Best Espresso Machines 2024 | Tested

Coffee lovers looking for a professional-grade home espresso machine can often get discouraged by the units’ sheer size and cost. As an experienced food and kitchen product tester, I set out to find the best espresso machines that are actually worth the investment and counter space. After eight weeks of testing 10 of the most popular options on the market, I chose the Breville Barista Express Impress as my top pick, thanks to its consistent quality, precise built-in dosage and impressive tamping system. For those on a budget, my best value pick is the compact De’Longhi Stilosa, which impressed me with its sleek build and reliable performance—all for an under-$100 price tag.

The following are the five winning espresso machines from my testing process:

While all of my top picks fit perfectly in any modern home kitchen, you will need to learn how to use them before you can really take advantage of all they have to offer. But with some practice, you’ll soon be pulling coffeeshop-quality espresso shots. Whether you’re on the hunt for a high-end model or a mid-priced option for occasional use, find the best espresso machine for you below. (And when you’re done with this story, check out our guides to the best coffee makers and the best coffee subscriptions, recommended and reviewed by fellow caffeine obsessives.)

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After thorough testing and evaluation, the Breville Barista Express Impress emerged as my top choice, hands down. Its impressive performance and user-friendly features make it a standout option for any beginner espresso enthusiast or frequent coffee-at-home consumer. (It impressed our editorial team so much that we later awarded it Best Espresso Machine in Forbes Vetted’s 2024 Best Product Awards.)

User-Friendly Features

Setting up the machine was a breeze, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. Filling the water tank, soaking the filter, attaching the hopper and adding the beans were also straightforward and easy tasks, thanks to the well-written instruction manual and user-friendly quick setup sheet. An intuitive control panel illuminates 1-cup and 2-cup buttons for easy selection, heating the boiler takes only about a minute and the power button blinks while the machine heats up, serving as a convenient indicator of its progress.

The features that set this machine apart from the rest were its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping mechanism. The grinder automatically calculates an accurate dose based on the last grind, with a light-up indicator that tells you whether you need a bit more or a bit less. What’s more, I used a scale to measure the coffee grounds in between shots and was shocked at how accurately the system was able to adjust and replicate great results. Cleanup was practically nonexistent, too, thanks to the built-in dosing funnel, which neatly delivers the coffee grinds to the portafilter and helps to minimize mess.

Exceptional Espresso

Finally, the quality of the espresso produced by this machine was simply exceptional—especially for a semiautomatic home machine. The crema on each cup was thick and foamy, indicating a proper emulsion in the extraction process. The steam wand wasn’t the most powerful one I tested (that honor goes to the Rancilio Silvia), and it did require a few seconds to purge hot water before it was hot enough to blast pure steam. Still, it delivered enough intensity to heat the milk quickly and produce microfoam, resulting in a satisfyingly frothy cappuccino.

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The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

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The De’Longhi Stilosa is an excellent option for anyone on a budget. With its simple mechanics and easy setup process, it’s equal parts affordable and reliable.

Quick and Easy Operation

Setting up the machine was quick and straightforward, and its interface is simple and easy to operate, consisting of just one knob and four settings (On, Off, Steam and Brew). Note that the device is manual, which means you’ll have to turn the knob off when the espresso is finished brewing.

The Stilosa also requires the use of a separate grinder (alternatively, you can use preground beans), and both the single- and double-cup filter baskets are pressurized to help ensure that the machine achieves adequate bar pressure for good extraction. I was disappointed to find that the instructions didn’t make mention of the correct dosage (7g per shot), but I was subsequently surprised to find that the included scoop did measure a 6g to 8g dose of grinds with decent accuracy. The double-sided plastic scoop and tamper felt somewhat flimsy to me, so for those who purchase this machine, I’d recommend using a scale and upgrading to De’Longhi’s stainless steel tamper, which fits the portafilter and will offer the best results.

Robust Espresso—With A Few Caveats

Once I had properly dosed and packed my puck, though, this machine produced a solid shot of espresso that had a robust flavor and smooth mouthfeel that stood up to the more expensive machines I tested. Suffice it to say, I was impressed. What’s more, all the parts of the device were easy to identify and clean, and I especially liked the convenience and portability of the removable water tank. Though the body is made of plastic, the stainless steel wrap gives it a sleek look for the price (and it has a stainless steel boiler, which is where it really counts).

