Making espresso at home is more than just brewing coffee. An espresso maker is an invitation to a moment of zen before the day begins, and, for many, helps in their pursuit of the perfect cup.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or someone who dreams of crafting cafe-quality shots in your kitchen, the journey starts with one crucial choice: finding the right espresso maker.
Here, we’ll delve into all things espresso maker, so you can be sure you pick the one that will make your days a little brighter.
What To Look for in an Espresso Maker
Searching for your ideal espresso machine is exciting, but knowing what to look for is important.
Here are some key considerations:
- Ease of Use vs. Control: Are you looking for simplicity and convenience, or do you want to fine-tune every aspect of your brew? Your preference here will steer you towards super-automatic, semi-automatic, or manual machines.
- Quality of Espresso: Pay attention to pressure and temperature stability—crucial factors for extracting rich flavors and achieving that coveted crema atop your shot. “Crema” is the name for that honey-gold color on top of the espresso.
- Milk Frothing Capability: If you like lattes and cappuccinos, consider machines with built-in steam wands or automatic milk frothers.
- Size and Aesthetics: Space is at a premium in most kitchens. So, look for a machine that fits comfortably on your countertop and matches your kitchen’s decor.
- Price: Set a budget that reflects how important coffee is in your daily routine.
Discovering the Joy of Espresso: Beginner Options
Starting your home espresso journey doesn’t have to be daunting or drain your bank account. But if you’re new to espresso or mindful of your budget, fantastic beginner and budget-friendly machines are designed just for you.
For Beginners: Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is an excellent entry point for those new to home espresso brewing.
Some key features include:
- Rapid heating with the ThermoJet® heating system, ready in three seconds
- Automatic steam wand for hands-free milk texturing, perfect for latte art
- Compact design that fits comfortably on any countertop
With a sleek brushed stainless steel finish, it’s functional and adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen setup.
On a Budget: De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
For those watching their spend but unwilling to compromise on quality, the De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine offers great value. This elegantly designed machine provides all the essentials to brew authentic espresso-based beverages right from your kitchen.
Some features that stand out are:
- 15 bar pump pressure and durable stainless steel boiler ensure rich espresso extraction
- Manual milk frother allows you to create creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos
- Sleek and compact design makes it an excellent fit for kitchens of all sizes
The box includes all the accessories needed to get started, including a portafilter and tamper, making it easy for beginners to jump right into making their favorite coffee drinks.
Ease Into Your Morning With Super-Automatic Espresso Makers
Picture this: you wake up, still groggy, and all you’ve got to do is press a button. Within moments, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso fills the air.
These machines handle everything from grinding the beans to frothing the milk for your cappuccino. So, if you value simplicity and quality in your coffee ritual, an automatic espresso maker is what you need.
Over 50 Easy Automatic Coffee Recipes in One Espresso Maker
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is a premium and luxury machine at nearly $2,000. It offers quick and easy access to premium coffee styles at home.
This fully automatic espresso machine boasts Cold Brew Technology and offers over 50 hot and cold recipes, including everything from your morning espresso to an invigorating Cold Brew.
Other features we like inlclude:
- Its built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings ensures your coffee beans are freshly ground for each cup
- The innovative LatteCrema™ Systems cater to both hot and cold milk textures
- The machine’s user-friendly 3.5 in. full-touch display makes selecting your desired beverage a breeze
- Its Bean Adapt Technology optimizes extraction for unparalleled flavor
A Stylish Fully-Automatic Coffee Machine
For those drawn to sleek design as much as functionality, the SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic Coffee Machine stands out because it looks great on the kitchen counter, but id can also make eight different drinks with a single touch.
Available in four modern colors, this machine caters to all your coffee needs—from a robust black coffee to a frothy cappuccino.
This model shines even further with its:
- Stainless-steel burr grinder
- Thermoblock heating system
- Adjustable dispenser
Save Counter Space With This Compact Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine
The Philips 4300 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine – LatteGo brings sophistication and simplicity to your countertop. It offers up to eight coffee varieties at the touch of a button for a convenient and tasty morning brew.
As far as milk, the LatteGo Milk System delivers silky-smooth milk foam that’s ideal for lattes or cappuccinos yet remains remarkably easy to clean.
When it comes to water, Philips’ AquaClean filter ensures clear water without descaling for up to 5,000 cups and durable ceramic grinders provide fresh coffee grounds.
Finally, if you’re looking for convenience, this espresso maker’s intuitive Touch Display allows personalized adjustments for strength and volume, ensuring every cup is tailored to your preference.
