As the popularity of specialty coffee drinks continues to grow around the world, so too does the demand for having an espresso machine at home, whether to cut down on the cost of a cup of coffee or because of the convenience an at-home espresso machine provides.
Although these machines are smaller compared to those found in cafes, they ultimately have very similar functions. However, finding the best espresso machine for your needs can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive buying guide of the best espresso machines of 2023 while highlighting their features, pros and cons, and much more.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2023
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BEST OVERALL  |
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BEST SUPER-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE  |
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BEST VALUE  |
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BEST COMMERCIAL ESPRESSO MACHINE  |
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The 11 Best Espresso Machines:
1. Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine – Best Overall
The Breville Barista Pro espresso machine comes packed with a number of useful features to let you easily make barista-quality coffee at home. A built-in conical burr grinder feeds directly into the included stainless steel portafilter that measures the precise amount of grounds every time for more consistent brewing results. Additionally, the machine offers a grind-size dial allowing you to easily choose between coarse and fine espresso grounds.
The Breville Barista Pro provides its users with an intuitive steam wand that delivers enough pressure to create microfoam milk, leading to a silky mouthfeel and taste for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, mochas, and more.
Given the Barista Pro’s coveted list of features and compact size, it stood out above the rest on our buyer’s guide as one of the best espresso machines of 2023. Whether you’re looking for a machine that sports digital temperature control for water and milk, or you’re simply wanting to upgrade your old espresso maker, the Breville Barista Pro is one of the best espresso machines you can find for under $1000.
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Digital temperature control for water and milk
- Grind size dial
- Steam wand with microfoam feature
- Single-boiler system
- No “stop grind” option
2. Gaggia Cadorna Prestige – Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is a super-automatic espresso machine that’s made in Italy and is loaded with sought -after features. Super-automatic espresso machines differ from manual and automatic machines as they are capable of grinding and tamping your beans, as well as pulling espresso shots for you. While it may not offer as much control as a manual espresso machine, some coffee enthusiasts prefer more predictable and consistent outcomes when making coffee at home.
We appreciated the thoughtful list of 14 pre-programmed beverages this machine offers with popular options like americanos, macchiatos and lattes, as well as alternative drink choices like hot cocoa and even tea! Another unique feature the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige provides users is its integrated milk carafe. Not only does the carafe create the ideal temperature and texture for milk foam, but it even comes equipped with a built-in rinse cycle to remove cleanup from the equation.
If you share your espresso machine with others, you can easily create up to four individual profiles with the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, allowing you to save your favorite drinks for quicker and more convenient brews. These are just a few of the many reasons why this super-automatic espresso machine stood out to us as a top pick among the rest.
- Self-cleaning milk carafe
- 14 pre-programmed beverages
- Can store up to 4 unique user profiles
- Backlit screen
- One-year warranty
- Single-boiler system
3. Gevi Espresso Machine – Best Value
The Gevi espresso machine sports a 15-bar specialized Italian pump, similarly to the De’Longhi Stilosa mentioned later in this buyer’s guide. Its built-in steam wand produces silky-smooth foam and a dual-temperature control system helps to prevent milk from scalding and ideal espresso grounds extraction.
As an added bonus, this espresso machine includes a milk pitcher, portafilter, tamp, and measuring scoop for your espresso grounds. Newcomers to making espresso at home will appreciate all that this machine has to offer, all at an affordable price.
- Easy to clean
- Dual-temperature control system
- Tons of extras included
- Takes longer to make espresso compared to other machines
4. Nuova Simonelli Appia II – Best Commercial Espresso Machine
Restaurateurs and coffee shops alike need the right espresso machine that’s capable of pushing out large quantities of drinks in a short period of time. For premium and high-end coffee establishments, the Nuova Simonelli Appia II espresso machine is the best in its class. In crowded cafes where long lines and longer wait times can cut into profits, the Appia II’s group head style with two sets of controls lets multiple baristas crank out drinks with ease.
This particular machine uses a soft infusion system that pre-soaks the espresso grounds before delivering full pressure when pulling an espresso shot. The end result is a silkier body for consistently smooth coffee that your customers will be sure to enjoy. Additionally, the Appia II utilizes push-pull steam technology removing the need to turn knobs while steaming milk. With user-friendly features, even novice baristas can be comfortable and confident working with this machine’s advanced functionality.
Included with your purchase of a Nuova Simonelli Appia II is free installation, a water filter system, an espresso starter kit, and the peace of mind knowing that you’re getting one of the best commercial espresso machines currently available.
- Soft brew system
- Push-pull steam technology
- Can be directly plumbed into a drain
- Costly compared to other models
5. Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine
Some java lovers choose to leave no expense spared when it comes to making the best coffee at home, and rightfully so! The Barista Touch from Breville’s flagship line of espresso machines lets you easily choose your espresso settings from an intuitive touch screen. This is a one-of-a-kind espresso machine that heats up in just 3 seconds, and a pre-programmed drink menu lets you personalize up to 8 different coffees bringing endless possibilities for your mornings and evenings.
