"Espresso machine" can mean a lot of different things: a $150 manual machine that asks you to do most of the work, a bean-to-cup super automatic that grinds, brews, and froths milk at the touch of one button, or a pod machine that gets a shot into your cup in under a minute. Choosing the best espresso machine comes down to how hands-on you want to be, whether milk drinks are part of your daily routine, and how much counter space and maintenance you're willing to handle. We have guidance on all of that.
In my career as a product tester and food writer, I've tested over two dozen espresso machines. This time, I compared 10 popular models on espresso quality, ease of use, milk-texturing ability, cleanup, consistency across multiple pulls, and overall value. The Breville Barista Pro won me over as the best home espresso machine with its built-in grinder and consistently excellent, well-balanced shots. But if you'd rather not touch a portafilter at all, the Philips Cafe Aromis bean-to-cup system produces some of the most dialed-in espresso and the best milk texture of anything I tested without manual dosing. It's the machine I've left around long after testing has concluded for its overall convenience, design, and performance.
Our picks of the best espresso machines
Best overall espresso machine: Breville Barista Pro - See at Amazon
Best budget espresso machine: Casabrews CM5418 Compact Espresso Machine - See at Amazon
Best super-automatic espresso machine: Philips Cafe Aromis 8000 Series - See at Williams Sonoma
Best less expensive super automatic espresso machine: KitchenAid KF6 - See at Amazon
Best manual espresso machine: De'Longhi Stilosa - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Breville Barista Pro pulled the most consistent excellent shots out of any semiautomatic machine, and the built-in grinder streamlines the process. It is among the easiest and fastest ways to get a café-quality pour at home.
What we like
What we don't like
Breville makes so many machines, but the Barista Pro is my pick for a machine that is both convenient and hands-on enough for purists. I have tested numerous Breville machines over the years, and this is one of the best I have found for the average home user. It was easy to set up and pull a good espresso shot pretty quickly. It also has great features, like a built-in grinder, but it's not so complicated. I achieved a thick, syrupy crema with virtually no fine-tuning required beyond the first one or two shots. The ThermoJet heating system gets the machine to brewing temperature in about 3 seconds, which sounds like a gimmick until you're the third person in the house trying to get a shot before work. That also means it can switch from espresso to foaming more quickly than others in its class. A bright LCD display walks you through dosing, grind size, and shot timing. I found the whole setup process easy to follow just by working through the on-screen prompts; no manual required.
The Barista Pro fell short of a perfect score in milk. Even though the ThermoJet system heats up super fast, I found the external milk-frothing attachment on my review unit felt flimsy compared with the rest of the build, and it took a while to get a good microfoam. It is so powerful that I found myself blowing out too much milk until I got the angle right with the included stainless steel jug. The removable water reservoir also didn't feel as sturdy as I expected for this price. Neither issue affected performance, but both are worth knowing about before you buy. It also took me some time to learn how to foam milk well because it is an incredibly powerful machine.
Other smaller details that pushed it further ahead of the pack, beyond just performance, included its sleek, modern looks. Some of the models we tested were unattractive, and that is a major consideration when spending this much money, as its large size means it will live out on display on your countertops. I also love that it has indicators for when it needs cleaning or descaling instead of leaving you to guess.
Read our full Breville Barista Pro review.
Best budget
The Casabrews Espresso Machine is a sleek, compact machine that is simple and quiet to use. It consistently makes flavorful espresso with excellent crema that performs well above its price point.
What we like
What we don't like
The Casabrews punches well above its price point, delivering full-bodied shots that are remarkably consistent from pull to pull. We didn’t expect that level of repeatability from a machine that normally sells for under $150, earning it the title of the best budget espresso machine. At this price and size, however, it doesn’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need a separate one or use pre-ground coffee. The included accessories are serviceable, but a metal tamper is a good add-on, and you’ll also need a stainless steel frothing pitcher.
It was easy to set up and to understand its simple controls: a power button, a shot selector, and a manual steam button. The steam heats up in about a minute, which is impressive, as we were able to get microfoam quickly. The rear fill water tank is easy to access. At just under 6 inches wide, its ultra-compact stainless steel body takes up virtually no counter space, making it the best small espresso machine for apartments, dorms, or small kitchens.
