What to Buy Coffee, Tea & Espresso The 8 Best Espresso Machines of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Make your own specialty coffees with any of these highly-rated machines. By Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick, CNC is a leader in the realm of nutrition and special diets, helping to make healthy eating affordable and easy for all. She has cooked professionally, intermittently, for well over twenty years, and has nearly a decade of professional writing experience. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 6, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Courtesy of Amazon Making a decent cup of coffee is a rudimentary culinary skill, but the same can't be said for espresso. Unless you've worked as a barista, most people need a little practice with espresso machines, and that's OK. Once you get the hang of them, you'll feel like a pro and likely save a lot of time and money making your own specialty coffee at home. There are many different espresso machines to choose from, including models that require pods and machines with all the bells and whistles, from frothers to grinders. To help you find the right espresso machine for your needs, we consulted with Mark Patterson, the president and founder of the sustainable and direct trade Civilized Coffee brand, in addition to our extensive research. He had some surprising input, such as that more expensive machines might not always be the better choice. Keep reading to learn about the best espresso machines. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best Single-Serve: Nespresso Coffee and Espresso Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Professional: Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Grinder: Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine with Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Automatic Frother: Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stovestop: Bialetti Moka Express at Amazon Jump to Review Best Combo: De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine, COM530M at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Walmart Pros: It has an integrated precision conical burr grinder, frother, tamper, and more to help you create a customized espresso beverage. Cons: It's not self-explanatory, so you must read the instructions. The Breville Barista Express is our top choice for an espresso machine because it offers automatic and manual operation and features customizable settings. It has an integrated frother, grinder, and tamper and comes with a stainless steel milk frothing jug and filter baskets, so it'll just be a matter of learning how to perfect your skills. Patterson notes that barista-quality beverages begin with well-made espresso, telling us that what matters most is learning to perfect the espresso shot(s) first. He says, "Once you have learned to consistently 'pull' the perfect shot, then you can create great coffee shop drinks," and a machine like this Breville one has all the fine-tuning needed to get you there. The machine's grinder is a conical burr with integrated precision. That means that the built-in grinder produces the right amount of fresh grounds of your desired consistency for each shot of espresso. In addition to letting you choose your own grind setting, this machine alters its water pressure as you use it, which results in evenly extracted espresso that tastes smooth and balanced. Plus, the grinder can hold up to half a pound of espresso at a time. Price at time of publish: $750 Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inchesWattage: 1600 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 67 ouncesFrother: YesPressure: 9-15 bars Best Value De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros: It's compact, easy to use, and provides optimal pressure for one or two shots. Cons: You must manually shut off the machine so the espresso shot doesn't overflow. If you're looking for a budget option that gets the job done right, the De'Longhi Manual Espresso Machine is the one for you. It costs a little over $100, yet it has a built-in frother, filters for single and double shots, and a tamper. All you need to get is a grinder (unless you plan on buying your beans pre-ground) and a frothing pitcher to use with the wand. If you're worried about the low cost, know that even professionals think inexpensive machines are good options. "Do not automatically think the more expensive, the better," Patterson says. This machine allows you to make any drink that expensive models do and is likely easier to get the hang of. The only tricky part is that when you're making an espresso shot, you need to manually shut off the machine, or else it will keep running. Price at time of publish: $120 Dimensions: 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 inchesWattage: 1100 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 33.8 ouncesFrother: YesPressure: 15 bars Best Single-Serve Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros: This fuss-free machine operates with just a press of a button and looks sleek on countertops. Cons: It requires specific pods and doesn't have a frother. Nespresso is basically the Keurig of espresso machines, producing delicious drinks by simply inserting a pod and pressing a button. It takes all the guesswork out of brewing your own espresso and is consistently the same quality every time. To use the Nespresso, fill the 40-ounce capacity water tank. Then, it takes just 15 seconds to heat up and either extracts a single or double espresso shot, depending on what capsule you choose. Plus, you can use this machine to make regular coffee with Nespresso's coffee pods. It detects the capsule and knows exactly how long to run and how much pressure to use to nail the perfect espresso shot or cup of coffee. Unlike a regular coffee maker, even a full-size cup will come out with crema on top, which lends an elegant, smooth, and tasty addition to a standard cup of coffee. A batch of Nespresso Vertuo pods is included with your purchase, so you can learn which Nespresso capsules you prefer and how you like to drink them. This machine can fit just about anywhere, including at an