Similarly to Breville’s Barista Pro, a built-in conical burr grinder makes dosing and choosing your grind consistency easier than ever, while its auto steam wand serves up endless amounts of frothy goodness. With an included cleaning kit, Breville’s thoughtful design ensures that you have everything you need to be on your way to better coffee.
- One-year warranty
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- Intuitive touch screen
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Automatic milk texturing
- Water filter needs to be replaced
6. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine
If you prefer an entirely hands-off experience while making espresso, similarly to a Keurig coffee maker, the Nespresso Essenza is a single-serve espresso machine that produces excellent results every time. We found this machine to be the most friendly for beginners or individuals that aren’t quite ready to upgrade to a more hands-on approach when it comes to making espresso.
With effortless usage, a beautiful design, and the fact that it’s ready to use in under 25 seconds, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is an excellent option for working professionals or individuals with on-the-go lifestyles. Best of all, each machine includes a complimentary set of Nespresso capsules to get you started on your java journey.
- Heats up in 25 seconds
- Brews 2 different sizes of espresso
- Compact design for small spaces
- Less brewing noise
- Frequent water tank refilling
7. De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Since 1993, De’Longhi has made a name for themselves in the world of espresso, and their bar pump espresso machine continues their renowned legacy today. Whether you prefer to pull single or double espresso shots, this machine is capable of accommodating both. We appreciated its sleek design and narrow footprint, allowing it to fit in smaller kitchens if needed.
Its innovative Rapid Cappuccino System allows you to brew more espresso faster than other machines by maintaining the optimal temperatures needed so that you don’t have to wait for the machine to warm up. Additionally, the bottom tray can be removed from the machine so that you can easily fit larger cups while making lattes, café au laits and more.
With a 15-bar pressure system and all of the leading features you would expect from a modern espresso machine, we chose the De’Longhi as our best budget espresso machine pick, given the company’s long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality machines at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for the best espresso machine under $200, you can’t go wrong with this offering from De’Longhi.
- One-year warranty
- Rapid heating system
- Removable tray for larger drinks
- Compact design
- No auto-stop feature
8. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Does frothing your own milk intimidate you? If so, then the Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino machine might be the best option for your needs. This espresso machine has an automatic milk frother that we found to be useful to start before pulling shots through the portafilter. Users can select between latte or cappuccino froth textures, and a one-touch control panel takes the guesswork out of making your cup of coffee.
The milk reservoir is detachable to store excess milk in your refrigerator that wasn’t used when brewing, and a removable water reservoir makes it easy to empty, fill, and clean. This espresso machine also includes a handy recipe book, letting users experiment to find the perfect drink for their tastes.
- Automatic milk frother
- One-year warranty
- Removable water and milk reservoir
- One-touch control panel
- Can’t fully customize level of milk froth
9. Chefman 6-in-1 Espresso Machine with Built-In Milk Frother
The Chefman 6-in-1 espresso machine makes it simple to streamline your morning coffee, cappuccino, or latte routine with just a push of a button. Because of its easy-to-use interface, beginner espresso makers will find it easier to operate and understand.
Its compact design and ability to craft single and double shots of espresso using the one-touch feature makes it an excellent option for individuals that want to save time when making their coffee. And, with a 1.8-liter water reservoir, you can make cup after cup of delicious java without refilling. Additionally, it provides users with an automatic milk frother that can be removed from the machine and placed in the fridge when not in use.
We appreciated that the Chefman 6-in-1 espresso machine also comes equipped with a self-cleaning feature to cut down on maintenance times for a more enjoyable experience. These are just a few reasons why this machine made our list of the best espresso machines of 2023.
- One-touch interface
- Self-cleaning mode
- Automatic milk frother
- Some of its parts are made of plastic
10. Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Achille Gaggia had a modest beginning as a Milan café owner, but his inventiveness and love of coffee drove him to create a brand-new method of brewing espresso without using steam. The Lampo gadget, which created the distinctive crema that is currently the hallmark of a high-quality espresso, was developed as a result of that concept.
A small, fully automatic espresso coffee machine, the Gaggia Brera can produce anything from cappuccino to espresso. You can steam and froth milk with the Pannarello whisk until it’s velvety and smooth, which is perfect for topping up lattes or preparing hot cocoa. In addition, this espresso and cappuccino machine can fit under your kitchen cabinet and still leave enough counter space since it’s just over a foot tall and has a front-loading water reservoir.
- Programmable brewing process
- Stainless steel front panel
- Simple interface
- Rapid milk steaming process
- Small water tank and dreg drawer
11. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine offers a contemporary look and feel while providing you with the same features of an espresso machine that you’d commonly find at a coffee shop. Its steam wand lets you whip up milk for lattes with ease, and is also perfect for finishing your cappuccino with a frothy top foam.
The De’Longhi Stilosa features a 15-bar pump that helps to maintain optimal pressure for extracting one or two espresso shots, and an included tamper lets you create the perfect resistance for better espresso extraction.
