Which Type of Espresso Machine is Right for Me?
Did you know that using the best home espresso machine results in a richer, more authentic, and creamier coffee? It is superior to using most humble home-brewing methods.
But which is the right espresso maker for you? The answer is that it all depends on how easy it is to use and clean and its efficiency in preparing coffee to your liking.
That said, let’s explore some of the best espresso machines you can buy.
The Best Espresso Maker Brands Globally
Breville
This brand boasts making espresso machines expertly designed using the four keys formula to bring you cafe-level results. The four keys are
- A precise dose of freshly ground beans.
- Precise temperature control.
- Optimal water pressure.
- True microfoam milk for beautiful latte art.
Also, its machines make professional-level coffee easily with just a touch of a button.
De’Longhi
With its high-quality control standards and modern designs, De’Longhi has become an established leader in the coffee machine industry. According to its representatives, this factory in Italy has an impressive success rate of 99.9 percent. It ensures each machine passes a rigorous testing process.
Also, its coffee makers come with various features, from bean-to-cup to more affordable capsule machines. Furthermore, De’Longhi machines are available in a range of bright colors and feature smooth curved lines and minimalist controls for a truly stylish finish.
Gaggia
In the 1930s, a man’s tenacious voyage in search of the ultimate espresso in Milan gave rise to one of Italy’s most renowned companies, Gaggia. Since then, it has been a trailblazer in the industry. It develops and provides coffee machines of the highest standard to coffeehouses and households.
Throughout the years, Gaggia has produced stunning products with an always-changing effect. It takes cues from fashion, design, and the period’s culture, motivated by the Italian ideal of “La Dolce Vita,” meaning “a sweet life.”
From the unique “Crema Naturale” feature to the most refined espresso machines, Gaggia embodies the substance and spirit of Italian coffee making.
JURA
JURA Inc. brings sophistication, quality, versatility, and convenience to brewing espresso-based beverages at home. Its automatic coffee machines grind, tamp, brew, and self-clean within 60 seconds. Also, they provide the perfect cup of high-pressure-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
With a wide range of coffee volume and strength options, these machines ensure the highest yield of flavor and aroma. JURA Inc. is part of the Swiss-based JURA AG, the leading provider of automatic coffee machines in more than 40 countries. With JURA, it’s truly the ultimate bean-to-cup experience.
Rancilio
This brand offers the Egro line of fully automated coffee machines designed to meet the highest engineering and performance standards. These robust, efficient, and reliable coffee makers combine outstanding performance and affordability. The brand believes great coffee involves four steps: quality, design, distribution, and service.
Its “Home Line” lets you bring the pleasure of authentic Italian espresso into your home or office. You can choose from a range of machines that bring custom-tailored solutions to meet any need. From traditional espresso machines to automated coffee makers, its selection of grinders features a design to meet the most demanding specifications in coffee grinding.
This brand has an international presence in 115 countries. Also, it distributes its products through a network of seven branches, two research and development centers, and a global sales service network.
Cafflano
Beanscorp Co., Ltd’s innovative, environmentally friendly, and easily transportable coffee-making machines are under the brand “Cafflano”. Its concept covers all the mainstream brewing methods: pour-over, espresso, and immersion.
This brand has won more than 13 international awards from the coffee, outdoor, and kitchenware industries. Also, it won four consecutive ‘best new product awards’ from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) from 2015 to 2019.
Cafflano is available in 100 countries around the world, and the mission of the company remains the same. It seeks to create, manufacture, and provide quality coffee gear that is simple, innovative, economical, convenient, sustainable, and portable for all coffee aficionados.
Ascaso
Since 1962, Ascaso has committed to excellence in all its products. Each Ascaso coffee machine undergoes rigorous testing and inspection, with the factory in Barcelona conducting more than 25 points of inspection.
From systematic checks to extensive life testing simulating tireless coffee production, Ascaso machines strive to meet the highest reliability, usability, and performance standards.
The brand commits to crafting high-quality products with superior materials, meticulously designed components and meaningful innovations. “Craft well, very well” is the code of its business and its philosophy.
