Espresso machines
Espresso machines: find the one that makes you smile every morning
Semi-automatic, super-automatic, with or without a grinder, under $500 or a lifelong dual boiler. We compare the specs that change what ends up in your cup, explain them in plain words and point you to the machine that fits how you actually make coffee.
Guides
Espresso machinesThe Best Espresso Machine for Home: Six Picks That Make Mornings HappierThe best espresso machine for most homes is the Breville Barista Express, an all-in-one with a built-in burr grinder and PID temperature control.
Espresso machinesThe Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines for Effortless Café MorningsThe best super automatic espresso machine for most people is the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema, a simple bean-to-cup machine with one-touch milk drinks.
Espresso machinesThe Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder for Fresh, Easy ShotsThe best espresso machine with grinder for most people is the Breville Barista Express, with a 16-setting conical burr grinder and PID temperature control in one body.
Espresso machinesThe Best Espresso Machine for Beginners: Friendly Machines for Your First Great ShotThe best espresso machine for beginners is the Breville Bambino Plus: it heats up fast, is compact and has an automatic milk wand that makes silky lattes easy.
Espresso machinesThe Best Espresso Machine Under 500 Dollars: Real Espresso on a Happy BudgetThe best espresso machine under 500 dollars is the Breville Bambino Plus, listed at $499.95, thanks to its fast ThermoJet heat-up and automatic milk wand.
Espresso machinesThe Best Dual Boiler Espresso Machine: Brew and Steam at the Same TimeThe best dual boiler espresso machine for most homes is the Breville Dual Boiler: two stainless boilers with PID, a heated group and a 58 mm portafilter at a lower list price than most prosumer rivals.
Espresso machinesThe Best Latte Machines for Silky, Café-Style Milk Drinks at HomeThe best latte machine for most people is the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema, which grinds beans and pours one-touch lattes and cappuccinos from a milk carafe.
Espresso machinesThe Best Portable Espresso Maker: Great Shots Wherever the Day Takes YouThe best portable espresso maker is the Wacaco Picopresso: it weighs about 350 g, holds an 18 g dose and builds up to 18 bar by hand for real espresso on the go.
Espresso machinesThe Semi Automatic Espresso Machine, Explained: Your Hands, Its Pressure, Great CoffeeA semi automatic espresso machine heats water and supplies pump pressure, while you grind, dose, tamp and start and stop each shot.
Espresso machinesBreville vs DeLonghi: Which Espresso Machine Brand Is Right for You?In the Breville vs DeLonghi match-up, choose Breville if you want a hands-on semi-automatic with helpful features like fast ThermoJet heating, built-in grinders and automatic milk wands.
Espresso machinesBreville Barista Express vs Pro: The Friendly Classic or the Faster Upgrade?In the Breville Barista Express vs Pro choice, the Express is the better value: a 16-setting grinder, PID and thermocoil heating at a $699.95 list price that is often discounted.
Espresso machinesJura vs De'Longhi: Finding Your Perfect Bean-to-Cup MatchIn the Jura vs De'Longhi choice, Jura wins on premium build, compact size and self-cleaning milk spouts, while De'Longhi wins on value and range, from the budget Magnifica Evo to the cold-brew-capable Eletta Explore.How to choose an espresso machine for home
The best espresso machine is the one you will happily use every morning. Before comparing boilers and pump pressures, decide how hands-on you want to be, what you drink most and how much you want to spend on the machine and a grinder together.
Semi-automatic, super-automatic or prosumer
A semi-automatic machine gives you control of grind, dose and milk texture. It rewards a little practice with café-style shots and latte art, and models with a built-in grinder make the start easier. Our semi-automatic espresso machine guide explains how it compares with fully automatic options. A super-automatic, also called bean-to-cup, grinds, tamps and brews at a button press, which is lovely for busy households and milk drinks; see the best super-automatic machines. Prosumer machines with dual boilers or heat exchangers add temperature stability and steam power for enthusiasts who want a machine for many years.
What specs actually change your cup
- Temperature control. PID control helps keep brew temperature steady from shot to shot.
- Steam power. Matters if you mostly drink lattes and cappuccinos.
- Grinder. Built-in or separate, it needs fine, small-step adjustment for espresso.
- Warm-up time and size. Practical details that decide whether you use the machine on a busy weekday.
Where to start
New to espresso? Begin with the best espresso machines for beginners. Watching the budget? Compare espresso machines under $500. Want the overall shortlist? Read the best espresso machine for home. Still unsure which type fits you? The coffee machine finder asks six quick questions and shows your match with a three-year cost per cup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of espresso machine for beginners?
A semi-automatic machine with a built-in grinder and simple controls is a friendly start if you want to learn real espresso. If you would rather not learn at all, a super-automatic makes good drinks at a button press. Think about how much hands-on time you enjoy before you think about features.
Do I need a separate grinder for an espresso machine?
Only if your machine has no built-in grinder. Espresso needs a fine grind you can adjust in very small steps, so a capable burr grinder makes a big difference. A separate grinder costs more at first but is easier to upgrade, while a built-in one saves space and simplifies the routine.
How much should I spend on a home espresso machine?
Plan the machine and grinder as one budget. Entry-level semi-automatics and machines with built-in grinders cover most beginners, super-automatics usually cost more for the convenience, and dual boilers sit at the top. Prices change often, so compare current prices once you have a shortlist.
Is a super-automatic espresso machine worth it?
It is worth it if convenience matters most and several people in your home drink milk coffees. You trade some control and flavor ceiling for speed and consistency. If you enjoy the craft of dialing in and steaming milk by hand, a semi-automatic will likely make you happier.