Best espresso machines 2023: Jump Menu
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.
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 machine overall
As an espresso machine, this is hard to fault. It's intuitive to use and has the technical ability to cater to the most sensitive coffee drinker's palette. It's expensive, but worth it.
The best luxury machine
Looks don't deceive with this luxury machine. Alongside incredible espressos, this can make a range of coffees, including cold brew. It has incredible capacity, but a large pricetag.
The best for beginners
If you're new to the world of espresso machines, the KitchenAid is the perfect starting point. The functions are basic, but they make really really tasty coffee. It's subtle and stylish too.
The best for small spaces
This slim, stainless steel machine is the dream for any small space dweller. It's compact and easy to use, producing top-quality espressos without the bulk or pricetag.
The best value machine
The TikTok famous Casabrews wins when it comes to value. Not only does it come with a host of useful accessories, its functions rival even the most premium machines.
The best manual machine
Whether you're stripping things back to basics or looking for a silent machine, the NEO Flex is exceptional. The design is minimalistic and portable and the coffee is excellent too.
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The best portable
At around the size of a can of cola, this is the smallest espresso machine you'll ever use. It's mini but mighty, making espressos which rival the bigger, louder, and more expensive machines, but in tiny quantities.
The best for versatility
If you like your drip coffee as much as an espresso and sometimes you like to froth your milk, this combines a number of countertop appliances into one. It's exceptional value.
The best for style
The retro chrome and curves make this one of the most attractive espresso machines on the market. It's basic and limits your cup size, but is sure to make a style statement on your countertops.
The best espresso machines in 2023
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