Our Preferred Home Espresso Device
Our top pick is the Jura Z10 Diamond Black. Not only can you use it to make over 32 coffee specialties, but you can also use it to duplicate and rename the specialties.
This espresso maker can also use the JURA Operating Experience (JOE) app. Such capability spells endless experiments in search of the tastiest coffee specialty.
Importantly, this espresso maker can make hot and cold coffee brews. Also, you can customize the strength and aroma of your coffee using its eighth-generation brewing unit technology.
Lastly, this machine features an integrated program to rinse, clean, and descale it. This feature makes the device last for a long time and operates efficiently.
The Top-Selling Espresso Machines for Home Use
Our Picks for Home Espresso Machines Under the Microscope
Jura Z10 Diamond Black: Best Super-Automatic Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
Experience enhanced coffee preparation with the Jura Z10 Diamond Black, a machine that allows you to enjoy hot and cold brew coffee specialties. With a press of a button, it can make 32 coffee specialties.
Its optional artificial intelligence and Wi-Fi connection complement its touchscreen display for use with the JOE app. So, you can use it to duplicate, rename, and reposition favorites to customize any coffee.
Its exclusive product-recognizing grinder (PRG) adjusts instantly to the predefined consistency of the grind. Also, this espresso machine leverages the latest pulse extraction process, cold extraction process, and eighth-generation brewing unit technologies.
Notably, the eighth-generation brewing unit provides an outstanding experience thanks to its 3D brewing technology. The unique feature allows water to flow throughout the ground coffee at multiple levels. In return, the aroma gets fully extracted from hot specialties and cold brews.
Its grinder’s automatic aroma selection feature allows one to select the grind for each preparation within seconds. It ranges from very fine for espresso to very coarse for cold brew specialties.
This machine also features an integrated rinsing, cleaning, and descaling program. It also comes with a maintenance cycle kit with a container, a starter supply of cleaning tablets, and milk system cleaning mini tabs. These tabs dissolve milk that has built up around the steam wand and boiler and eliminate intensive scrubbing and rinsing. So, its cleaning is hassle-free.
Lastly, its highest standard of craftsmanship makes it uncompromising in its quality, durability, and use of superior materials and maximum precision design.
- Brand: Jura
- Capacity: 81.15 fluid ounces (2.4 liters) water tank, 9.88 ounces (280 gram) bean holder
- Colors: Aluminum white, diamond black, diamond white
- Dimensions: 17.75 x 12.62 x 15 inches (45.09 x 32.05 x 38.1 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: Integrated coffee grinder
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 36.62 pounds (16.61 kilograms)
- PID: No
What We Liked
- It is super-automatic to help you experiment and improve your coffee-taking experience.
What We Didn’t Like
- It’s expensive to buy.
- Cleaning is also costly because you must frequently buy the recommended cleaning supplies.
No products found.: Best Customizable Home Espresso Machine
No products found.
About This Product
Enjoy 10 barista-style coffee favorites like espresso doppio, cappuccino, flat white, and latte macchiato with the Jura ENA 8 Metropolitan Black Automatic Coffee Machine. It is a one-touch machine delivering the ultimate coffee quality with its exclusive 60-second pulse extraction process. This processing style optimizes the extraction time.
Its AromaG3 grinder grinds whole beans to the ideal fineness you need to make your preferred coffee favorites. Thus, it is eco-friendly because it results in little to no waste of ground coffee beans. For even more convenience, use the optional pre-ground chute. The move saves the time taken to grind coffee beans.
This espresso machine features a 2.8-inch (7.1-centimeter) TFT color display with easy-to-operate separate panels at the front, making its usage convenient and simple.
Additionally, its capacity ensures you won’t run low on coffee from freshly-ground beans. Plus, its water tank is easy to grip, thus preventing accidental slips while pouring coffee into cups. Also, its tank has a cylindrical shape inspired by premium crystal carafes.
This coffee machine also features customizable brewing capabilities, such as personalized coffee strength and volume. Additionally, it has an adjustable spout, two to five (5.08 to 12.7 centimeters), to match the height of your cup or flask.