- Easy to use
- 15-bar pump
- Built-in steam wand
- Easy cleanup after use
- No warning light if water is running low
What to Look for When Buying an Espresso Machine
We’re glad you’ve decided to purchase an espresso machine for home or business use. We love helping readers find the perfect coffee gear designed to exceed their needs, and strive to provide you with the best information possible, especially when it comes to deciding which espresso machine is right for you. Below are a few key pieces of info to consider before buying an espresso machine.
1. Cost
Many individuals may be put off by the upfront cost of espresso machines, not seeing it as a long-term investment. However, when considering the cost for just one cup of coffee at your favorite cafe, you can begin to see how an espresso machine can quickly pay for itself. In certain cases, higher-priced espresso machines may be due to intuitive features not found in more affordable alternatives. In other cases, it can be simply due to the use of higher-quality materials, like a manufacturer opting for stainless steel parts over plastic parts. Whatever the case may be, finding the best compromise between value, features, and build quality is essential when buying an espresso machine.
2. Grinding Capacity
There are two ways to grind espresso grounds; the first is using a built-in grinder that some espresso machines come equipped with. The second option is using an external grinder, such as a conical burr or blade grinder. Built-in grinders tend to be available with more costly espresso machines, however, the convenience of combining your grinder with your espresso machine can sometimes outweigh the additional cost.
3. Frothing Capability
Cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos – these are just a few of the drinks that you can make using an espresso machine that use steamed milk. If you enjoy any of these drinks without the additional upcharge you’d encounter at a coffee shop, be sure to buy an espresso machine that has a steam wand or frother for making velvety top foam.
4. Ease of Use
From manual espresso machines to automatics and super-automatics, there are a number of options for coffee enthusiasts to choose from. Each type of machine allows for more or less control, depending on what you prefer. If you want full control over your brew, consider a manual espresso machine. However, if you’d rather take a hands-off approach, an automatic or super-automatic machine may be more suited towards your needs.
5. Water Storage
Many espresso makers have water reservoirs large enough to brew almost eight cups of coffee. If you require more, you’ll will be brewing a lot of espresso! Other machines have smaller reservoirs geared towards single usage. If you find that you only make one cup of espresso each day, then choosing a machine with a larger water reservoir might not be the best choice for your needs.
6. Cleaning Convenience
Cleaning up espresso grounds and scalded milk can add an inconvenient step to the end of the coffee-making process. However, getting used to routinely cleaning your espresso machine can dramatically cut down the time spent doing so. If daily cleanup doesn’t bother you, and you’d like to purchase a budget espresso machine instead, consider choosing a machine that doesn’t include a self-cleaning feature. Otherwise, we’d recommend an espresso machine that provides a self-cleaning mode that gives users a more enjoyable brewing experience.
7. Design & Size
As with any kitchen appliance, finding the perfect espresso machine to complement your home will depend on the color scheme of your kitchen, its layout, and the amount of space on your countertops. If you live in an apartment, for example, and are tight on space, then you’d most likely benefit from an espresso machine with a compact design, such as the Nespresso Essenza Mini. However, if you have enough room to spare in your kitchen, we’d recommend choosing a larger espresso machine that offers more in terms of functionality.
8. Warranty & Durability
Many of the high-quality espresso machines we’ve listed above include limited warranties to give you peace of mind knowing that you’re investing in a durable machine that is built to last. However, some individuals are more inclined to purchase an affordable espresso machine that features materials of lesser quality. From plastic to stainless steel parts, you should consider how long you plan on owning your machine and whether or not the up-front cost of a higher-quality espresso maker aligns with your needs.
Bonus Features
Now that we’ve come this far, we’d like to highlight some of the standout espresso machines with unique qualities included in our top picks above. For instance, the Nuova Simonelli Appia II and Chefman 6-in-1 espresso machine offer a built-in milk frother so that you can sit back and let your espresso machine do the work for you.
Furthermore, if you prefer easy cleanup after making your morning coffee, we’d recommend investing in an espresso machine that comes equipped with a self-cleaning mode, like the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige super-automatic. These are just a few of the many convenient features you should be looking for before buying an espresso machine.
Final Verdict
We’re glad that you’ve joined us to learn more about the best espresso machines of 2023. To summarize, we chose the Breville Barista Pro espresso machine as our overall top pick due to it having a built-in conical burr grinder, automatic temperature control for water and milk, and a grind size dial to give you full control over your espresso grind consistency.
Our top commercial espresso machine pick is the Nuova Simonelli Appia II. As the best in its class, its group-head style offers remarkable productivity and extraordinary production capacity for cafe owners and restaurateurs. Additionally, its intuitive design makes it easy for beginner baristas to become familiar with.
Lastly, we recommend the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige super-automatic espresso machine for individuals that want to achieve the best espresso possible without having to do much work for it. With 14 pre-programmed beverages and a built-in milk frother, you’ll be on your way to better espresso in no time at all.
