Espresso is an incredibly popular drink brewed under pressure from finely ground coffee beans and served in smaller amounts than regular coffee. A regular coffee maker cannot produce espresso, and coffee shops tend to be busy in the mornings. However, there is another way to obtain this beverage: a personal espresso machine.
We’ve collected some of the best espresso machines for their ability to provide delicious espresso, how easy they are to clean, and their durability. So if you’re looking for a great espresso machine, this is where your search should start.
Breville Espresso Machine
Best Overall
Exactly What You Need
This sleek espresso machine includes a dial to let you decide how finely your coffee beans are ground. Alongside the digital temperature control–to ensure the water is at the perfect temperature–the quick brew time, and the ideal texture and flavor, it ensures every morning starts on the best possible foot.
Why We Love It:
- Integrated bean grinder
- Grind size dial
- Quality steam wand
Something to Consider:
- Can be messy
- Grinder may wear out quickly
De’Longhi Espresso Machine
Runner-up
Compact and Convenient
The compact design doesn’t hinder its brewing capabilities and is still large enough to handle your preferred cup. This espresso machine can also pour two cups at once and is designed to last for years.
Why We Love It:
- Durable and made to last
- Compact design
- Tall enough to handle your favorite cup or mug
Something to Consider:
- May be loud
- Vibrates
Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine
Best Design
Removes The Guesswork
With this espresso machine, you won’t have to froth the milk yourself. Simply fill the reservoir with milk, select the “froth” option, and the machine will do the rest! There are also settings to ensure you always brew the perfect cup, with options for double or single-shot espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Why We Love It:
- Automatically froths milk
- Plenty of brew options
- Easy to clean
Something to Consider:
- May mix too much water with the coffee grounds
- Recommended cup size is too small to fit frothed milk
Chefman Espresso Machine
Honorable Mention
Easy To Use
No matter how you prefer your morning espresso, this machine will provide it. Select whether you want a single or double-shot of espresso, cappuccino, or latte, fill the milk reservoir with milk, select foam, and wait.
Why We Love It:
- Easy to use
- Includes measurements on the milk reservoir
- Multiple removable parts and an automatic cleaning feature for easy cleaning
Something to Consider:
- Easy to accidentally start the machine
- You must remove drip tray for larger cups
Yabano Espresso Machine
Largest Capacity
Small And Simple
Summary: This easy-to-use machine will fit perfectly on your counter and includes a steam wand and its own coffee pot, which allows up to four cups of espresso to be made at a time.
Why We Love It:
- Can make up to four cups of espresso in one brew
- Small and compact
- Automatic
Something to Consider:
- Vague instructions
- Steam wand occasionally spits water
FAQs
How do I get the milk to be frothy?
Every good espresso machine will include a steam wand, which is used to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and the first step to using it is to open the wand and remove any water. Then, place the wand tip about half an inch into the milk and open the steam valve completely, keeping the tip near the surface to allow it to draw air in.
Next, froth the milk at this height until it has doubled its volume, gently swirling the pitcher as needed, and then move the wand further into the milk. Once the milk is above one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit, turn off the wand and remove it from the milk. As you become comfortable with this process, consider experimenting to find the best method for you.
What kinds of coffee can an espresso machine make?
This changes depending on the machine you look at. Every espresso machine can create espresso, and, by extension, cappuccinos, and lattes, but this is where it ends for many. Others have more options, allowing for more kinds of coffee to be made. Read the descriptions of every machine you consider to make sure they can make whichever type of coffee you prefer.
Buying Guide
While espresso and coffee, in general, are just a part of the morning routine for some, it is an art for many others. Baristas pride themselves on making delicious and quick coffee, but they also take pride in the cute little designs they can make on espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Even drinking these drinks is an art as the passionate bask in the aroma before taking a few drinks to savor the experience properly.
Whether espresso is your passion, or you just enjoy starting your day with a cup, keep the following factors in mind to ensure you find the highest-quality machine that fits your needs:
- Taste: A bad cup of coffee can affect your mood and may even ruin your day. Making sure your espresso machine delivers delicious cups every time you brew is deeply important. Run your machine a few times before you begin using it in the morning to ensure the quality of each cup meets your standards.
- Ease-of-use: Making coffee is usually one of the first things you do in the morning, so your machine needs to be easy to use. If using the machine is too complicated, consider rereading the instruction manual to ensure you haven’t missed a step. If this isn’t the problem, then consider looking for an easier option. Generally, the included features and pictures can help you identify how simple using a machine will be, so keep an eye on that.
- Options: Some machines keep it simple and only make espresso. Others include extra features that allow for many different kinds of coffee to be made. Reading descriptions and closely examining provided pictures will help identify what, if any, additional features an espresso machine includes.