- Brand: Jura
- Capacity: 37.2 fluid ounces (1.1 liters) water tank, 4.4 ounces (125 grams) bean container
- Color: Metropolitan black, Nordic white, sunset red
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 17.5 x 12.7 inches (27.2 x 44.5 x 32.3 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: Programmable
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 25.94 pounds (11.8 kilograms)
- PID: No
What We Liked
- It has a small footprint, making it occupy a small kitchen space.
- It features a self-rinsing capability, making its cleaning and maintenance easy.
What We Didn’t Like
- It is expensive.
- It is impossible to adjust its milk foam temperature. So, milk may not get hot enough to your liking.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machinet, 0.3 Liters, With Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels, 11.4 by 13.4-Inch: Best Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
Boasting of a strong linear design, this popular, traditional-style semi-automatic espresso machine is sure to last. It features an iron frame with stainless steel side panels for excellent heat stability. Also, it has a commercial-grade group head for premium extraction quality.
Additionally, the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machinet has an outfitted patented ergonomic portafilter for superb extraction. Its chrome-plated brass boiler has the largest volume capacity of any home machine in its class. It also delivers impressive steaming power and recovery time between shots.
Notably, you can top its removable water reservoir anytime during the operation. So, you can make several cups of coffee in one run. Plus, its stainless steel steam wand allows for a complete range of motion for milk steaming. Also, it has an optional adaptor kit for pods and capsules.
This espresso machine also has a button human interface output. This is a selection panel with buttons or a touch screen. It enables users to choose their preferred coffee, adjust brew strength, and add any required additions. So, operating this machine is easy.
Lastly, you can get a Silvia version with a 0.25-ounce (7-gram) coffee scoop, a plastic tamper, and two filter baskets (single and double).
- Brand: Rancilio
- Capacity: 10.14 fluid ounces (0.3 liters)
- Color: Silver
- Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 inches (23.4 x 28.96 x 33.8 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: A commercial-grade group head
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 30.8 pounds (13.97 kilograms)
- PID: No
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.28 inches (58 millimeters)
What We Liked
- Its commercial-grade design makes it durable with proper maintenance.
What We Didn’t Like
- It is expensive.
- It is not super-automatic, making it hard to use for the first time. Remember, an automatic espresso machine allows users to control the water, pressure, temperature, and grind size according to their taste. However, those who want the ease of use and consistency should consider a super-automatic espresso machine, which provides pre-programmed settings and functions to prepare espresso precisely.
Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder With Digital Timer Display: Best Under $300 Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder features a 40-second digital timer you can regulate to a tenth-of-a-second precision. Also, its LED-lit coffee grounds bin guarantees accurate and consistent dosing of your ground coffee.
This commercial-grade coffee grinder also has 40-grind settings and enhanced conical burrs. These features allow for an expansive range of brew methods, from espresso to AeroPress, Hario V60, Chemex, French press, and automatic brewers.
Also, it is uniquely stylish with a sculptured metal top and base. It also features 1.57-inch (40-millimeter) hardened alloy steel burrs and a DC motor for consistent grind and durability.
Lastly, its quality and longevity have a backing of a one-year warranty and world-class customer support.
- Brand: Baratza
- Capacity: 8.11 ounces (230 grams)
- Color: Silver and black
- Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 12.6 inches (16.99 x 16.99 x 32 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special features: 40-second digital timer and 40-grind settings
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 7.05 pounds (3.2 kilograms)
- PID: No
What We Liked
- It is affordable.
- It has a small size for ease of storage.
- You can put beans in its hopper to last you for days.
What We Didn’t Like
- Fixing the plastic funnel gasket to the conical grinder takes time because it requires concentrating on the details to achieve a proper seal and fit.
- It is noisy when grinding beans.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, 64 Fluid Ounces, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES500BSS: Best Italian Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine has features that can meet the four key requirements of café quality (third-wave) coffee.
To begin with, its ThermoJet heating system is innovative in reaching the ideal extraction temperature in three seconds. So, it can give you a barista-quality performance quickly.
Secondly, it utilizes PID (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative) technology to precisely regulate the water’s temperature. Thus, it creates consistently delicious coffee. Also, its 15-bar Italian pump delivers a high-pressure (nine-bar) extraction process. In return, it makes a rich, creamy, caramel-colored espresso.
