Being able to make or brew espresso at work or home is a coffee lover’s dream come true. Fortunately for coffee lovers, there are several affordable espresso machines in the market. After extensive research and investment of our time, we were able to come up with the best espresso machines available on the market.
Based on the information in the following article, you will be able to decide for yourself which espresso machine fits your needs and budget. In this article, we will be comparing several espresso machines based on their features, functionality, and affordability.
This information will be useful if you decide to buy an espresso machine for your personal use.
Best Espresso Machine Wirecutter Reviews
The espresso machines were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty.
Overall Price Range of an Espresso Machine
The price range of the best espresso machines ranges from $30 to $1,030 depending on the features and functionality of the espresso machine.
The most expensive machines have advanced features that include automatic energy-saving technology, high-speed performance, built-in grinders, etc. This makes them suitable for both home-based and commercial use.
What We Reviewed
- Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler
- DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic
- Jura 13626 Ena Micro 1
- Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista
- The Original Bialetti Moka Express
- Rancilio Silvia
- Gaggia Brera Super Automatic
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express
- Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic
1. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler
This is the best espresso machine for dual-use, including by baristas and at home. It produces quality espresso using coffee beans but sometimes takes a long time to tune to the perfect cup of espresso, latte, or cappuccino. It has stainless steel, a dual boiler system and a 15 bar pump for high pressurization.
This espresso machine has tons of customizable features, such as a LED display, pressure gauge, magnetic tamper, dedicated hot water outlet, and top-loading 84oz reservoir. It has other features that can be programmed, which include brew temperature, steam temperature, pre-infusion pressure and duration, shot volume, extraction time, and machine alerts.
Warranty
This product has a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Highly customizable
- Allows switch between manual and programmed settings
- Over-pressure valve avoids bitter shots
- Easy-to-clean
- Dual boiler system
- Optional auto-start and heated group head
CONS
- Too pricey for most consumers
- Takes up more space than other machines
- Uses more power
2. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic
Italians have an absolute love for their coffee, and this DeLonghi definitely enhances the art of coffee making. This is the best espresso machine for making coffee since it is super-automatic. The machine has an easy-to-use rotary and push-button control panel, which has programmable menu settings.
Among its best features is the built-in burr grinder that allows you to adjust the beans’ fineness to your preference. In addition, the machine works with a variety of milk—from whole milk to soy milk.
Warranty
The product has a 2-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Customize your shot to personal taste and preference
- Automatic shut off for safety
- Brewer is removable for easy cleanup
- Instant reheat function
- Adjustable spouts
- Compact and high-performance
- In-built integrated burr grinder
CONS
- May leak over time
3. Nespresso CitiZ
This machine has an updated retro-modern design that comes with an integrated milk frother. It is the best espresso machine for both design lovers and espresso coffee drinkers. It adds a touch of elegance to the global coffee rituals.
The machine is very user-friendly and offers a variety of features including two programmable buttons with an automatic flow-stop for the espresso and lungo coffee preparations.
Some of the other features include a removable drip tray for taller glasses, 19 bar high-performance pump, a fast heat-up system, automatic energy-saving, and espresso capsules with unique aroma profiles.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Automatic energy saving
- Fast heat-up system
- High-performance pump
CONS
- Can be quite expensive
4. Jura 13626 Ena Micro 1
This is the best espresso machine that offers a multilevel grinder and micro brewing unit. It contains a programmable switch-off time and automatic energy-saving mode, which ensures high energy efficiency.
Some of its features include a touch panel with three user-defined cup sizes and two aroma levels to choose from. This is an ultra-compact model.
Warranty
This product has a 2-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Energy saving
- Automatic switch off time
CONS
- Produces a smaller shot than desired
5. Mr. Coffee BVMC-ECMP1102 Cafe Barista
When looking for the best espresso machine for a small budget, this would probably be your best option. This machine produces top-notch espresso and cappuccino hybrids ranging from dark and full espresso to frothy latte and cappuccino, spoiling you with choices.
This machine has a 15 bar pressure pump, which provides excellent pressure when making a cup of espresso. The small size of the machine makes it suitable for the smallest apartments.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.c
PROS
- Makes 2 shots at once with door shot brewing
- Frothing am for milky coffees
- Large water reservoir
- Removable, washable drip tray
- User-friendly
- Affordable
CONS
- Cannot make espresso and steam simultaneously
6. The Original Bialetti Moka Express
This is the cheapest but best espresso machine on the market. It produces two ounces of Moka coffee, enough for one cup of espresso. This machine has a unique octagon shape and is built with polished aluminum.
