10 Best Espresso Machines [In 2023]

Should you prefer the superior taste, quality and morning kick which an espresso provides you with over a large, milky coffee, then an espresso machine is probably high on your wish list.

They are one of the easiest ways to make shot coffee, which can also be used as a base for a wider variety of coffee drinks. Many include a milk frother and steamer, so the option is always there.

Finding the best espresso maker for you depends on your budget, the space you have in your kitchen and how you like your espresso, as well as how ready you are to take the time to make it. We have rounded up ten of the best picks right here to make your choice a lot easier.

You may also want to consider a coffee bean grinder if you want your drink to be as fresh as possible

The Best Home Espresso Machines

Yamazen ET-7550 (WBR) Low Table

Overview

Not only the best overall espresso machine we have reviewed, but also one of the most space-saving for anyone who isn’t sure how a coffee machine will fit into their kitchen.

The 15 bar pressure is the perfect amount for producing coffee-shop style espressos, and a slight crema is formed to add to the taste. If you occasionally fancy something other than espresso from time to time, there is a dedicated milk frother for the production of cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. You don’t have to be a barista to be able to work it either, with it only taking less than a minute to froth and warm the milk.

Sometimes, design is just as important as the coffee produced, and the design of this model is sleek, modern and looks a lot more professional than the price would suggest. Available in four colours – Black, White, Red and Silver – it can either blend in with the rest of your appliances or opt for something which will add a bit of a pop.

The only slight gripes we have with it are both to do with the milk frother. It is shorter than some other models, which could be problematic if you like to use a deep jug, and it is also limited to use time-wise. In the manual, it states only to use it for a minute or so, and when we attempted to go over this, it shut itself down. This is a great safety feature to stop it overheating and isn’t unique, but could still be time-consuming if you regularly have guests over.

Other than this tiny little issue, it is otherwise a fabulous little machine from one of the leading names in the coffee world. We had high expectations, and they set the bar high.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL

Overview

The Breville Barista Express espresso machine is the perfect way to enjoy a fine cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home. This machine allows you to grind the beans right before extraction, and its interchangeable filters and a choice of automatic or manual operation ensure authentic café style results in no time at all.

With this machine, you can make rich, full-flavored espressos, cappuccinos, lattes and more! With just four simple steps—grind, tamp, brew & enjoy—you’ll be on your way to enjoying cafe-style drinks at home in no time.

De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Espresso Machine

Overview

The All-In-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi creates the perfect cappuccino, espresso and your favorite coffee drinks. You can enjoy simple coffee pleasures on one side of the machine, and indulge in lattes and cappuccinos on the other side. The innovative Digital Touchscreen makes this machine easy to use, while Bold Setting function allows you to customize to stronger brew strength with the touch of a button.

Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine

Gevi Espresso Machine

Overview

This Gevi Espresso Machine is a fully automatic machine that makes coffee and espresso at the touch of a button. It’s ideal for home use and small offices where you want to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee every time.

The Gevi Espresso Machine’s fast heating system means you can make several cups in quick succession without waiting for it to heat up again. Its 1.2L water tank means you won’t have to wait for refills either. The milk frother whips up hot or cold milk so you can add it to your drink as you like it!

The Gevi Espresso Machine is simple to use and clean thanks to its automatic functions. It comes with variable options so that you can make drinks according to your own tastes or requirements.

Smeg Espresso Machine ECF01

Overview

For that classic 1950’s retro design, you can’t beat anything by Smeg.

With a milk frothing wand, you aren’t limited to just espressos, with cappuccinos and lattes also being within easy reach. It is super quick and simple to use and only requires a quick wipe after use to keep it clean.

The ability to be able to use both grounds and paper-type pods will appeal to a lot of people and is also great for anyone who loves having great tasting coffee but sometimes needs a bit of convenience and a mess-free brew.

For anyone who likes large mugs too, the drip tray stand is removable to accommodate these. Thermoblock technology allows the appliance to warm up really quick, so it is always ready to go when you need it the most, and to make your coffee even hotter, just preheat the cup on the flat surface at the top of the machine.

It was one of the most comfortable water tanks to remove and refill, with a nice wide opening and a compact shape. Even when full, it is simple enough to slot back into place and keep secure. The capacity will make about 8 espressos before needing to be refilled, which is generous for an espresso machine.

The frother can only be used for about a minute before shutting down, which stops it overheating, so this needs to be taken into consideration when preparing your milk-based drinks. Despite this, it is a really effective frother, which seems to hold itself well even when added to drinks.

Sage The Bambino Plus SES500BSS

Overview

Great at turning coffee grounds into a brilliant barista drink, with an added milk frothing jug in case you want a bit of something indulgent.

This wand can add crema, froth milk or add latte art to your cup. The Thermojet technology heats up the coffee grounds in just three seconds, and there is digital temperature control so you can ensure the coffee is always served at the right temperature.

There is a generously sized water tank to say it is called the Bambino, and the whole body is made from stainless steel so is high quality. The three settings are Single espresso, Double espresso and Automatic milk texturing, so even if you often ask for a double shot, you are covered.

The drip tray is removable, so you can put big mugs under the spout, and descaling and cleaning programmes will ensure it remains running well throughout its lifespan.

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

Overview

Stilosa is a sleek, stainless steel espresso machine that makes single or double shots of espresso just the way you like them.

It’s designed to create optimal pressure for extracting espresso and has two filters; one for a single shot and the other for a double shot. A separate tamper provides an even and consistent pressure on each filter. The heart of Stilosa is its durable stainless steel boiler, engineered to last long and work consistently, unlike the competition’s models that burn out or break down quickly.

