The best espresso machines bring a lot to any home. It's undeniable that they look great, and they are also capable of recreating some of the most popular coffee-based drinks from home, and (if you choose the right one) even better than your local coffee shop. But finding the right machine for you will depend on a number of factors. For one, these machines are expensive, so you'll want to stay within the budget that feels reasonable to you. We've tested espresso machines for under $150 that hit the mark, but you can easily spend over $2,000 if you want the best of the best.
I've been testing the best coffee makers for five years, and I recently did a Specialty Coffee Association qualification on barista skills. My colleague Erin Bashford, who tested a lot of the espresso machines in this guide, has three years of experience making drinks in specialty coffee shops, so between us, we've got some major espresso credentials, and we've combined them to create this ultimate guide to the best espresso machines.
Some, like the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series come with all the bells and whistles: an in-built grinder, fancy tamping technology or (if you opt for a superautomatic machine) an all-in-one system that will grind, tamp, brew, and even top up your espresso with fresh-steamed milk. Others, like the CasaBrews Espresso Machine, can be paired with one of the best coffee grinders to offer maximum value for money. But which is best for you? To find out, just keep reading.
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Recent updates
We've been busy testing countless espresso machines over the past few months; a task that's kept us well-caffeinated and that's also influenced some major overhauls to this guide. I've added a newly-reviewed SMEG machine to the lineup. It's a total looker, and we made some cracking latte art in it, but there are cheaper options we like as much. Like the KitchenAid Semi Automatic, which Erin adored when she tested its super-powerful steam. Erin also loved the De'Longhi La Specialista Opera, a newcomer in the third spot of our lineup for its well-priced, high-powered design.
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I'm Tom's Guide's Senior Home Editor, I've been testing and reviewing espresso machines for five years. I love all types of coffee, but espresso-based drinks will always be my favorite. In my years of testing I've had the chance to travel to the De'Longhi HQ in Italy, where I got to watch espresso machines being made right in front of my eyes.
I've been to coffee tasting sessions hosted by major brands such as Lavazza and Pact Coffee's in-house experts, and I've even recently completed a Specialty Coffee Association foundation-level Barista Skills qualification, meaning I could probably get a job in a coffee shop if testing coffee makers ever gets old.
Most importantly, this experience taught me the difference between human error and poor machine performance, which puts me in the perfect position to assess which espresso machines are actually worth the money.
As a former barista (and current product tester), I've spent a lot of time getting hands-on with espresso machines. After a combined three years at two of the biggest coffee chains and a year at an artisan independent coffee shop, I can detect a well-balanced shot when I taste it, and can also interpret the culprit behind a poor extraction, be it low pressure, grind size, or poor temperature controls.
Spending three years making hundreds of coffees a day might make a person gag at the sight of lattes, but coffee still holds a special place in my heart. My favorite drink is an oat milk flat white, made with Kenyan or Ethiopian beans.
The quick list
Here’s the best espresso machines you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.
Ninja's Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series is a newcomer that makes brewing easy for beginners. It's got everything from automated grinder guidance to programmable milk steaming. At under $500, it offers a lot for the price.
Although it lacks some of the bells and whistles we love about more premium coffee makers, the Casabrews on quality extraction and surprising value for money. Paired with a good grinder, you'll be able to make some brilliant espresso.
Whether you’re a coffee newbie or a coffee expert, the Opera is a wonderful machine perfect for most people — especially those who want to keep mess to a minimum.
Erin described this machine as a coffee-making robot, which perfectly captures how it works, and why it's so clever. It makes a myriad of drinks with the touch of a button, and it does so quietly and powerfully.
The Breville Bambino Plus offers smart steaming in a compact frame. It doesn't have an in-built grinder, but it’s compact in design, straightforward to use and brews delicious espresso, cup-after-cup.
The Terra Kaffe TK-02 is like a super computer in a coffee maker. It's got a smart touchscreen display and automated milk dispenser, and while it's not cheap, it's competitively priced for a superautomatic machine.
Best espresso machine overall
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series is one of the most exciting recent espresso machine launches, and it lives up to the hype. Our reviewer found that it got the balance right between beginner-friendly design and technical efficiency, featuring guidance on grinding, tools for assisted tamping, and a steam wand that can be used automatically or manually, depending on how specialist you want to get.
Grinder
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series features a conical burr grinder with 25 grind sizes on offer. The machine makes everything from cold brew to drip coffee, and it's quite hard to get a great grinder that can offer the right size for all of those brews, but the Ninja just about manages it. Noise level is about average, but a little whiny compared to the likes of premium machines like Jura. The grinder works on a weight-based system and features an integrated scale, which is a pretty smart feature for a $500 machine. Interestingly though, it doesn't do single shots.
