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Having an espresso machine at home is a great choice for any espresso lover. It delivers balanced flavor, consistent results, and easy operation. A home espresso machine is not just an appliance. It is a gateway to coffee craftsmanship, a daily ritual, and the base for countless coffee creations, from smooth cappuccinos to strong Americanos.
Modern espresso machines now come with professional-grade technology and user-friendly designs. They offer options for everyone, from curious beginners to aspiring home baristas.
Investing in a home espresso machine can turn your morning routine into a rich sensory experience. It also saves money in the long run compared to daily café visits and brings the satisfaction of learning and mastering a skill. We have researched and reviewed the best espresso machines for home use. Explore them all to find the one that suits your taste.
Our Top Picks
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Best Overall
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is one of the most popular semi-automatic home espresso makers. It has a built-in precision conical burr grinder that grinds coffee on demand and delivers the right amount of freshly ground beans directly into the portafilter to match your preferred taste.
This model has a 15-bar Italian pump that provides strong pressure for a rich, thick crema, and the manual steam wand offers enough power to texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It is not a fully automatic espresso maker, which is why there is a learning curve with dosing, tamping, and steam technique.
The Barista Express is not just another espresso maker. It is often the first serious machine that turns coffee lovers into confident home baristas. Its built-in grinder, pressure gauge feedback, and powerful steam performance are features usually found on higher-end machines.
Pros
Integrated conical burr grinder
16 Precision grind settings
Make fast silky microfoam
Temperature control
Professional results
Cons
Requires learning curve
Who Should Buy It
The Breville Barista Express is made for coffee enthusiasts who want to learn the art of espresso. It is ideal for latte and cappuccino drinkers who want real microfoam, and for home baristas looking for a quality machine on a mid-range budget.
Product Specifications
Type: Semi-Automatic | Dimensions: 13.8 x 12.5 x 15.9 inches | Item Weight: 22.09 Pounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Best Value
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent choice for those who want great espresso and milk-based drinks with minimal effort. The automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. This machine heats up in about 3 seconds, so it brews espresso quickly without any waiting.
This machine does not include a built-in grinder, but that is not a bad thing. Many beginners and espresso lovers prefer to buy separate grinders and espresso machines because it allows them to upgrade or change their setup more easily. It also means that if one part breaks, you do not have to replace your entire coffee setup.
Pros
Compact size and easy to clean
Automatic milk steaming
64 fl.oz Capacity water tank
Consistent pressure & extraction
Rapid heat-up with ThermoJet system
Cons
No built-in grinder
Who Should Buy It
This model is an excellent choice for home users who want automatic milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos. It is ideal for those who want fast heat-up and quick brewing, have limited counter space, and are beginners as well.
Product Specifications
Type: Semi-Automatic hybrid | Dimensions: 7.6 x 12.5 x 12.2 inches | Item Weight: 11 Pounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: no
Casabrews Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Best Budget
This espresso machine from Casabrews is a budget-friendly option, perfect for those who want café-style drinks like espresso shots and milk-based cappuccinos without spending a high price. This compact model features a 20-bar pump, a steam milk frother, and a user-friendly interface. It is a great choice for beginners or casual espresso drinkers who are looking for simplicity and everyday convenience.
It extracts richer espresso with good crema compared to standard 15-bar machines. It also has a 34 oz removable water tank that is easy to fill and clean, and its compact size makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
Pros
Strong 20 bar pressure ensures perfect espresso
Affordable price point
Built-in cup warmer keeps coffee hot
Removable water tank for easy refilling and mess-free maintenance
Cons
Limited temperature control
Who Should Buy It
The Casabrews espresso maker is a great option for coffee lovers on a budget, buyers who want an entry-level cappuccino machine, and users who are new to espresso brewing.
Product Specifications
Type: Semi-Automatic | Dimensions: 12.28 x 5.47 x 11.97 inches | Item Weight: 8.6 Pounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: no
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series, Espresso Machine
Best features
The Ninja Luxe Café is an excellent all-in-one espresso and coffee maker. It delivers foolproof espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, and fast cold brew in one machine. Its Barista Assist Technology helps you choose the right grind size and includes a built-in scale to measure the coffee accurately. The machine also adjusts the brewing temperature and pressure automatically to deliver a balanced and great-tasting cup every time.
Its integrated conical burr grinder offers 25 grind settings, providing a fresh and precise grind for a wide range of drinks and bean types. One of its best features is the hands-free Dual Froth System, which automatically steams and whisks milk to create smooth, perfect microfoam.
