Having a coffee maker at home is excellent, but making espresso is even better. Buying an espresso machine for your home is a big decision; you’re not getting a toothbrush here!
Deciding the best machine for your need comes with a couple of caveats though. You must determine whether you’ll go for manual, semi-automatic, or automatic.
You will also need to know how fine the machine grinds, how much pressure it uses for tamping, the brewing temperature and many more. You could always ask around, buy a few for testing, or you can look through our list.
Taking into account many factors that determine an excellent espresso machine, we have built a list of the best espresso machines for your needs.
Best Espresso Machine 2023
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express
This model comes as a semi-automatic Espresso machine. It uses a Thermo coil system to make shifting from brewing and steaming easy since it does not have a boiler.
A favourite feature of the model is its built-in, conical burr grinder that lets you fine-tune your bean grind. It also comes with an auto-purge steam wand that cleans the steam wand and cools down the Thermo coil after each use.
Breville is the best semi-automatic out there.
Pros
- Comes with a Thermo coil
- Easy to use and maintain
- Adjustable grind features
- Built-in burr grinder
- PID temperature regulation
Cons
- Cannot steam and brew simultaneously
- No ease of use
- A little slow in pulling a shot
Price: View on Amazon
2. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica
This super-automatic style espresso machine also comes with an inbuilt burr grinder, including modifiable espresso length and strength. It comes with a single or double-shot option and automatically does the brewing-infusion cycle.
You can switch between brewing and steaming with ease to get your espresso in excellent quality.
Pros
- Inbuilt burr grinder
- Ease of use
- The frother is excellent
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Has a dual Thermo block system
Cons
- No PID controller in this model
- The timer is not auto-start
- Not a good idea for a wannabe barista
Price: View on Amazon
3. Rancilio Silvia
Its Chrome plated brass boiler system gives it exceptional recovery time and steam capacity. It also comes with a 64 oz reservoir, with adequate spacing for six cups.
Rancilio Silvia is a semi-automatic model that is built to last, and it is known to be very durable.
Pros
- It is durable and long-lasting
- The steam wand performs excellently
- Has separate thermostats for boilers’, espressos and steam
- Produces dry puck
Cons
- No ease of use
- It has no programmable options
Price: View on Amazon
4. Gaggia Brera 59101
This is also a super-automatic style espresso machine. It is very stylish and comes in both silver and black. It has often been described as a bean-to-cup brewer. There is a range of selections from grind size, the strength of the shot, and many more, all to bring you the perfect cup.
While DeLonghi Magnifica offers a broader range of selections, Brera takes the spot for its overall cheaper price.
Pros
- Cheap
- Rapid steam technology
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Has a Flat ceramic burr grinder
Cons
- Has no PID regulator
- Control is low
Price: View on Amazon
5. DeLonghi EC702 Pump
EC702 is a semi-automatic comparable to Brera, except it has a much lower price. It falls below Brera in ranking because it lacks certain features that while miscellaneous, improved Brera’s ease of use.
This is the recommended option for beginners that want excellent espresso at a low price, without caring for extra features. It is an absolute babe in the house.
Pros
- Has automatic self-priming
- Very spacious workspace
- Cheap
- Ease of use with excellent steam speed
Cons
- Noisy
- No auto-off feature
- Small reservoir
- No PID regulator
Price: View on Amazon
6. Mr Coffee ECMP1000
Mr Coffee is the ultimate budget espresso machine. It is cheap and very popular with excellent customer review scores. It is semi-automatic, but it lacks an in-built grinder. It, however, comes with an auto milk frother, with several pre-programmed options ready.
For those who do not care for finesse, and only like a good espresso, Mr Coffee is for you.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Easy to use
- Has an automatic milk frother
Cons
- No grinder
- No PID regulator
- Small reservoir
Price: View on Amazon
7. DeLonghi Nespresso Inissia
Nespresso Inissia is a super-automatic espresso machine. It does everything you need to get your cup ready for you, requiring very little input from you. It is effortless to clean and exceptionally famous.
It is famed for being the best single-serve-pod espresso machine.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to use
- Has an auto-off feature
- In-built grinder
Cons
- Small reservoir
- Noisy
- No milk froth included
Price: View on Amazon
8. DeLonghi EC155
EC155 is the dream for low budget purchases. It is a semi-automatic that comes with an automatic milk frother. EC155 has different thermostats for brewing and steaming.
While cheap, it produces a decent enough espresso to get you going all day.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Easy to use
- Can change from steaming to brewing quickly
Cons
- There is no in-built grinder
- Control is limited
- Does not produce the best quality
Price: View on Amazon
9. DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Plus
Lattissima Plus is a super-automated espresso machine with an in-built auto milk frother. You don’t have to do much of anything to have your espresso in a cup, since in only a few minutes, Lattissima will brew you that perfect cup.
Pros
- Has automatic milk frother
- Easy to use
- Can be used with a dishwasher
- Energy-saving and auto-off feature
Cons
- Too many plastic parts
- Very expensive
- Restrictive capsule parts
Price: View on Amazon
10. Mueller Espresso Machine
Mueller’s claim to fame is its flexibility in acceptable capsule models. As a single-serve, super-automatic expresso machine, this model is cheap. It is easy to clean and use, accepts multiple capsule types and brews quality coffee.
If you are not concerned about volume, Mueller is the way to go.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cheap
- Quality coffee with high pressure
- Durable
Cons
- Small reservoir
- No auto milk frother
Price: View on Amazon