The machine is best for someone who is on a budget or just starting their espresso-making journey. You need to spend some time dialing in the foaming and learning to tamp a proper shot, but you can do this without spending Breville money. The budget construction shows up in the accessories and overall finish, not in the shot quality, which is surprisingly excellent.
Read our Casabrews Espresso review.
Best super-automatic
This super-automatic is not only pretty to look at with its wood accents, but it also produces amazing hot and cold espresso drinks across 50 drink presets with the press of a button.
What we like
What we don't like
The Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo Pro produced some of the best espresso and milk drinks of any machine, super-automatic or not, and was the easiest to use. It has a built-in bean-to-cup workflow, a 12-setting ceramic burr grinder, a bean assistant that helps calibrate the grind and dose for your specific bean type, and a color touchscreen with more than 50 drink presets, with subcategories for cold, hot, and so much more. You can customize a flat white to the gram for espresso and the ounce for milk, which also makes this one of the most customizable machines. The bean assistant is one of my favorite features because it helps customize the grind and extraction based on the bean's oiliness through on-screen prompts. It’s foolproof.
I gave it a top score of 5 for shot quality, thanks to a quick dial-in process and cohesive, solid espresso pucks, which signaled a balanced extraction. The machine operates remarkably quietly for an on-demand grinder. It also excels with milk-based beverages, making it a first choice if you’re looking for a solid espresso machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It makes such a tight microfoam, even when cold. Its LatteGo Pro System features separate milk containers for hot and cold preparations, both designed to fit conveniently in the refrigerator and to be cleaned in roughly 15 seconds, either manually or in the dishwasher's top rack. The milk dispenses right into the cup, although you do have to watch narrower vessels so it doesn’t spill.
I also noticed it uses significantly less water per cycle than other super automatics I tested, which frequently run a cycle to drain the water tank. The wood grain accents on the exterior were another nice touch. This doesn't look like a machine that's hiding its price tag. It replaced the machine I had in my kitchen, and it's still holding strong. I use it every day, sometimes twice a day.
Best less expensive super-automatic
The KitchenAid KF6 gives you nearly everything that makes it a super-automatic worth owning: a built-in grinder, one-touch drinks, and automatic milk foaming. And it costs significantly less than machines like the Philips, without compromising much on daily performance.
What we like
What we don't like
The KitchenAid KF6 delivers most of what makes a super-automatic appealing: convenience and versatility. I pulled a near-perfect shot almost immediately after setup. Milk performance was also a strength. The automatic frother produced excellent foam whether I was making a latte or a cappuccino, and it worked well with both dairy and plant-based milk. The frother either attaches to an external milk container or has its included tube inserted into any container.
Between the push-button interface and automatic dosing, this is one of the easiest machines I tested to use. It was ready to go almost immediately. It has a narrow, sleek footprint and fits comfortably under my cabinets, unlike a few of the bulkier super-automatics I tested. It will alert you when the spent espresso pucks need emptying, so you don't have to check. Make sure you only empty it when it is on, or the machine will flash a warning that you need to reset it.
Compared with the Philips, this KitchenAid offers less customization and refinement. It has fewer presets and less nuanced grind control, since you have to open the right-side panel to adjust the grind settings, which is perhaps the machine's biggest drawback. Most units we tested had a less-involved way to adjust the grinds. However, you get a meaningfully lower price point and a similarly compact, sleek footprint that can pass for a built-in appliance.
Best manual
The De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is a simple, inexpensive machine for someone who wants to learn espresso fundamentals without paying for built-in automation. It has an incredibly compact footprint, makes excellent espresso, and has superior frothing capabilities.
What we like
What we don't like
The De'Longhi Stilosa is proof that a genuinely good espresso machine doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A manual machine handles pump pressure, but you're the one tamping, starting and stopping the shot, and steaming the milk. There's no built-in grinder, so budget for a separate one or buy pre-ground coffee. But despite the basic design, I got great shots right away, which surprised me given how little the machine does for you.