Espresso
As mentioned above, you'll have to brew double espressos with this machine. Personally though, I can't remember the last time I used my single shot baskets, so maybe that's not a huge loss for most people. The machine includes an assisted tamper to compress grounds, and it pre-infuses your shot to ensure an even extraction.
Milk
There are some pros and cons to the milk steaming with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series. The milk jug has an in-built spinner to create a vortex in the jug when you're using the automated steaming mode, but you can use the wand manually if you want to learn how to steam by hand. If you opt for pre-set milk steaming, you can switch between plant and dairy milk settings to prevent oat or soy milk from burning. Another bonus is that it can also make cold foam, which is quite rare for an espresso machine.
Read our full Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series review
Best budget espresso machine
Considering the very reasonable price point, it's impressive off the bat that the Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418 has a sturdy metal construction. On the front are four buttons (power, one cup, two cups, and steam), as well as a pressure gauge, and there is also a button on the side to control the steam wand or hot water dispenser. The greatest letdown in terms of quality was the portafilter, which felt a little flimsy. Still, for the price, it's hard to complain. Especially because this is something you can easily upgrade on the likes of Amazon.
Espresso
Our espresso had plenty of body and flavor. Of course, because there's no in-built grinder, you're going to want to invest in a coffee grinder if you want a really brilliant brew, as packaged coffee grounds don't dazzle the way a freshly ground bean will. Still, we were able to get a rich crema with good staying power after a few tries and with the help of the Casabrews pressure gauge.
Milk
The steam wand also lacks the bells and whistles of a more expensive machine, but was certainly capable of getting the job done. It took a little longer than most machines to pre-heat, and once it was in full flow it made quite a bit of noise, but we were able to get a good quality foam once it got going.
Read our full Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418 review.
Best manual espresso machine
Whether you’re just getting started in the colorful world of at-home coffee or you’re a self-professed connoisseur, there’ll be one thing that is getting on your nerves. Trust us — we’ve been there too. Making espresso at home is a fun way to experiment with flavor and save money, but it isn’t always the cleanest hobby. So if you’re looking for ways to minimize mess and save yourself precious cleaning time, look no further than the De’Longhi La Specialista Opera.
Grinder
This machine is so mess-free because of its smart tamper. Instead of grinding the espresso into your portafilter and tamping separately on your bench, this smart tamper system grinds the beans into your portafilter and tamps without you having to remove the group handle from the machine. And before you know it, your espresso is tamped and ready to go without even leaving the safety of the machine.
Espresso
You’ll be pleased to know that the mess-free tamping isn’t the only good thing about this machine. Almost every other aspect of the Opera is flawless, too. Besides the gorgeous chrome finish, powerful 19-bar pressure, delicious nuanced espresso, and the generous inclusion of six coffee glasses, the machine also steams perfect milk for latte art.
Milk
There’s very little wrong with this machine. During testing, we found no major flaw with the Opera besides the steam wand lies a little low, so you have to move it out of the way of the group handle to steam milk. And that’s a very minimal qualm.
Best superautomatic espresso machine
The KF8 is a great machine if you aren’t a fan of making coffee. However, if you enjoy the process of pulling shots and steaming milk, you’d be better off with the Ninja Luxe.
Grinder
With the built-in burr grinder’s automatic dosage, tamping, and extraction, you really don’t need to do anything to get a steaming cup of coffee. The grinder has even settings, which isn't great compared to alternative machines such as the Breville Barista Express. However, it's a great quality conical steel burr.
Espresso
The KF8 is, without a doubt, the easiest way to make coffee. All you have to do is click a button and the machine makes delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and more in seconds. With the built-in burr grinder’s automatic dosage, tamping, and extraction, you really don’t need to do anything to get a steaming cup of coffee. Our espresso was juicy and evenly extracted after a fully automated brew cycle.
Milk
The detachable milk frother automatically steams your milk, although I found this to be the machine’s weakest link. If you want a machine that pulls its weight, the KF8 is a hard-working, talented option. Just be warned — it’s not quite at barista-level yet.
Best compact espresso machine
The Breville Bambino Plus impressed us in our testing, consistently producing high quality espresso and offering an excellent automatic milk frother for that extra professional finishing touch. It's difficult to produce a bad coffee from this particular espresso machine, and with a speedy three second heat up time you'll be enjoying a fantastically brewed shot in no time at all.
