14 Best Espresso Machines, Ranked

If you're a self-proclaimed coffee snob, chances are that you're the proud owner (or have considered purchasing) an at-home espresso maker. Not only is having an espresso maker at home super convenient for Sunday morning lattes in bed and making a dead eye to power through a grueling shift, but it can also end up saving you money on buying espresso beverages from Dunkin', Starbucks, and local coffee shops.

If you're making the dive into purchasing an espresso maker to fuel your coffee habits, there are some important factors to consider first. According to Clive Coffee, you need to consider what kinds of beverages you intend on crafting with your machine. This will determine if you're looking for a dual-boiler or heat exchange machine (for large milk drinks like cappuccinos and lattes) or a single-boiler machine (for espresso and Americanos). Logistics will also factor into a coffee machine. Are you willing to pay more than $1,000 for a top-of-the-line espresso maker that you may use once a week? Different espresso makers will come with different features that alter the price tag, such as a PID system that increases the temperature stability of the brew, per Seattle Coffee Gear. Do you have the counter space for an industrial machine, or would a compact machine suffice? Answering these questions before you go about choosing a machine will save you money and time.

After you answer those questions, consider our top picks for espresso machines (prices may vary).

Terra Kaffe gives consumers a high-end feel with a mid-range price tag ($825). The TK-01 is fully-automated; consumers just have to add beans to the hopper and select the desired espresso beverage. However, with enough digging, you'll find that many consumers aren't happy with the TK-01. According to Google reviews, the water tank is a flawed design on this machine; several folks have noticed that the device sends error messages that the water tank is not properly set in the machine.

The brew on this machine is another point of contention; some consumers found that there are frequent errors, such as only making half a cup or forcing hot water rather than coffee. One reviewer is quoted as saying, "Coffee is weak, spent pucks are a wet mess and the machine requires more cleaning than the back seat of your car with two kids under five years old." We advise you to stay far away from these machines.

The Rancilio Silva is a more bulky machine compared to others on our list. The machine comes with both a single and a double shot basket as well as a one-year manufacturer's warranty. The dual boiler on this machine allows the consumer to froth milk and make espresso simultaneously. Overall, customers who have bought this product claim that it takes a while to learn how to use it, as well as learn how to carefully remove the water tank to regularly clean and descale the product. Several customers have expressed frustration with the size of the drip tray, but the longevity of this machine (with proper care) overtakes concern for minute details.

At $830, this machine is one of the more expensive items on our list because it is mostly made of brass, copper, and stainless steel — rather than plastic. For someone looking for a similar machine with some compromise on the materials, we recommend the Gaggia.

The Rocket is about as top-of-the-line as you can go with espresso machines, clocking in at close to $1,850 for the cheapest model. You'll find numerous features on this machine that justify its price point, including a heat exchanger to brew and steam simultaneously, a heated group head to maximize the heat of each espresso shot, and an overall beautiful, Italian-made product. The Appartamento machine weighs over 60 pounds but is not as wide as many other home-espresso machines, making it a good fit for apartments and small kitchens. Rocket also manufactures an R86 model, which is close to $3,000. HomeGrounds recommends the R58 model for its quiet brewing, steam pressure for a smoother froth, and ability to hook up your water supply to the machine to avoid constantly refilling the relatively small water tank.

The Rocket isn't a machine for everybody; its operating system is a series of knobs and buttons that can easily overwhelm an inexperienced barista. Although some customers have experienced longevity with Rocket machines, several customers have complained that the warranty process is arduous.

The Gevi double-boiler espresso machine won't sacrifice the price for the quality. At $179, this machine is on the lower end of the price scale. You'll find this machine offers similar pressure and water tank capacity as other espresso machines of the same size (15 bars and 1.5 liters, respectively).

This machine will take either ground espresso or pods, making it a flexible option for at-home baristas. There is also a heated cup plate on the top of the machine to keep your mugs warm while your machine makes your espresso! Unlike other machines, this machine has separate temperature gauges for the milk frother and the espresso. The barista can observe these temperatures while making the espresso to maximize flavor. We also like that this machine has a removable deck so you can place a small espresso shot or a travel-sized mug underneath the machine.

If you're looking for a step above the 15-bar machine, you'll find Gevi also makes a 20-bar espresso machine. Coffeeness describes this 3-in-1 machine equipped with a grinder, milk frother, and dual boiler as the top performing Gevi product. Moreover, the grinder on this machine offers 30 different grind settings and sizes for the perfect home brew. This machine is bulkier than the 15-bar model, though.

