Best Espresso Machines 2024 | Tested - Forbes Vetted

Coffee lovers looking for a professional-grade home espresso machine can often get discouraged by the units’ sheer size and cost. To find the best espresso machines worth the investment and counter space, I spent eight weeks testing 10 popular options on the market. The Breville Barista Express Impress emerged as the best overall, thanks to its consistent quality, precise built-in dosage and impressive tamping system. My best value pick is the compact De’Longhi Stilosa, a sleek, reliable performer that costs less than $100.

I spent weeks testing 10 top-rated espresso machines in my home, systematically brewing (and ... [+] sipping) hundreds of tiny cups.

These are the five winning espresso machines from my tests:

To narrow down my list of contenders, I consulted a coffee industry professional for insight on what to look for in a high-quality espresso machine. I focused on top-rated models from respected coffee machine brands and selected a range of options that not only fit into any modern home kitchen, but also suit a variety of skill sets and budgets. While testing each machine, I evaluated ease of setup, the espresso extraction process, included accessories and, most importantly, the quality and flavor of the resulting espresso.

Breville

Dimensions: 12.9 x 14.9 x 16.1 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Water tank capacity: 2L | Portafilter diameter: 54mm | Features and accessories: Built-in bean hopper, steam wand, extraction feedback pressure gauge, stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single- and dual-wall filter baskets | Warranty: 2-year repair, replacement (at Breville’s discretion)

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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.)

Setup took 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; I found the instruction manual and quick-setup sheet well written and user friendly. The control panel is intuitive, with light-up 1-cup and 2-cup buttons. It only took a minute to heat the boiler, with the power button helpfully doubling as a blinking progress indicator.

But this machine’s most outstanding features during testing 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. (I used a kitchen 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.) Plus, the built-in dosing funnel, which neatly delivers the coffee grinds to the portafilter, was helpful with minimizing mess.

Most importantly, the quality of the espresso produced by this machine was simply exceptional. The crema on each cup was thick and foamy, indicating a proper emulsion in the extraction process. The cappuccino I made was satisfyingly frothy too, thanks to its steam wand. While it took a few seconds to blast pure steam and wasn’t the most powerful one I tested (that honor goes to the Rancilio Silvia), the wand delivered enough intensity to heat the milk quickly and produce the microfoam I needed for the drink.

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D'Longhi

Dimensions: 8.1 x 13.5 x 11.2 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Water tank capacity: 1L | Portafilter diameter: 54mm | Features and accessories: Steam wand, plastic two-in-one measuring spoon and tamper, 1- and 2-cup filter baskets | Warranty: 3 years from De’Longhi; 1 year from external vendors

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Based on its simple mechanics and easy setup process, the reliable De’Longhi Stilosa is an excellent option for anyone on a budget. Its interface is straightforward; it consists of just one knob and four settings (On, Off, Steam and Brew). Note that because this device is manual, you’ll have to turn the knob off when it’s finished brewing.

The Stilosa requires the use of a separate grinder (alternatively, you can use pre-ground 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. Though the instructions didn’t mention the correct dosage (7g per shot), I found that the included scoop measured a 6g to 8g dose of grinds with decent accuracy. The double-sided plastic scoop and tamper felt somewhat flimsy to me; for the best results, I would recommend using a scale and upgrading to De’Longhi’s stainless steel tamper, which fits the portafilter.

In terms of quality, this machine produced espresso with a robust flavor and smooth mouthfeel that stood up to the more expensive machines I tested. 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. (Users online advise removing the drip tray to accommodate taller mugs, but it seems cumbersome to have to use both an espresso cup and a mug to enjoy a cappuccino.) Still, for the price, you can’t beat the consistency and quality of espresso produced by this simple machine.

What’s more, all the parts of the device were easy to identify and clean; 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 (and it has a stainless steel boiler, which is where it really counts).

Amazon

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The Rancilio Silvia was the 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. It doesn’t have the fancy features of other machines, but the Silvia offers an efficient brewing experience and well-made accessories.

When it came to setting up and operating the machine, the instruction manual assumes basic user knowledge; I had to watch a few online tutorials to get the machine primed and water flowing through the boiler properly. The Rancilio Silvia’s interface, which has four rocker switches and a dial, may be intimidating for those who want a more prescriptive experience, but I found it intuitive and easy to use after a few trial runs. The machine’s portafilter and tamper felt the most substantial and premium of those I tested, and the device’s simple design made it easy to clean. I did note that the small drip tray requires frequent emptying, but I didn’t mind this because it felt more sanitary than letting dirty water languish for days.

Finally, the quality of extraction from the Silvia was truly remarkable—but it did require some expertise and experimentation. For starters, the machine requires the use of a separate grinder, and I had to adjust my grind size and really fine-tune my technique to get the best results. (I recommend pairing the Silvia with a high-end grinder specifically designed for espresso that measures the dose straight into the portafilter.) The effort, though, was absolutely worth it and gave me a sense of control during the brewing process. The quick recovery time between shots makes it perfect for heavy users or people who entertain frequently.

