The Best Espresso Machines
Whether you're a cup-a-day caffeine fiend or an occasional sipper, equipping your kitchen with an espresso machine is a surefire way to elevate your coffee experience. Virtually any espresso drinker will find huge rewards in taking charge of their morning brew. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of our favorite espresso machines, manual and automatic ones alike.
What to Look For
There’s a lot to choose between when you’re trying to pick the right espresso machine for your needs. If you pay attention to the pressure, water capacity, and any smart features present on each, you’ll be sure to find your match. For example, Gevi’s espresso machine is our top pick for beginners and advanced coffee makers alike, mostly because it boasts a wide range of functions that will let you go deep or keep things simple. But if you’re looking for a space-saving solution for cramped kitchen countertops, we’d recommend the slimline EC680M from De’Longhi. Check out the rest of our top picks below and your next caffeine fix could only be just a button’s press away.
Gevi Espresso Machine with Steamer
Up your game
This all-in-one coffee solution from Gevi equips you with everything you need to prepare the full spectrum of caffeinated beverages. The spacious tray offers a practical tradeoff for domestic use, and you’ll have no problem lining up multiple espressos or sliding under a mug for direct delivery into lattes or the like. And with the combined precision of double temperature control and a clear central dial, you’ll have all the control you need to master your technique.
Pros:
- High-capacity 1.5-liter water tank means more time between refills
- Steam wand rotates 360 degrees
- At 15 bars, the pressure level meets professional standards for espresso
Cons:
- The tapered glass carafe is tricky to clean by hand
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Cheap and cheerful
Making great coffee at home shouldn’t have to cost a fortune, and this affordable offering from Mr. Coffee could see you mastering your coffee game without breaking the bank. This minimalist portafilter comes with a single spout, but the extra-large basket inside can deliver up to four shots per extraction if you get the grind right. And because a steam wand comes included at this great price, you won’t have to spend extra money to get one. That means you’ll be ready to splurge on the finest beans for your next morning brew.
Pros:
- Clear metering on the water pitcher to achieve consistent brews
- The frothing wand cover is removable for easy cleaning
- Measuring scoop included
Cons:
- The predominantly plastic components are more prone to breakage than pricier alternatives
De’Longhi EC680M Stainless Steel Espresso Machine
Size isn't everything
Real estate on the kitchen countertop can quickly become a precious commodity, even if you only have a few appliances there. That’s why this slimline espresso machine from De’Longhi could be the saving grace for anyone who’s deliberated on taking the leap due to lack of space. With a super svelte width of just 5.9 inches, this espresso machine will squeeze in effortlessly between your other culinary gadgets.
Pros:
- Removable water tank and drip tray make cleaning easy
- Programmable features for specific brew timings
- This machine’s high pressure will deliver great results despite its compact size
Cons:
- The pump in this machine is noisier than most
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Smart barista
If your morning self could use some help kickstarting the day’s work, this automated beast from Philips could take the stress out of coffee prep. Get yourself connected with the intuitive touchscreen display and you’ll be ready to dial in your drink of choice with the click of a button. With the built-in ceramic grinder on top, all you have to do is provide the beans and you’ll be delivered with a fresh morning brew.
Pros:
- Automatic LatteGo frother will also prepare your milk as you wait
- The sealed bean compartment will keep your unused coffee fresh between cups
- Thanks to the AquaClean technology, this machine can make up to 5000 cups before descaling
Cons:
- The water tank has to be removed to refill, which can damage the seal over time
Mixpresso Espresso Machine For Nespresso
No beans, no problem
These days, you don’t have to handle coffee beans yourself to drink espresso at home. If you’ve been taken in by the capsule coffee craze, this offering from Mixpresso is a great way to deliver the goods. Extremely affordable, this machine features a simple two-option button delivery system that keeps things simple, so all you have to do is drop in a capsule and you’ll be good to go.
Pros:
- Automatic energy-saving function to save sleepy heads from forgetting to cut the power
- Super-fast heat-up time of just 30 seconds
- Capsule container, drip tray, and water tank are all removable for cleaning
Cons:
- Capsule coffee doesn’t offer the same control as classic espresso machines
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to descale my espresso machine?
Regular cleaning is a must if you want to keep your espresso machine in good order. Alongside regular clean-ups, you’ll need to descale the machine periodically to maintain performance and taste. How often you need to descale the machine can vary based on the makeup of your water and how frequently you use the machine, but two tell-tale signs of limescale buildup inside are a colder and weaker espresso than usual.
What type of espresso machine is best for a beginner?
If you’re new to the espresso game, there’s no shame in getting confused within the jargon. We think that anyone can learn how to use a domestic espresso machine in no time, but if you’re looking for an extra-simple option, you might want to consider a capsule machine. Automatic machines are also available, but these generally cost more than their manual counterparts.
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