The only real technique you need to learn is timing, since the machine isn't designed to shut off automatically. I got the hang of it within two tries. The steam wand was also a standout, one of the thickest, most powerful frothers in my entire test, and it heated up quickly. It produced latte-art-ready microfoam and drinks that stayed hot. The setup was plug-and-play because there was so little to the machine, which also meant cleanup was just as simple: rinse the portafilter, purge, and done. It comes with a portafilter, a plastic tamper, single- and double-shot baskets, and a measuring spoon. Everything you need to start, so you don't need any other purchases, except a coffee grinder if you're not buying pre-ground. A better tamper could be nice.
I found that several pricier, more complicated machines, including ones with built-in grinders and automatic tamping, did not match the shop-quality this simple machine delivers. This is the best for curious beginners who want to learn real espresso technique, occasional cappuccino drinkers, and shoppers on a tight budget. If you want a hands-on machine, this is the one for you.
What else we tested
We tested 10 espresso makers over two rounds. Here are some that didn't make the cut, but may work for your needs.
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro $530 (former best): This Italian-made Gaggia was previously a top pick, suggested as a great hands-on machine for people serious about their espresso, but it fell out of favor during this round of testing. It looks like it belongs in a fancy Italian kitchen or small cafe, but I had some trouble with the machine in this round of testing. I struggled to pull a satisfying shot, and the milk came out watery rather than tight. The portafilter was also very fussy about the dose amount, and coffee grounds ended up everywhere during use. This was one of the messiest machines I tested, despite its high-end looks. Read our Gaggia Classic Pro review.
- Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro $750: The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro has become a social media darling that we feel is better suited to someone new to espresso or who wants the ease of brewing many types of drinks, rather than to serious enthusiasts. Like most Ninja products, it is versatility-focused and laden with multiple drink options, including six different espresso styles, drip coffee, and cold brew capability, and can even make quad-shots, and guides you through with automatic dosing and a built-in tamper but the tradeoffs were that the machine took several adjustments to get right (resulting in waste and sour coffee), and the shot temperature and volume were inconsistent from pull to pull. Frothing, however, was a strong suit, with five settings, including a cold-froth setting and plant-milk compatibility. At this price point, dedicated espresso machines like the Breville Barista Pro deliver richer crema and more stable extraction.
- Breville Barista Express Impress $800: After dialing in, this machine produced syrupy shots with nice crema, and its side dial for controlling extraction time made it the most customizable hands-on machine I tested. However, the auto-tamper in the dosage system was frustrating and kept malfunctioning throughout five different pulls. That kept it out of the top spot and gave the edge to the simpler Breville Barista Pro. Read our full Breville Barista Express Impress review.
- De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo $700: The De’Longhi is a gorgeous machine with a powerful grinder, but I could never get the shots or the foaming dialed in. The shots stayed watery with loose pucks and uneven extraction, no matter how much I adjusted the grind on this machine. Despite its powerful heating capabilities, the milk foam was disappointing. I also found that all of the parts were excessive and more to keep track of. I recommend the simpler manual machine from the same brand that was easy to use out of the box.
- Terra Kaffe TK-02 1,995: This super-automatic machine comes with a variety of presets and a handy app that lets you customize everything to the ounce. It’s also gorgeous, and with a modern LCD interface, it looks like it could be built into your cabinetry. However, its milk container is clunky, with a tube attachment that feels less premium than the rest of the machine. The foam quality is very loose, no matter the setting, and I also had concerns about how much water it uses per cleaning cycle. I constantly had to fill it up, and it was also noisy when running self-cleaning cycles. Those reasons, along with the overall shot quality, are why Philips replaced this machine in my kitchen. Read our review of the Terra Kaffe.
Our top espresso machines, compared
| Machine | MSRP | Type | Built-in grinder | Milk system | Best for | Key drawback |
| Breville Barista Pro | $849.95 | Semi-automatic | Yes | Manual steam wand | Anyone. | Takes time to learn foaming. |
| Casabrews Compact Espresso Machine | $140 | Semi-automatic | No | Manual steam wand | Espreso on a budget | No built-in grinder, less durable build |
| Philips Cafe Aromis 8000 Series | $1995 | Super-automatic | Yes | Automatic milk system | Anyone who wants coffee with the push of a button. | Pricey. |
| KitchenAid KF6 | $1199 | Super-automatic | Yes | Automatic milk system | Super-automatic shoppers on a budget. | Grind adjustment is awkward. |
| De’Longhi Stilosa | $150 | Manual / entry-level | No | Manual steam wand | Manual users and beginners. | Nothing is automated. |
What to look for in an espresso machine
Espresso machine Type (Your level of involvement):
- Manual: You dose, tamp, and start and stop the shot yourself. The machine supplies pump pressure, but everything else is technique. This is best if you want to learn the fundamentals of real espresso on a budget, although some machines can get expensive.
