The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress
2. Best low cost: Wirsh Home Barista Plus
3. Best for beginners: The Tchibo Machine
4. Best semi-automatic: Breville Barista Express Impress
5. Best pod: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
6. Best high end: De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
7. Best value: Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe
8. Most versatile: Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer
9. Best mini: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
10. Best for lattes: Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+
How we test
Buying advice
FAQs
Are you tired of spending a fortune on shop-bought coffee? If so, investing in an espresso machine might be the perfect solution as, not only does having an espresso machine at home save you time and money, but it also allows you to customize your coffee just the way you like it. From strength and flavor to frothiness, you can indulge in a cup of delicious espresso whenever you want.
Our team has handpicked and tested some of the top espresso machines in the market and compiled them into a list to make it easier for you to find your perfect match. Whether you prefer a simple, affordable machine that produces espresso at the touch of a button or a more complex one that offers customizable settings, we have got you covered. We understand that the appearance of the machine matters too, which is why we have included retro and modern-looking machines to match your taste and style.
Many of the machines in our list feature a built-in grinder, but some also offer the option to use pods or pre-prepared coffee grounds. If you're a latte lover, we have also included machines that come with a steam wand to recreate your favorite barista-style coffee at home. We have tested each machine in our homes for at least two weeks, so you can trust our first-hand experience on initial setup, brewing, noise level, cleaning, and maintenance.
So, save time and money by making your own coffee at home with one of the best espresso machines on the market, and head over to our guides to the best coffee makers and best Keurig for more.
The quick list
In this quick list, we have provided a quick look at the best products on offer and who they are best suited to. For a more in-depth look at exactly what makes each espresso machine tick, you can jump down to the detailed reviews of the products which caught your eye.
The best espresso machine overall
If you want great-quality coffee without the wait, this top-performing espresso machine will predict the best settings and remember them for next time, all while guiding you step by step through the coffee-making process.
The best low cost espresso machine
The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is a slim and stylish manual espresso machine that requires practice but can make good-tasting espressos and lattes.
The best espresso machine for beginners
Highly customizable, this coffee machine will delight coffee connoisseurs who value the freedom to adjust their brewers’ settings to their liking. The Tchibo is also a smart coffee machine that tells users when it needs to be maintained.
The best semi automatic espresso machine
If you want great-quality coffee without the fuss, this professional-looking coffee machine is easy to use, whether you’re an espresso machine pro or a novice.
The best pod espresso machine
Consider the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista for high-end capsule coffee with an automated steam wand and easy-to-use functionality but with a premium price tag.
The best high end home espresso machine
The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is a stylish espresso machine with quality components and helpful features.
Load the next 4 products ↴
The best value espresso machine
The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is an easy-to-use espresso machine with positive user reviews but lacks a high-end appearance and advanced features.
The most versatile espresso machine
The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sleek and versatile machine with a touchscreen control panel and good coffee quality, but it's pricey with limited pod options.
The best mini espresso machine
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is a compact and easy-to-use coffee machine with automatic pod recognition and milk settings, available for $374.25.
The best espresso machine for lattes
The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is an affordable, semi-automatic espresso machine with a sleek design, quick brewing, and automatic frothing but limited control.
The best espresso machines we recommend in 2024
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The best espresso machine overall
✅ You use non-dairy milk: It adds froth even when using non-dairy milk such as oat or soy milk.
✅ You want help making coffee: The machine’s guided touch-screen menu will steer you through the coffee-making process.
✅ You’re a habitual coffee drinker: This machine can cleverly remember your previous settings.
❌ You’re on a budget: It may be slightly too expensive for those on a budget.
❌ You hate fingerprint marks: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is made from stainless steel, which is unfortunately prone to fingerprint marks and other stains.
❌ You only drink plain espressos: If you're a faithful espresso drinker, you may quickly find that the variety of settings offered by this machine is overkill.