Additionally, its portafilter’s 0.67-ounce (19-gram) capacity gives you a full, café-quality coffee flavor. Also, it has a button interface for ease of operation.
This machine can also prepare microfoam milk with precision. Its steaming process creates hundreds of tiny bubbles for an optimal flavor and texture experience. These frothy bubbles bring out the milk’s natural sweetness, perfectly pairing with the bold richness of the golden espresso.
Lastly, it comes with the following accessories:
- A cleaning tool and cleaning disc.
- A 16 fluid ounces (480 milliliters) stainless steel milk jug.
- The Razor precision dosing tool.
- Dual wall filter baskets in one and two-cup sizes.
- A 2.13-inch (54-millimeter) tamper.
- Brand: Breville
- Capacity: 64 fluid ounces (1.89 liters)
- Color: Brushed silver
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 12.5 x 12.2 inches (19.3 x 31.75 x 31.04 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: A milk frother
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 3.1 pounds (1.41 kilograms)
- PID: Yes
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.13 inches (54 millimeters)
What We Liked
- A super-fast time that enables you to make a cup of coffee quickly.
- The base can slide off and back easily, making it easy to clean it.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers claim that it is a very hands-on espresso machine, meaning that one has to manually perform some operational steps. So, it makes the coffee-making process cumbersome.
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure + Milk Frother Steam Wand, Black / Stainless, EC260BK, 13.5 x 8.07 x 11.22 Inches: Best Under $200 Home Espresso Machine
Amazon’s Choice in Manual Espresso Machines by De’Longhi
About This Product
This sleek, space-saving countertop espresso maker features a manual milk frother that mixes steam and milk for creamy espresso, cappuccino, latte, or flat white.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker also has a 15-bar pump that creates optimal pressure to extract single or double espressos. Additionally, its ergonomically designed portafilter and separate tamper ensure even and consistent pressure for superior extraction.
With a stainless steel boiler engineered to last, you can use it for a long time. And with its refined stainless steel design, this espresso machine is easy to clean and maintain. Also, its two-level cup holder can accommodate taller cups.
Lastly, this machine has a measuring spoon, instruction manual, quick start guide, and a one-year warranty.
- Brand: De’Longhi
- Capacity: 40.58 fluid ounces (1,200 milliliters)
- Color: Black and silver
- Dimensions: 8.07 x 13.5 x 11.22 inches (20.5 x 34.29 x 28.5 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: A milk frother
- Automatic or manual: Manual
- Weight: 9.48 pounds (4.3 kilograms)
- PID: No
What We Liked
- It is one of the best affordable home espresso machines on the market.
What We Didn’t Like
- It is noisy and vibrates when in use.
Cafflano Kompresso (Hand Carry Coffee Maker): Best Value Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
Cafflano’s Kompresso (Hand Carry Coffee Maker) is an authentic portable espresso maker made with a lightweight and durable design. It is also eco-friendly because it does not use electricity.
This machine uses a hydraulic system following Pascal’s law to increase extraction force up to nine bars. Also, it has a dual-mode pressure (pushing and pulling handles) for maximizing weight force.
This affordable device is hygienic, easy to use, and clean, with no filters to change or replace.
- Brand: Cafflano
- Capacity: 2.7 fluid ounces (80 milliliters) water tank, 0.03 pounds (15 grams) bean holder
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 3.1 x 4.1 inches (18.54 x 7.9 x 10.4 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special features: It is lightweight
- Automatic or manual: Manual
- Weight: 0.50 pounds (0.23 kilograms)
- PID: No
What We Liked
- It is affordable.
- It is lightweight and thus portable.
What We Didn’t Like
- It is manual. Thus, some can find it challenging to use.
- It can result in inconsistent outcomes because it is uncontrollable.
- It is impossible to have an even distribution of coffee because you can’t rotate the tamper.
Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine, 2 Liters, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES876BSS: Best Intelligent Home Espresso Machine
Amazon’s Choice in Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines by Breville
About This Product
The Breville Barista Express® Impress Espresso Machine makes it easy to enjoy third-wave specialty coffee at home. It offers a unique puck system for manual espresso making.
