Best Espresso Machines 2022

Dimensions: 7.75 x 12.5 x 12.25 inches| Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 3 seconds

Whether you’re an espresso-pulling pro or you’re a bit lackluster in the “barista skills” department, Breville’s got you covered: Their Bambino Plus model can help you get the job done with that much more ease. Equipped with 9-bar extraction pressure (the same as commercial machines in coffee shops), this espresso machine is simple, straightforward and offers reliably robust results, even for newbies. When you start the machine, it pre-infuses ground espresso with low water pressure to soak and expand the grinds before kicking into high gear. This translates to more even extraction, balanced flavor and a picture-perfect layer of crema.

As your skills and confidence improve, the machine grows with you. The adjustable steam wand offers an automatic microfoam setting for beginners and a manual setting for those ready to go to the next level. The setup includes two filter baskets, a tamper, a frothing jug, a trimming tool and cleaning supplies.

Pros:

• Commercial-grade pressure
• Soaks grinds before brewing
• Adjustable steam wand

Cons:

• No temperature adjustment
• There is a learning curve

Dimensions: 9.62 x 7.25 x 11.87 inches Pressure: 15 bar | Heating time: N/A

When it comes to espresso machines, you generally get what you pay for. But there are a few lower priced models that still pull worthy shots. De’Longhi’s manual machine is one of them. It comes equipped with 15-par pressure and features two thermostats—one for water and for one steam pressure—so whether you’re making a double espresso shot or an extra foamy cappuccino, everything will stay at the right temperature. The three-in-one portafilter includes a holder for one or two espresso shots, and another for pre-portioned espresso pods.

The fixed manual milk frother steams milk well too, so you can make lattes and cappuccinos without the need for a separate device.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Three-in-one portafilter
• Built-in milk steamer

Cons:

• Small water reservoir
• No automatic shut-off

Dimensions: 14 x 21 x 15 inches | Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 15 minutes

Those able to splurge on their espresso machine will be rewarded with perks like sleek design, temperature adjustment capabilities and a powerful frother with a commercial-grade steam valve that produces the ideal steamed milk for latte art. Even with a 3.5-liter water reservoir—enough to last through many brew cycles—the Linea Mini has a smaller footprint than other commercial machines, but it brings that same level of professional quality to your home kitchen.

Pros:

• Commercial-grade steamer
• Double boiler temperature control
• Large water reservoir

Cons:

• Pricey
• Reservoir is hard to clean

Dimensions: 5.9 x 13 x 12 inches | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: 40 seconds

Most home espresso machines require some serious countertop space (a sacrifice that’s well worth it if you ask me). But if you don’t have any extra kitchen real estate to spare, or you just can’t bear the thought of a fairly large appliance on your counter, the De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe Espresso Maker is the answer to your cappuccino prayers. It packs a single boiler, adjustable manual milk frother and double drip tray into a 6-inch wide body. And even though it’s narrow, it doesn’t skimp on features.

It has a Thermoblock Heating System that brings water up to temperature in less than 40 seconds and advanced technology that helps maintain water temperature in between brews so you don’t have to wait if you’re making more than one drink. It also has a cup warmer, automatic flow stop function and removable 35-ounce water tank.

Pros:

• Petite
• Relatively inexpensive
• Heats up in 40 seconds and stays hot

Cons:

• Tamper isn’t the best
• Can be noisy

Dimensions: 14.5 x 12.5 x 15.75 inches | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: N/A

Calphalon may be best known for its nonstick cookware, but the premium cookware brand knows how to make a serious espresso machine, too. The Temp IQ combines an espresso machine, grinder and steam wand into one sleek-looking countertop appliance. It has an integrated conical burr mill grinder that has 30 adjustable grind settings, plus advanced heating technology and temperature control that ensures a perfectly extracted brew.

Unlike other at-home models, this espresso machine also has an enlarged portafilter that rivals the same robust flavor extraction that you’d get at your favorite local coffeehouse and a cup warming tray that ensures your shot stays at the perfect temperature once it hits your mug. The setup includes a stainless steel milk jug, tamper, cleaning disc and cleaning pin.

Pros:

• Built-in grinder
• 30 grind settings
• Large portafilter for flavor extraction

Cons:

• Steam wand could be stronger
• Grinder doesn’t deposit in center of portafilter

Dimensions: 17.25 x 11 x 14 inches | Pressure: 15 bar | Warmup time: N/A

The Jura S8 is not your average home espresso machine. This fully-automatic machine has an integrated burr coffee grinder and utilizes a specialized Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) that optimizes extraction time and ensures a perfect pull every time. It has a large touchscreen that lets you toggle between automatic brewing of 15 espresso-based drinks, from lattes to flat whites, and a professional quality foam frother that effortlessly creates fine-textured microfoam—no barista training required.

If you’re not exactly sure what you should be doing, there are user-friendly demos and animations that guide you through the brewing process so you can fully take advantage of the 10 coffee strength and three temperature levels.

Pros:

• Fully automatic
• Large espresso drink menu
• Professional quality frother

Cons:

• Beans don’t always gravitate toward center of grinder
• Pricey

Dimensions: 13.25 x 12.5 x 15.75 inches | Pressure: 9 bar | Warmup time: 3 seconds

A more advanced model from Breville, the Barista Touch Espresso Machine is probably the closest you’ll get to having a live-in barista. This fully-automatic machine has a 9-bar extraction pressure system, automatically doses out grinds based on your preferences and has a razor tool that trims down espresso to the ideal level for precision dosing and consistent extraction.

A digital touch screen lets you select your drink of choice from five options (espresso, Americano, latte, flat white or cappuccino), or adjust shot volume, milk texture and milk temperature to create and save up to eight personalized drinks. Plus, the automatic milk texturing allows you to make silky latte milk or perfectly aerated cappuccino foam completely hands-free.

Pros:

• Heats up in seconds
• Automatic milk texturing
• Digital touch screen

Cons:

Dimensions: 8.3 x 11.9 x 11.9 inches | Pressure: 19 bars | Warmup time: 0.5 seconds

If you want the rich taste of espresso without fumbling around with loose grinds or portafilters, the Nespresso Vertuo is an excellent one-touch option that literally makes it as easy as pressing a button. The machine utilizes pods that are pre-dosed and recyclable.

There are many Nespresso models out there, but this particular model has a large capacity water tank that allows you to brew multiple espresso drinks (or coffees) without refilling and it comes with an Aeroccino3 milk frother so you can add microfoam—or cold foam—to your cup if you’d like.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• One-touch operation
• Pre-dosed pods

Cons:

• No espresso customization option
• Have to press capsule down hard

Dimensions: 4.5 x 9.5 inches | Pressure: 1.5 bars | Warmup time: varies

A stovetop espresso maker is a good option for when you want to be able to brew quality espresso at home, but aren’t quite ready to invest in a machine. The Bialetti Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker is iconic and incredibly easy to use. Simply put it over heat on your stovetop, insert your grounds and water, wait for it to brew and enjoy the results. The whole process takes just a few minutes. The Bialetti features an angular shape that, frankly, will look cool sitting out on your stovetop. The top and handle also won’t overheat, so you can grab and pour your espresso directly from the pot. Choose from 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-cup sizes.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• No outlet required
• Chic look

Cons:

• Takes time to brew
• Have to watch it closely to avoid burning coffee