🔎 The Breville Barista Touch Impress makes a mean cup of coffee every single time, and as if that isn't enough, it can also remember your previous settings, predict the best grind size, and optimize froth settings for a variety of dairy or non-dairy milk ★★★★★
The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a seriously impressive machine that'll last a long time and upgrade your daily routine with quick, rich coffee. Better yet, for vegans or those with allergies, it can handle non-dairy milk types upon demand by re-calibrating its pressure, temperature, and timings.
Design: This espresso machine is made from stainless steel, making it sturdy and attractive. The touch screen is easy to use and guides you through drink options and settings while providing barista-grade advice for grind size, milk, temperature, and froth level.
The machine can even choose the best grind size based on your beans, though you can also customize settings. It remembers your settings for next time, speeding up your coffee-making routine. The water tank capacity of 67 oz is impressive, considering how compact the machine is. Cleaning tools and dishwasher-safe parts also make cleanup a breeze.
Performance: The user can easily tamp the coffee into the puck once the beans are ground. The machine heats up in just 3 seconds before extraction. During testing, the machine consistently produced strong and creamy coffee and frothy oat milk coffee.
Value: This coffee machine is available for $1,499.95 from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and it will set you back a bit. However, it rings true that you get what you pay for. Few compact coffee machines can deliver barista-style coffee consistently and quickly or deal with non-dairy milk efficiently.
Read more: Breville Barista Touch Impress review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact stainless steel machine with excellent settings. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Reliably produces great-tasting coffee within a few seconds. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | An expensive option but worth the cost for coffee lovers. | ★★★★ |
The best low cost espresso machine
✅ You're on a budget: The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is an entry-level espresso machine priced at $299.99.
✅ You need something compact: Its slim design doesn't take up much space on the counter, and its plastic-free portafilter, single and double-shot filter baskets, and 2-in-1 tamper make it easy to use and clean.
✅ You like the idea of a manual machine: The machine includes a pressure gauge that helps ensure the right amount of pressure is used for each shot.
❌ You want coffee quickly: It's not as convenient as a bean-to-cup coffee maker, a single-serve model, or a drip coffee machine.
❌ You want all the bells and whistles: The Wirsh Home Barista Plus doesn't come with many features, such as a built-in grinder, programmable settings, or an automatic milk frother.
❌ You like extra-hot coffee: The warming element on top doesn't get warm enough, which can be a problem if you like your coffee to be very hot.
🔎 The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is an affordable and straightforward option for making good espresso and lattés at home. It has a learning curve and lacks some accessories, but it is worth consideration for budget-conscious buyers. It is not suitable for those who want coffee the easy way or are concerned about its generic appearance. ★★★★
The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is an affordable and straightforward espresso machine. Its slim design and manual operation require some effort and learning, but it can make good-tasting espressos and lattes with practice.
Design: The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is a sleek and stylish espresso machine that doesn't take up much space on the counter. Its slim design is due to the water reservoir at the back, which holds 42 ounces of water. The machine includes a steam wand for frothing milk, and its controls sit below a pressure gauge that helps ensure the right amount of pressure is used for each shot. The top of the unit is made of plastic and warms up to keep cups warm. The machine has a plastic-free portafilter, single and double-shot filter baskets and a 2-in-1 tamper.
Performance: The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is a manual espresso machine that requires effort and a learning curve. It's unlike a bean-to-cup coffee maker, a single-serve model, or a drip coffee machine. However, it's easy to make good-tasting espressos and lattes with some practice. The manual will guide you in using the pressure gauge to put the right amount of coffee grounds into the portafilter and place the steam wand in your milk to froth it properly.
Cleaning is also easy but needs to be done after every use. The only issue is the warming element on top, which doesn't get warm enough. The machine takes half a minute to heat up, and pulling an espresso shot is not loud. The most important factor is the quality of the beans used.
Value: The Wirsh Home Barista Plus is an entry-level espresso machine priced at $299.99. However, it is often discounted and available for $159.99 on Wirsh's website. The Galanz Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine is a budget alternative at $149.99. For more automation, the Breville Barista Express Impress is recommended with a built-in burr grinder.