- Semi-automatic: The machine automates heating and often grinding, but you still tamp and, on many models, control shot timing and milk texturing. This is the sweet spot for people who want real control without having to do everything by hand.
- Super-automatic: One-touch, bean-to-cup machines that grind, dose, brew, and often froth milk automatically. This is best for people who want cafe-quality daily without having to learn the technique.
- Pod machine: Insert a capsule, press a button. This is the fastest and most consistent, but you're locked into pods and often pay more per cup.
Pump Pressure
Specs can sometimes be meaningless marketing speak. Most home espresso machines run 15-bar pumps, though only about nine bars of pressure are actually used during extraction. Pre-infusion and pressure handle the rest. A 15-bar pump is plenty, and some go up to 20. But more pressure doesn’t mean better espresso. The sweet spot is around 9 bars. "When machines say our machine goes to 12, 15, or 20 [bar], not only is that too high,” says Molinari. “That's also a little bit misleading — because what they're saying is the pump can generate up to that PSI, but in reality there should be a pressure control system that controls the pressure to the coffee itself somewhere around 9 bars."
Built-in grinder vs. standalone coffee grinder
"There are a lot of people who say that the grinder is more important than the machine itself,” said Molinari. “You can take a decent machine and a great grinder and make better coffee than you could with a poor grinder and the best machine you can buy." A built-in burr grinder, not a blade grinder, means fresher, more consistent coffee and one less appliance on your counter, but it adds cost and another part to maintain. If you already own a good grinder, a machine without one, like the Casabrews or Stilosa, can be a smarter buy. See our picks of the best grinders for a standalone device.
Steam wands vs. automatic milk frothers
Manual steam wands give you full control over foam texture and let you get a tight, latte-ready microfoam. But this takes practice. If you want something foolproof, automatic systems from Philips and KitchenAid produce consistent foam at the push of a button and are easier for households with more than one person making drinks. “What you're looking for is strong enough steam to create what looks like a whirlpool in the milk as you're steaming it," Molinari says. "Ideally, steam that is as dry as possible, so you don't dilute your milk." He also noted that most home machines can handle only one drink at a time. “You're generally limited with these smaller machines to steaming one cappuccino's worth of milk at a time, so 5 to 8 ounces, maybe if you're really stretching at 10 or 12."
What else do you need to make espresso?
The go-to pairing for any espresso machine without a built-in grinder in this guide. This features 60 grind settings and digital dosing, so you can program grind time down to the second. It's also great for other types of coffee and should last for years to come.
A tamper is a must, according to Molinari. "Historically, Italian machines have done a terrible job with supplying a tamper that fits the portafilter correctly," Molinari says. "What you want is a tamper that fits just right in your portafilter, because you don't want to leave a large untamped area in the outer rim of that coffee." He recommends a tamper that matches the size of your portafilter, which is typically 54 mm or 58mm, depending on your machine. This model comes in different sizes to fit your machine.
Making espresso can get messy, so it's good to have a dedicated spot to knock out spent pucks instead of the sink or trash. This rubberized knock box won't dent or scratch a portafilter, and its compact size tucks away without taking up extra counter space.
Actual espresso cups matter more than people expect. A mug that is too big lets shots cool and causes the crema to dissipate quickly. These porcelain cups with saucers come in a set of six and are sized appropriately for single and double shots.
A precision scale with a built-in timer for weighing doses is essential for espresso. Most household digital scales cannot go to 0.1g, and this is one of the most useful tools for dialing in a semi-automatic or manual machine.
