Best espresso machines: 8 best buys for perfect espresso shots and lattes at home

The best espresso machines can help you start the day right, provide a much-need pick-me-up in the afternoon, top off a delicious meal, or provide a jolt of energy when burning the midnight oil.

We've considered and tested the best coffee makers to decide on the best machines that should claim a spot on your kitchen counter.

According to Gary Chau, co-founder and creative director at Caffe Luxxe, a chain of high-end coffee shops in Los Angeles, the best espresso maker will depend on what you are looking for.  

"A manual machine will provide you with greater control for the craft that typically translates into better taste and texture with your espresso," he explains. On the other end of the spectrum is the ‘super-automatic’ espresso machine. "It has the ability to grind your coffee, brew your espresso, and also steam your milk – all at the push of a button."

Chau considers a semi-automatic machine to potentially be the best of both worlds. 'It mimics the traditional handcraft methods, combined with technology, to automate some of the espresso-making steps,' he says. Regardless of which type of espresso machine you choose, he recommends using fresh whole beans and only grinding what you need, since freshness determines boldness and strength of flavor. 

Need more options? Be sure to pair your new espresso machine with the best coffee grinder for fresh coffee, the best drip coffee makers for dependable flavor, and the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos at home. 

Best espresso machines of 2023

The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine has everything you need to make the perfect espresso at home. It offers the right balance between manual and fully or super automated espresso makers. 

Key features 
The built-in conical burr grinder has 15 settings so you can always get the right consistency – and the grinder also has a dose control function. The hands-free direct grinding into the portafilter is achieved by the auto stop feature. The espresso machine has a single wall and dual wall filter baskets.

Using the ThermoJet heating system, an accurate extraction temperature can be achieved in just three seconds. In addition, the temperature control ensures the water is at the right temperature.

Why you'll love it
The 15-bar Italian pressure pump provides the right amount of pressure, and the manual steam wand lets you create art and the right amount of texture. You can use the program button to personalize your espresso shot volume, and also use the advanced temperature functions. There’s even an indicator to let you know when the drip tray is full, and a storage tray for accessories located behind the drip tray. 

Cleaning accessories include the cleaning tool/brush, cleaning tablets, a cleaning cycle disc, and an Allen key. 

If you prefer the convenience of letting your espresso machine do all the work, the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automated Espresso Machine is for you. 

Key features 
The display shows 16 one-touch or customized drinks, including not only espresso, but also latte, cappuccino, regular coffee, and iced coffee. The control panel also lets you select the beverage quantity, and even create profiles to save your specific selections. Other types of helpful info on the control panel include the descale required alarm, as well as alarms for cleaning your milk container and replacing the filter. Plus, there’s a built-in conical burr grinder, and it has 13 settings to help you select the right one for your needs. 

Why you'll love it
The automatic milk frother has a LatteCrema System that textures the milk to your preferences and also has individual settings for almond, soy, and oat milk. You can even download the De’Longhi Coffee Link App to set and view three personalized recipes in your profile, and view tips to help make the best espresso. Accessories include a milk container, total hardness test indicator paper, water softener filter, pre-ground coffee measure, descaler, and cleaning brush.

Most espresso makers use a tube-based milk system. However, the Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine with LatteGo is different. Instead of tubes, it has a two-part frother system that clicks together and combines the milk, steam, and air at a high speed, and then adds a layer of dense, smooth milk froth to your drink. 

Key features
The espresso maker also has touch controls that allow you to select an espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte, or hot water. You can also set and adjust the coffee strength settings, and also set and adjust the amount of coffee to make the best cup of espresso every time. In addition, My Coffee Choice will remember your settings. The built-in ceramic grounder also lets you customize the grindings with 12 adjustment settings.

Why you'll love it
Descaling is a problem with any coffee-based device, but the Philips 3200 Series Express Machine with LatteGo has an AquaClean water filter that keeps you from having to descale the machine for up to 5000 cups. Our e-commerce editor, Jaclyn Turner, has been using the Philips 3200 for nearly a year and still hasn't had to descale. 

• Go more in-depth with our super-automatic experience in our Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine with Lattego review.

If you’re in favor of minimizing the number of kitchen appliances on your counters, the DeLonghi All in One Combination Coffee Maker is your ideal machine, dual functioning as a 10-cup coffee maker and an espresso machine, all controlled via a touchscreen interface.  