Read more: Wirsh Home Barista Plus review
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Design | It’s slim and easy to use, though I wish a frothing pitcher was included. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | The cup warming function is underwhelming, but otherwise this espresso machine performs as expected. | ★★★★ |
| Value | The price is right here for an affordable espresso machine. | ★★★★ |
The best espresso machine for beginners
✅ You want to try different coffee bean varieties: Since The Tchibo Machine grinds coffee beans and brews them in one go, users have endless possibilities when trying different coffee beans.
✅ You don't want to generate waste: The Tchibo Machine’s bean-to-brew technology eliminates the need for coffee pods, making it a more sustainable option.
✅ You're looking for an easy-to-use machine: The Tchibo Machine’s settings can be adjusted so users can find the best setting for their favorite cup of coffee.
❌ You're looking for a brewer that can steam or froth milk: The Tchibo Machine doesn’t incorporate milk frothing or steaming capabilities into its design.
❌ You don't want to deal with coffee grounds: As the Tchibo Machine uses fresh coffee beans with its built-in grinder, you'll have to empty the used coffee grounds, which can be messy.
❌ You want to use pods too: This machine uses coffee beans only; if you want one that can use coffee beans and pods, consider a different machine.
🔎 The Tchibo Machine made our reviewer extremely happy with its ability to brew fresh, delicious coffee and that she could adjust the grind to make her coffee stronger or more aromatic. Its only drawback is the lack of milk frother ★★★★★
The Tchibo Machine seriously impressed our reviewer when she tried it, and she didn't hesitate to give it five stars due to its impressive performance and adjustable elements.
Design: Impressively, The Tchibo Machine fits seamlessly on most kitchen countertops, occupying minimal space due to its streamlined dimensions of 12.4 x 7 x 15.6in (h x w x l) and a weight of 18.1 lbs. The design of this coffee maker exudes elegance, featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces in a simple black and silver colorway.
Another slick design feature is that the buttons (except for the power button discreetly placed on the side of the brewer) are invisible when the machine is turned off, contributing to its sleek and modern aesthetic - and they illuminate blue when turned on.
Performance: The Tchibo makes three different types of coffee: espresso (2 oz.), regular coffee (6 oz.), and large coffee (8 oz.), allowing for versatility, an asset to any household with members that have different coffee preferences. The coffee spout is also adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes, and you can change the pre-sets for the water quantity to suit.
The Tchibo Machine is also easy to clean and alerts you when it needs to be descaled, plus other alerts for things like re-filling the water tank, adding more coffee beans, or emptying the coffee ground container.
Value: The Tchibo is available on the manufacturer's website for $399.00, discounted from its usual price of $531.98. It is also available on Amazon for $399.00. This is a great price for a high-quality coffee maker, especially considering that some espresso machines cost up to $1,499.95.
Read more: The Tchibo Machine review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fits seamlessly on countertops, occupying minimal space and featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Makes espresso and two different coffee sizes from bean to brew with one click of a button. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Price is in line with similar brewers on the market and its high quality makes the price worth it too. | ★★★★★ |
The best semi automatic espresso machine
✅ You want a machine that's easy to use: Once you go through the motions several times to get used to the manual controls, the Breville Express Impress is easy to use, even for complete novices.
✅ You want a professional-looking machine: Despite being so accessible to beginners, there’s no doubt that this is a professional-looking build that will look good in most kitchens.
✅ You want great-tasting coffee: Taste is the most important thing, and this is a machine that you can count on to churn out great, aromatic coffee with a foamy top if you wish.
❌ You’re on a budget: While there are more expensive machines available, this Breville model may be out of your price range if you’re trying to bag some big savings.
❌ You want to save beans: Before the machine’s auto-dosing system starts to kick in and you find the best grind size for your morning coffee, you’ll find that there's a lot of coffee bean wastage.
❌ You need to be quiet in the mornings: The steam wand on the Breville Express Impress emits 88dB of sound, which is equivalent to a motorcycle engine or a lawnmower running.