Pros
Built-in conical burr grinder
Reusable filter and pod compatibility
Adjustable brew strength
Barista assist technology
4 Preset froth programs
Temperature control & Hands-free Frothing
Cons
Larger and heavier than most machines
Learning curve required for the best results
Who Should Buy It
This versatile machine is ideal for people who want multiple brew styles. It suits beginners who need guided brewing assistance, those who want freshly ground coffee with accurate built-in dosing, and anyone who enjoys a mix of espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew.
Product Specifications
Type: Fully Automatic | Dimensions: 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 inches | Item Weight: 25.7 Pounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Best High-End
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a high-end espresso machine that delivers your favorite coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites at the touch of a button. You can also explore new drinks such as ristrettos, galãos, and latte variations. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that grinds fresh coffee beans with adjustable grind settings for the best flavor.
The four user profiles allow you to customize coffee strength, temperature, and the milk-to-coffee ratio and its dual-cup brewing feature can prepare two espressos at the same time.
Pros
Built-in burr grinder
Automatic milk frother with 3 modes
24 One-touch espresso recipes
Large, intuitive touchscreen
Removable water spout
Easy to clean
Cons
Expensive
Who Should Buy It
This high-end espresso machine is ideal for families, people who want one-touch coffee and milk-based drinks, and busy professionals who value speed and consistent results.
Product Specifications
Type: Fully Automatic | Dimensions: 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 inches | Item Weight: 21.74 Pounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker
Best Pod-Based
This is a convenient pod-based coffee system that brews barista-style coffee and espresso at the touch of a button. The bundle includes the Aeroccino3 milk frother, giving you everything you need to make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks easily. It heats up in just 15 to 20 seconds for quick beverage preparation.
Its Centrifusion technology spins the capsule at high speed to mix the coffee grounds with hot water, producing a full-bodied cup with rich crema. This bundle offers great value for anyone who wants effortless espresso and coffee drinks with milk frothing included.
Pros
Included Aeroccino3 milk frother
Removable water tank
One touch brewing system
Centrifusion extraction for rich flavor and crema
Heats up in just 20 to 25 seconds for quick beverage preparation.
Cons
Requires a pod system and works only with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Who Should Buy It
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe is best suited for people who love hassle-free espresso and long coffee drinks. It is perfect for those who prefer the convenience of pods with quality extraction, enjoy milk-based drinks with easy frothing, and have limited time or barista skills.
Product Specifications
Type: Fully Automatic | Dimensions: 5.6 x 16.2 x 12.8 inches | Item Weight: 10.3 Pounds | Frother: Aeroccino3 included | Grinder: No
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker For Travel
Best For Travel
The Wacaco Nanopresso is a lightweight and powerful espresso maker, making it ideal for travel, camping, office breaks, road trips, and outdoor adventures. It delivers surprisingly bold espresso thanks to its efficient hand-pump system, which generates up to 18 bars of pressure.
This portable espresso maker comes with an S-Case made from durable EVA material with a soft fabric interior lining. It fits the Nanopresso without any attached accessories and helps protect it from bumps, scratches, and dust.
Pros
Maximum 18 bars of presure
Perfect travel companion wherever you go
Simple to clean and use
Electricity-free operation
Cons
Small brew size, best suited for single shots only
Who Should Buy It
The Nanopresso is perfect for travelers, adventurers, office workers, RV owners, and minimalists who prefer manual tools.
Product Specifications
Type: Manual / Portable Espresso Maker | Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.8 x 6.14 inches | Item Weight: 336 grams | Frother: No | Grinder: No
De’Longhi All‑in‑One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine
Best All-in-One
The De’Longhi All-In-One machine makes both coffee and espresso. It has 15-bar italian pressure pump to produce authentic espresso and a dual heating system that lets you brew coffee and espresso at the same time. The advanced adjustable milk frother creates rich cappuccino and lattes.
Its innovative digital touchscreen is easy to use, and the bold setting lets you brew a stronger cup with the touch of a button. The machine also has a carafe warmer to keep the coffee hot after it is brewed.
Pros
Dual heating system
Advanced steam wand
Italian 15 BAR pressure pump
Digital touchscreen
Spill-proof carafe + warming plate
Cons
No built-in grinder
Water may leak from the drip tray
Who Should Buy It
This model is a great option for those who enjoy both drip coffee and espresso, for users who want an all-in-one solution, have busy mornings with different coffee preferences, and enjoy milk-based espresso drinks without needing a separate machine.