The steam wand mixes steam with milk to create a rich, creamy froth for lattes and cappuccinos prepared just the way you like them.

Stilosa’s sleek design and stainless steel components make it the ideal addition to your kitchen countertop without taking up too much space. On top of that, cleaning it is easy and maintenance is simple: ensuring your machine lasts longer than other brands.

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine 

Overview

The Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

With its intuitive touch display and 12-step grinder adjustment, you’ll be able to create the perfect cup of coffee for any occasion. The 20,000 cups of finest coffee with durable ceramic grinders will keep your beans fresh for longer, and the aroma seal will keep them fresher still. Up to 5,000 cups without descaling means that you’ll be able to enjoy delicious espresso without having to worry about cleaning up after your machine.

The dishwasher safe parts make this machine easy to clean, while the fully removable brewing group makes it simple to use. You can make Espresso, hot water, cappuccino, coffee, latte macchiato and americano with ease thanks to this versatile machine!

ROK Espresso – Best Manual

Overview

For anyone looking for a non-electrical method of coffee preparation in their home or something for a caravan/holiday apartment which won’t add to the bills, we have included this as a bonus pick.

Not only is it completely manual, but it also looks the part. Made from high-quality aluminium and polished for shine, all you need to do is pre-boil the water for your espresso. Pop the grounds in the coffee filter and pour the water into the dedicated chamber, then raise the lever arms to let the water pour down and filter through, then push down the arms again to create the pressure to brew your espresso.

That is it. No pressing buttons or changing settings, just a simple operation to make quality espresso. Want more than an espresso on the odd occasion to treat yourself? There is a milk frother included so you can open up your coffee world to lattes and cappuccinos with ease.

It is the perfect item if you really enjoy the traditional ritual of coffee making and like to put a bit of effort into your cup and treat yourself.

With the fun and manual operation comes a bit of mess and temperamental results. Grinds occasionally go a bit astray, and it does take a lot more precision than automatic machinery, but it is to be expected. You need to sort out your favourite bean/grinding method or pre-ground variety, as well as to tamp the coffee correctly and using the right speed to press, which can take a lot of experimentation and dud results at first.

But for a product which will no doubt give you a lifetime of results, a few weeks of getting to grips with the ROK Espresso Maker will surely seem worth it in the end.

Espresso Machine Buying Guide

How To Find The Best Espresso Machine

There are several factors to consider before you buy an espresso machine, including:

• How many cups will you want to make at any one time?
• Is milk frothing important to you?
• How do you want to be able to control it?
• Do you want to be able to use ESE pods?

Some will make two cups at once, whereas others will make only one. There are some milk froth arms which are better and stronger than others, and easier to use.

Controls vary between switches, buttons and levers, and there are both manual and automatic machines (with the former needing monitoring for water levels). Most modern coffee making appliances will take ESE pods, but a lot of traditional styles won’t.

There are other factors too, such as price, the space available in your kitchen, the size of the water tank and even the colour and general style.

FAQs

Espresso machine or bean to cup?

There are a lot of similarities, so it is easy to get confused. First of all, the main difference is the amount they pour. An espresso pours the strong base, and a bean to cup can usually pour up to Americano size.

With an espresso machine, you use ground coffee or sometimes an ESE pod. Bean to cup machines have an internal grinder so you can use coffee beans, and they are ground just before use for a fresher taste.

The majority of both have a milk frother and will make espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. It all boils down to how you like your coffee.

Espresso machines are mostly dedicated to the job their name suggests. They focus on the base of the coffee, and the milk frother is almost like an added bonus which means you can turn your espresso into another form of coffee if you wish. The taste of the espresso is usually superior, and some will make two at a time.

Bean to cup machines are more substantial when it comes to their milk frothing capabilities, as they’re designed to make milk-based drinks primarily. They’re usually easier to use too.

Price-wise, a B2C machine will usually set you back at least £100 for one which is decent. Go over £500 for the best. A decent espresso machine however can be bought for £100.

In the end, espresso machines are for anyone who really likes their coffee base to be quality.

Are espresso machines easy to descale?

Before you buy, you also need to think about the other items and equipment you’re going to need. One big item is descaler.

Most can be descaled with dedicated tablets, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Every appliance will be different, so there is no definitive answer, nor is there an absolute time scale in which this must be done.

Some machines may need descaling every two weeks, whereas others may be every two months. It all depends on how frequently it is used and your water type. Most manufacturers usually recommend using bottled, filtered water and keeping on top of the cleaning of the machine to prevent any problems arising sooner than they should.

What is an ESE Pod?

ESE stands for Easy Serving Espresso pods. They have paper filter covers and are used in non-grinding espresso machines.

Each has 7g of coffee packed inside, which is enough for a single serving. They were developed in 1989 to make espresso preparation at home seem a lot easier, so are great for anyone who doesn’t like mess and laborious cleaning.

Not all espresso machines are compatible with ESE pods, and none commonly use plastic pods (such as those used with capsule machines).

Do I need a coffee bean grinder?

If you’re going to be using your espresso machine with ground coffee as opposed to ESE pods, you will either need a grinder for fresh coffee beans or will need to buy it freshly ground.

The ideal grind is quite fine. This reduces the speed that water flows through the coffee, resulting in more pressure being needed and a stronger taste.

A benefit of a grinder is that the beans will be fresh when they go in the machine, whereas pre-ground coffee has already started losing its taste. There may also be the option to change the grinding level if you want something a bit more coarse for fuller flavour.

There is no need for a grinder, though. Pre-ground coffee is widely available in supermarkets and shops, from brands such as Illy, Lavazza, and Nescafe.