The Best Espresso Machines for the Money

The Best Espresso Machine Reviews

If your goal is to make the best espresso, latte, or cappuccino, it is obvious that you need to have the best espresso machine to work with. However, getting the best espresso machine for your home is oftentimes not as easy as it seems.

That being said, with the information in our review of the best espresso machines, you will surely be on the right track in no time.

One of the best reasons for having a high-quality espresso machine in your home is that you can avoid having to purchase premade coffee that does not suit your preferences. Instead, you can make your espresso just the way you like it right in your kitchen.

1stincoffee 2

Refurbished

Jura machines

jura-15182-black_1 1
jura-15182-black_1 1

Starting from
$22.56 / month

Vector 1

We are here to help you get the best home espresso machine; however, ultimately it is up to you to decide which one is suitable for you and your household. Each of these espresso machines has unique features and relatively efficient ways of brewing.

Our Favorite Espresso Makers:-

Here are our top picks:

What Is An Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine is a specialized appliance that is designed to force water, which has been pressurized, through coffee grounds. After passing through the coffee grounds, it produces a thick, concentrated solution – this final result is an espresso.

If you want to brew your own espressos, you obviously need to have the best espresso machine. Here are some of the best you could ask for in your home.

Although each of these espresso machines is great, it is not expected that all of them will be suitable for you. So, you will have to look at each of them and decide on the most suitable one for your needs. Let’s explore each of them and get insights into the features that they come with and how they work.

Machine serving espresso coffee top view
Machine serving espresso coffee top view

Our Top Rated The Best Espresso Machine Reviews

7 PC All In One Espresso Machine and Cappuccino Maker

7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker Barista Bundle Set w/ Built-In Steamer & Frother (Inc: Bean , Portafilter, Frothing Cup, Spoon/Tamper & 2 Cups), Stainless Steel

It’s a machine that can do it all within seconds, so who wouldn’t want to have one in their kitchen? The 7 PC espresso machine has the ability to brew coffee in as little as 45 seconds – letting you save time and start enjoying your favorite beverages sooner.

With this machine, all you have to do is add the beans and then sit back while it brews your cappuccino, latte, or whatever type of caffeinated beverage you prefer. To make this more efficient, it also comes with an advanced thermal block that makes the heating process much faster and allows for more precise temperature control.

This is a machine that is built to give you the best coffee and so, as that is the case, every single feature is impressive and works to deliver great performance. The water tank can be easily removed when you want to clean it.

In addition to this, the water tank also comes with a convenient water level monitor feature that lets you easily see the water level without needing to remove the tank. This allows you to avoid running the espresso machine without water so that you can avoid causing damage.

The highly effective pump mechanism ensures that you will be able to enjoy a great-tasting espresso, especially with the 15 bar pump pressure that it is capable of producing.

If you want to prepare a latte or a cappuccino, this machine also has a detachable frothing device and a removable drip tray that make the process. It also does not matter whether you want a single or double shot,  the 7 PC All In One Espresso Machine and Cappuccino Maker has got you covered.

Pros

  • Easy to clean with detachable parts
  • Removable water tank
  • Has a convenient water level monitor feature
  • Great pump pressure
  • Able to make high-quality lattes and cappuccinos

Cons

  • The machine can be noisy
  • Pressure control

Breville Barista Espresso Machine, BES870XL

Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine, BES870XL

The Breville BES870XL espresso machine has been designed to be both durable and compact, giving you increased usability and efficiency as a result.

The features that it comes with are amazing and allow it to stand out as one of the best entry-level espresso machines.

It comes with dose control grinding that is able to grind on demand and deliver the perfect amount of coffee that you need. What makes this even more incredible is its ability to work with any type of beans to provide you with a cup of coffee that is precise enough to suit your tastes.

In addition to this, it also has a precise espresso extraction function and it can dial in on very specific temperature levels to ensure optimal espresso extraction. This is because it has state-of-the-art digital temperature control capabilities.

This Breville espresso machine also comes with useful accessories, two of the most notable being the dose trimming tool and the integrated tamper, both of which greatly complement the brewing process.

One of the best things about this espresso machine is the customizable features that make it easy to adjust the settings to suit your needs at that particular moment. Prime examples of this are the adjustable grind amount and the manual override features.

It also comes with an innovative grinding cradle that gives you the ability to grind directly to the port without the use of your hands. Last but not least, the state-of-the-art steam wand gives you the ability to meticulously hand texture the micro-foam, ensuring that you get perfection in your cup.

Pros

  • Delivers consistent brews for a long time
  • The design is compact
  • Comes with a relatively high water capacity
  • It is easy to operate

Cons

  • The pressure and steaming features could be improved

Rancilio Silvia – Best Steam Espresso Machine

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels, 11.4 by 13.4-Inch

Are you looking for a perfect espresso machine for your daily coffee brewing needs at home? The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine could technically be classified as an entry-level espresso machine; however, what it offers is most likely beyond anything that you have used so far at home. The Rancilio espresso machine has some incredible features that make it stand out from the competition.

Some would argue that this espresso machine is a commercial-grade brewer that is masquerading as a home coffee maker because of its superb heating capabilities and its ability to deliver efficient coffee extraction.

Moreover, it comes with an articulating steam wand that is capable of professional-level steaming and it provides a flexible range of motion while still having the ability to be extremely precise when you need it to be. It also has optional accessories, like a pod and capsule adaptor kit, which are convenient but not a must-have.

In terms of aesthetics, what most people love about the Rancilio Silvia is that its design can fit almost all types of home décor and not seem out of place.

Pros

  • Durable and built to last
  • High-quality stainless steel build
  • Very precise steam wand
  • Has removable water reservoir that is easy to maintain
  • State-of-the-art temperature regulation and controls

Cons

  • The functionality could be improved

Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Black. Pannarello Wand Frothing for Latte and Cappuccino Drinks. Espresso from Pre-Ground or Whole Bean Coffee.

If you have been looking for an espresso machine that can bridge the gap between speed and quality, then the Gaggia 14101 is definitely worth considering.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic is a fantastic machine that has been designed to deliver semi-automatic espresso brewing, which means that a lot of the more tedious steps are automated. In addition to its ability to work quickly and with minimal supervision, the Gaggia 14101 Classic is also able to consistently deliver barista-quality espressos.

The Gaggia 14101 has been designed with rugged stainless steel that makes it both durable and also aesthetically pleasing. The built-in turbo-frother steam wand is also extremely efficient and precise.

Pros

  • Able to work for long periods of time
  • Is able to make more cups per day
  • Great for a busy coffee drinkers
  • Great for both home and office use

Cons

  • It can be challenging to clean
  • Has many detachable parts

Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine

Breville BES840XL/A the Infuser Espresso Machine

The Breville BES840XL/A espresso machine comes with many great features, with one of the most notable being its cutting-edge pre-infusion settings.

This feature makes the extraction process start gently by initially applying the water at relatively low pressure and then eventually increasing over time to create an even consistency. The water tank’s capacity (at 61oz) is also large enough for several rounds of coffee before it needs to be refilled.

Additionally, if you want to have a single or double shot, you can set the espresso machine to meet your needs at that time. Other useful settings include its volumetric control features and its manual override capabilities.

It also comes with an auto-purge function that can automatically adjust the temperature of the water to facilitate optimal espresso extraction throughout the entire brewing process. Furthermore, since it has 15 bars of pump pressure, it is capable of creating barista-quality espressos.

In addition to this, it also has an extremely convenient PID temperature control that makes sure that the temperature of the water is incredibly precise. Other notable accessories that it includes are a coffee scoop, a steel jug, and single and dual water baskets.

Pros

  • Comes with a useful pre-infusion system
  • Has a great temperature adjustment feature
  • Great volumetric programmable controls
  • Has preheating capabilities

Cons

  • It is relatively expensive
  • Has no display
  • Has no boiler

Breville BES880BSS – Barista Touch Espresso Maker

Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

The Breville BES880BSS is a well-programmed automatic coffee maker that has the power to make your favorite caffeinated beverages with just a touch – thanks to its intuitive touch screen display that simplifies the brewing process.

It gives you the ability to easily adjust the strength and temperature of your brew to get the taste that you’re looking for. Furthermore, if you have specific preferences, you can save the settings with unique names to make personalized brewing fast and easy each time.

It also has an auto steam wand that allows you to adjust the temperature and texture to suit your particular needs. It delivers quality micro-foam for coffee drinkers that are passionate about flavor or those that want to get better at latte art.

The Breville BES880BSS also has an innovative thermoJet heating system that gives it the ability to achieve the optimum extraction temperature in just a few seconds. It also has an excellent Digital Temperature Control that delivers water at the right temperature to facilitate optimal espresso extraction. Last but not least, the entire brewing operation is hands-free, thanks to the built-in grinding cradle.

Pros

  • Comes with a touch screen
  • Has five pre-programmed café favorites
  • You can create and save customized recipes.
  • The water capacity is 67 ounces.

Cons

  • The water capacity could be better for larger families.

Flair Espresso Maker– Manual press

Flair Espresso Maker - Manual Press

The manual espresso brewing process has the potential to create great-tasting coffee or an unpleasant brew – it largely depends on the skill level of the person that is doing it. Also, in this case, if you want to have the best homemade manual espresso, you have to get the best espresso machine that is easy to use and this is Flair Espresso Maker.

It comes with a detachable brewing head that is also adjustable, which greatly helps to streamline the overall brewing process.

Furthermore, the Flair Espresso Maker has been designed with an aluminum press stand and a stainless steel brewing head, which makes it considerably more durable than most of its competitors on the market.

Last but not least, the compact size of the Flair Espresso Maker makes it fairly portable and easy for you to carry around.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Compact in size
  • Made with durable materials
  • Efficient heating

Cons

  • Temperature control could be improved

DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker, Stainless, Metal

If you’re looking for an espresso machine that lets you use coffee pods and coffee grounds, then the DeLonghi EC702 15 Bar Pump might be the perfect choice for you.

This espresso machine comes with automatic self-prime and pump-driven mechanisms, a water level indicator, and can produce up to 15 bars of pressure. The input power of the espresso machine is also reliable, at 1100 watts.

The large water tank capacity gives you the ability to brew multiple cups per day before it needs to be refilled. One caveat with this machine is that you have to ensure that the temperature of its environment is not too cold (0 degrees or below) or you run the risk of permanent damage occurring.

Pros

  • Uses pods
  • Produces great-tasting crema
  • Great for cappuccino

Cons

  • Does not come with an auto-shutoff feature
  • It is relatively noisy

Breville BES990BSSUC Fully Automatic Espresso MachineBreville BES990BSSUSC Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Oracle Touch

As its name suggests, the Breville BES990BSSUC espresso machine has been designed to be fully automatic; however, that being said, you do still have to ensure that there is enough water and grounds before you start brewing.

Be it a latte, cappuccino, or espresso, the intuitive swipe-based controls make it easy to select the beverage type that you want and let the machine do the rest.

Similarly to professional espresso machines,  temperature controls and dosing controls give users the ability to have consistent brews time and time again

The machine is able to maintain an optimal water pressure that prevents bitter flavors from coming through during the entire extraction.

Pros

  • Great temperature control
  • Small and compact
  • It maintains both water and steam pressure at an optimal point
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Precise water temperature controls could be better

DeLonghi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso

De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

The DeLonghi BAR32 Retro is another machine that focuses on speed and is capable of using either pods or grounds to brew espressos. This is primarily because of its patented dual-function holder and its swivel jet frother feather.

Furthermore, the DeLonghi BAR32 Retro eliminates the need for start-up preparation due to its built-in self-priming function. In addition to this, it comes with two separate systems for water and steam pressure, giving you the ability to take control of each of them separately.

What makes the espresso machine worth your money is the performance and the material made to make it durable. You will enjoy your great for years before you think of getting another or replacing the brand. In case you have some issues while using the.

 Pros

  • The taste of the espresso is great
  • Relatively fast heating process
  • Large water tanks
  • Easy to use
  • Good water and steam pressure
  • Great temperature control

Cons

  • Cleaning up can be tedious
  • Heating elements could be more durable

Nespresso Vertuo and Espresso Machine Bundle

Nespresso Vertuo and Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Frother by Breville, Chrome

The Nespresso Vertuo and Espresso Machine is, without a doubt, one of the best automatic espresso machines that one could have at home.

This coffee maker has the ability to make high-quality single-serve coffee or espresso at just a touch of a button.

That being said, one of the main caveats of this machine is that it has been designed to be used with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only.

It is able to brew 5 different single-serve cups at the touch of a button – including espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and alto. Furthermore, this machine comes with the patented Nespresso Centrifusion Technology that uses the barcode to deliver specialized drinks each time you need one.

In addition to all of this, it comes with useful features like a removable water tank, efficient heating elements, and automatic shutoff capabilities.

Pros

  • Saves time
  • Easy to clean
  • Able to heat up in as little as 15 seconds
  • Removable water tank

Cons

  • Uses Nespresso Capsules only

What You Should Know Before Buying The Right Espresso Machine

Before getting an espresso machine for your home, there are a lot of things that you have to take into consideration. The following factors are especially important if you are buying an espresso machine for the first time and you are unsure about which one is the best for you.

1. Choosing an Espresso Machine For a Café

When you’re running a café, the espresso machine that you get should be able to handle several bulk productions simultaneously. Not all machines can do this and understandably, the features of machines like this are going to be different from the ones that you intend to use at home.

Nowadays, when it comes to espresso machines for cafes it is not uncommon to see useful features like touch screens being viewed as essential, since this helps to streamline production and improve usability. That being said, it is also expected that a good barista should be able to work well with any espresso machine and deliver amazing results.