This espresso maker also features intelligent dosing to accurately calculate and adjust for a perfect and precise dose. In other words, it can auto-correct the next amount for the user.
With an assisted tamping function, this machine replicates the movements of a professional barista. So, it can provide a seven-degree “barista twist” finish and 22.05 pounds (10 kilograms) of pressure for a well-made puck. Also, this machine’s integrated conical burr grinder allows users to customize the grind size.
When using this machine, you can choose 25 different settings for desired extraction and flavor. You can also adjust your brew temperature and dose manually, and choose from preset single or double shots, for a simplified process of manual espresso creation.
The built-in Thermocoil heating system with PID control offers precise temperature, flow rate, and contact time to ensure a great-tasting espresso cup. At the same time, the microfoam steam wand textures milk to enable you to create espresso with an overall enhanced look and taste.
This machine also comes with several accessories, such as a 16.23-fluid ounce (480-milliliter) stainless steel milk jug, single and dual wall filter baskets, a water filter holder with filter, a Razor precision trimming tool, and cleaning tablets.
- Brand: Breville
- Capacity: 67.63 fluid ounces (2 liters) water tank, 8.8 ounces (250 gram) bean hopper
- Color: Silver
- Dimensions: 14.9 x 12.9 x 16.1 inches (37.84 x 32.77 x 40.9 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special feature: A smart measuring system
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 14.3 pounds (6.5 kilograms)
- PID: Yes
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.13 inches (54 millimeters)
What We Liked
- It can help you use a precise amount of coffee because it has an intelligent dosing system. So, no more guessing.
What We Didn’t Like
- It can waste a few ounces/grams of coffee grounds before achieving the right grind settings, especially after introducing a new coffee bean type. This situation happens because it relies on a learning curve for precise settings.
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, 21 Liters, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel: Best Quiet Home Espresso Machine
Amazon’s Choice in Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines by Gaggia
About This Product
The Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine features a new commercial steam wand It also has two heating elements that heat the boiler, and it takes approximately five minutes to brew and 30 seconds to produce steam.
Aspiring baristas can hone their craft using the commercial-style portafilter alongside the included commercial single and double-shot baskets. For café-quality espresso, get consistent shot quality and a luxurious crema with the pressurized basket or by combining your grinder and the commercial baskets.
This machine’s commercial-style three-way solenoid valve releases pressure to produce a dry, easily-discarded puck of coffee grounds. Also, the water reservoir has improved access and a more streamlined look thanks to a redesigned stainless steel frame.
Additionally, this espresso maker produces outstanding espresso quality but with less sound due to the improved mounting of the vibration pump. Also, its control panel has three switches, each with its indicator light. The switches provide information on the machine’s power, brewing, and steaming status.
Also, pre-ground or ESE pods are compatible with the machine’s pressurized basket. Moreover, its updated design elements provide a modern appeal.
- Brand: Gaggia
- Capacity: 71.01 fluid ounces (2.1 liters)
- Color: Brushed silver
- Dimensions: 8 x 9.5 x 14.2 inches (20.32 x 24.13 x 36.07 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 18.74 pounds (85 kilograms)
- PID: No
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.28 inches (58 millimeters)
What We Liked
- You can remove the bottom plate and pour coffee into your mug directly, thus enabling you to use a mug or flask of any height.
- It is sturdy and can last for a long time.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers claim it cannot accommodate an average coffee mug because the distance between the spout and drip tray is short.
- It may take time to master how to pull a shot using it because of its complex design.
Ascaso Dream PID Programmable Home Espresso Machine W/Volumetric Controls, 120V (Dark Black): Best PID-Programmable Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
The Ascaso Dream PID Programmable Home Espresso Machine has a retro aesthetic that makes it an eye-catching addition to your kitchen or office.
You can program your PID controller to produce perfect shots each time using this espresso maker. This model also includes adjustment programming, enabling you to adjust the temperature to account for losses while creating your espresso cup.
Also, its digital pressure gauge replaces its original analog temperature gauge for ease of monitoring your espresso-making process.
This machine’s externally-accessible screw enables you to adjust the pump’s maximum pressure to the group head. In return, it provides additional control and allows you to perform backflushing on the machine to deep-clean your espresso machine. This move ensures that your next cup contains an authentic flavor.
This espresso maker’s digitally displayed PID temperature control is adjustable in one-degree increments. Also, it combines with its enhanced volumetric controls and programmable settings for pre-infusion, single shot, double shot, and auto-standby. These features make it easier for baristas to create and maintain a constantly high-quality espresso.
This machine’s advanced thermoblock group, made of aluminum and stainless steel, allows for continuous steam flow with constant pressure, stable operation, and energy efficiency. Additionally, its stainless steel circuits prevent the build-up of limescale. So, the machine is sturdier and can last longer.
- Brand: Ascaso
- Capacity: 48 fluid ounces (1.42 liters)
- Color: Dark black and walnut
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 10 x 13.5 inches (34.29 x 25.4 x 34.29 centimeters) (D x W x H)
- Special features: An adjustable over-pressure valve, an all-food safe AISI 316 stainless steel water circuit, an electronic steam control with a no-burn steam wand, and a specially designed thermoblock
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 18 pounds (8.16 kilograms)
- PID: Yes
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.28 inches (58 millimeters)
What We Liked
- It features several automatic maintenance-related processes, including backflushing and operation stabilization, which makes it durable. These processes improve its efficient usage and maintenance, thus reducing its wear and tear.
What We Didn’t Like
- Based on its description, it sounds too technical to operate, especially for beginners.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine, 67 Fluid ounces, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES880BSS: Best Intuitive Home Espresso Machine
About This Product
This stunningly designed Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine offers a barista-quality performance. It features an intuitive touchscreen display, a pre-programmed menu of café drinks, automatic milk texturing, and a built-in grinder. Its ultra-fast three-second heat-up time ensures you can go from beans to cups quicker than ever.
Use the intuitive touchscreen display to make your personalized café-style coffee in three easy steps – grind, brew, and milk. Also, you can adjust the coffee’s strength, the milk’s texture, and temperature to your desired preference. Afterward, save the setting under a unique image and name of your choice. You can save up to eight different coffee recipes!
This machine’s auto-steam wand makes micro-foam with perfect texture and temperature for that ideal barista-level taste. It is the finest foam necessary for creating amazing latte art. Also, its innovative grinding cradle enables a hands-free operation for any at-home barista, allowing them to grind directly into the espresso portafilter.
Also, this espresso maker features PID technology. It allows for precise regulation of the water temperature when preparing coffee. In return, you can precisely control the flavor of your brew for a consistently delightful cup.
When using this machine, low-pressure pre-infusion slowly saturates the grinds. So, a nine-bar high-pressure extraction, delivered by its 15-bar Italian pump, ensures an even water flow over the beans. This process produces an espresso with rich creaminess, beautiful caramel tones, and a full-bodied sweetness.
Some of the accessories that come with this machine are
- A 16-fluid-ounce (0.47-liter) stainless steel jug.
- ClaroSwiss water filter, water hardness test strip.
- Razor™ precision dose trimming tool.
- A cleaning kit.
- Single and double wall filter baskets.
Lastly, this espresso maker has a compact footprint that makes it fit in kitchens with limited space.
- Brand: Breville
- Capacity: 67 fluid ounces (1.98 liters)
- Color: Brushed silver
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 15.5 x 16 inches (32.26 x 39.37 x 40.64 centimeters)
- Special features: Programmable jug, water filter, integrated coffee grinder
- Automatic or manual: Automatic
- Weight: 26.9 pounds (12.2 kilograms)
- PID: Yes
- Portafilter dimensions: 2.13 inches (54 millimeters)
What We Liked
- It can make smooth espresso without over-extraction.
- It has intuitive components and controls that make it easy to use.
- It has a grinder that can grind coffee beans to your preference.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers find it expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions on Home Espresso Machines
How Do You Clean an Espresso Machine?
It is always best to review the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning an espresso machine. Remember, one device’s features can differ from another’s. However, daily cleaning exercises can maintain the espresso machine, as per some manufacturers.
