The Best Espresso Machines, According To An Experienced Product Tester

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If you’re looking for the best espresso machine to fit your caffeine needs (and budget), you’ve come to the right place. As an experienced food product and kitchen equipment tester, I spent weeks testing 10 of the most popular devices, systematically brewing (and sipping) hundreds of tiny cups. My top pick overall is the Breville Barista Express Impress, which amazed me with consistent quality, precise built-in dosage and an impressive tamping system. I’d also readily recommend my best value pick, the De’Longhi Stilosa, which retails for around $100. Whether you’re on the hunt for a high-end model to invest in or a mid-priced option for occasional use, you’ll find my five favorites below.

The following is a list of the winners from my tested process:

• Best Espresso Machine Overall: Breville Barista Express Impress
• Best Value Espresso Machine: De’Longhi Stilosa
• Best Upgrade Espresso Machine: Rancilio Silvia
• Best Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: Jura E8
• Best Portable Espresso Machine: Wacaco Picopresso Portable

When it comes to investing in a professional-grade espresso machine, many people find themselves discouraged by the units’ sheer size and cost. Luckily, the models I tested fit perfectly in the modern home kitchen, though you will need to learn how to use them before you can really take advantage of all they have to offer. But with a little bit of practice, you’ll be pulling perfect shots of espresso in no time.

Looking for more ways to upgrade your coffee game? See our stories on the best coffee makers and the best coffee subscriptions, recommended and reviewed by fellow caffeine addicts.

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 espresso enthusiast or frequent coffee-at-home consumer. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. No, it may not have all the fancy features of other machines, but the Silvia delivers on its promise of an efficient brewing experience with durable, well-made accessories.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 for purchase 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 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.

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 little 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.

This might go without saying, but the device requires the use of a separate grinder (or preground 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.

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

In total, I tested 10 machines, five of which earned one of my winner designations and five of which I found to be strong contenders but chose not to feature for an award. There were also two automatic machines that, while convenient, did not produce a result on par with the quality I’ve come to expect from a well-made, café-style beverage.

De’Longhi La Specialista Arte: This was a close runner-up to my favorite pick overall, and it produced a beautifully extracted shot of espresso with just a couple of easy adjustments to the dose and grind size. The machine comes with a tamping mat and attachable dosing funnel to minimize mess and make tamping foolproof, which I appreciate, since these machines tend to get coffee grounds all over the counter. I also enjoyed the flexibility and power of the steam wand, which was easy to manipulate and produced thick and silky milk, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. The separate tamping accessory pieces were edged out slightly by the built-in dosing and tamping system of the Breville Barista Express Impress.

Breville Bambino Plus: This compact, high-performing, reasonably priced machine is a solid pick if you’re short on counter space, but it requires a separate grinder, which adds an extra piece of equipment to consider for your kitchen and your budget. While the small footprint of the machine is a bonus, I found that the base needs more weight to keep it from sliding around when locking in the portafilter (a nonstick mat underneath the machine 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: During testing, I was dazzled by this machine’s user-friendly step-by-step setup, customizable programming and smart steam wand features (it controls nine texture levels and a range of serving temperatures). The dual-boiler system provides thermal stability for less recovery time between brewing espresso and foaming milk. This was one of the few home machines that included a professional-grade 58mm portafilter (many brands frustratingly have specially sized accessories so that users can’t purchase them elsewhere). Unfortunately, the automatic tamping mechanism on my machine was malfunctioning straight out of the box. I had to search around the internet and tinker with some of the pieces to get it to function properly, which makes me question the reliability of the machine.

De’Longhi Magnifica Evo: This machine took nearly 30 minutes for me to set up, the longest of the bunch, as the instruction manual required a little guesswork. While the machine boasts 13 grind settings, an accurate dose is hard to verify and dial in without a separate portafilter. After a few shots using 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 the machine relies too much on plastic in its construction for the price point. I also found that the steam wand was less powerful and didn’t deliver the finely textured microfoam of the semiautomatic machines. This choice would be adequate for a user focused on convenience but doesn’t deliver as refined of an outcome as the other machines tested.

Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine With LatteGo: This one is another super convenient option that boasts one-touch usability, though I found the output underwhelming compared to other machines tested. The espresso was weaker than what I got from the semiautomatic machines, and while the attachable milk canister gets bonus points for being easy to clean, it produces 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.

How I Tested The Best Espresso Machines

I began by carefully listing out the criteria I’d use to evaluate each machine during testing. These included ease of use, aesthetics, quality of construction, automation, special features and, of course, the quality of the resulting espresso. According to the experts I consulted, when it comes to home usage, machines should be relatively straightforward to set up, easy to clean and consistent in their ability to achieve a well-extracted shot of espresso without an expert barista’s touch.

After unboxing all the machines, I went about systematically testing them, one by one—a process that took several weeks. 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. Finally, 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.

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). 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 also 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 timed the extraction length, measured the liquid and tasted the espresso to confirm its quality, with special consideration for the aromas, flavors, body and aftertaste. 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.

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 preground coffee (a special construction that acts as a safeguard for beans that aren’t ground finely enough), experts agree that freshly ground coffee produces better results than preground beans. 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).

After assessing the espresso on its own, I also 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.

All in all, I went through six bags of beans, or the equivalent of roughly 226 single shots of espresso. (For those of you concerned about my caffeine intake, don’t worry too much: I didn’t drink the entirety of every cup.)

How To Choose An Espresso Machine

While espresso brewing may seem complex and intimidating, the mechanics of most machines are actually pretty straightforward. As Michael Bewley, owner of KL5 Coffee, joked, “It’s a hot water heater with a button that says, ‘Water go now.’” He recommends weighing how much the purchase is fueling your hobby versus your habit. It’s all about finding a machine that fits your needs. Are you interested in taking up espresso as an activity, tinkering with the machine as you discover new beans and having full control over the brewing experience? Or do you prefer to simply press a button and drink your coffee on the way out the door in the morning? In addition to placing value on convenience or craftsmanship, here 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

Again, this is all about the convenience you’re looking for or the amount of craftsmanship you want to devote to your espresso making. Most professionals, including 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. As a regular home user, I appreciated the cleanliness of the machines with built-in hoppers that delivered beans directly into the portafilter, as long as I still had the ability to manipulate the grinder settings to improve a lackluster shot. One thing to note: You don’t want your beans sitting around in the hopper exposed to light and air for too long, so put only enough in to last for a couple of days, and keep the rest sealed tightly in a cool, dry, dark place.

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 achieve the silky microfoam coveted by baristas. 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.

I’m admittedly a bit of a technophobe and didn’t test out any high-tech features like brewing my espresso from Jura’s Wi-Fi-compatible app. I also found unitaskers like a plug-in milk cooling container to be a bit overkill. Instead, I appreciated when my 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 amount of pressure to hit 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 7 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 preground coffee or older beans.

Aesthetics And Size

As 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 comments 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, as a couple of the machines I tested did not fit under my standard-height cupboards.

My Expertise

I’ve been working in the food industry for the past decade, churning out 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.) I spent years carefully testing food products and kitchen equipment, and I’ve developed recipes for magazines, cookbooks and websites alike. During culinary school, I worked as a barista at Épicerie Boulud on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for approximately 2 days before I was reassigned to the charcuterie counter due to my obsession with achieving the perfect latte (I was a bit deterred by the speed required to move a line of commuting New Yorkers through the door). But let’s just put it this way: No great recipe gets written without the help of a steamy cortado or cappuccino.

To learn more about the mechanics of espresso brewing, I interviewed several experts, including Dale Harris, the 2017 World Barista Champion and a MasterClass instructor, as well as Michael Bewley, a 25-year industry veteran and owner of the KL5 Coffee Showroom in Brooklyn. I also spoke with Scott Kobrick, vice president of the family-owned Kobrick Coffee Co., which has been roasting small-batch coffee for over 100 years. All three specialists have significant experience in training baristas, and each shared abundant knowledge about what to look for in a machine, which bells and whistles are worth the investment (and which are not) and how to brew the perfect shot.