How we tested
I tested nearly a dozen espresso machines, from manual to super-automatic, at home across a range of price points. I also interviewed Jason Molinari, a Milan native and culinary expert who has spent decades perfecting his home espresso setup. He helped us break down what home users really need to know and buy to make great espresso. I tested each machine the same way, including using the same Lavazza espresso beans, and evaluated each machine on the following criteria:
- Espresso quality: For every machine, I pulled multiple shots to check crema, body, flavor balance, temperature, and consistency from pull to pull. Consistency was important because one great shot does not equal a great machine.
- Ease of use: I timed the setup and noted whether I could achieve a good result without consulting the manual, then evaluated the controls, drink programming, and any learning curves for a first-time user.
- Milk drinks: I steamed and frothed milk on every machine capable of it, judging foam texture and temperature, as well as how well each one handled dairy and plant-based milk, including oat milk.
- Grinder and dosing: On machines with a built-in grinder, I checked adjustability, noise, mess, and how long it took to dial in a good extraction.
- Cleanup and maintenance: We evaluated the drip tray, pick disposal, milk system cleanup, and how clearly each machine prompted me to descale or clean.
- Everyday practicality: I factored in counter footprint, water reservoir design, bean hopper capacity, and how well each machine handled making back-to-back drinks for multiple people.
- Value: Finally, I weighed whether the coffee quality and convenience justified the machine's price, both upfront and over time. Some require additional accessories or capsules, which are part of the overall cost.
Meet the expert behind the guide:
Jennifer Zyman, contributor: Jennifer is a product expert with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen and as a journalist. She’s tested more espresso machines than she is able to recall and is more of a lazy espresso maker, which is why super-automatics are her favorite for that 2:30 p.m. desk-side jolt of focus.
Espresso Machine FAQ
How much should I spend on an espresso machine?
Budget machines like the De’Longhi and Casabrews can produce genuinely good espresso and foam if you're willing to do more of the work yourself. Semi-automatic machines with built-in grinders typically start around $600 for an entry-level design with a pressure gauge and button controls. Our pick, the Breville Barista Pro, introduces advanced heating elements for faster heat-up, more control over grind size, and an LCD screen for greater beverage customization. Super automatics with automatic milk systems start around $700 to $800 and can climb well past $2,000 for machines with more presets and refinement, like the Philips we tested.
What type of espresso machine is best for beginners?
A manual or semi-automatic machine with a good steam wand teaches real technique without a big investment. If you'd rather skip the learning curve entirely, a super-automatic or pod machine removes almost all the guesswork.
Is a built-in grinder worth it?
"It really depends on your level of interest in espresso as a hobby," says Molinari. "If you're at a standard hobbyist level where you just want to wake up in the morning, make a decent coffee or cappuccino, then a built-in grinder from a company that is well known for its quality will most likely be sufficient." If you don't already own a standalone grinder, yes, grinding beans fresh right before brewing makes a noticeable difference in flavor over pre-ground coffee. A bean-to-cup machine also saves counter space and eliminates the need to tinker with a separate appliance. If you already have a good grinder, you can save money by buying a machine without one. Standalone grinders can also make for easier maintenance down the road.
What is the difference between a semi-automatic and a super-automatic espresso machine?
Semi-automatic machines require you to dose and tamp the coffee, often start and stop the shot yourself, and steam milk manually, offering maximum control over your beverage. A super automatic grinds, doses, brews, and often froths milk automatically at the push of a button. You're mostly just attaching a milk container and choosing a drink.
Can a budget espresso machine make good lattes?
Yes, with caveats. In my testing, the inexpensive De'Longhi Stilosa produced a solid microfoam. The Stilosa steam wand actually outperformed several pricier machines. You'll typically need to froth milk manually, though, since automatic milk systems are mostly found on pricier super automatics.
Can you make regular coffee with an espresso machine?
Most espresso machines offer longer coffee or Americano-style presets. However, true drip coffee isn't what these machines are built for; they can approximate a larger, milder cup of espresso. If you prefer to drink drip most days, you'll save time and money with the best coffee machines.
Do espresso machines work with pre-ground coffee?
Yes, any machine, with or without a built-in grinder, is designed to run on pre-ground espresso. Machines with built-in grinders like the Breville Barista Pro or KitchenAid usually include a bypass doser so you can use pre-ground or decaf coffee without engaging the grinder. Molinari recommends "coffee beans that are no older than four to six weeks off roast,” and when in doubt, go with a local roaster.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