🔎 The Breville Express Impress is a professional-looking espresso machine suitable for novices and pros alike, and it can also take care of the dosing, tamping, and temperature controls for you. ★★★★★
The Breville Express Impress is a great match for novices and pros when it comes to getting barista-style coffee at home. Despite looking so professional, the machine doesn't require you to be a pro to create a top-quality latte, macchiato, americano, or espresso; it can take care of the dosing, tamping, and temperature control so that you don’t have to.
Design: Using beans or grounds, this coffee machine is your ticket to a great-tasting coffee at home, and it only takes 40 to 50 seconds to brew. It ticks many boxes for coffee fiends: a milk frother can create a foamy top layer and programmable settings for customization.
The machine also looks professional. It is made of stainless steel with LED-lit buttons, a 250g bean hopper, a steel milk jug, a steam wand, and lots of cleaning tools. At 14.3 lbs, it’s quite heavy, but this only adds to its expensive feel. The design concept is also intuitive, moving from left to right, from grinding to tamping, brewing, and frothing.
Performance: The machine may take a few tries for novices to master. The hardest part is finding the best grind size; if it’s too coarse, you’ll get a weak coffee, and if it’s too fine, it will taste bitter. This process can use up a lot of beans, but once you get it right, the auto-dose system will remember and produce quality coffee in just 40 to 50 seconds.
To its disadvantage, the machine's steam wand is high-pitched and as loud as a motorcycle or lawn mower running (88dB), although the normal coffee-making process is far quieter. Changing between a one or two-cup filter basket also requires some strength.
Value: Available for $890, the Breville Express Impress just about falls within the luxury espresso machine crowd. Still, it’s not quite as expensive as other coffee machines, such as the Breville Barista Touch Impress or the Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine. It’s easily available from Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Read more: Breville Express Impress review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A professional-looking design which feels intuitive. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Bean wastage at first, but works well with some experimenting. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Easily available and less expensive than other competitors. | ★★★★★ |
The best pod espresso machine
✅ You want something easy to use: With just one button that reads the barcode on the capsule and dispenses the right amount of water, making coffee is a breeze.
✅ You're passionate about coffee: The Vertuo Creatista delivers high-quality coffee, and the milk frother allows you to adjust the temperature and foam levels to your liking.
✅ You want a sleek-looking appliance: The machine looks professional and sleek with a stainless steel finish.
❌ You're on a budget: The Vertuo Creatista is quite expensive, and its capsules don't come cheap either.
❌ You want a wide range of choices: If you're into specialty roasts or want more coffee options, the Vertuo Creatista might not be the best choice for you.
❌ You're short on counter space: The machine is big and takes up a good amount of counter space.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is a pricey coffee machine that takes up a lot of space. But, if you're looking for an easy-to-use machine with an integrated milk frother and a premium-looking stainless steel exterior, this could be the one for you. However, if you're on a budget or prefer fresh ground coffee, you might want to consider other options. Also, if you have a small kitchen, you may want to look for a more compact model ★★★★★
If you're in the market for a high-end capsule coffee machine with an automated steam wand, you might want to consider the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista. It's a sleek and stylish machine that delivers easy-to-use functionality and high-quality coffee. However, with a premium price tag, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Design: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is a pretty impressive capsule coffee machine. It's big and takes up a lot of counter space, but it's super sleek with a stainless steel finish that gives it a professional look.
The best part is the automated steam wand, which makes frothing milk a breeze. You just put your milk jug on the drip tray and select your temperature and froth level. Making coffee is also easy, with just one button that reads the barcode on the capsule and dispenses the right amount of water.
Performance: The Vertuo Creatista is a super simple coffee machine to use. You must pick your capsule, slide the lever, pop it in, and hit the button. The milk frother is great; you can adjust the temperature and foam levels. However, the coffee taste might not be for everyone, especially if you're into specialty roasts. Also, don't expect a thick and rich crema on top of your espresso.
Value: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is super pricey, and its capsules don't come cheap either. If you're not into capsule coffee, try the Hamilton Beach Scoop. For a more traditional coffee maker, the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup is great. But if you want the best of both worlds, check out the De'Longhi 10-Cup Coffee and Espresso Maker.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review
The best high end home espresso machine
✅ You want something that will last: The machine is built with quality components that make it look like a luxury product.