Key features
One side of this espresso coffee machine makes authentic 15-bar espresso, cappuccino, and lattes with built-in advanced milk frothing steam want, while the other side brews drip up to 10 cups of drip coffee. The manually designed espresso machine requires you to dose with portafilter and tamper for single and double shots of espresso, and it also works with ESE pods. 

Why you'll love it
The drip coffee size features a Bold brew setting, a front-loading design for water tank (with filter) and coffee ground, and a spillproof glass carafe. Even better, the Dual Heating System Allows you to brew coffee and espresso simultaneously, so there's never any downtime.

• Read about our thoughts on this machine in our De'longhi All-in-One Combination coffee maker review

After the best of the best, the Oracle Touch is perhaps the grandest of espresso machines, offering advanced automation and professional results at home.

Key features
The Oracle uses a touchscreen interface to select your desired beverage (choose from espresso, long black, latte, flat white, or cappuccino options), and the machine will guide you through the steps. Well, you'll simply have to place the portafilter under the grinder and it grinds and measures the perfect 22-gram dose and tamps for you. Transfer the portafilter to the middle and watch sweet espresso be extracted into your espresso mug. Also, when it comes to microform and milk, the steam wand only looks imposing. You'll simply fill the jug, place it under the wand and it selects the perfect temperature and consistency for the drink you want. Amazing!

Why you'll love it
It features dual stainless-steel boilers, meaning you can grind and brew a lungo while also steaming milk, a feature usually only available on commercial machines. The boiler is also extremely hi-tech and can control the espresso water temperature to within +/- 2°F. 

De’Longhi is well known for its high-quality and equally high-priced espresso makers. However, the De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte, and Cappuccino Maker is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget. 

Key features
The stainless-steel boiler is designed to be durable and function consistently for years to come. In addition, the machine has a 15-bar pump, a separate tamper, measuring spoon, and filter for single and double espressos. The manual milk frother lets you texture your milk to your liking. In addition, the two-level cup holder can accommodate cups of different sizes.

Why you'll love it
It’s also great if you prefer a manual experience, and don’t care for a lot of bells and whistles. In addition, it’s a space-saving model.

The Nespresso Latissima One Original Espresso Machine is a compact, stylish espresso maker that’s easy to operate. 

Key features
This espresso maker uses capsules so the process is quite simple. Lift the lever and insert the capsule, then close the lever and put a cup under the outlet. Next, you press Expresso, Lungo (double shot), or milk, and the machine will start. There’s also a convenient internal storage container that houses used capsules.

Why you'll love it
The 19-bar pump (the highest performing on the list), is about as close to a barista-style level of pressure as you can get at home. Also, the milk frother automatically fills your cup based on the amount of milk you add.  

The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine is designed to deliver the precise temperature. 

Key features
The Temp iQ system ensures an even level of heat during the espresso extraction process. The larger portafilter provides more room to ensure the water is evenly distributed, which contributes to a maximum level of flavor. The 15-Bar Italian pump is the perfect balance between too much and too little pressure, ensuring that it won’t be bitter.

The dial control is used to select single or double shots, steam, or hot water. The Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine also includes a stainless-steel milk pitcher, tamper, filters, and three cleaning items: disc, pin, and brush.

Why you'll love it
The steam wand produces creamy froth and microfoam milk. There’s even a cup warming tray on top to gently warm your espresso cup. You can also choose the precise amount of water for single or double shots of espresso.

How can I gauge bar pump pressure?

If you’re getting an espresso machine with a bar pump, don’t go any lower than 9 bars or it won’t create enough pressure in the pump – and you’ll know it when you taste your espresso. Many experts prefer 15 bars, and the majority of our selections have 15-bar pumps.  

How easy is it to clean an espresso machine?

Espresso machines do require some upkeep to keep clean. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as the directions may vary. However, as a general rule, you’ll need to dismantle and clean the filter with warm water on a regular basis. Also, you need to remove and clean the steam nozzles and milk reservoir, or run water through them after each use or you’ll experience a buildup of milk residue. Some espresso makers have a clean feature, and activating it will clean the frothing section automatically. You also need to descale or delime the internal parts when the descale notification glows on the control panel.