Espresso
Although some will prefer to have an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, many coffee fanatics prefer to buy this separately, and choose to pair the grinder of their choice with the Bambino Plus, which produces very high-quality espresso without taking up too much counter-space.
Like many of the best espresso machines, you can adjust the espresso settings for a shorter or longer shot, however the adjustable pre-infusion settings here are particularly impressive.
Milk
We had no difficulty using this steam wand manually to create a consistent micro-foam, but what really impressed us was the MilQ Plus setting. This allows you to choose from three pre-set temperatures and textures, then leave your milk to be steamed automatically. The best bit? You'll then get to pour it yourself, allowing you to practice your latte art.
Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino Plus review.
Best smart espresso machine
Thanks to its smarts, the TK-02 is the coffee machine for everyone. The built-in touchscreen lets you touch a drink from the menu and automatically starts brewing. This eliminates the most tedious parts of creating flavorful coffee, so anyone can quickly order up or create a delicious drink and go about their day. Enthusiasts willing to forego manual controls can dive deep into the digital settings to adjust dosage, pressure, brew temperatures, and more.
Grinder
The Terra Kaffe offers five grind settings, which pales in comparison to machines from Breville and De'Longhi, but is enough to cover the espresso-based drinks you'll be making in this brewer.
The grind consistency is solid, and the machine lets you adjust for single or double shots. Most of the process is dead silent at 15 decibels while dripping water and coffee.
Coffee
It’s not the cheapest machine out there, but it's a worthy investment if you value both aesthetics and performance—and you’re tired of dealing with manual controls and pods. Not only can you schedule it to wake up to cafe-quality specialty coffee without lifting a finger, but the machine even shows you how much money you save with each cup. This pulls a perfect shot every time. It has several settings, including an exclusive drip coffee that tastes absolutely fantastic in the iced coffee setting. You can use the app or built-in touchscreen to customize your selection by strength, size, and the amount of steamed milk.
When we tried it out for ourselves, we found the coffee roasted evenly without getting too acidic or punchy for our palette—even at stronger settings. It will surely give you a kick when set to its finest grind setting but overall you can extract a wide range of flavors from the same bag of beans.
Milk
Outside of the baseline setting the milk foam quality is either a bit too thin or thick. The attachments are easy enough to setup and use, but removing the hose and cleaning it can get old fast due to the extra care the removal process needs.
Read our full TK-02 Connected Super Automatic Espresso Machine review.
Best luxury espresso machine
There's a reason that Breville is a firm favorite in the coffee maker market. Not only do they get coffee, but they get coffee-lovers. The Oracle Jet is designed for those who love coffee but is accessible enough to guide you to a delicious brew with minimal skill which, for beginners or those who would appreciate a helping hand, is a brilliant choice.
Grinder
I really loved the grinder that came with the Oracle Jet. The European precision burrs are made by Baratza, with a total 45 grind settings to choose from, and it boasts volumetric dosing which means you'll always get the right amount of grounds for your portafilter, and it'll even tamp them automatically. This is not only mess-free, it's also a surefire way to avoid one of the biggest variables when making espresso, with a guaranteed even tamp pressure. The only complaint I had was that it left a scattering of grounds on top of my puck after each tamp.
Espresso
I made some stellar espresso in the Oracle Jet. It tracks the brewing time and if it takes too long or brews too fast, you'll get a red light and a suggestion to adjust your grinder to improve your next brew. It's a little splashy compared to other Breville machines I've tried, but made some trully delicious brews. That includes its cold brew setting too, which is a first from Breville. The Oracle Jet makes cold brew and cold espresso, ideal for iced coffee lovers.
Milk
This coffee maker has a smart temperature tracker built into the steam wand itself, so it tracks the temperature of your milk (whether you steam by hand or use its automatic settings) and will stop once it hits the right heat for your choice of milk. And yes, it even adjusts this for oat, almond or other alternative milk drinks.
Read our full Breville Oracle Jet review
Best espresso machine for steaming milk
The KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder is the entry-level option in a new line of coffee makers from the kitchen giant, and it deserves all the hype. Our reviewer Erin made latte after latte with its highly capable steam wand.
Grinder
Erin found that grinding volumes took some trial and error with this machine. It offers "smart dosing technology", but she found it much easier to manually input the volumes of coffee she needed for single and double portafilters. It's good you get the option though, something that makes this machine accessible to a range of experience levels.
Coffee
We made some fantastic espresso in this machine. Shots came out loaded with fluffy caramel crema, and tasted brilliantly full-bodied. We also thought it did a great job of brewing back-to-back espresso shots without needing to reset its internal temperature.
