Getting an at-home espresso machine is just the thing to save coffee lovers like me time and money. Forget waiting in a long drive-thru line to spend $6 on a cup of coffee when you can make a high quality cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home.
Best Overall Espresso Machine
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
As a former barista when I was in college, I have a lot of experience with espresso and how to identify a good cup of coffee from a bad cup of coffee. When I was looking to get an espresso machine in my home I knew I didn’t want to make sacrifices. That’s when I came across the Breville Barista Express espresso machine.
This espresso machine checked all the boxes for me. It sits at a bit of a higher price point, but it is well worth every penny. This machine has a built-in coffee grinder so that you can grind your beans directly into the portafilter for perfect espresso each and every time. This machine also has a powerful built-in steam wand that allows you to steam milk to enhance any cup of coffee and create builty latte, something a former barista like me just adores.
Cleaning the machine is a breeze. One feature I love about this machine that is worth mentioning is the clean me light. It is a little reminder to keep up on the maintenance of my machine, which results in prolonging its life. It also includes tools to clean out the filters. If you’re looking for a high quality machine that is all-in-one, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is the one for you.
Best Luxury Espresso Machine
Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine
I’m a coffee connoisseur, so a luxury espresso machine like the Breville Barista Touch espresso machine is right up my alley. The machine is an investment purchase, but you’ll get the payoff quickly and it’ll be hard to remember life without it. With the purchase of this machine you will also get a 2 year warranty so you can worry less and enjoy your coffee right in your home.
My favorite thing about this luxury espresso machine is the touch screen feature. It makes the coffee making process simple, quick and user friendly. The machine has 3 options it prompts you through – grind, brew and milk. You will choose all the preferences that suit your taste at the touch of a button. There are also settings loaded on the machine for common espresso drinks like Lattes, Cappuccinos and Flat Whites.
With this machine, I get consistent shots of espresso with an amazing taste every single time. I have had this machine for a year now and I use it at least once or twice a day and it still performs just as good as new a year later. I’m extremely happy with this machine and I would recommend it to any coffee lover looking to make cafe quality coffee drinks at home.
Best Affordable Espresso Machine
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
I’ve had a few Mr. Coffee machines before, but the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is by far my favorite one. The machine is stainless steel, making it look luxurious yet still at an affordable price point, and it’s pretty compact, not taking up too much room on my kitchen counters.
The machine allows you to choose between a single or double shot of espresso at the touch of a button. The machine also automatically froths milk for you, all you have to do is fill up the container! This machine is great for a beginner who wants to dabble in the world of espresso and coffee creation. The machine is super easy to clean. I clean mine after each use, you just turn the knob to clean and hold down a button and the cleaning cycle begins. It makes the perfect machine for someone looking to save time and money making espresso drinks at home.
I use plant based milks in my coffee drinks and the frother attached to this machine frothers them perfectly. All the drinks I have made with this machine turn out perfect every time with minimal effort. In just the touch of a button you have delicious, foamy lattes with the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.
Best Beginner-Friendly Espresso Machine
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
DeLonghi has a long standing reputation for high quality coffee and espresso machines at affordable price points, so it was no surprise when I stumbled upon the DeLonghi 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. This compact espresso machine does everything I need it to do at an exceptional price point.
The machine is very basic, but that’s what I love about it. Not everyone needs a fancy espresso maker when you can have one like this that is straight-forward and makes delicious cappuccinos and lattes to your preference. The machine allows you to brew espresso drinks like a pro, with a manual frother and the option between one espresso shot or two. What I also love about this affordable, little machine is that the removable water tank and drip tray that are dishwasher safe make cleaning the machine a breeze.
There is nothing I dislike about this machine. I have had it for over 6 years and I plan on using it until it’s on its last leg. So if you’re looking for an espresso machine that is beginner friendly, affordable, sitting under $100, and reliable – the DeLonghi 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is the one for you.
Best Temperature-Controlled Espresso Machine
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, Stainless
A problem I often ran into as I was testing out various coffee and espresso machines was the temperature not getting hot enough. Then I came across the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine and everything changed. This machine uses Thermoblock technology and PID temperature control to deliver even, precise heat and temperature for consistent, optimal flavor extraction from your espresso. It even features a cup-warming tray to gently warm your cup!
I had high expectations for this machine when I received it and it did not disappoint. The machine has a dial that is straight-forward and easy to understand, even for beginners. The auto-shot control feature dispenses the correct amount of water for 1 or 2 shots of espresso, taking away all the guesswork. The measure is also adjustable if you would like to change it, making crafting the perfect cup of coffee for everyone easy.
I’ve been a barista in a coffee shop when I was in college and working with the Calphalon espresso machine truly feels like working in a cafe again. No more waiting in long lines first thing in the morning on your way to work risking being late with the Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine.