-one system, from grinding the coffee ground to filling and tamping the basket, reducing the effort required to make espresso. It’s espresso-making at the touch of a button.

The automatic espresso machine was invented by Francesco Illy, a businessman and founder of the Italian coffee company “illy.”

Semi-automatic espresso machine

A semi-automatic espresso machine combines the functionalities of manual and automatic espresso machines. Unlike the automatic, where the device will do much of the work, a semi-automatic will require a little involvement; you will have to grind the coffee beans, tamp the coffee ground, and lock the portafilter. Next, you will choose the settings in the machine for the number and size of shots. The device will then pump the water automatically through the brewing chamber.

The semi-automatic espresso machine was invented in 1961 by Ernesto Valente, owner of Fabbrica Apparecchiature Elettro Meccaniche e Affini (FAEMA), a coffee machine factory in Milan, Italy.

Super-automatic espresso machine

A super-automatic espresso machine allows an entirely hands-off experience in espresso-making. Other names used to call this machine are “ultra-automatic espresso machine,” “bean-to-cup machine,” and “pod espresso machine.”

This device does all the work: built-in grinders, an integrated steam wand, automatic selection of water quantity, grinding, and brewing, milk, and water dispense, and a cleaning mechanism. In short, you don’t need to be an expert or to have a barista-level skill to operate one.

This type of espresso machine is usually found in homes for its ease of use and portability.

25 best espresso machines to buy 

Looking to buy an espresso machine? We’ve rounded up some of the best espresso machines in the market today.

#1 Breville Barista Express Impress ($899.95)

Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is the first assisted manual espresso machine in Breville. It’s designed with the four keys formula as seen in professional cafe machines; it uses the right amount of freshly ground beans, ensures precise temperature, controls water pressure, and creates microfoam milk.

The machine features include intelligent dosing with an integrated conical burr grinder, assisted tamping, ensures precise measurement that autocorrects the next dose, a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, a low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction, Thermocoil heating system delivers 200°F with PID temperature control, and 266°F steam for fast silky microfoam.

This is the best upgrade if you’ve had an espresso machine and want to level up your coffee-making game. The automatic tamper ensures you don’t waste coffee grounds. But even if you’re an amateur and want to produce barista-quality coffee, this espresso machine will help you achieve that, as it’s easy to use and doesn’t require extensive experience to master.

#2 Philips 3200 LatteGo ($699)

This super-automatic espresso machine is part of Philips’ 3200 series. It has a LatteGo, a frother system that can mix milk and air at high speed to create a dense and creamy milk froth layer. The machine features include five delicious espresso drinks, an intuitive control panel, My Coffee Choice, ceramic grinders, an aroma extract system, an AquaClean water filter, a fully removable brewing group, and a LatteGo storage lid.

This espresso machine is best for people who like to have espresso with milk and those looking for an easy way of having a great coffee. You may choose the type of coffee you want from the touch control panel, sit back, and watch the machine make the coffee for you. It also has a LatteGo system perfect for making a cup of cappuccino or latte in as little as 3 minutes. The LatteGo will also help you perfect your latte art skill.

#3 De’Longhi Dinamica Plus ($1,699)

De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a fully-automatic espresso machine with a Smart-One-Touch System that allows you to make 16 barista-style drinks. The machine features include Smart-One-Touch System with 16 customized drinks, LatteCrema Automatic Milk solution, an integrated conical burr grinder with 13 settings, De’Longhi Coffee Link app functionality, TrueBrew Over Ice, and Dual Heating System.

What’s more convenient than making coffee via your mobile phone? De’Longhi Dinamica Plus elevates your espresso-making experience with a built-in technology that remembers and creates your coffee just the way you like it, every time. The espresso machine can be linked to Coffee Link App, where you can customize your coffee and save your preferred coffee recipe. Cleaning up is easy, too, as putting the drip tray and thermal milk carafe into the dishwasher is safe.

#4 De’Longhi Magnifica

De’Longhi Magnifica Espresso Machine features include 15-Bar Professional Pressure, Built-in Conical Burr Grinder with 13 settings, Traditional Milk Frother, Compact Design, easy-to-use manual controls, a cup warmer, and a removable dip tray.

This espresso machine does all the work for you. It has a burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings that ensure you grind fresh beans every time. You can also use pre-ground coffee in the second chamber to make specialty or decaf coffee. It has a beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans before brewing.

