Choosing a great espresso machine can be a bit difficult, especially if this is the first time you have seriously considered purchasing an espresso machine.
There are so many brands you can choose from, that it’s very easy to get confused in the process. To make it even harder, there’s regular home espresso makers, semi automatic, super automatic and even commercial espresso machines. However, there’s definitely something for everyone, but it’s just a matter of time until you can find the right one for you.
So if you’re currently looking for an espresso machine and want to make sure that you’re going to get the right one for your needs, then below we’re going to tell you everything you need to know before taking a decision.
Top 10 Models On The Market Today:
Rank | Product | Review Score | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine By Breville | 9.4 | View on Amazon.com | |
2 | DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Cappuccino Latte and Espresso Machine By DeLonghi | 9 | View on Amazon.com | |
3 | De’Longhi ECP3630 15″ Espresso and Cappuccino Machine By DeLonghi | 9 | View on Amazon.com | |
4 | Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine By Breville | 9 | View on Amazon.com | |
5 | Jura 15068 Impressa C65 Espresso Machine By Jura | 8.6 | View on Amazon.com | |
6 | Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Espresso Machine By Breville | 8.6 | View on Amazon.com | |
7 | Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker By Nespresso | 8.6 | View on Amazon.com | |
8 | Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine By Rancilio | 8.4 | View on Amazon.com | |
9 | DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine By DeLonghi | 8.2 | View on Amazon.com | |
10 | Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine By Gaggia | 8 | View on Amazon.com |
How To Find Your Perfect Espresso Maker:
Boiler Type
There are three types of espresso machines you can currently buy, including dual boiler, heat exchanger and single boiler machines. While there’s a lot to be said about each type, if temperature consistency is important for you and you’d like to steam milk and pull shots at the same time, then you need to get a double boiler machine.
Size
One thing that many people seem to forget is the fact that espresso machines aren’t designed with US countertops in mind. Because of that, prior to getting one, you may want to check its size, especially its height. On top of that, you should also keep in mind that you’ll require a burr grinder if you want to make the most of your espresso machine.
Water Source
Depending on the type of machine you want to get, some of them may have to be plumbed in, while others cannot be plumbed in. In this case, you’ll see that they use a water reservoir that needs to be filled manually. If you get a higher end espresso machine though, it’s going to be able to do both.
If you’re like most people and live in a rented place, you may want to get a model that can be plumbed, especially if you like to move often. On the other hand, if you want to get a reservoir machine, it’s important to see if the access point can be easily accessed from where you’re going to place the machine.
Pump Type
For non plumbed machines, vibratory pumps are the norm. This means that if you have a machine that’s directly plumbed, then it’s required to have either a gear pump or a rotary pump. The latter are a bit smoother and quieter, which some may find to be ideal for their needs.
Even so, there’s currently no pump out there that’s as loud as a grinder, so no matter which type you get, it’s going to produce a lot less noise than one.
Machine Style
It could be that you may want to get a cafe style machine that features push button shot controls, but if that doesn’t cut it for you, then a more traditional looking E61 brew group machine may be what you’re looking for.
Depending on the machine you get, it may also use a manual paddle control for activating the group head. If the barista’s technique is good, then all of them will produce a great quality espresso. When it’s about style, there’s no wrong or right answer.
After considering these practicalities, you can easily choose the right espresso machine you’d like to greet you every morning when going in the kitchen.
To help you even further, we’ve also reviewed some of the best machines on the market today and hopefully after reading these short reviews, you’re going to know which one to get.
The Top Espresso Makers on The Market Today:
Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
Offering commercial performance and features in a domestic footprint, the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler is an espresso machine for the strict and picky consumer. This model features a dual boiler heating system made of stainless steel, which immediately lets you know that it’s been designed with quality in mind.
The boiler for the espresso shot is also proportional integral derivative controlled, while a separate boiler provides powerful and instant steam when you need it. All of these excellent features allow you to extract your shot at the exact temperature you need, delivering great flavor, while also having your milk steamed to cafe quality.
Even better, in order to maintain a consistent temperature, the BES920XL also features another element in the group head.
The Over Pressure Valve is a pretty amazing feature of the Dual Boiler configuration which, throughout the extraction, limits the maximum pressure in order to prevent the shot from ever being contaminated with bitter flavors.
The BES920XL also features an optional Auto Start setting which is going to help you preheat the machine at any time you want.
Other features you’ll certainly love about this espresso machine include the 84 oz water tank, the dual boiler’s descaling function, the shot clock and pressure gauge, a backlit LCD display for displaying shot time or clock and brew temperature and finally, a Razor Dosing tool for consistent extraction and precision dosing.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
Considered one of the best-rated options out there, the Rancilio Silvia features a strong linear designed housing that incorporates stainless steel side panels and an iron frame for increased durability.
The Rancilio Silvia also features the company’s commercial grade group head for premium extraction quality and excellent heat stability. Furthermore, the machine include as patented ergonomic fifty eight millimeter porta filter for great extraction. In fact, the same filter is also used on the commercial models the company is selling.