That said, I personally like to brew my espresso straight into a mug to make an Americano or cappuccino, and the 4-inch clearance under the portafilter here was too short for anything other than an espresso cup. While I’ve seen some users online remove the drip tray to accommodate taller mugs, it seems cumbersome to have to use both an espresso cup and a mug to enjoy a cappuccino. Still, for the price, you really can’t beat the consistency and quality of espresso produced by this simple machine.

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The Rancilio Silvia was the single most professional piece of equipment I tested. Though it requires more expertise to operate than the semiautomatic machines, it’s the perfect choice for coffee geeks and hobbyists who are passionate about learning more about the craft of brewing espresso and the art of steaming milk. While it may not have the fancy features of other machines, the Silvia delivers on its promise of an efficient brewing experience with well-made accessories.

A Simple Design For Hobbyists

The instruction manual assumes basic user knowledge in setting up and operating the machine, and I did have to watch a few online tutorials to get the machine primed and water flowing through the boiler properly. The portafilter and tamper felt the most substantial and premium of any I tested, too. The device’s simple design makes it easy to clean, but the small drip tray requires frequent emptying (I didn’t mind this, as it felt more sanitary than letting dirty water languish for days).

The Rancilio Silvia’s simple interface, with four rocker switches and a dial, may be intimidating for some users who prefer a more prescriptive experience, but is still intuitive and easy to use after a few trial runs. The machine requires the use of a separate grinder, and the Silvia needed a much finer coffee grind than the other machines I tested. Ideally, it would be paired with a high-end grinder specifically designed for espresso. I’d recommend one that measures the dose straight into the portafilter to minimize messy spills.

Powerful Brewing (With Some Experimenting)

Finally, the quality of extraction from the Silvia is truly remarkable, but it does require some expertise and experimentation. I had to adjust my grind size and really fine-tune my technique to get the best results, but the effort was absolutely worth it. The manual input gave me a sense of control and satisfaction in the brewing process, and the quick recovery time between shots makes it perfect for heavy users or people who entertain frequently. The steam wand was by far the most impressive I tested, and it surprised me with its power and speed the first time I used it (I panicked and made a huge mess on my counter). It took some practice to get the steaming process just right, but once I did, the cappuccino I made rivaled the best I’ve had in Italy.

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Swiss-made Jura machines have a reputation for being top of the line when it comes to automation—and sure enough, the Jura E8 was the best fully automatic espresso machine I tested.

Convenient, With Easy Customization Features

Its customization features and ease of use make it a top choice for coffee drinkers who value convenience and like to indulge in café-style beverages at home. While high-tech appliances can feel over-engineered and complicated, getting started with the E8 was painless. The clear and easy-to-read digital display walks you through the initial setup instructions. It took about 15 minutes to clean the machine and attach the milk cooling system (which can be purchased for an additional cost).

My first couple of espresso shots were watery and had a light-colored foam that disintegrated quickly (indicating that the espresso was under-extracted), but adjusting the grind dial to a finer setting improved my results. With only six grind settings, the fully automated machine is limited in making fine adjustments and giving the control required for a more artisanal-feeling beverage. Still, with just the touch of a button, users can brew 17 types of drinks, including macchiatos, cortados and flat whites. Hitting Expert Mode allows you to program the coffee strength, amount and temperature. Though I personally preferred the rich results of the semiautomatic machines, the Jura’s drinks were satisfying and ideal for a user who values convenience and time over a more hands-on experience.

The Cleanest Machine I Tested

Usability and cleanliness are where the Jura E8 shines. It was certainly one of the larger appliances I tested, but it also had the most all-in-one design, with all components fitting within the modern-looking box. That said, prospective buyers will want to make sure they have adequate counter space before investing in the machine.

The interface operates much like an ATM, with a color screen lined with buttons and intuitive navigation; the machine uses a pick-up tube system that pulls milk from your own container or one of Jura’s insulated milk canisters (available separately). I worried that the tube would feel less than sanitary, but the E8 has a self-cleaning feature that rinses the system with each use. This requires more frequent water tank filling and drip tray emptying, but it ensures that the machine’s parts stay clean.

