10Best.Guide

Espresso Machine

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Good for beginners and intermediate baristas
  • Well-engineered and heavily built
  • Excellent for strong espresso and cappuccino
  • Built-in bean grinder
  • Simple to use and easy to set up
Cons
  • Learning curve
  • Documentation is terrible
Bottom Line
The Breville espresso machine is a good choice for beginners and intermediate baristas. It is well-engineered, heavily built, and has a built-in bean grinder. However, there is a learning curve, and the documentation is terrible. The quality of coffee can be inconsistent, and customer service is nonexistent.
Pros
  • Easy and simple to use
  • Customizable
  • Intuitive touch screen display
  • Makes great lattes and other specialty espresso drinks
  • Helps take coffee to the next level
Cons
  • Too many steps to use and clean up
  • Inconsistent results with some drinks
Bottom Line
The Breville Touch Pro is a great machine for those who want to take their coffee to the next level and have control over the grind and tamp of the coffee. It is easy to use and customizable, but may require some effort to clean up. It can make great lattes and other specialty espresso drinks, but may be inconsistent with some drinks. It is a bit pricey, but worth it for those who want a high-quality cup of coffee at home.
Pros
  • Creates rich and powerful crema
  • Easy to use
  • Strong steam function for making microfoam
  • Affordable
  • Stylish and modern design
Cons
  • Plastic temper doesn't fit properly
  • Only produces single or double cups
Bottom Line
The Kewister Espresso Machine is an affordable and stylish option for those looking to make smooth and rich espresso shots. It has a strong steam function for making microfoam and is easy to use. However, it can be messy and has some issues with the plastic temper and persistent plastic smell and taste.
Pros
  • Great pre-infusion for minimal bitterness.
  • Easy to use for beginners.
  • Makes a great espresso.
  • Dependable and long-lasting.
  • Good quality espresso similar to that of a coffee shop.
Cons
  • Some machines fail after a year or two.
  • Support can be difficult to obtain.
Bottom Line
The Breville BES810BSSUSC is a great entry-level espresso machine that produces good quality espresso with a great pre-infusion. However, some users have experienced issues with the machine failing after a year or two, and support can be difficult to obtain.
Pros
  • Plenty of customizations available.
  • Easy to repair and swap parts.
  • Well-made and sturdy.
  • Best selling point is the community around it.
  • Outstanding coffee making ability.
Cons
  • Requires additional purchases for perfect espresso.
  • Takes time and effort to learn.
Bottom Line
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a well-made and sturdy espresso machine with outstanding coffee making ability. However, it requires additional purchases for perfect espresso and takes time and effort to learn. The machine may also have some oversights, such as being over-pressured out of the box and having a portafilter that may not fit properly.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Espresso Machine: Tips, Types, and Features

Overview

A good espresso machine is a must-have for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a perfect cup of espresso anytime. With so many options available on the market, choosing the right espresso machine can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types

There are several types of espresso machines on the market, including:

1. Manual Espresso Machines: These machines require you to manually control the amount of water that passes through the coffee grounds. They are the most traditional type of espresso machine and are often used by professional baristas.

2. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines have a pump that controls the water flow, but you still need to grind and tamp the coffee beans manually.

3. Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines have a built-in grinder and can automatically grind, tamp, and brew your coffee.

4. Super-Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines do everything for you, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. They are the easiest to use, but also the most expensive.

Key Considerations

When choosing an espresso machine, consider the following factors:

1. Budget: Espresso machines range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget before you start shopping.

2. Size: Consider the size of the machine and whether it will fit in your kitchen or business space.

3. Ease of Use: Some machines are more complicated to use than others. Consider your skill level and choose a machine that suits your needs.

4. Maintenance: Espresso machines require regular cleaning and maintenance. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining your machine.

Features

Here are some must-have features to look for in an espresso machine:

1. Built-in Grinder: A built-in grinder allows you to grind fresh coffee beans for the best flavor.

2. Milk Frother: A milk frother allows you to create creamy, frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Water Filter: A water filter can improve the taste of your coffee by removing impurities from the water.

4. Programmable Settings: Programmable settings allow you to customize your coffee to your liking.

Prices

Espresso machines range in price from under $100 to over $10,000. Here are the average price ranges for each type of espresso machine:

1. Manual Espresso Machines: $200-$600

2. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: $300-$1,000

3. Automatic Espresso Machines: $500-$2,000

4. Super-Automatic Espresso Machines: $1,000-$10,000

Tips

Here are some expert tips to help you choose the perfect espresso machine:

1. Consider your needs and skill level before choosing a machine.

2. Read reviews and compare features to find the best machine for your budget.

3. Look for machines with programmable settings and a built-in grinder.

4. Consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of each machine.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of espresso machine for beginners?

A: A semi-automatic espresso machine is a good choice for beginners because it provides some control over the brewing process while still being easy to use.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in an espresso machine?

A: Yes, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee.

Q: How often should I clean my espresso machine?

A: It’s recommended to clean your espresso machine after every use and descale it every few months.

Q: What is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?

A: A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, while a latte has more steamed milk and less frothed milk.

By following this buying guide, you can find the perfect espresso machine for your needs and enjoy delicious espresso anytime.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Makes good coffee instantly
  • Minimal waste
  • Compact and efficient
  • Flavorful and bold coffee
  • Convenient and fast
Cons
  • Loud noise
  • Limited cup size
Bottom Line
The Nespresso Inissia is a compact and efficient machine that makes good coffee instantly with minimal waste. However, it can be loud and has limited cup size, and the pods can get squished. Careful alignment of pods is required, and the machine can fail after some time.
Pros
  • User-friendly
  • Makes good coffee/espresso
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Easy to use
  • Delicious coffee
Cons
  • No foamy layer on top of espresso
  • Arrived broken
Bottom Line
This espresso machine is a great choice for those who want an affordable, user-friendly, and easy-to-use coffee maker that makes good coffee and espresso. However, it may not be the best choice for those who want to make crema on espresso or want their milk to steam quickly.
Pros
  • Makes good coffee
  • Space-saving design
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Has a reusable filter
  • No safety features
Cons
  • Grinder clogs easily
  • Poor quality plastic parts
Bottom Line
This coffee maker is a good choice for those who want a space-saving, easy-to-use, and affordable option. However, it has some quality issues and design flaws that may affect its performance.
Pros
  • Makes good espresso, cappuccino, and latte
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable price
  • Does the frothing for you
  • Solid espresso shot
Cons
  • Small porta-filter
  • Milk/coffee ratios may not be to everyone's liking
Bottom Line
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is an affordable and easy-to-use machine that makes good espresso, cappuccino, and latte. It is great for beginners, but may have a learning curve and requires thorough cleaning before use. The small porta-filter and milk/coffee ratios may not be to everyone's liking, and there is a dangerous design flaw with the portafilter. Overall, it is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable espresso machine.
Pros
  • Produces espresso for pennies a day
  • Great option for those on a budget
  • Easy to use and makes great lattes
  • Yields espresso drinks that match those from a cafe
  • Super easy to use and saves money
Cons
  • Plastic smell even after cleaning
  • Manual operation may not be for everyone
Bottom Line
This espresso machine is a great budget option that produces good quality espresso drinks. However, it requires manual operation and may have some issues with cleaning and temperature consistency.
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