Product Specifications
Type: Fully Automatic | Dimensions: 11.02 x 14.52 x 12.79 inches | Item Weight: 13.7 pounds | Frother: yes | Grinder: No
Final Vedict
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is our top pick, offers various features to meet all your needs. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series is another excellent option to consider. However, if you are looking for an affordable and budget-friendly choice, the Casabrews Espresso Machine is a great pick, with 20-bar pressure, a removable water tank, and a steam milk frother.
What to Look for in an Espresso Machine
Buying an espresso machine can be a challenging task for a beginner. There are several important features and factors that matter and should be kept in mind. Below, we explain a few key factors and how they work and affect your coffee. Use this information to buy an espresso machine with confidence.
Type of Machine
Automatic / Super-automatic: These machines are more expensive and do all the work for you. They grind the beans, fill the portafilter, brew coffee with one touch, and often froth milk automatically.
Semi-automatic: These machines are less expensive than super-automatic models. They offer fewer features and less automation, so you need to grind the beans and control the dose and tamping yourself.
Manual: These machines give the user full control and require doing every step manually, such as grinding the beans, measuring the water, and adding the coffee grounds. This option is best for hobbyists who enjoy the hands-on coffee-making process.
Grinder— integrated or separate?
The most important factor for good espresso is fresh and consistent grinding. A built-in grinder is a convenient and space-saving option, and many espresso machines come with a good integrated grinder. However, separate burr grinders offer better long-term results and more flexibility. Choosing a good entry-level burr grinder will help you get the best shots. Avoid blade grinders for espresso, as their inconsistent grind size can ruin extraction.
Pressure
Pressure is what delivers rich flavor and crema in espresso. An espresso machine should have at least a 15-bar pump. You do not need to choose a machine with very high bar numbers, as they produce similar results. There is nothing wrong with higher pressure, but it is simply not necessary.
Frothing
When milk is frothed, steam introduces air into the milk to change its structure and gives it a lighter creamier texture. The amount of air determines the type of foam and the coffee you get.
For lattes, the goal is to create smooth, dense microfoam with very small bubbles. Cappuccinos use more air, which produces a lighter, fluffier foam that sits on top of the drink and adds a distinct layer of texture.
Frothing can be a bit of an art, and it takes practice to master because small changes in technique affect foam quality. That is why beginners sometimes struggle with consistency. Espresso machines that automatically produce different foam textures can reduce human error and make the process easier.
Final Tip: If you enjoy learning and customizing your drinks, choose a machine with a manual steam wand. However, if you want quick and consistent milk drinks, an automatic or hands-free frother is the better option.
FAQs
Is a 15 bar or 20 bar espresso machine better?
Choosing between a 15-bar or 20-bar espresso machine depends on the individual and which option best suits their needs and preferences. Based on overall research and analysis, for most home users, a 15-bar machine is an excellent choice, as it is capable of producing delicious espresso.
Is Breville the best home espresso machine brand?
Breville is one of the best and most popular home espresso brands, especially for beginners and intermediate home users. However, it is not universally the best choice for everyone. The brand is widely praised for delivering café-quality results at home.
What is the lifespan of an espresso machine?
The lifespan of an espresso machine depends on various factors such as the type of machine, maintenance, and usage. According to industry experts, espresso machines are typically built to last between 5 and 15 years. High-end machines can last up to 15 years, while lower-end machines generally last around 5 to 7 years.
Is DeLonghi a high-end brand?
DeLonghi is a well-known Italian brand that excels in mid-range home espresso machines. It offers exceptional quality, reliable performance, and good versatility. However, it is not generally considered a true high-end espresso brand. DeLonghi machines are best suited for everyday home users who value convenience and reliability.
Is the Breville bambino worth it?
Yes, Breville is an excellent espresso machine option for both beginners and experienced home users. It offers strong performance, user-friendly features, and good value for money, and is consistently capable of producing high-quality espresso when paired with the proper grind size and technique.
What espresso machine to buy for beginners?
“For a beginner, the most important things to consider when buying an espresso machine are ease of use and cleaning, versatility, price range, and a size and design that fit your kitchen. Some great options to consider include the Breville Bambino Plus, the Breville Barista Touch, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, and the Gaggia Classic Pro.”