Taking a look at the boiler, you’ll be surprised to realize how large it actually is. In fact, it’s the largest capacity boiler for any similar machine in the same class. Being capable of holding 12 oz or point three liters of water, the chrome plated brass boiler will impress you with its amazing recovery time between shots and excellent steaming power.
When it comes to filling the reservoir, you can do so at any given time from the top. Also, if you want to steam perfect latte quality milk, the Silvia comes with an articulating steam wand (made of stainless steel) which allows for a full range of motion.
The Rancilio Silvia comes with 2 filter baskets (double and single), a plastic tamper, a seven gram coffee scoop and optional capsule and pod adaptor kit.
DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Cappuccino Latte and Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
If you already read the reviews online, you already know that with the new ECAM22110SB from DeLonghi, you can finally be your own barista. This is a very compact automatic espresso machine that incorporates all the features you’ll find in the company’s full size machines, yet in a more convenient and smaller form factor. Given the fact this espresso machine is so easy to use (it requires you to just place a milk container under the nozzle for creating a creamy and rich froth) it’s an excellent choice for those who are just getting into the world of espresso machines.
Apart from the delicious espressos it can make, the ECAM22110SB also helps save you quite a bit of money in the process since it has a single boiler system and an energy saving switch. No matter if you go for ground coffee or whole beans, the machine does both of them.
Thanks to the patented Direct to Brew system, prior to being brewed, the beans are instantly grinded in order to make for a very flavory and delicious espresso. Given the fact that the ECAM22110SB also features 5 coffee-strength settings, ranging from extra mild and all the way to extra strong, you can rest assured that no matter who decides to drop by for a quick cup of coffee, he’s going to get his ideal flavor.
Jura 15068 Impressa C65 Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
The world of Impressa is a breeze to enter in and you just need to turn, press and then enjoy the best espresso you’ve ever had. The Jura 15068 Impressa C65 is a special kind of espresso machine and thanks to the eleven languages plain text display and the Rotary Switch’s 1-switch operating concept, creating the perfect coffee every single time is very simple.
But what will probably catch your eye about this espresso machine is the fact that it features a high performance conical grinder, which means that you can have the peace of mind your beans are always going to be freshly ground. Thanks to the compact, yet simple design that features an elegant platinum finish, the C65 exudes an understated, yet imposing look on your kitchen’s countertop.
Other features you’re going to love about the Jura 15068 Impressa C65 include the height adjustable coffee spout (you can adjust it from two point six and all the way to four point four inches in order to use any cup size) and the fine foam frothier which guarantees unique foam quality with a feather light and fine consistency.
DeLonghi ECP3630 15″ Espresso and Cappuccino Machine (View on Amazon)
No matter if you love lattes, cappuccinos, double espressos or single espressos, with the new DeLonghi ECP3630 you’ll be able to enjoy barista quality results in the comfort of your own home. One thing you’ll love about this espresso machine is the fact that it features an advanced cappuccino system with a hot cappuccino or milk selector that steams and mixes milk to a creamy and rich froth in order to create very evenly textured results.
Unlike other espresso machines out there, the ECP3630 also comes with a double layer drip tray, which means that you no longer need to worry about getting coffee on the floor. The tray is also very simple to clean, so you won’t need to waste valuable time doing so. The 37 oz water tank can also be removed quite easily in order to be refilled, which is an added bonus.
All in all, thanks to the self priming operation which accounts for reduced start up preparation, fifteen bar professional pressure which guarantees great espressos every single time and the full stainless steel housing, the ECP3630 is one solid espresso machine that’s going to produce delicious and frothy espressos you’ll never get enough of.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Breville BES870XL is the fact that it’s built from high quality materials, meaning that the resulting machine is extremely sturdy. Thanks to the no-slip feet, you can rest assured that no matter where you’re going to place the BES870XL, it’s going to stay firmly in place.
The entire unit is also housed in a durable casing made of stainless steel, making it not only a timeless, but also attractive addition to your kitchen. Cleaning the BES870XL is also very simple and in addition to the easily removable drip tray, it also comes with a hideaway storage compartment where you can store the provided cleaning tools.
However, the pros and features of the BES870XL don’t stop there. With its half pound bean hopper and integrated conical burr grinder, the extraction of flavor from the bean is greatly optimized. Just make sure to use freshly ground beans every single time you want to make a shot if you’re after a fuller espresso flavor.
As for the hopper, it features a locking mechanism for easy transfer of coffee beans, storage and removal. There are of course, many other features you’ll love about the BES870XL, with some of them including the hands free grinding cradle, 54 mm tamper, filter size button, 67 oz water tank and auto purge function.
Breville 800ESXL 15-Bar Triple-Priming Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
The first thing you’re going to notice about the 800ESXL is the fact that this machine is extremely beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in terms of functionality. In fact, it features an auto purge function, a pre brew function, a dual wall creme system, but also a fifteen bar Italian made pump and a thermo block heating system to name a few. Given its excellent features and especially its amazing looks, you can have the peace of mind that no matter where you’d like to use it, the 800ESXL is going to look amazing.