Milk
The steam wand was the standout winner for this machine. Erin said it's the closest she's come to professional espresso machines since she worked in a coffee shop. High praise indeed! The steam wand is fast and powerful, perfectly capable of creating the ideal microfoam.
Read our full KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder review.
Best looking espresso machine
If you’re a fan of the retro glam aesthetic of Smeg’s range of 1950s-inspired home appliances, you’re gonna wanna know about the Smeg EGF03 Espresso Machine with Grinder. This semi-automatic machine looks right at home with all other Smeg products and could give your kitchen a bit of pizzazz.
Grinder
Although it’s one of the most expensive espresso-with-grinder machines I’ve ever seen — at $1,100 — the stylish design could make up for it. And you’ll be pleased to know that the machine works a charm, too. It’s not just a pretty face. We loved the single- and dual-walled portafilters that produced a layered, decadent espresso shot and the reliable grinder with 15 sizes that dosed the same amount every time.
Espresso
The espresso extraction is reliable, too, meaning you’ll get the same amount of espresso with every use. This reliability is great because you’ll be able to experiment with different grind sizes and tamping pressure so you can find the best coffee for your taste.
Milk
If you’re a latte art nerd, too, the powerful 20 bar pressure in the EGF03 machine means you’ll be an expert in no time. It’s so easy to make velvety smooth milk that isn’t frothy or wet — the ideal in between. We were able to get perfect latte art with this machine.
If you want a stylish, effective coffee machine and don’t mind spending over $1,000 to get it, the Smeg EGF03 is a fantastic option. Just be warned — you can get the same quality of coffee for much cheaper.
How we tested the best espresso machines
We tested every espresso machine for ourselves, factoring in different types and styles to suit different circumstances. We brewed a selection of beverages, considering the speed and efficiency of the process and the flavor of the result. We also made a note of any strengths and weaknesses of the model, including the effectiveness of the milk frother and the ease of filling and emptying the grounds. As a result, we can say with confidence that that this list accurately reflects the performance of each machine. These are the best espresso machines you will find.
Which type of coffee maker should you buy? Check out our guide if you're unsure. We've also tested the best travel coffee mugs, if you're looking for a to-go cup.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Type | Settings | Water capacity (oz) | Pressure (bar pump) | Milk frother | Grinder | Accessories |
Breville Bambino Plus | Espresso machine (ground) | 1 or 2 cups and steam | 64 | 15 | Yes | No | Tamper, trimming tool, milk pitcher and cleaning tools |
Ninja Luxe Café | Espresso machine (semi-automatic) | Espresso, Cold Brew, Drip Coffee | 70 | 14 | Yes | Yes | Milk Jug, Double Basket, Luxe Basket, Assisted Tamper, Funnel |
Jura ENA8 | Espresso (bean to cup) | Espresso, Cordado, Coffee, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiatto, 2x Espresso, 2x Coffee, Milk Foam, Cappuccino Extra Shot, Flat White Extra Shot, Latte Macchiato Extra Shot, Espresso Doppio, Caffe Barista, Hot Water | 37 | 15 | Sold Separately | Yes | Water filter |
Breville Barista Express | Espresso machine (bean or ground) | 1 or 2 cups, hot water and steam | 67 | 15 | Yes | Yes | Tamper, trimming tool, milk pitcher, cleaning tools |
KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Espresso machine (ground) | Single/Double espresso, hot water and steam | 50.7 | 15 | Yes | No | Milk pitcher, coffee scoop and tamper |
Philips 3200 Series LatteGo | Espresso machine (bean or ground) | Espresso, coffee, latte, Americano and hot water | 61 | 15 | Yes | Yes | Scoop and water filter |
Casabrews Espresso Machine | Espresso machine (ground) | Single/Double espresso, hot water and steam | 31 | 20 | Yes | No | Milk pitcher, coffee scoop and tamper |
Terra Kaffe TK-02 | Espresso (bean to cup) | Thousands of recipes | 75 | 19 | Yes | Yes | All included |
How to choose the best espresso machine
Selecting the best espresso machines for you comes down to 3 considerations: how much space you have in your kitchen, the size of your budget, and how much work you want to put into the brewing process.
Below we describe the four types of machines so you can decide which is best for you.
Manual: These handsome and expensive machines have a lever that you pull to deliver a shot of espresso. With a manual espresso maker, you have complete control and can produce your ideal cup but also have the best chance of messing up. We think that they’re best left to professionals or serious coffee connoisseurs.