Taking it Semi-Pro With Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
For those who love the ritual of coffee making, semi-automatic espresso machines offer a blend of control and convenience.
They allow you to fine-tune your morning espresso to perfection as you experiment with grind size, tamp pressure, and extraction time until you hit that sweet spot.
But what makes semi-automatics especially appealing is their steam wand. Unlike their super-automatic counterparts, these machines give you the power to texture your milk exactly how you like it. Mastering the steam wand adds an exciting layer of skill to your home barista experience.
Mess-Free Morning Brew From the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express Impress stands out with its innovative Impress™ Puck System for a mess-free tamping experience, all within a relatively accessible price range.
This machine simplifies achieving cafe-quality coffee at home with its integrated conical burr grinder. The crushing action of the burrs allows for a finer, more even grind.
As for the milk, the manual microfoam milk texturing capability gives you control over your milk-based coffee beverages.
The Barista Express Impress allows you to customize your coffee strength, volume, and temperature while ensuring consistency with its 25 grind settings and assisted tamping.
Entry-Level Espresso Maker
The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine presents an excellent option for those stepping into semi-automatic brewing. Its pre-infusion function gently soaks the coffee grounds before extraction, ensuring even saturation and a balanced flavor profile.
The built-in pressure gauge helps achieve the perfect extraction while allowing you to control the amount of each serving. With options for manual or automatic operation, flexible shot sizes, and an easy-to-maintain design, the Breville Infuser is ideal for budding baristas looking to explore espresso-making without being overwhelmed.
The Rolls Royce of Espresso Maker Options
For a luxe option, be sure to check out the Lelit Bianca espresso maker. (Although note it comes with a price tag of nearly $3,000.)
This machine comes with a double manometer—the dial that measures pressure and temperature to make sure you’re at the perfect moment to brew. It also has an innovative movable water tank which ensures optimal coffee extraction and steaming conditions.
Another feature is that it has dual stainless steel boilers, so you can pull shots and steam milk at the same time all while maintaining perfect temperature stability.
Lastly, its eco-friendly features, like sleep mode for energy conservation, are complemented by luxurious touches such as walnut wooden knobs and an ergonomic design.
Mastering the Craft With Manual Espresso Machines
Manual espresso machines represent the top of brewing excellence for coffee purists. Using manual levers, you provide the power to push the hot water through the puck of fine-ground coffee. So, if you’re looking for the challenge and satisfaction of mastering a craft, a manual machine could be your ideal choice.
Espresso With Flair
The Flair 58 espresso maker is a high-end, fully manual espresso press. This type of espresso maker operates a bit like an Aeropress in that the force to extrude coffee comes from your hand on a manual lever, not from high-pressure water.
Weighing 12 lbs and featuring a robust frame and lever capable of high-pressure extractions, it’s designed for those seeking ultimate control over their espresso.
The Flair 58 comes with an industry-standard 58mm portafilter and offers variations, including a low-flow or high-flow basket, depending on your preference.
Meanwhile, its Preheat Temperature Controller and innovative valve plunger ensure precise temperature management and workflow efficiency.
However, if you go with this espresso maker, keep in mind you’ll need a separate grinder.
A Truly Analog Espresso Maker
The ROK EspressoGC, priced at $280, offers a blend of simplicity and effectiveness. This machine stands out for its ease of use and eco-friendly operation—and it’s truly manual. No electricity needed.
With its elegant lever arms, you manually control the pressure to extract rich, flavorful espresso shots.
Achieve Perfect Temperature Control With a Dual Boiler Espresso Makers
For coffee enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on precision, dual boiler espresso machines are the way to go. These advanced machines are equipped with separate boilers for coffee extraction and milk steaming so you get better temperature stability and control.
Rancilio Silvia Pro X
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is designed for those who take their coffee seriously. This espresso maker boasts dual boilers “controlled by two internal Proportional Integral Derivatives (PIDs).” What does that mean? Basically, there are two computers with advanced algorithms to control the precise temperature needed for both coffee extraction and steam production.
The soft infusion function gently pre-wets the coffee grounds, leading to a smoother extraction process and a richer cup of coffee. Its robust stainless steel construction and professional equipment, such as an ergonomic portafilter and insulated boilers, make it a durable addition to any kitchen.
The Right Espresso Maker Turns You Into a Coffee Expert
No matter if you’re a newbie home barista or a full-fledged coffee aficionado—you can find an espresso maker to suit your needs and wow your guests. Make every morning a little brighter with one of these espresso machine options.