With no separate portafilter and a built-in bean hopper, this was by far the cleanest machine I tested. I would have preferred more stainless steel incorporated into the design for the price point (even the “chrome” color is constructed out of shiny coated plastic), but I felt that this detail could be overlooked for the overall user-friendly experience and convenient customization options.

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For campers, adventure-seekers and travelers who want to enjoy the rich taste of espresso on the road, the Wacaco Picopresso is the ultimate portable machine. After mistakenly assuming it was battery-powered, I was surprised to find out this device uses a hand-powered piston to achieve the pressure required for a well-balanced shot of espresso. And achieve it did. Despite its small size and manual power, the Picopresso produced a shot of espresso that stood up to more expensive boiler-powered machines.

Intuitive And Makes A Rich Espresso

This might go without saying, but the device requires the use of a separate grinder (or pre-ground coffee) and access to boiling water. It took me about 10 minutes to assemble the machine, boil water on the stove and read the instructions to pull my first shot. Though it’s fairly intuitive to put together, I recommend keeping the manual close by for the first few uses to guarantee success.

I tamped in the grounds, poured boiling water into the chamber, screwed the pieces together and started pumping (the manual recommends using both hands). After about 30 seconds, a syrupy liquid started flowing into my cup. The espresso produced by the Picopresso exceeded my expectations with its chestnut-colored crema, rich texture and balanced flavor. And I have to admit: It was pretty fun to use, too. That said, I’d like to note that it requires a bit of hand strength to pump and unscrew, and it can get hot to the touch, too; it may not be a great fit for those who experience arthritis or wrist weakness.

A Quality Build That’s Easy To Clean

All pieces in the smartly designed Picopresso fit into one compact unit, weighing just over 12 ounces, making it easy to throw into a suitcase or backpack. Each piece felt thoughtfully designed from high-quality materials, including a commercial-grade stainless steel filter basket that fits 18g of coffee (an upgrade from previous models is that the Picopresso can brew a full double shot).

The parts are not dishwasher-safe (stainless steel has a risk of rusting), but cleaning the device was quick and simple: Just rinse the pieces with warm water and wipe with a cloth. After cleaning, make sure to let all the parts dry separately before reassembling or storing its travel pouch.

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Other Espresso Machines I Tested

I tested 10 espresso machines total. In addition my top five picks, I tried five additional contenders that didn’t quite make my list of winners, including two automatic options. The automatic machines, while convenient, did not produce results on par with the quality I’ve come to expect from a well-made, café-style beverage. Read about them below:

De’Longhi La Specialista Arte: This was a close runner-up to my favorite pick overall, producing a beautifully extracted shot of espresso with only a couple of easy adjustments to the dose and grind size. It comes with a tamping mat and dosing funnel to minimize mess. I enjoyed the flexibility and power of the steam wand, which produced thick and silky milk, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. However, these accessory pieces were edged out by the built-in dosing and tamping system of the Breville Barista Express Impress.

Breville Bambino Plus: This compact, high-performing and reasonably priced machine is a solid pick if you’re short on counter space, but it requires a separate grinder. While its small footprint is a bonus, the base needs more weight to keep it from sliding around when locking in the portafilter (a nonstick mat should help). Users should also make sure that the drip tray is fully locked in, as I had some issues with leakage.

Breville Oracle Touch: I was dazzled by this machine’s user-friendly setup, customizable programming and smart steam wand features (it controls nine texture levels and a range of serving temperatures). The dual-boiler system gives thermal stability for less recovery time between brewing espresso and foaming milk. It also included a professional-grade 58mm portafilter that users can easily source elsewhere. Bhe automatic tamping mechanism on my machine was malfunctioning straight out of the box; I had to tinker with some of the pieces to get it to function properly, making me question the reliability of the machine.

De’Longhi Magnifica Evo: This machine took nearly 30 minutes for me to set up due to a tricky-to-understand instruction manual. While the machine boasts 13 grind settings, an accurate dose is hard to verify and dial in without a separate portafilter. After some trial and error I got a decent result, but the espresso was more watery and less rich than the more manual machines. It has an easy one-touch interface, but the graphics feel dated, and I felt there were too many plastic parts for its price point. I also found that the steam wand was less powerful and didn’t deliver the finely textured microfoam of the semiautomatic machines.

Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine With LatteGo: While it’s a super-convenient option with one-touch usability, I found this model’s output underwhelming compared with others I tested. The espresso was weaker than what I got from the semiautomatic machines; while the attachable milk canister was easy to clean, it produced a very stable, airy foam that doesn’t blend as well with the espresso. Still, at under $1,000, this is one of the better values for a fully automatic espresso maker.

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How I Tested The Best Espresso Machines

Before starting my eight-week testing process, I carefully outlined the factors I’d use to evaluate each machine. This criteria included ease of use and setup, aesthetics, quality of construction, automation, special features, and of course, the quality and consistency of the resulting espresso. Read more about my methodology below:

The materials: To limit confounding variables, I made sure to use the same brand and variety of whole coffee beans throughout testing. (While some of the machines included pressurized baskets for pre-ground coffee, experts agree that freshly ground coffee produces better results.)

• For any machines that did not include a built-in grinder, I used the Baratza Encore on its finer settings (this device was reviewed in Forbes Vetted’s story about the best coffee grinders on the market).
• All in all, I went through six bags of beans, or the equivalent of roughly 226 single shots of espresso. (Note: I didn’t drink the entirety of every cup.)

Setup: I began by timing how long it took to set up each machine (the standard range was between 10 and 30 minutes). I also made note of any special setup requirements—such as an automated water flush through the group head and portafilter—to get the machine clean and primed for its first use. I made observations regarding the size and weight of each machine, the materials used for construction, and how easy it was to fill the water tank or assemble any additional parts.

Espresso extraction: Once each machine was ready, I started pulling espresso shots, taking notes of the quality of the results and how many shots it took for me to get the machine properly “dialed in” (a term often used to describe the process of adjusting the grinder and coffee dosage until optimal results are achieved).

• I timed the extraction length and measured the liquid. I looked for a brewing temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, an extraction length of about 25 seconds and a yield of 2 ounces (60ml) for a double shot—the American standard for most drinks.
• I tasted the espresso to confirm its quality, with special consideration for the aromas, flavors, body and aftertaste. A good shot of espresso should taste rich, round and smooth, not bland and watery (under-extracted) or excessively sharp and bitter (over-extracted).
• I observed the quality of the crema or if it was absent. One defining characteristic of a properly brewed espresso is its crema, the finely textured, hazelnut-colored foam produced when coffee bean oils emulsify with air and water under high pressure. The absence of crema is usually a sign of old coffee or failure to achieve enough pressure in the extraction.

Additional features: After assessing the espresso on its own, I tested the steam wands and hot water features on any machines that included them. I looked for steam wands that were easy to manipulate, had some flexibility in their positioning and were powerful enough to create velvety microfoam without too many large and airy bubbles.

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How To Pick An Espresso Machine

While espresso brewing may seem complex and intimidating, the mechanics of most machines are actually pretty straightforward. Michael Bewley, owner of KL5 Coffee, recommends weighing how much the purchase is fueling a hobby versus a habit. Ask yourself: Are you interested in taking up espresso as an activity, tinkering with the machineand having full control over the brewing experience? Or do you prefer to simply press a button and drink good coffee on the way out the door in the morning?

In addition to placing value on convenience or craftsmanship, below are some other variables to consider:

Budget

Some professional-style machines can easily top $3,000, but my favorite machines during testing fell in the $500 to $1,000 range. At the lower end of the spectrum, you usually find more manual machines and portable machines with a simple, minimalist construction (usually featuring more plastic than steel). Increasing your budget brings more high-end stainless steel construction, added features like built-in steam wands, and conical burr grinders and accessories like milk steaming jugs and weighted tampers.

Above $500, you also tend to have more control over the grind settings to achieve the ideal extraction consistency. Spending over $1,000 typically buys you more control, stability, reliability and repeatability (characteristics that are valued in a café setting where baristas brew hundreds of drinks a day). These machines often include dual boilers to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, maintaining proper temperatures for both processes. The higher price range also includes fully automatic machines that grind, brew and steam to craft a range of coffeehouse favorites (espressos, Americanos, lattes and cappuccinos) at the touch of a button.