✅ You're a beginner: The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is very user-friendly, with a variety of buttons on the control panel that make brewing a variety of drinks simple.
✅ You want a stylish-looking appliance: The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro has a sleek and stylish design.
❌ You hate maintenance: While the machine is easy to clean, some users have noted that maintenance can be a bit of a pain.
❌ You're on a budget: The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is quite expensive at $1,250.
🔎 The De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro Espresso Machine is a high-end coffee maker that looks and works like a pro. It has a built-in beans container and grinder, a tamping station, and five temperature controls. You can make various drinks, and the latte crema system can adjust foam. It's pretty cool, but it's expensive and needs cleaning ★★★★½
With its sleek and stylish design, quality components, and user-friendly features, the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is the perfect choice for any coffee lover who wants to experience the taste and aroma of freshly brewed espresso at home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced barista, the La Specialista Maestro has the potential to impress with its performance, versatility, and ease of use.
Design: Our reviewer tested the De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro Espresso for four months and called it the most beautiful espresso maker they'd ever owned. It's sleek and stylish, and the quality components make it look like a luxury product. The removable power cord and water tank make it easy to move around and clean.
The beans container has a lid to keep the coffee beans fresh, and the burr grinder has an adjustable grind dose dial. Plus, it's super easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts. It's pretty big and heavy, so it's not something you'd want to move around a lot, but it's worth the investment.
Performance: Before using it, our tester had to wash all the parts and run a brew cycle to clean it. Setting up the machine was easy, but figuring out the grind settings took some time. The Dose Level gauge confused them at first, but they eventually got the hang of it, and brewing was simple, with various buttons on the control panel.
They tried different drinks using the manual frothing and the LatteCrema System, including an Espresso and a Cappuccino. The machine also alerts you when you're doing something wrong or forgetting a step, which is helpful.
Value: The De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro sells for $1,250 at Amazon and is also available at De'Longhi or Williams Sonoma. As alternatives, the Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ is cool but pricey at $1,899, and the Breville Barista Touch is similar to De'Longhi but has a manual milk frother.
Read more: De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review
The best value espresso machine
✅ You want something easy to use: The control panel is straightforward, and the machine heats up quickly, making it perfect for beginners who want to experiment.
✅ You're a coffee lover: Users have given positive reviews for its ability to make great drinks.
✅ You hate cleaning: The machine is easy to clean, and the milk container has a lid for easy storage.
❌ You want something more stylish: The gray plastic exterior doesn't give off a luxurious vibe like some of its more expensive counterparts.
❌ You're keen on features: The machine lacks some features that more expensive models have, such as a built-in bean grinder.
🔎 The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is a great choice for those who want to make lattes and cappuccinos at home without much hassle. It's beginner-friendly and more affordable than other similar machines. However, it may not suit those who want more control over their espresso and care about the machine's appearance ★★★★½
The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home without any hassle. Its ease of use sets it apart from other machines on the market. The control panel is straightforward, and the machine heats up quickly, making it perfect for beginners experimenting with espresso-based drinks.
Design: The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is a decent semi-automatic espresso machine, but don't expect it to look very high-end. The gray plastic exterior doesn't give off a luxurious vibe like some of its more expensive counterparts.
The control panel has two rows of buttons, one for automatic drinks and the other for manual espresso shots or milk frothing, with indicator lights at the bottom showing progress as it heats up. The components feel durable, except for the knob on the milk frother, which can come loose during use.
Performance: At first, the Prima Latte Luxe coffee machine didn't work for our reviewer—there was no espresso or frothed milk. But after a few tries, it finally worked. They thought it just needed to be primed, but the instructions didn't mention it. Once it worked, it was great!
They found ESE pods that made it even easier to use. The machine heated up quickly, and the control panel was easy to use. A single-serving latte or cappuccino fits well in an 8-ounce mug and takes less than a minute to make. Self-cleaning is a breeze, and the milk container has a lid for easy storage.