office cubicle desk, making it accessible in both cost and size for nearly anyone. Price at time of publish: $169 for cherry red Dimensions: 5.59 x 16.88 x 12.79 inchesWattage: 1350 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 40 ouncesFrother: NoPressure: 19 bars Related: The Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers, According to Our Tests Best Professional Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Walmart Pros: This top-of-the-line model has a touchscreen where you can select the drink you want to make. Cons: It's pricier than most models. If you want all the bells and whistles, look no further than the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine. It features a touchscreen that offers automatic milk texturing and customizable settings so you can craft lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and more just the way you like. There's no heat-up time, so your drink will be ready in a flash, and it has a conical burr grinder and bean hopper inside, like our best overall pick from Breville. When you select the exact beverage you want from the touchscreen menu, the machine grinds the precise amount of espresso you need. The touchscreen even has tutorials that walk you through every step and provide images for visual learners. Side-by-side portafilters can brew two shots simultaneously, and the milk frother customizes the texture of the milk for the drink you've selected. That means the days of scalding and burning milk as you attempt to froth it perfectly won't ever be part of your learning curve for making espresso drinks. This machine is more expensive than our favorite Breville model because it does a lot of the work for you. That's perfect for anyone who wants coffee shop drinks at home without having to invest many hours in the trial and error of learning a new skill. Price at time of publish: $1,100 Dimensions: 12.5 x 12 x 16 inchesWattage: 1680 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 68 ouncesFrother: YesPressure: 9 bars Best With Grinder Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine with Grinder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros: This machine has 30 adjustable grind settings and a 95-ounce water reservoir. Cons: The placement of the steaming wand can make it difficult to froth milk. This Calphalon espresso machine offers a great variety of features, including its conical burr mill grinder that has 30 different grind settings. That means you'll be able to customize your brew to precisely the best setting for the beans you're using. A machine with a grinder included is Patterson's preference. "I highly recommend whole beans versus ground — coffee quality and flavor decline quickly once ground," he says, and he clarifies that not just any grinder will do. "You need a grinder that can grind finely enough for espresso," he tells us, which is just what the grinder on the Calphalon machine was designed for. You can pull espresso manually or choose the single- or double-shot option. We appreciate the PID temperature control that works to ensure even heating throughout the process, which will result in a balanced shot. A cup-warming tray is an unusual feature and is a game changer for anyone who hates how quickly their drink cools down. Price at time of publish: $800 Dimensions: 12.6 x 13.6 x 16 inchesWattage: 1450 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 94.7 ouncesFrother: YesPressure: 15 bars Best With Automatic Frother Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino Machine Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart Pros: It has an easy-to-use touchscreen, an automatic frother, and an adjustable cup tray. Cons: The milk tank can be tricky to clean. This automatic machine has a digital interface that lets you choose the drink you want to brew but includes many more standard espresso features compared to a Nespresso, such as the use of freshly ground coffee rather than pods. You can select whether you want it to brew a single- or a double-shot, and then choose the quantity of frothed milk to go with it. It can automatically froth any type of milk, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer non-dairy milk, as you won't have to worry about scorching them. This machine has the unique feature of a removable milk reservoir, enabling you to fill it up once and then store the extra in the fridge until you want your next espresso beverage. It also features a 19-bar pump to ensure even heating throughout the extraction process. We like that it's less complicated than some models because you learn to make your own espresso, but then it does the frothing for you. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 13 x 10.6 x 14.3 inchesWattage: 1250 wattsWater Tank Capacity: Not listed Frother: YesPressure: 19 bars Related: The Best Coffee Mugs Our Editors Love Best Stovestop Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker, 3-Cup 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Walmart Pros: It's portable, simple to use, and easy to clean. Cons: It requires a lot of grounds, which can add up quickly. Stovetop espresso makers haven't changed much since they were invented in the 1930s, and that's likely because there's no reason to change something that works so well. The Moka Express stovetop maker is a tried-and-true stovetop option for many people because it's incredibly simple to use and produces outstanding results. Plus, it's the only espresso maker you can pack in your luggage and not give a second thought to, as there are no parts to plug in, and it's very compact. What we appreciate the most about the Moka is that it feels customizable even though it's so straightforward. The more you use it, the more you can gauge how high to turn the burner and when to turn it off. And unless you do something really egregious, like walk away and leave it brewing for 10 minutes, you'll create a lovely batch of espresso. There's also a stainless steel version, in case you don't want an aluminum one. Price at time of publish: $40 Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.94 x 6.69 inchesWattage: N/AWater Tank Capacity: N/AFrother: NoPressure: 1.5 bars Best Combo De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine, COM530M View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Abt.com Pros: This machine can simultaneously brew espresso and coffee, which is great for coffee-drinking families. Cons: The instructions can be difficult to understand. You'll never have to choose between coffee and espresso again, thanks to this De'Longhi combo machine. It brews a full 10-cup pot of coffee just as easily as it crafts the perfect cappuccino, and it can do both at once. The coffee pot has a digital timer, so you can set it up ahead of time to wake up to a fresh pot. With a digital touchscreen and a portafilter that can accommodate pods and freshly ground beans, this machine offers a great variety of features. It includes standard coffee maker features, like a carafe that stays warm, and less common espresso machine features, such as the cappuccino setting for foam, yielding a denser result than many can achieve when frothing milk themselves. The steamer wand has settings for various types of frothed milk, so you can quickly make a latte or flat white. In addition to choosing your milk frothing setting, you can decide between bold or mild espresso for the right amount of flavor you prefer. It takes up scarcely more space than a coffee pot but with numerous additional functions. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 11.02 x 14.52 x 12.79 inchesWattage: 1500 wattsWater Tank Capacity: 47 ouncesFrother: YesPressure: 15 bars Our Favorite The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is our overall top pick because it offers even extraction, precision grinding, and comes with a variety of accessories. If you're looking to brew espresso drinks as close as possible to those made in a coffee shop, mastering this machine will serve you well. Factors to Consider Size Espresso machines range in size from highly portable single-serve options to large machines that take up much of your counter. The right size for you is the one that works in your home without infringing on your other kitchen needs. Patterson says, "take your kitchen counter space into consideration — how much room do you have or do you have a cabinet big enough to store it?" If you're looking at a large model but don't have the counter space, consider placing it in a cabinet instead. Ease of Use These machines vary greatly in terms of how much skill and time are required to use them. If you want to have an authentic coffee shop experience, plan on buying a machine that takes more time to learn, as those will be closer to the ones found in professional coffee shops. And if you want to focus on ease of use instead, go for a machine that requires just the push of a button to pull consistently decent espresso shots. Extra Features From customizable foam to one-touch brewing, espresso machines offer a wide variety of features. Focus on the ones you know you will use rather than just those that sound cool to have. That way, you'll be able to make the drinks you otherwise enjoy out in the world. Also, note that many extra features aren't necessarily "authentic" in coffee culture, but if they make your drink more enjoyable, that shouldn't matter. Cost Espresso machines usually cost anywhere between $100 and $1,500. Choose a price point that feels comfortable for you, and then focus on the features you can get for that price. You may need to choose between extras, so focus on what's most important to you when you get a coffee drink at a shop. Pressure Pressure refers to the strength and speed with which the machine extracts the coffee from the grounds. It is measured in bars, which are a metric unit. One bar is approximately equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level. Experts recommend looking for a machine with 15 bars of pressure to ensure a good espresso pull. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use an espresso machine? For regular espresso machines that aren't fully automatic like a Nespresso, you first turn on the machine to heat the water. Next, grind and measure your beans and place them in the portafilter. Clean any excess grinds from the portafilter, and use a tamper to press down straight on the grounds. Lastly, place the portafilter into the machine to pull your shot, which should take about 20 to 30 seconds to reach 2 ounces of espresso. How do you clean an espresso machine? You'll want to take apart all the removable parts from the machine. Rinse the portafilter and basket with hot water and pat dry, and use a nylon brush to scrub any buildup on the group gasket. Then, wipe everything else down with a damp cloth. What coffee beans do you use for an espresso machine? Any beans can be used, but some are better than others. "Traditionally throughout Italy (the home of espresso), Robusta has been the bean of choice," Patterson says. "They are typically lower quality, but they produce the better crema. In the US, Arabica beans are commonly used to create great espresso and are my go-to." He stresses the importance of using beans that have been freshly roasted, as that will heavily impact the flavor. What types of espresso machines are there? Espresso machines come in three major styles. Manual, semi-automatic, and automatic are the three main types of espresso machines. Manual are hand-operated and normally have no power. They are for more experienced users or those that value portability. A semi-automatic machine requires the user to grind, tamp, and control the extraction time but automatically controls the water flow. Automatic machines do everything from grinding to brewing and are more of a consumer product than a professional product. Our Expertise Contributor Ariane Resnick, a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author, loves espresso drinks. Accordingly, she adores modern machines that do the tricky work for you and especially enjoys automatic frothers that can create a dense cappuccino foam. For this article, she used her research and expertise as well as consulted with Mark Patterson, the president and founder of Civilized Coffee, to determine the best espresso machines on the market. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit