Our Top Picks - Best Espresso Machine 2023
- 1 Our Top Picks - Best Espresso Machine 2023
- 2 Winner - Overall Best Espresso Machine
- 3 Best Espresso Machine Under 100 Dollars
- 4 Best Espresso Machine Under 200 Dollars
- 5 Best Espresso Machine Under 300 Dollars
- 6 Best Espresso Machine Under 500 Dollars
- 7 Best Espresso Machine for Home
- 8 Best Espresso Machine for Coffee Shop Use
- 9 Best Espresso Machine With Milk Steamer
- 10 Best Espresso Machine With Frother
- 11 Best Espresso Machine With Grinder
- 12 Final Thoughts on Best Espresso Machine
When it comes time to spending your hard-earned dollars on an espresso machine, there's no one-size-fits-all option. So to make your life a little easier and to help you make the most informed buying decision, this article answers the question: "What is the best espresso machine?"
To present you with a selection of the best espresso machines across a range of categories and criteria, we searched broad and deep. Furthermore, we've researched the full gamut of espresso machines on the market today. Each selection was chosen based on overall quality, desirable features, value for the money, and a number of positive user reviews.
No matter what your budget, there's sure to be one on the best espresso machine reviews that will make your caffeine-craving, latte-lovin' dreams come true.
Winner - Overall Best Espresso Machine
If you're shopping for an espresso machine, why not choose the one you know will perform at a high caliber and last for a long, long time? The problem with some of the entry-level machines on the market is that they're somewhat disposable, and only intended to last for a few years.
But luckily, not all espresso machines fall prey to cheap components. One such machine is the Rancilio Silvia, our choice for the best espresso machine under 1000 dollars.
The Rancilio Silvia is built with commercial grade components, has stood the test of time, and has gained the devotion of serious home baristas everywhere.
In production for over 18 years, Silvia's design and core features have remained relatively consistent, while each new incarnation receives upgrades to make it a better machine overall.
Now, you won't find any bells and whistles on this workhorse of a machine. However, what you get is a machine capable of brewing world-class shots of espresso and steaming milk that would make any pro barista proud. If you're looking for a home espresso machine to help you develop and hone your barista skills, go with the Rancilio Silvia, and you won't be sorry.
Let's dig into the Rancilio Silvia's features to find out what makes this one of the best espresso makers under $1000:
COLOR VARIANTS OF Rancilio Silvia
Best Espresso Machine Under 100 Dollars
The De'longhi EC155 is a small but mighty machine that has won the hearts of thousands upon thousands of budget-conscious home baristas. At this price point, you won't get a machine that does it all for you. But what you do get is a machine capable of producing crema-rich espresso and frothy steamed milk without breaking the bank.
As a semi-automatic machine, you, the barista, are in charge of the espresso and milk steaming processes. But don't let that intimidate you; the EC155 is very user-friendly. Just a quick read of the owner's manual will have you producing delicious espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes in no time.
Let's take a closer look at some of the features that make this the best espresso maker under $100:
Best Espresso Machine Under 200 Dollars
There are several good espresso machines available for under $200, but there is one that stands out both for overall quality and desirable features: the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista.
Since you, the barista, grind the coffee, load the portafilter, and tamp, the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is classified as a semi-automatic machine. But, with an automatic milk frother (and a good one at that), it gives you some of the same convenience and consistent results as a super-automatic machine, but at a fraction of the price.
What makes this the best espresso maker under $200? Let's take a look at the features to find out:
COLOR VARIANTS OF Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Best Espresso Machine Under 300 Dollars
Bumping up your espresso machine budget to $300 brings you a serious increase in quality and features, especially when you go with the De'longhi Dedica EC680M.
Stylish and space efficient, the Dedica EC680 is equipped to brew high-grade espresso and steam barista-quality milk with ease. With full programmability, a straightforward and intuitive control panel, and a brewing system designed to extract optimal flavor and aroma, the Dedica EC680 is hands down the best espresso maker under $300.
Let's go over the sweet features of this classy machine to see if it's the one for you:
COLOR VARIANTS OF De'longhi Dedica EC680M
Best Espresso Machine Under 500 Dollars
The Breville Infuser BES840XL is without a doubt the best espresso machine under 500 dollars. What you get is a real, barista-worthy espresso machine — essentially a scaled down, home-friendly version of a commercial espresso machine. Not to say that the other machines on this list aren't "real" machines. However, the Infuser is just a lot closer to what you would find in a coffee shop.
The Infuser is a machine you can plan on keeping around for a while. It's built with high-quality components and several features that give you incredible control over the espresso-making process. Thus, this machine is ideal for both novice home baristas and experienced espresso maestros alike.
Want to see why the Infuser is worth every penny as the best espresso maker under $500? Let's check out the features:
COLOR VARIANTS OF Breville Infuser BES840XL
Best Espresso Machine for Home
If you've ever dreamed of transforming your kitchen counter into a professional espresso bar, you're going to need the right machine to make that dream come true. And if you want to go all the way, not just any espresso machine will do; you need the best. After much research, we've found that the best espresso machine for home is the Profitec Pro 700.
Now make no mistake: this machine is the real deal. German engineering and Italian style combine to create a remarkable "prosumer" espresso machine. It is not only beautiful to look at but designed to brew espresso and steam milk at a quality you never thought possible.
Let's go over the high-end features of the Profitec Pro 700 that make this the absolute best espresso machine for home use:
Profitec Pro 700
Best Espresso Machine for Coffee Shop Use
Ever since the unveiling of the world's first espresso machine at the 1906 World's Fair in Milan, Italy, espresso machine technology has been continually improved upon, resulting in the highly advanced commercial espresso machines of today.
Some of the most groundbreaking innovations in espresso machine design have taken place in the last decade. Furthermore, one of the key players in espresso machine innovation is Nuova Simonelli, who we believe to make one of the best espresso machines for coffee shop use.
The Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II T3 is an espresso machine found on the bars of some of the world's most prestigious specialty coffee shops. It was previously the official espresso machine of the World Barista Championship and is still regarded as one of the most impressive pieces of coffee equipment on the market. If you're looking for a new machine for your coffee shop, you really can't go wrong with the Aurelia II T3.
Let's dig into the Aurelia II T3's features to see why it's the best espresso machine for coffee shops:
Best Espresso Machine With Milk Steamer
Milk and espresso are unquestionably made for each other. If you happen to agree and love your espresso cut with a healthy dose of frothy, perfectly steamed milk, then check out the De'longhi EC702.
To find out what makes the De'longhi EC702 the best espresso machine with a milk steamer, let's take a peek at some of its features:
Best Espresso Machine With Frother
If you enjoy that perfect balance of espresso and frothed milk in a cappuccino or latte, but want it delivered in the most convenient, stress-free way possible, check out the Saeco Exprelia Evo superautomatic espresso machine. With this one-touch machine, you simply add milk to the froth carafe, select your desired drink, your drink is made, and you're on your way.
To find out what makes the Saeco Exprelia Evo the very best espresso machine with milk frother, here's an overview of its features:
Saeco Exprelia
Best Espresso Machine With Grinder
An often overlooked component of the espresso making process is the grinder. Truly delicious espresso starts with high-quality beans, but how those beans are ground makes a big difference in the result of your espresso concerning taste and aroma. That's why it's incredibly important that when you buy an espresso machine, you also invest in a quality grinder. But what if you don't want to buy a separate grinder?
Lucky for you, there are some fantastic espresso machines with built-in grinders available, and if you're looking for the very best, there are none finer than the Breville Oracle. The Oracle is a perfect blend of a semi-automatic and superautomatic machine. It grinds, tamps, brews the espresso, and steams the milk; but you, the barista, still get to be part of the process.
To learn more about why the Breville Oracle is the best espresso machine with a built in grinder, let's go over its many excellent features:
Final Thoughts on Best Espresso Machine
The best espresso machine is the one you'll use and love every day. So, what is the best espresso maker for you? As you can see, there are tons of espresso machines out there at nearly every budget. But, if you use the recommendations in this article, you'll be off to a great start on your home espresso-making journey.
Related Articles