Value: The Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe is perfect for beginners who want to make espresso drinks at home. But if you're a picky coffee lover, go for the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro. It's pricey but has a built-in bean grinder and more settings. If you prefer pods, try the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, which can brew coffee and espresso and has a cool stainless steel design. It's also expensive, though.
Read more: Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Useful features, but looks somewhat cheap | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Easy to operate and clean | ★★★★½ |
| Value | Well-priced but only available on Amazon | ★★★★½ |
The most versatile espresso machine
✅ You like to have choices: This coffee maker offers a range of brew options, making it an excellent choice for those who want to customize their coffee according to their preference.
✅ You want something easy to use: The touchscreen control panel and fast brew time make the Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer very user-friendly.
✅ You want a sleek-looking appliance: The machine is well-built and looks great on any kitchen counter.
❌ You're unsure about B-Pods: The proprietary B-Pods are expensive, and the variety of options is not as extensive as other coffee makers.
❌ You want a milk frother: The lack of a built-in milk frother or steamer makes it challenging to create specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
🔎 The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sleek and easy-to-use pod machine that produces tasty coffee and espresso in under two minutes. It has a touch screen for customization, but the app isn't very useful. On the downside, there's a limited selection of pods available, and it can only brew up to 12oz ★★★★½
The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is an impressive coffee machine that is versatile and easy to use. This sleek and well-built model features a touchscreen control panel with a range of brew options, making it a great option for espresso lovers who want to customize their coffee without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Design: The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sleek machine that feels solid and well-built. It has a touchscreen control panel with several brew options, which can be limited based on the type of pod you use. The machine is a bit larger than the average drip coffee maker, but it's still easy to move around.
It uses B-Pods, which are similar in size to K-Cups but are a bit pricey and have limited options. The machine doesn't come with a milk frother or steamer, which is a bummer for those who like specialty drinks, but you can easily get a milk frother separately.
Performance: The coffee is top-notch, with many brew sizes and style options. It's super easy to use, too—just pop in a coffee B-Pod and let the machine do its thing. The brew time is quick and surprisingly quiet, and it can even make espresso shots. The app is a bit unnecessary, but tracking your brews is cool.
Value: The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a great coffee maker, but it's expensive and has limited B-Pod options. The Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker is a solid pick if you want a cheaper alternative. If you want to brew more than just single cups, the Ninja Dual Brew Pro is a great choice. But, if you want to make coffee house drinks, the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the way to go, although it's more expensive than the Bruvi.
Read more: Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer review
The best mini espresso machine
✅ You want something easy: The machine features automatic pod recognition technology and a choice of milk settings
✅ You like a sleek look: The coffee machine has a sleek and modern design that fits well in small kitchens.
✅ You care about your coffee: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima coffee machine produces high-quality coffee that is rich, creamy, and full-bodied.
❌ You like a wide choice of drinks: The coffee machine uses Nespresso's proprietary Vertuo pods, which are more expensive than other brands and have a limited range of flavors.
❌ Your whole family drinks coffee: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima coffee machine is a single-serve machine.
❌ You're on a budget: It is priced at $374.25, which is more expensive than other coffee machines that produce similar quality coffee.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima coffee machine is perfect for those who want an easy-to-use and low-maintenance machine that makes delicious espressos and espresso-based drinks with the option of frothing milk. However, it's not suitable for people who want to control the temperature of their coffee or have limited counter space and don't want to clean a milk frother. ★★★★½
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima coffee machine is a sleek, easy-to-use appliance that produces high-quality coffee. With automatic pod recognition technology and a choice of milk settings, it's perfect for those who want a variety of coffee drinks without the hassle of being a barista.
Design: This coffee machine is the perfect size for a small kitchen, measuring 7.4 x 16 x 12.4 inches. It has a sleek, modern design in a matte black and glossy finish, but it is also available in matte white and glossy. Depending on the size of the coffee mug or travel cup, the silver cup stand can be removed and inserted into one of the notches at the front of the machine.