#5 Breville Barista Express ($748.99)

This machine has the four keys formula used by professional cafe machines. The features include Auto grind and dose with built-in, conical burr grinder, 54 mm stainless steel portafilter, Thermocoil heating system that yields 200°F with PID temperature control, 266°F steam to make silky microfoam, Volumetric shot control, and Dosing Funnel attachment.

This is the espresso machine for you if you want to create coffee like those found at third-wave coffee shops. You can grind the beans right before extraction and manually create microfoam milk texturing just like what Baristas do. And the best thing about it is you don’t need barista skills to learn how to operate the machine, as it’s pretty easy to learn and figure out.

#6 Zulay Magia Super Automatic Coffee Espresso Machine ($699.99)

This automatic espresso machine is made by Zulay Kitchen. It has a grinder, a 7-inch high-resolution Touch Screen, 20 Coffee Recipes, and 10 User Profiles settings. Other key machine features include built-in auto clean and descale function, fast start-up and auto shut off functionalities, a high-tech brewing system, an 1800 ml water tank, a 19-bar Italian pump, an 8.8 oz bean container, a cup warmer plate, and a milk foam system.

If you want more coffee selections at the touch of a button, this is the espresso machine for you. It has over 18 pre-programmed coffee recipes; no need to be an expert to recreate your favorite coffee shop-bought drinks. The auto-clean system reduces the effort and time spent on cleaning up the machine.

#7 Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine ($499)

Breville Bambino Plus can create third-wave specialty coffee with its four keys formula. The machine features include a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, a Hands-free automatic steam wand, a Low-pressure pre-infusion followed by 9 bar extraction, and a ThermoJet heating system.

Bambino Plus is ideal if you want a robust espresso machine but have limited space. The machine’s dimension is about 7.7″ x 12.6″ x 12.2″, so it doesn’t take up too much countertop space. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel and works just as great as its looks.

#8 De’Longhi La Specialista Arte ($583.99)

La Specialista Arte is a manual espresso machine designed to enhance your coffee-making experience. It has eight grind settings to grind different kinds of coffee beans, active temperature control, three pre-set recipes, a complete barista kit, and MyLatte Art steam wand.

If you are an aspiring barista and want to hone your skills or if you just want to create barista-quality coffee, this espresso machine is best for you. It comes with a barista set, so you can go ahead and experiment with coffee flavors. This is also the best machine to buy to practice latte art.

#9 Gaggia Classic Pro ($408)

Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine is a no-nonsense espresso machine made with brushed stainless steel. It has a commercial-style 58mm portafilter, a steam wand for milk frothing, and a 3-way solenoid valve.

This is one of the best entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines in the market and the best in its price range. It’s also pretty popular with users, especially Youtube reviewers; given this fact, you can easily find video tutorials to learn how to use this machine.

#10 La Pavoni Professional ($1,133)

La Pavoni Professional is a manual-lever espresso machine made with chrome-plated brass. It’s known for its sleek and beautiful vintage design. The machine has a boiler, pressure gauge, steam jet, and milk frother drip tray.

La Pavoni Professional is best for those who have mastered professional espresso machines, as using a lever-operated apparatus has a steep learning curve. And because it’s a manual device, creating coffee isn’t going to be a breeze; hence, some people find it daunting. However, once you’ve conquered the challenge, it will elevate your entire coffee-making game.

#11 Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine $529.95

Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine is best known for its simplicity and beautiful vintage look. Its small frame is space-saving and available in different colors; black, cream, red, pastel blue, and pastel green. The machine features include a control panel with three buttons, a de-calc system alarm, a Single Thermoblock system, 15-bar professional pressure, and a removable steel cup tray.

This Smeg espresso machine is a good choice if you want a no-fuss, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing device. It’s also flexible, as you can use ground coffee or pods to make coffee.

#12 Breville Barista Touch ($1,099.95)

Barista Touch is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a full-color touch screen. The touch display allows the users to choose the flavor, the intensity of the espresso, and the milk temperature. Its features include a ThermoJet heating system, PID temperature control, auto grind and dose, 54mm stainless steel portafilter, low-pressure pre-infusion, 9-bar extraction, auto and manual milk with 266°F steam, and dosing funnel attachment.

This espresso machine is best for beginners or people who are always on the go, as it is easy to use and takes out most of the work involved in making coffee. It has five pre-programmed drinks, and you can also customize your own drinks in the settings.

