I grew up with two coffee snobs for parents. Okay, maybe “coffee connoisseurs” is a better term (sorry mom and dad), but my point remains the same: Ever since I was little, words like portafilter, crema and tamper were a regular part of our family dinner chats, thanks to the coffeehouse my parents have owned for the last 30 years. As a kid, coffee talk flew over my head. But as a picky, caffeinated adult, these regular conversations paved the way for my quest to find the best espresso machines and other coffee making tools.

In a perfect world, we’d all be able to bring home the commercial espresso machine from your favorite local coffeeshop, but the sheer size and cost of most of these professional units makes home use (almost) impossible. Thankfully, many consumer-facing brands have gotten the message that there’s an increasing demand for brewing espresso at home. The downside, of course, is that these home espresso machines don’t come with a barista. But thanks to user-friendly technology, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to pull perfect shots of espresso in no time.
From fancy machines with all of the bells and whistles to basic, one-touch models that rely on pods, these are the best espresso machines for making quality espresso at home.
- Best Espresso Machine For Most People: Breville Bambino Plus
- Best Budget Espresso Machine: De’Longhi Manual Espresso Machine
- Best Splurge Espresso Machine: Jura S8 Fully Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine
- Best One-Touch Espresso Machine: Nespresso Vertuo Chrome by Breville
- Best Fully-Automated Espresso Machine: Breville Barista Touch
- Best Compact Espresso Machine: De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe Espresso Maker
- Best Professional-Quality Espresso Machine: La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine
Best Espresso Machine For Most People
Breville Bambino Plus
- Dimensions: 7.75” W x 12.5” D x 12.25” H
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Warmup time: 3 seconds
Whether you’re an espresso-pulling pro or your barista skills are a bit lackluster, Breville’s Bambino Plus model can help you get the job done. 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.
Best Espresso Machine With Grinder
Calphalon Temp IQ Espresso Machine with Grinder and Steam Wand
- Dimensions: 14.5” W x 12.5” D x 15.75” H
- Pressure: 15 bar
- Warmup time: N/A
Calphalon may be best known for its nonstick cookware, but the premium retailer 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.
Best Budget Espresso Machine
De’Longhi Manual Espresso Machine
- Dimensions: 9.62” W x 7.25” D x 11.87” H
- 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.
Best Splurge Espresso Machine
Jura S8 Fully Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine
- Dimensions: 17.25” W x 11” D x 14” H
- 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.
Best One-Touch Espresso Machine
Nespresso Vertuo Chrome by Breville
- Dimensions: 8.3” W x 11.9” D x 11.9” H
- 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.
Best Fully-Automated Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Touch
- Dimensions: 13.25” W x 12.5” D x 15.75” H
- 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.
Best Compact Espresso Machine
Bialetti 6 Cup Moka
- Dimensions: 5.9” W x 13” D x 12” H
- 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.
Best Professional-Quality Espresso Machine
La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine
- Dimensions: 14” W x 21” D x 15” H
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Warmup time: 15 minutes
Those able to splurge on their espresso machine (like, really splurge) will be rewarded with perks like sleek design, a built-in grinder, 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.