 2. Choosing A Home Espresso Machine

The first question that you should ask yourself when you’re shopping around for an espresso machine is whether you are getting it for home use or professional use. If your answer is “home use”, it is recommended that you focus on getting a machine that makes your work much easier, especially if you are not a professional barista. The fact of the matter is that although some espresso machines are easy to use and maintain, a lot of them can be incredibly confusing and overly complex.

The easy machines usually come with detachable brew groups that make your work easier. Furthermore, some machines come with an inbuilt brew group that cleans itself automatically, which can be convenient but it can also make it hard to tell if something goes wrong.

      a. Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines usually come with a lever that you need to turn to produce the pressure needed for extraction. Although nowadays most people go for automatic espresso machines, there is still a considerable market for manual espresso machines. If you’re not a perfectionist and you’re simply looking for an espresso machine for everyday use, a manual espresso machine is probably not going to be ideal.

Moreover, if you are a coffee aficionado that has mastered the manual espresso brewing process, a machine like this will undoubtedly give you the ability to brew high-quality espressos

If you want to have complete control over the brewing process, you should consider investing in a manual espresso machine – you won’t be disappointed.

      b. Prosumer Machines

Prosumer machines are usually the ones that have a group head and a steam wand and they are also designed to exude a professional vibe while still being suitable for home use. If you want something professional and would like to learn the parameters that come with that, then this may be the right for you. Although prosumer machines can make high-quality espressos, they are also quite complicated to use and maintain.

Prosumer machines are great for budding at-home baristas that want to take their brewing game to the next level but also want to stick within a strict budget. Mastering a machine like this will definitely take some time and effort but it will definitely be worth it in the end.

      c. Capsule Espresso Machines

Capsules espresso machines are primarily used in offices but they are also occasionally seen in cafes and even some homes as well. This type of machine works by inserting a capsule, that is filled with grounds, into the espresso machine.

Capsules machines are generally designed to be easy to use and they will generally require just a few button presses (or a single button press) for the entire brewing process.

Most capsule machines are also equipped with automatic frothing systems that give them the ability to prepare lattes. In addition to this, there are many of them that have additional steam wands as well.

Capsules espresso machines are generally viewed as being focused on convenience and speed over brew quality and preciseness.

      d. Semi-Automatic Machines

If you are a busy coffee lover that needs a convenient way to get great-tasting espressos, you should definitely consider getting a semi-automatic espresso machine.

Semi-automatic espresso machines often come with features like a digital display, pre-programmed buttons, pre-infusion, and pre-grinding settings, and also temperature controls. All of these features can make the whole process of brewing coffee easier than using a manual espresso machine.

      e. Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

If you are looking for a convenient coffee maker that requires absolutely no hands-on experience, a fully automatic espresso machine may be perfect for you. When you’re using a fully automatic espresso machine, all you have to do is ensure that you have coffee and water in the machine and then press the power button to get the process started. You have no direct control over the brewing process with this machine.

The best thing about this type of machine is that it removes any chance for human error that may occur during the brewing process. You also don’t have to clean up coffee ground messes on your counter if you’re using a fully automatic machine. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is the water level in the reservoir.

 3. Choosing an Espresso Machine For Your Business

Another that is in your mind is whether you are getting one for business or home use. If you are getting one for your business, then we definitely recommend that you go for a more professional device.

The features that you look for in your espresso machine will ultimately depend on how you want to use it in your business. It could be an add-on feature for your business that your clients can make use of while they are waiting or you could simply make it so that it is only usable by your employees.

FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions)

What is the best espresso machine for home use?

  • The best espresso machine for home use should be the one that streamlines the brewing process and makes your life easier. There are lots of good machines in the market so it is ultimately up to you to figure out which one is best for you.

What is the best entry-level espresso machine?

  • There is now a seemingly endless supply of entry-level espresso machines on the market. Generally speaking, there are a lot of good entry-level espresso machines out there. The one that you choose will depend on your specific needs. A good example of a high-quality entry-level coffee maker is the Breville Barista Espresso machine, BES870XL.

Why are espresso machines so expensive?

  • Espresso machines come with so many features that surpass ordinary coffee machines. Furthermore, espresso machines can do a wide range of things, like making plain espressos, lattes, and even cappuccinos. Ultimately making them more expensive but also giving you value for your money.

Conclusion

As you can see all of the aforementioned best espresso machines are good but the one that you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. Depending on your situation, you can decide between getting a manual, semi-automatic, automatic, or even a capsule espresso machine.

Each of the aforementioned espresso machines comes with features that are unique and give satisfactory results. This makes them technically the best in their own regard when it comes to value for money.

Thanks for reading

You May Also Read:

Comments 0

Leave a Comment

I’LL HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MACHINE

Get my FREE 5-day guide with simple steps to improve your coffee!