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Best espresso machines 2023: tested by a barista

The best espresso machines for everything from basic brews to scientific measurements. We've tested the best espresso machines and here's our verdict.

One of the best espresso machines Breville The Barista Pro on a kitchen countertop with a croissant and coffee around it
(Image credit: Breville)

Best espresso machines 2023: Jump Menu

An espresso machine in front of light blue, wooden pannels

(Image credit: Getty Images)

1. The list in brief ↴
2.
Best overall: Breville The Barista Pro
3. Best luxury machine: De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
4. Best for beginners: KitchenAid Espresso Machine
5. Best for small spaces: Breville Bambino Plus
6. Best value: Casabrews 5700 Pro
7. Best manual: Flair NEO Flex
8. Best portable: Wacaco Picopresso
9. Best for versatility: De'Longhi All-In-One Combination
10. Best for style: Smeg ECF02  
11. How to choose
12. How we test

The best espresso machines are the hub of the kitchen. It’s the place where you start your day, have an afternoon pick-me-up, and where you finish a well-rounded meal. Espresso machines are the more hands-on partner to automatic coffee makers: they’re where you get to become a barista.

Some espresso machines are more beautiful and capable than others, so our team of experts, including a barista, tested the market-leading espresso machines. We made espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos, so we could see how well they catered to a range of coffee drinkers.

These machines tend to be big and bold, so we looked at ones which will make a countertop style statement, but we also looked at more subtle, smaller models. So if you want quality coffee, there'll always be an option for you.

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.

Breville The Barista Pro | Was $849

Breville The Barista Pro | Was $849, now $679.95 at Amazon
This is undoubtedly the best espresso machine on the market. It's incredibly technical, with a range of geeky coffee capabilities. It might be too much for some, but if you're coffee-crazy, you'll love this.

Read more in our full review

Breville Barista Express | Was $749

Breville Barista Express | Was $749, now $559.95 at Amazon
One step down from the Barista Pro, this is a less technical, but equally competent espresso machine. It has lots of smart pressure and temperature sensors, ensuring you always make a good cup of coffee.

Read more in our full review

KitchenAid Artisan Espresso Machine | Was $349

KitchenAid Artisan Espresso Machine | Was $349, now $229.99 at KitchenAid
This stylish machine is an excellent investment for beginners. It's easy to use and ultra-slim. The top doubles up as a cup warmer, but it doesn't have a coffee grinder. You'll need to buy one separately.

Read more in our full review

A headshot of Laura Honey, with bookshelves in the background
Laura Honey

Laura is our e-Commerce editor who was trained as a barista eight years ago. She has been making, drinking, and enjoying coffee ever since. She’s spent time with Q-graders, coffee roasters, and other experts in the coffee community. Now, she tests and writes about all things coffee for us here at Homes & Gardens  

The quick list

There's a lot to know about espresso machines, so I would recommend that you do your research before jumping in. However, if you just want the headlines, here's a quick summary. We have more detailed reviews below.

The best espresso machines in 2023

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best espresso machine overall