#13 Nespresso VertuoPlus ($149)

Nespresso Vertuoplus is a single-serve coffee machine. It uses Vertuo’s brewing system, has automatic shut-off and programmable features, dual capsules for brewing espresso or coffee, and a rotating, removable water tank.

If you prefer a pod espresso machine over grinding coffee beans, you may find Nespresso Vertuoplus to your liking. This is best for those who are on a budget and want good coffee on the go.

#14 Gevi Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker – 20Bar ($498.97)

This is a semi-automatic espresso machine with two independent boilers, a conical burr grinder, a 58mm portafilter, a 20 bar pump, a built-in pressure gauge, and a milk frother.

This machine can produce commercial-grade espresso owing to its high-end functionalities. If you’re looking for something with a good balance of price and function, consider getting this Gevi espresso machine.

#15 Mcilpoog WS-203 Super-automatic Coffee Machine ($759.99)

This is a super-automatic espresso machine with a smart touch screen. Other key features include pre-programmed 16 specialty drinks, an integrated burr grinder, automatic microfilm milk texturing, dose control grinding, and intelligent cleaning.

If you want a heavy-duty espresso machine that can create cafe-quality coffee with good crema, this Mcilpoog might be a good choice. It has a touch display where you can select the type of coffee you want and an auto-cleaning functionality, making it so convenient to use.

#16 CASABREWS 5700Gense ($649.69)

CASABREWS 5700Gense is an all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine. It has a professional 20-bar pressure, a built-in memory grinder, a PID temperature control, a powerful 266°F steam function, and a 58mm stainless steel portafilter.

If you want an impressive espresso machine with the same functionalities found in high-end ones at a fraction of the price, you should get 5700Gense. It has a detailed manual to help you operate the machine well, but it’s easy to use, so it doesn’t require barista skills to master. You can make delicious coffee with this machine without breaking the bank.

#17 Breville Barista Pro ($849.95)

Breville Barista Pro is generally similar to Breville Barista Touch; the main difference is that it has an LCD instead of a touch screen and a manual steam wand instead of an automatic. Barista Pro has a built-in grinder, drip tray, and water tank.

Barista Pro is a fantastic option if you want a robust semi-automatic bean-to-cup machine. It’s also ideal for aspiring baristas as the manual functionalities, such as the manual steam wand, allow room for practicing and perfecting the art of making coffee.

#18 Cafe Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine ($629)

This automatic espresso machine promises to create coffee at a touch of a button. It has a built-in, conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size, a steam frother, a frothing pitcher, a bean hopper, a removable water reservoir, and an adjustable dispensing spout.

You will love this espresso machine if you want to make coffee as quickly as possible. You can link tae device to the SmartHQ app and customize your drinks on your mobile phone. It’s also small and will save you countertop space.

#19 Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine ($865)

This is a study semi-automatic espresso machine made of an iron frame and stainless steel. The machine features include a patented ergonomic 58mm portafilter, a single boiler, a steam wand, brew buttons, and a removable water reservoir and drip tray.

There’s a steep learning curve to using this machine, but it works like a charm once you’ve mastered it. You can make a delicious espresso with it, and the steam wand is also great. It’s also not as noisy as other machines, making it ideal for homes. However, this is only recommendable to those with time to spare, not for the active types who want to have quick coffee on the go.

#20 Jura E8 Piano ($2,399)

Dubbed a “robot barista,” Jura E8 is a fully-automated espresso machine that offers one-touch preparation. It has a 6-level aroma G3 grinder, a conical burr grinder, an automatic milk frother, and a menu with 16 pre-programmed drinks.

Looking for a compact coffee machine that can make automated drinks through your smartphone? Then you should consider purchasing the Jura E8. It has fancy components that help create aromatic espresso and silky milk foam.

#21 Nuova Simonelli Oscar II ($1,495)

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a semi-automatic espresso machine made with stainless steel and ABS body. Its features include an ergonomic steam lever, timed dosage, and steam wand.

Best for serious coffee lovers who enjoy the experience of crafting coffee. It was designed for both commercial uses with its water line attachment capacities. It can make cafe-standard coffee, and it’s also built to last, so you will get your money’s worth.

#22 MEROL Espresso Coffee Machine ($389.99)

This is an automatic espresso coffee machine with a 19-bar high-pressure barista pump, LCD screen, adjustable grinders, manual steam wand, self-cleaning function cup warming plate, removable brew group, and detachable water tray.