The Ascaso is one of the most modern-design espresso brands on the market. The Steel Uno is priced at $1,350 and includes more heat-control technology than other espresso makers including Thermoblock, which allows the machine to heat up super-fast. The PID system on this machine is displayed in one-degree increments, allowing the barista to capture the perfect pressurized brew. The milk wand includes a no-burn sensor to prevent scalding; this is not common in other machines.

One important drawback of this machine is its single-boiler technology, per Seattle Coffee Gear. This means that the barista cannot froth milk and make espresso at the same time.

Ascaso also manufactures the Dream model: a retro-style machine with the same features as the Steel Uno. We appreciate the youthful style of this machine in contrast to the "boxiness" of the Steel Uno. Both of these machines are good ideal for hobbyists who are willing to spend a bit extra for a machine that fits into the modernist kitchen design theme.

Listen up espresso noobs: This one is for you. Phillips machines max out on user-friendliness. Phillips manufactures several models including the 1200, which will brew regular coffee or espresso — making both of those beverages with one machine! The 3200 includes the LatteGo steamer attachment, which attaches seamlessly to the machine and makes the perfect cappuccino or latte. There's no twiddling with buttons or valves. You just press the buttons for what you want and walk away.

Speaking from personal experience with the Phillips 3200: There's not much that you can do when the machine breaks. If there is a piece stuck in the grinder or the oil from the coffee beans builds up, there's not much you can do to dig into the machine without having to rewire the whole thing. You can also use your own pre-grounds in this machine, but you can only make a maximum of a half-cup at a time. The 1200 model is around $500, while the 3200 costs around $800. If you plan to prepare milky drinks and want a Phillips, save the counter-space and purchase the 3200.

The Gaggia Classic Pro is a standard, middle-of-the-road espresso machine, per the Coffee Chronicler. The Classic Pro comes in several colors including red, silver, black, and white with an updated mixing wand perfect for latte art. Unlike other machines, the Coffee Chronicler notes the Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a solenoid valve on the back of the machine which makes cleaning the portafilter significantly easier than other low-end machines. This machine holds 72 ounces of water compared to the 47-ounce holding capacity of the Gaggia Carezza model.

One of the drawbacks of this model is that it contains an aluminum boiler. According to Espresso Outlet, the aluminum boiler is not as temperature-stable as a copper or brass boiler. You also may not get stable pressure from the aluminum either. The Classic Pro comes in at $447, making it cheaper than many other espresso machine models. It is also a narrow machine, making it an ideal option for apartments and small kitchens.

Jura is a high-end, automatic espresso machine brand. Jura's products run anywhere from $1,500 to upwards of $9,000. The Z10 Diamond Black model (prices on William-Sonoma at $3,799.95) features over 30 coffee and espresso options (eight of which are cold-brewed) at the touch of a touchpad display. This espresso machine will automatically change grind size based on the type of coffee desired. Jura also boasts 3-D brewing technology that "maximizes aroma" from the brew, as well as connectivity with the J.O.E app. In comparison, the Giga X7 is listed at $8,999.95 and features two grinders, the ability to make two completely separate beverages at any one-time, 28 programmed beverages with the option to program another 12 that include Vietnamese coffee and mango lassis, adjustable water, milk, and strength levels, and a capacity to make more than 150 cups of coffee each day.

It is unlikely that the average Joe would want to spend more than $2,000 on a cup of Joe, so this machine is unfathomable for most home baristas. Yet, the Jura models place high on our list for functionality and range of automatic brewing options.

The Mueller Espresso Machine is an espresso maker brand from Austria. Gadget Review gives Mueller props for its 20 bar pressure potential and 800-milliliter water tank for less frequent refills. This machine only takes about 25 seconds to preheat, but has a comparatively loud operating noise than other machines on the market. For consumers looking for a lightweight machine that has a traditional Italian minimalist profile, this is one of your contenders. The major drawback to this machine is that it is only compatible with Nespresso pods. Therefore, you might only consider purchasing this machine if you are in an office or go through pods like crazy.

The Mueller Premium is designed more like a traditional espresso machine. It sells for just under $500 on Amazon and offers 15 bars of pressure, grinder, and milk frother. This model is ranked lower on our list of traditional espresso makers because of consistent complaints about its portafilter size (less than other machines) and uneven heating on the frothing wand.