Some of its features include a flip-up top with an easy-grip knob, a stay-cool black plastic handle, and a side pours spout. The machine is easy to use, clean, and disassemble.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.c
PROS
- Makes 2 shots at once with door shot brewing
- Frothing am for milky coffees
- Large water reservoir
- Removable, washable drip tray
- User-friendly
- Affordable
CONS
- Cannot make espresso and steam simultaneously
7. Rancilio Silvia
This product is among the simplest but best espresso machines on the market. It is usable both in coffee shops and at home on the kitchen counter. Even though it isn’t packed with a lot of features, it definitely produces high-quality espresso.
This espresso machine features an ergonomic portafilter for superb extraction, a single boiler system, a two-quart water reservoir, and an articulating stainless steel steam wand. It also comes with a 7-gram coffee scoop to filter buckets and a plastic tamper.
Warranty
This product has a 3-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Durable sturdy and long-lasting
- Three separate thermostats for boiler, espresso, and steam
- An excellent steaming wand that is mobile and versatile
- Three-way solenoid valve produces a solidly dry puck
- Warming surface so you can preheat your espresso cup
CONS
- Relatively limited functionality
8. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic
The product has elite features, making it one of the best espresso machines that are semi-automatic. The machine comes with: a 72-ounce water container, brass porta filters, measuring scoop, a bar pump, frothing wand, tamper, and hot water dispenser. You will be able to make either single shot or double shot beverages with this machine. A three-way solenoid valve is also provided, thus increasing pressure release from the group head and allowing the next shot to be prepared immediately.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Heavy duty machine that lasts a long time
- You can use your preferred ground coffee brand
- Sweet herbal for espresso pods
- Small enough to be compact, but large enough to hold 5 cups in the cup warmer
CONS
- Cannot extract and steam simultaneously
- Difficult to clean
9. Breville BES870XL Barista Express
If you want a great cafe-quality espresso from the comfort of your home, then Breville BES870XL is the best espresso machine for that. It has a sleek design with a user-friendly control panel, making it easy for you to understand.
This appliance is an all-inclusive machine with an integrated burr grinder, steaming wand, integrated tamper, 67oz removable water reservoir, and both 1 cup and 2 cup single and dual-wall filters. Also, it has an inbuilt 15 bar pressure brewer pump, including a built-in heating system that allows water temperatures to be automatically adjusted and ensures a good brew.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Easy to operate
- High water capacity
- Sleek compact design and durable
- Consistent brewing result over a long period of time
- Option for either customized settings or presets
- Stainless steel steaming pitcher included
CONS
- Built-in grinder can heat up the beam when the machine is in use
10. Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic
If you are enthusiastic about lattes and cappuccino, then this is the best espresso machine to use. It has a 3-way solenoid valve that helps achieve a drip-free operation, leaving you with a dry puck that is easy to knock out. The machine is built with stainless steel, giving it a clean and simple look.
Some of the other features include a high-power 17 bar pump, independent expansion valve, a single and double shot stainless steel filter basket, coffee tamper, and 7-gram measuring scoop.
Warranty
This product has a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
- High-performance
- Made of stainless steel
- Produces high-quality espresso
CONS
- Doesn’t have a built-in grinder
Espresso Machine FAQ
1. What Is an Espresso Machine?
This is a machine that brews coffee by pressurizing water near the boiling point through a puck of grounded coffee and a filter in order to produce a thick concentrated coffee known as espresso.
2. What Makes a Good Espresso Machine?
A quality machine is rated on a variety of factors which include: the tamping pressure, fineness of the grind, the temperature at which it brews, and the pressure the machine creates to extract the coffee
3. What Can I Make with My Espresso Machine?
After buying an espresso machine, you might wonder what you can make with it. Here are a few suggestions: Americano, cappuccino, cafe latte, cafe breva, cafe Macchiato, Espresso con panna, Frappe, Mocha/mochaccino, and dry cappuccino.
4. How Should I Clean My Espresso Machine?
You need to clean your machine after every shot, as well as daily, weekly, and every 3 to 6 months. Most machines come with a user guide to explain how to clean them.
5. Which Machine Should I Buy?
Buy a machine that suits your needs and budget.
The Verdict: The Best Espresso Machine
From the vast details about the 10 best espresso machines provided above, you, as a coffee lover, will be able to choose the one that best fits your needs. Based on the different features of the machines reviewed, we can say the Haggis 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso maker is the most suitable for commercial and home use.
The overall best espresso machine is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express. This is because it is packed with lots of commercial-grade features, making it perfect for both in-home uses and for coffee shops. This machine truly produces top-notch espressos.
Moving on to the Jura 13626 Ena Micro 1. This is a very simple machine, making it user-friendly and therefore the perfect machine for coffee and espresso beginners. An experienced barista, however, can handle more sophisticated espresso machines like the ones mentioned above.
All the espresso machines reviewed are of excellent quality and can make top-notch espresso. When you’re selecting one, use the features listed above to select the one that’s right for you and your home.