Best Coffee Espresso Machines

You turn a knob, press the button, and a delicious drink is in your hands. The machine won't win any beauty contests, but it will make a delicious cup of espresso that our testers found to be more like coffee than other machines.

It also requires a bit more work to operate than the other models we've reviewed. It's still worth the effort for those who are a Java lover who prefers to not be involved.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you're a coffee lover seeking consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that blends with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Simply place a capsule in and press brew before enjoying your beverage. The machine can recognize the barcode of the capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters for the best extraction. This is a major selling point for Nespresso Vertuo, as you don't need to worry about adjusting different temperatures or pressures for every type. However, it does restrict your choices to Nespresso pods only and doesn't include an inbuilt milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a rich and smooth crema. The machine spins at up to 7000 rpm to extract the full range of flavors and aromas in each capsule. It also dispenses hot water as it heats, which allows you to make drip coffee, as well as espresso.

The Vertuo Plus is less expensive than the Creatista Pro, which makes it ideal for people who want to make a minimal upgrade to their current Nespresso experience. It also comes with a smaller 40-ounce water tank, in comparison to the deluxe model's 60-ounce tank. However, if you're planning on making large drinks frequently or sharing your drink with guests, the deluxe model is a good option.

2. Barista Express Impress

Breville's Barista Express Impress is an appealing machine with a stunning design and useful features. Its smart dosing system and assisted tamping assist beginners streamline the process by automating certain parts of it, making it easier for anyone to make an excellent espresso. It also allows for small adjustments to temperature. This is something that more experienced baristas appreciate, as even just a few degrees can alter the taste of the espresso.

The machine is equipped with conical burr grinder of top quality with 25 grind settings to suit any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and two-cup single- and double-wall filtering baskets, so you can select the amount of shots you'll make at a time. You can also use the frothing arm to make micro-foam for cappuccinos and lattes.

The interface of the espresso machine is easy to use and clearly explains every step. We also appreciated that the machine doesn't have lots of plastic parts and is quite robust. It's not cheap but it's a high-quality machine that has many features that will last many years. It also comes with a great warranty that covers mechanical problems for one year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine this cost. It's definitely worth the cost if you want to try your hand at making espresso regularly.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia Classic was launched in the year 1991. It quickly gained a fan-base because of its simplicity and the ability to make a tasty cup of espresso. More than three decades later, it has returned better than ever with the new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as sophisticated as other models, but it can still deliver cafe-quality espresso thanks to the professional portafilter and group. However as an individual boiler machine, you cannot brew and steam at the same time and will need to wait a while between brewing a shot.

The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and a feel that is elegant and solid in your hand. It comes with simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew/steam, and has indicator lights. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable, resulting in it an exceptional feel.

In terms of accessories the Classic Pro doesn't come with many options, but the commercial-standard portafilter of 58 millimeters and the tamper made from plastic are a nice touch. A three-way solenoid is a excellent addition. It reduces pressure fluctuations and helps remove sloppy espresso pucks, something that less expensive machines struggle to do. Gaggia also added a steam wand which does a great job frothing the milk for latte arts.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

This machine from De'Longhi is a excellent choice for those who want to make barista quality coffee at home. It is easy to use, and has numerous features. It includes a stainless steel boiler, brewhead, and portafilter, aswell being a water tank that is removable. The machine is compact and can be easily placed on any counter.

This espresso machine is equipped with an 15 bar pressure pump, which ensures consistency in results. It can also be heated in less than 40 seconds, saving you both time and energy. It is easy to clean, and looks stunning on any countertop. The De'Longhi is an excellent option for coffee lovers looking to make their own coffee at home.

This is a combination coffee maker and espresso maker that can make up two cups of espresso at the same time. Dual heating means that you can brew here espresso and drip coffee at the same time. This feature is perfect for parties since you can serve your guests their favorite drinks simultaneously.

The espresso machine comes with a milk frother which can create creamy and delicious lattes and cappuccinos. It is also easy to use, thanks to an easy touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and does not produce a lot of noise when operating.