You will appreciate this user-friendly device if you want to remove the guesswork from operating an espresso machine. You can easily customize bean quantity, temperature, and coffee volume to suit your taste. The machine’s interface is straightforward, so you don’t have to spend much time figuring out how to use it.

#23 Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine ($599.99)

The Calphalon Temp iQ espresso machine is made of stainless steel. It comes with 30 adjustable grind settings, a tamper, a milk frothing pitcher, and a steam wand. The machine’s key features include thermoblock heating technology, PID temperature control, and auto-shot volumetric control.

This is one of the best espresso machines with a grinder in the market. With its large portafilter, you can extract full-flavored espresso similar to those made in coffee shops.

#24 De’Longhi Dedica Arte ($324)

Dedica Arte is the slimmest espresso machine of De’Longhi yet packed with powerful functionalities that can rival its larger counterparts. It’s made of stainless steel and has that chic, sleek style that will add glamor to your kitchen countertop. The machine features a 15-bar professional pressure and My LatteArt steam wand.

This is your best bet if you want an inexpensive De’Longhi coffee machine that doesn’t take up a lot of countertop space. Despite its compact size, it’s a solid espresso device that can brew like a pro, yet it’s easy to use.

#25 Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional ($235.99)

This 2-in-1 innovative espresso machine has 20-bar high pressure with an Italy pump pressure guard and steam wand. It has a smart portafilter compatible with Nespresso capsules and ground coffee.

If you want a compact, versatile espresso machine with the option to either brew ground coffee or use Nespresso capsule, this Gevi machine is a good choice. It’s close to a professional espresso device but simple to use. Its small size will also save you some countertop space.

Is it worth it to get an espresso machine?

Yes! If you love coffee and want to take your daily coffee experience to the next level, or if you depend mostly on coffee shops for your daily caffeine fix and are looking to reduce the cost, owning an espresso machine is definitely worth it.

An espresso machine produces quality coffee that tastes way better than instant coffee. For this alone, you’ll be getting your money’s worth. They may be pricey, but having an espresso machine at home is economical and will help save you money in the long run.

What do I need to know before buying an espresso machine? 

Before buying an espresso machine, you need to consider the purpose of use, preparation time, and durability.

Purpose of use

Where will you be using the espresso machine? Is this going to be at home or for a business? If you’re going to use it at home, then you only need to consider a few things: ease of use and your budget. An espresso machine at home will not likely be used as often as those you find in coffee shops or cafes. Therefore, for business, you need to buy a professional espresso machine that allows more control over coffee-making. It needs to be sturdy and able to withstand frequent use.

Preparation time

Factor in the prep time for making coffee depending on the purpose. For example, if you want to make coffee at home as quickly as possible, an automatic or super-automatic espresso machine will be better than a semi-automatic machine.

For business, a quick prep time is essential when you want to serve customers fast. Thus, you may need to find a machine that can help produce many drinks at once. 

Durability and quality

It doesn’t matter if you will be using it for home or business; you don’t want to waste your money on an espresso machine that will not last for a long time. Take the time to research and find reviews on the best espresso machines. Get the information from the users or experts.

How do I choose an espresso machine for my home?

An espresso machine is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable way to get your caffeine fix. But which one is right for you? Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect one for your home.

1. Consider getting an espresso machine depending on how much coffee you want to drink at home. Some can make multiple drinks at once, while others can only make one at a time.
2. Choose a machine with an automatic milk frother, as it will save you a lot of time.
3. Choose an espresso machine with multiple size settings or the ability to make a single or double shot.
4. Consider how you like your coffee because if you like lattes or macchiatos, you’ll need to invest in a combination machine.
5. Think about how often you’ll be making coffee. If you drink coffee regularly, you’ll want to invest in a durable espresso machine that will last you a long time. A simpler model will suit your needs if you plan to make your coffee less often.
6. If you have a family at home, consider the machine’s noise level. Ideally, you want your espresso machine to be relatively quiet so that you don’t disturb other family members while making your morning cup. 
7. Make a note of any additional features you want the machine to have. For example, some models come with built-in grinders, while others include steam wands for steamed milk. These features add to the cost, so factor them into your budget. Once you have decided on a specific machine, be sure to read reviews of that specific model to make an informed decision.