Performance: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima coffee machine features automatic pod recognition technology, which offers a range of coffee size and length options. Users can also vary their coffee drinks by selecting the type of pod they want. The milk settings are equally easy to use, with three buttons indicating hot foam, latte, and cappuccino. The milk carafe can also be used without a coffee pod to foam hot milk for other beverages. The machine is single-serve and requires minimal cleaning, except for emptying the used pod compartment and wiping out the accompanying drip tray.
Value: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is available in matte black or white for $374.25 from Nespresso, Best Buy, De'Longhi, and Amazon. The Vertuo Titan is $164.25 without a milk carafe, but you can add a milk frother for about $50. The Vertuo Creatista is $561.75 and has an integrated milk wand.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review
The best espresso machine for lattes
✅ You're on a budget: The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is a budget-friendly option that offers great value for the price point.
✅ You want automatic frothing: This machine features automatic frothing, which makes it easy to create perfectly frothed milk for your lattes and cappuccinos.
✅ You hate cleaning: The machine has a self-cleaning cycle that flushes out the milk frothing wand, and both reservoirs can be put in the dishwasher.
❌ You want more control: It may not be ideal for experienced baristas who want to experiment with different brewing parameters.
❌ You're often in a hurry: The machine takes a while to warm up.
❌ You're clumsy: Accidentally touching one of the buttons can't be canceled.
🔎 The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is an affordable, one-touch machine that can make lattes, cappuccinos, and single or double espresso shots. However, it has a long preheat time and lacks precise control over the brewing process. ★★★★
The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is an affordable, semi-automatic espresso machine that can produce delicious drinks quickly and efficiently. With a sleek design, automatic frothing, and a self-cleaning cycle, this machine offers great value for its price point. However, it has a long preheat time and limited control over the brewing process.
Design: This espresso machine has a sleek dark gray plastic exterior with silver accents. It features two reservoirs, one for water and one for milk. The milk tank has a dial to adjust the frothing level and a silver lever that allows you to adjust the angle of the milk wand. The control panel has six buttons, including options for regular shots, lattes, and cappuccinos. There's no "start" button, so the machine starts brewing automatically after selecting the drink. Accidentally touching one of the buttons can't be canceled, so the machine must be turned off entirely.
Performance: The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is a great espresso machine that can churn out delicious drinks in a snap. However, it takes a while to warm up, which may be inconvenient if you're in a rush. Once it heats up, it works quickly and quietly, making a latte in a minute or less. The machine comes with a scoop and tamps for packing espresso into the filter, but you can also use ESE pods for convenience.
The milk foam is thick, and the drinks are always just the right temperature. The machine has a self-cleaning cycle that flushes out the milk frothing wand, and both reservoirs can be put in the dishwasher. The espresso shots are rich and flavorful, with a nice layer of crema.
Value: The Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ is a budget-friendly semi-automatic espresso machine with automatic frothing. The Prima Latte Luxe is similar but with a better control panel and milk reservoir lid. For more control over brewing, consider the Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ for $1,700.
Read more: Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, but poor control panel design | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Easy to use, but heats up slowly | ★★★★ |
| Value | Reasonable for an all-in-one espresso machine | ★★★★★ |
How we test the best espresso machines
We take testing espresso machines very seriously here at Top Ten Reviews. We're big fans of a double espresso or americano, so we make it a personal mission to make the perfect cup of joe with each machine we get our hands on.
The espresso makers are tested in our reviewers' own homes for a minimum of two weeks. The machines are intensely used for this duration, making a variety of coffee types that we would be more than happy to sample. If it has a grinder, we'll use it; the same goes for milk frothers or steam wands. We'll try the variety of programs on offer (if any) and record the noise level to see if they're suitable for those super-early starters who want to enjoy a coffee without waking the kids.
Cleaning and maintaining the espresso machines is an important consideration, too. Once we've done making the coffee, we'll find out how easy it is to wipe clean and keep clean. If we have a machine on loan for several weeks, we'll also try a descaling solution (there are loads on Amazon) to see how easy that is, too.
Read more about how we test coffee makers and other appliances.