Calphalon is known for its selection of cookware, but did you know the brand also manufactures appliances? The brand offers two espresso machines: one with a grinder and one without. The 2-in-1 is listed on the website as $399.99 and includes a 15-bar pump, PID, warming tray for mugs, and thermoblock to trap heat and keep your espresso piping hot every time. The steamer is easy-to-clean and includes an enlarged porta filter to maximize the surface area of the espresso grounds. You can alter the settings on the machine to select one or two shots of espresso. The 3-in-1 machine with a grinder is listed at a modest $679.99.

We love this product for its stainless steel exterior; it's bound to fit into any home kitchen without fail. The most common complaint with these machines was that finding replacement parts for Calphalon appliances is difficult. But, Calphalon products come with the longest warranty of the machines on our list: three years.

Mr. Coffee is easily the most affordable option on our list, which is why it placed so high compared to other machines on our list. The 20-ounce steam automatic machine brews up to four shots of espresso at one time and includes a steamer attachment for lattes and cappuccinos. The water tank on the Mr. Coffee machine is close to 55 ounces, which is less than other 72-ounce machines.

Mr. Coffee also offers an Espresso and Cappuccino hybrid machine ($249.99) with 15 bars of pressure. The machine is customizable for foam, frothed milk, and espresso shots making it a versatile option for some of the most common espresso beverages. Customers appreciate the ability to remove the water and milk tank to clean the machine, which is simple with its stainless-steel design. While the Mr. Coffee machines aren't always the most attractive to look at, these machines are very user-friendly and get the job done.

De'Longhi is regarded as a very reliable espresso machine. According to Craft Coffee Spot, the De'Longhi line features super-automatic coffee machines with an integrated grinder for optimal brewing ease. The semi-automatic machines require filling the portafilter, tampering with the beans, and securing the grinds to the machine. Although this requires more work for the barista, it is also easier to control the pressure and ground. The De'Longhi Super-Automatic coffee and espresso Dinamica machine is listed on Amazon at $999.95 and includes seven beverage options (including iced drinks). Customers appreciate its long pre-infusion and long grinding time for a full-flavor iced coffee.

The Eletta, a more expensive option, also has four temperature control settings and four ounces more bean capacity than the Dinamica. The Eletta features 11 drink options including the latte macchiato, flat white, and cappuccino, and is listed at $1,999.95.

Consumers note that De'Longhi products are easy-to-use and produce consistent beverages — both espresso and non-espresso. The De'Longhi espresso brand would have taken the top spot if it was more price comparable to a Breville machine.

Nespresso is one of the most recognizable names in the coffee maker industry. These espresso machines are designed for consumer ease. Nespresso's Vertuo machine (Five sizes) and Original machines (Four sizes) lines are priced at less than $220. The downside for a Nespresso Vertuo machine is that you'll have to use compatible pods. These are priced at a premium and can limit how much a barista can customize the beverage.

Nespresso also manufactures more traditional espresso machines. The most compact machines, like the Essenza mini, make two cup sizes of espresso and are priced at $169. This machine uses close to 19 bars of pressure, which is more than other machines on the market. At only five pounds, it's easy to set up in a dorm room or studio apartment. The Creatista Pro is a more industrial-style model that can store up to 12 use capsules and pressurizes up to 19 bars. At $849, this is a very high-tech, sleek machine at a relatively low price. The one drawback is that the voltage of the machine does not allow for simultaneously frothing and brewing.

Breville is one of the most distinguished appliance brands out there: and for good reason. The brand's espresso machines are some of the most highly-rated and widely-reviewed brands on the market. The build of these machines is sleek, modern, and ultimately user-friendly. The Breville Infuser is a perfect first machine for an espresso beginner because it has an auto-cool function that cools the steam wand down after it has finished frothing; this prevents users from scalding themselves on the hot metal. Although it is one of the highest-rated machines, the Infuser does not contain a bean grinder. The Infuser is priced at an affordable $599.95 on Amazon.

The Barista Express is the perfect all-around model for espresso enthusiasts. For $749.95 on Amazon, you'll get a machine with dose-control grinding — meaning that the machine will grind the perfect amount of coffee for your desired cup on-demand. The barista can also manually select the grind setting on the machine. The company also boasts that this machine offers "micro-foam" which is perfect for all the latte art your heart desires. This machine is our top pick for its reliability, affordability, and features.