Features And Accessories

This is all about the convenience you’re looking for or the amount of craftsmanship you want to devote to your espresso making. The experts I spoke with, will recommend using a separate grinder to make fine adjustments to the grind size for optimal results; true hobbyists may want to upgrade their coffee grinder in lieu of spending more on the espresso maker itself. Furthermore, as a regular home user, I appreciated the cleanliness of those machines with built-in hoppers, which delivered beans directly into the portafilter—as long as I still had the ability to manipulate the grinder settings to improve a lackluster shot.

Nearly all the machines I tested included a built-in steam wand. If you’re looking to perfect your latte art, you’ll likely want to opt for one of the semiautomatic machines I tested (like the Breville Barista Express Impress, De’Longhi La Specialista Arte or Rancilio Silvia), which offer more control to help you achieve silky microfoam. If you’re less picky about how you add milk to your drink, then one of the fully automatic options may be more your speed.

As a technophobe, I didn’t test out any high-tech features like brewing my espresso from Jura’s Wi-Fi-compatible app. I also found uni-taskers like a plug-in, milk-cooling container to be a bit overkill. Instead, I appreciated when machines included extra cleaning tablets and water filters, or well-made accessories like a sturdy tamper or milk jug for steaming.

Pressure

While you may see machines boasting 15 to 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is the ideal to brew a proper Italian-style espresso with a rich texture, balanced flavor and thick, velvety crema. Expensive, professional-style machines allow for more pressure control, but most home users will be able to achieve a satisfying shot of espresso produced in the ballpark range of seven to 11 bars—as long as they’re using finely ground beans. Some machines also include dual-walled pressurized filter baskets to help compensate for the reality of pre-ground coffee or older beans.

Size And Style

Bewley says, “The coffee doesn’t care what the machine looks like, but you do.” Since this is a piece of equipment that will likely take up permanent real estate on your counter, you’ll want to consider the look and feel of the machine. Espresso makers can range from retro-looking stainless steel to a futuristic box with sharp edges. Consider the durability of the materials used and read a few customer reviews to see how the machine stands up over time. It’s also important to measure the size of your available counter space and under any kitchen cabinets; a couple of the machines I tested did not fit under my standard-height cupboards.

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My Expertise

I’ve been working in the food industry for the past decade, carefully testing food products and kitchen equipment, as well as developing recipes for magazines, cookbooks and websites alike. I’ve developed recipes in the test kitchens of Martha Stewart Living and directing culinary product development for the Martha Stewart brand. I also led recipe creation at the meal kit company Home Chef.

During culinary school, I worked as a barista at Épicerie Boulud on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for approximately two days before I was reassigned to the charcuterie counter due to my obsession with achieving the perfect latte. Still, none of my best recipes were written without the help of a steamy cortado or cappuccino.

Meet The Experts

To learn more about the mechanics of espresso brewing, I also interviewed the following industry professionals, all of whom have significant experience in training baristas. Each shared specifics on what to look for in a machine, which bells and whistles are worth the investment (or not) and how to brew the perfect shot:

• Michael Bewley, a 25-year industry veteran and owner of the KL5 Coffee Showroom in Brooklyn, New York,
• Dale Harris, the 2017 World Barista Champion and a MasterClass instructor,
• Scott Kobrick, vice president of the family-owned Kobrick Coffee Co., which has been roasting small-batch coffee for over 100 years.

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Which Machine Makes The Best Espresso At Home?

These top five picks have all been tested and proven to make a tasty espresso drink at home; the deciding factor will instead likely depend on your budget, lifestyle and style of home brewing. For frequent espresso drinkers who want exceptional quality and high-tech, hands-off features, the Breville Barista Express Impress is a worthy investment. Looking for a robust brew but don’t have the budget or counter space? The De’Longhi Stilosa won’t disappoint—as long as you don’t mind using pre-ground beans (or have your own grinder). And for those constantly battling limited time, the fully automatic Jura E8’s one-touch operation and 17 drink modes will give you a convenient cup of artisanal espresso.

Does An Expensive Espresso Machine Make a Difference?

The answer is yes—to a point. While the most expensive espresso machines can reach sticker prices up to $3,000, the best espresso machines that made our list all fell squarely in the $500 to $1,000 range. Higher price points will get you higher-quality materials (think more stainless steel and less plastic); nice-to-have features, like weighted tampers, built-in steam wands and grinders with various grind settings; and more advanced features like double boilers, a semi- or fully automatic performance, and one-touch operation.