So, always purge the steam wand after use, flush the group head, and clean the portafilter and basket daily, among other cleaning exercises.
How Should I Descale an Espresso Maker?
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details about descaling your particular machine. Notably, it’s generally a good idea to descale your espresso maker at least once a month. This move is handy, especially if you use your machine frequently or live in an area with hard water.
What We Looked for
Why did we select the listed espresso makers as the best in the market? We looked at the following aspects:
Pressure
We paid close attention to the pressure at which water passes through the coffee grounds when making espresso. It is a crucial factor in the process.
In coffee shops, espresso machines are often at the optimal pressure of nine bars. It results from pulling a series of shots, each increasing pressure until reaching the pinnacle.
Notably, the flavor of the espresso gets better as the pressure from three bars increases until reaching nine bars. The water passing through the tamped coffee grounds faster results in a more intense flavor.
However, if the pressure rises above nine bars, the water compacts the grounds. In return, the water flows slower through the puck, resulting in a less desirable flavor.
It is essential to know the optimal pressure setting, as many of the machines we tested showcased numerous pressure profiles ranging from 3.5 to 15 bars. However, we were doubtful about devices claiming the potential to achieve 15 bars or higher.
Notably, we faced pressure issues when working with manual brewing machines, which didn’t have pressure gauges. Such devices make it hard to keep the pressure consistent. In return, assessing how variable alterations, including grind sizes and doses, affected the resultant coffee was hard.
Even though manual brewing devices are portable, they compromise the ability to control the outcomes.
Water Temperature
When considering water temperature and extraction, it’s important to remember that the hotter the water, the faster it can extract coffee. However, very hot water (over 205°F/96°C) can lead to over-extraction and thinness.
On the other hand, the flavor extraction slows down as the water gets cold, leading to under-extraction and a sour taste.
We also discovered that some manual machines lost temperature easily while some electric devices changed temperature rapidly depending on their usage.
Ease of Use
During our tests, we ensured pulling a shot was simple, easy to repeat, and didn’t mess with one’s wrists or necessitate machine bracing. In addition, we checked to see if each machine could hold cups easily, if the drip tray was effortless to take out, and if the portafilter basket was easy to remove and clean.
Ease of Cleaning
When considering ease of cleaning, we looked into how easy it was to clean the espresso machines by disassembling and putting them back together. We also evaluated the cleaning supplies that came with the devices.
Extras
After evaluating the machines, we looked at the amenities they included. Did they have what we needed to create an espresso? Additionally, did they have items needed to make the required drink?
Notably, most machines had plastic tampers and dosing spoons, although the size of the utensils varied. So, to verify the size of each spoon, we had to measure it to determine the amount of coffee it could hold—an unnecessary task, in our opinion.
Why to Trust The Proud Italian
We are a reliable source of information because the information we provide is well-researched, regularly updated, written, and maintained by Italian cuisine and culture experts.
We also have an extensive library of resources, including videos and interviews with top chefs and authors, ensuring visitors always have access to relevant and accurate information. Additionally, we have an active social media presence which allows users to interact with us and receive real-time updates.
With vast experience, we comprehensively understand what is necessary to make the perfect espresso. Throughout the years, we have developed the ability to recognize even the slightest variations in coffee flavors and milk textures – vital skills when creating this guide.
To ensure our reviews are as accurate and informative as possible, we consult a range of specialist sources, including articles by coffee experts, product demos, and input from lead baristas and product experts for the beverage category. In addition, we liaise with coffee house founders for more tested and reliable information.
One Last Thing to Remember
Even though the espresso makers we reviewed are some of the best in the market, our top pick is the Jura Z10 Diamond Black. You can use it to make over 32 coffee specialties and duplicate and rename them.
This espresso maker uses the JOE app to make hot and cold coffee brews and customize the strength and aroma of your coffee. Indeed, it stands out from the rest.
We believe now you know the best espresso makers in the market and what to look for when buying them. Now, it is time to buy one and change your coffee-making experience.
Community of passionate writers and content creators who share a love for Italian heritage, culture, travel, food, and the Italian-American community. Our mission is to celebrate Italy’s rich history and traditions and connect with others who share the same passion.