How to choose the best espresso machine for you
Decide what your budget is. Espresso machines can vary in price from anywhere between $100 to $1000 and more, so the easiest way to narrow down your search would be to decide what you are prepared to spend. Holiday shopping events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day could be golden opportunities to save big on a new (or replacement) espresso maker, but if you can't wait until then, it would be better to stick to what you know you can afford.
Available space. Generally, the more features an espresso maker has, the larger it is going to be. This type of appliance is to sit on the countertop. If you don't have that much space, then a machine that has fewer options (built-in grinder, milk frother, etc) might be your best option. Alternatively, if space isn't a concern, then it'll be the budget which is the biggest restriction.
Design. The overall look and feel of an espresso machine is going to be an important factor to consider if you'd like it to match the other appliances in your kitchen or if you want more control over how you make your coffee. The Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine, for example, has a lot going for it with its steam wand and hot water wand, plus the various knobs and dials to turn. It does, however, take up a lot of space. The features that come with the machine also play into the design. Removable parts such as a water tank, grinder, and/or drip tray could all be useful to your coffee-making abilities.
Smart features. Appliances are becoming more connected with our phones and other screen technology. Some espresso machines, such as the JURA GIGA 10, have the ability to prepare coffee directly from your smartphone via a dedicated app.
Beans and grounds. Espresso coffee machines tend to only use coffee beans or coffee grounds - very occasionally, they'll use coffee pods, too. Some of the machines have the grinder built-in, whereas others have a separate grinder as an optional extra. If a grinder isn't required, and you're happy to buy ground beans, then this could make making a coffee a little simpler - if that's what you want.
They are more advanced in technical ability than many single-serve machines, especially pod machines, so if you've decided that an espresso machine isn't for you after all, then check out our best single-serve coffee maker guide.
Espresso machine FAQs
Which espresso machine brand is best?
Breville has one of the best reputations for producing espresso machines that balance quality with affordability. It’s not by chance that Breville espresso machines have landed two out of the five top spots in our round-up after vigorous testing.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should rule out other espresso machine brands. Smeg Appliances also has a strong reputation in the kitchen scene, and their coffee machines have a retro feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Brands like Breville, Smeg, and Seattle Coffee Gear come at a high price, so if you’re on a budget, you may also want to explore budget-friendly options from other well-praised brands like Cuisinart.
How much should you pay for a good espresso machine?
For a quality espresso machine, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 and $1,500. At the top of that range, you can expect a premium model to provide more programmable features, a steam wand to create froth, and far more room for experimentation.
Meanwhile, a good espresso machine at the bottom of the range may offer one or two programmable settings and consistently produce rich, aromatic coffee with minimal human intervention. Many machines can now remember your previous settings or predict the best grind size for you.
Espresso machines can cost as little as $200 to $300, but for these, you often have to sacrifice features such as a steam wand or compromise on the taste of your coffee.
Which espresso machines are easiest to clean?
Cleaning an espresso machine is quite easy, as all you need to do is run water through the brewer to remove any used grounds and remove coffee grounds from the portafilter before wiping down the machine, including any tampers or a steam wand.
The easiest espresso machines to clean are those that provide cleaning tools such as a cleaning disc or tablets, descaling powder, a cleaning brush, and a special steam wand cleaning tool.
Capsule pod espresso machines are also superior for cleaning because all they need is the occasional flush with water, rather than you having to regularly clean out or unclog a filter and/or portafilter - so that's worth keeping in mind if you don't enjoy cleaning.
Stainless steel machines require the most upkeep for the exterior, as they easily gather fingerprints and muck. If this is a pet peeve, you will need to wipe away stains and prints after every use.
Are espresso pod machines worth it?
Espresso pod machines are one of the easiest ways to get barista-style coffee with very little effort. While you may not get the satisfaction of grinding coffee beans from scratch, they often have the quickest espresso brewing times and the easiest clean-up.
You don’t need any barista experience to use a pod machine, as operating one is usually as simple as inserting a pod, pulling a lever, and pressing a few buttons.
The main downside of using an espresso pod machine is that buying coffee pods typically costs more than running an espresso machine using coffee beans. Using plastic pods also results in more plastic waste, which is less eco-friendly.