But let’s focus a bit on some of the machine’s functions. For instance, the Purge Function (anti burn) is extremely useful for both long time and novice espresso users since it can automatically adjust temperature after steam for effective espresso extraction temperature. When it comes to the Triple Prime Pump, it’s able to release three bursts of hot water in order to help moisten the ground coffee which eventually helps with extracting the fullest flavor.
When it comes to the front fill water tank, it’s capable of holding 75 oz or two point two liters of water, which means that in one session you can make coffee for several people. Thanks to its selector dial for hot water, steam espresso and the rugged stainless steel housing, the 800ESXL is a great choice for everyone who wants a quality espresso machine that won’t poke their wallets.
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Espresso/Coffee Machine (View on Amazon)
With the ESAM3300 from DeLonghi, you can easily prepare not only latte drinks, but also delicious cappuccino, coffee and espresso in minutes. This is a super automatic machine that’s comes with a beans to brew system that ensures coffee beans are grinded prior to brewing, a process which accounts for a very aromatic and delicious espresso. Taking a look at its internals, the ESAM3300 comes with 2 stainless steel boilers which are great with distributing heat evenly, but also an instant reheat function which ensures that the temperature inside the machine is ideal regardless of the interval between cups.
On top of that, you can configure the quiet burr grinder to grind beans at a certain grinding level, but if you want, it’s also possible to use the ESAM3300 with ground coffee. Taking a closer look at the front panel, we find that the controls can be easily accessed, including the cappuccino system and the onoff switch. You can also easily adjust the quantity of coffee and water in order to meet your specific tastes, from weak to strong and short to long.
The ESAM3300 features a patented cappuccino system that rotates one hundred and eighty degrees in order to ensure that you can use milk containers of any size, yet you can also adjust the height of coffee spigot in order to accommodate any cup size. Other features you’ll love about the ESAM3300 include the 7 oz bean container, water level indicator, 60 oz water tank (removable), removable drip tray, but also the electronic coffee and steam thermostat.
Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker (View on Amazon)
The new Nespresso VertuoLine offers coffee lovers a new way of experiencing large-cup, freshly brewed coffee with an espresso style cream, but at the same time you can also enjoy an authentic cup of espresso with the touch of a single button. What makes this espresso machine special is the fact that it comes with a special Centrifusion technology that allows you to produce espresso and large cup coffee with the same excellent quality, in cup result.
The Nespresso VertuoLine also includes the Aeroccino Plus milk frother, which allows you to prepare cold or hot milk froth with the touch of a button (this item is sold separately). Other highlights include the removable used capsule container which is able to hold between thirteen and twenty used capsules, fast heatup time of fifteen seconds, automatic off mode after nine minutes of inactivity, easy ejection and insertion of capsules and capsule recognition and code reading technology.
Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine (View on Amazon)
Combining classic design with advanced technology, the Gaggia 14101 is an espresso machine that’s going to take making hot drinks at home to a whole never level. Designed in Italy, the Gaggia 14101 makes use of fifty eight millimeter filters in order to provide enough room for brewing full and rich espresso shots. Since it also features a stainless steel commercial grade construction, and includes an independent expansion valve, a high voltage boiler for swift warm-up times and a high power seventeen and a half bar pump, you can rest assured that each shot of espresso you make with the 14101 is going to taste simply amazing.
This model also comes with a 3-way solenoid valve which offers fast pressure release from the group head after completing an espresso pull. In order to ensure temperature stability, the unit’s group head and portafilters are made of chrome plated heavy duty marine grade brass. With the 14101 you can prepare 2 espresso shots at the same time and if you like to use them, then you’ll be happy to know that you can also use coffee pods. Some other great features you’re going to love include a cup warmer, a frothing wand for creme and a hot water dispenser for tea.
Our Overall Pick:
Get the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine on Amazon
If you’re after the best overall espresso machine on the market today, then there’s no doubt you should consider the Breville BES920XL. This is an excellent machine that offers commercial performance and since it’s made of stainless steel and comes with a dual boiler heating system, it’s going to satisfy even the pickiest of espresso lovers.
The machine is able to extract your shot at the exact temperature you need, delivering excellent flavor and steaming your milk to cafe quality. Thanks to features such as the backlit LCD display for displaying shot time or clock and brew temperature and finally, the Razor Dosing tool for consistent extraction and precision dosing, we’re very happy to give the Breville BES920XL our maximum rating and crown it the king of espresso machines.
Value Pick:
Get the Nespresso VertuoLine on Amazon
If you’re on a low budget, but still want to enjoy high quality, delicious and frothy espressos, then the Nespresso VertuoLine is definitely going to deliver in that regard. What makes this model so special is the fact that it comes at a great price and allows you to make espressos with the touch of a button.
On top of that, it also features the Aeroccino Plus milk frother, which allows you to prepare cold or hot milk froth with the touch of a button (item sold separately). All in all, thanks to its fast heatup of just 15 seconds, excellent quality espresso, but also capsule recognition and code reading technology, this is by far one of the best value espresso machines you can currently get. Highly recommended!