Furthermore, of all the steam wands I tested, the Silvia’s impressed me the most with its power and speed. While it took some practice to get the steaming process just right, the cappuccino I made with it rivaled the best I’ve had in Italy.

jura

Dimensions: 11 x 17.5 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Water tank capacity: 1.9L | Portafilter diameter: Not listed | Features and accessories: Wi-Fi compatible, 2.8-inch color display, 17 pre-programmed drinks, 3 programmable temperature levels | Warranty: 2-year limited

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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. 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.

Getting started with the E8 was painless. The clear and easy-to-read digital display walks you through the initial setup. It took about 15 minutes to clean the machine and attach the milk cooling system (which can be purchased for an additional cost). It’s 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. 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. While this required more frequent water-tank filling and drip-tray emptying, it ensured that the machine’s parts stayed clean.

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 the results. With only six grind settings, the machine is limited in making fine adjustments and allowing the control required for a more artisanal-feeling beverage. Still, I could brew 17 types of drinks with just a touch of a button, including macchiatos, cortados and flat whites. Expert Mode allows you to program the coffee strength, amount and temperature. Though I personally prefer the rich results of 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. 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, but I felt that this detail could be overlooked for the overall user-friendly experience and convenient customization options.

Amazon

Grind settings: N/A | Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.1 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 12.4 ounces | Water tank capacity: 80ml | Portafilter diameter: Not listed | Features and accessories: Travel pouch, double-filter basket, tamper, funnel, distribution tool, scoop, brush | Warranty: 2-year

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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 espresso machine. 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 size and manual power, the Picopresso produced results that stood up to more expensive boiler-powered machines.

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. After about 30 seconds of pumping (using both hands, as recommended), a syrupy liquid started flowing into my cup. The espresso exceeded my expectations with its chestnut-colored crema, rich texture and balanced flavor. While I found it fun to use, note that it can get hot to the touch and requires a bit of hand strength to operate; it may not be a great fit for those who experience arthritis or wrist weakness.

All the Picopresso’s pieces fit into one compact unit that weighs just over 12 ounces, making it easy to throw into a suitcase or backpack. Each piece felt high-quality, including a commercial-grade stainless steel filter basket that fits 18g of coffee (equivalent to a full double shot). The parts are not dishwasher-safe (stainless steel has a risk of rusting), but cleaning is simple: Just rinse the pieces with warm water and wipe with a cloth. Make sure to let all the parts dry separately before reassembling or storing its travel pouch.

I tested 10 espresso machines total. The five additional contenders below, including two automatic options, didn’t quite match the performance of my top picks. While convenient, the automatic machines didn’t produce results on par with the quality I’ve come to expect from a café-style beverage.

I tested 10 machines in total, five of which earned one of my winner designations.

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. However, these accessories were edged out by those 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). I also had to 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. 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. But the 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 had a tricky-to-understand instruction manual that delayed setup, and 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, the resulting espresso was more watery and less rich than more manual machines. It has an easy one-touch interface, but the graphics feel dated, and there were too many plastic parts for its price point. 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. 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 espresso. Still, at under $700, this is one of the better values for a fully automatic espresso maker.

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.

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. 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.)

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.

All in all, I went through six bags of beans, or the equivalent of roughly 226 single shots of ... [+] espresso. (Don’t worry: I didn’t drink the entirety of every cup.)

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 then 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.

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.

Michael Bewley, owner of KL5 Coffee, recommends weighing how much the purchase is fueling a hobby versus a habit. Are you interested in taking up espresso as an activity, tinkering with the machine and 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.

My favorite machines during testing fell in the $500 to $1,000 range. Increasing your budget brings a 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 tend to have more control over the grind settings; spending over $1,000 typically buys you more control, stability, reliability and repeatability. The latter machines often include dual boilers to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, maintaining proper temperatures for both processes. This 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To learn more about the mechanics of espresso brewing, I also interviewed Michael Bewley, a 25-year industry veteran and owner of KL5 Coffee in Brooklyn, New York.

The three main types of espresso machines are semiautomatic, automatic and super-automatic, each requiring different levels of user input and effort. Semiautomatic machines automate a few important aspects like temperature and pressure, but still require you to put in some effort to produce consistent results. Automatic espresso machines use a pump and volumetric control to produce the same quality espresso repeatedly with the push of a button, though there’s less opportunity to customize certain functions. If you choose an automatic machine, it’s important to pick one with a high-quality grinder. Lastly, a super-automatic espresso machine requires you to simply fill the water tank and add coffee beans or pods, while the machine does the rest, including grinding, tamping and brewing your shot. Nespressos are usually considered super-automatic machines.

While you can make regular coffee using some espresso machines, it is not recommended due to how differently espresso beans are roasted and ground compared with regular coffee beans. Some espresso machines—namely super-automatic ones like Nespresso—can produce drip coffee (though you’ll likely end up with a darker roast, a fuller-bodied taste and less caffeine). Some people who like drip coffee might like cafe Americanos, which you can also make with an espresso machine: It uses a ratio of 2 ounces of espresso to 4 ounces of hot water to make a 6-ounce drink.

Expensive coffee machines can be better—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.

We updated the specs for each product and answered some commonly asked questions about espresso machines.

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Best Espresso Machines 2024 | Tested - Forbes Vetted