Semiautomatic: This type, which has an electric pump is the most popular. It allows you to do the grinding and tamping yourself but the motor gives consistent flow and pressure. You control the quantity of espresso in your cup by stopping the extraction process. Most semiautomatics have a steam wand or other mechanism for heating and frothing milk and some have a built-in grinder as well. Those without a grinder are generally the most compact and least expensive. You can find a good machine in this category for under $500.
Fully Automatic: With a fully automatic espresso maker, even the amount of water is determined by the machine. All you have to do is fill it with beans and press a button and the machine delivers your drink of choice whether it’s an espresso or a latte macchiato. Many do give you the opportunity to customize the grind, the temperature, the strength, and/or the amount to your liking. Virtually all feature steamers and burr grinders. Because they have so many features these machines will take up the most space in your kitchen and come with the highest price tags.
Capsule: The machines provide the ultimate convenience. You pop a capsule in, press a button and you get a cup of espresso topped with a layer of crema. The only thing you have to do is keep a supply of coffee capsules on hand and fill the tank with water. Choose from a variety of configurations and models with and without on-board frothers or steaming wands. Capsule espresso makers aren’t cheap but won’t set you back as much as a fully automatic model.
Other features to consider
In shopping for an espresso maker, you’ll also hear a lot about Bar Pump Pressure. An espresso machine requires pressure to extract flavor from finely ground coffee. The pressure in pump machines is measured in bars or units of atmospheric pressure. Although 8 to 9 bars is considered sufficient, most machines, including all of our best espresso machines, have at least 15-bar pumps.
In addition to the built-in conveniences mentioned above, like burr grinders and steam wands, many espresso machines also come with some added accessories, like scoops and tampers to get your measurements just right. All of these extras and more are highlighted in our selections above.
Espresso machine FAQs
Is an espresso machine worth it?
If you want the freedom to experiment with nearly everything about your coffee's brewing process, an espresso machine is absolutely worth it. Even if you're a beginner looking to produce cafe-style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen, there's plenty of value in an all-in-one home setup. These days, the best espresso machines pack a wide range of features but also cater to varying skill levels, so you can gradually grow more confident in experimenting over time.
If, however, you just want a simple cup of coffee and don't have time to grind your own beans, fill your brew basket, tamp, pre-infuse, and froth your milk, then it might be worth sticking with a drip machine or pod coffee maker. There is a little extra effort involved when brewing from an espresso machine, not including the sometimes fiddly cleaning schedule.
How do you maintain an espresso machine?
To ensure that your espresso machine functions well for as long as possible, it must be regularly maintained and kept clean. There are a few main areas to look for:
Water reservoir
Over time, minerals and sediments can build up inside the water tubes in your espresso machine, which will lessen the amount of water that can get though. It's important to know how to descale a coffee maker to remove this buildup.
Drip tray
Most espresso machines will have a drip tray that catches excess water and coffee grounds. You should clean this out regularly to avoid bacteria from growing in the water.
Milk foamer/frother
If you make a lot of lattes or cappuccinos, chances are you're using the steam function on your espresso machine. You should wipe this clean after each use to prevent milk residue from accumulating and hardening.
Used coffee grounds
Some espresso machines will deposit used coffee grounds in an internal storage area, while others will require you to dispose of the grounds after each use. Instead of throwing the grounds in the trash, use them in your garden: they're great for composting.
When should you replace an espresso machine?
The best espresso machines typically come with a one or two year warranty and stay in operation anywhere from 7 to 10 years. As you would expect, an expensive fully automatic model will last the longest. When you buy a machine, don’t spring for an extended warranty. It’s unlikely that it will cost less than repairing your machine during its lifetime.
Among the things you’ll notice when your machine breaks down is that stops building up pressure or your espresso doesn’t come out as hot as it used to. These problems could be indicative of a faulty pump or heating element that isn’t worth fixing. If you bring it in for a repair and are quoted a price that is over 50% of the cost of a new unit, we recommend buying a replacement. To keep your machine in good working order as long as possible, be sure to clean your coffee maker thoroughly. Defer to the instruction manual for this, as well as information on regular maintenance on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.
When you buy a new espresso machine, you’ll also find features available that aren’t offered on older models. Electronic displays, hot water spouts, and frothed milk dispensers are now common. Steam wands have been improved so that they are easier to use and give better foaming. Whether you like the convenience of premeasured pods of coffee or want a machine that grinds beans for each dose of coffee, you can now find more machines to meet your needs.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are still rarely available on espresso machines with the exception of smart coffeemakers from Nespresso. They allow you to control the machine and get alerts when you’re running low on capsules on an app on your mobile device.
