Got a craving for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites from your favorite café? It might be time to invest in a home espresso machine and bring that barista experience right into your kitchen. But with so many choices out there, it’s hard to know where to start.
Don’t get overwhelmed, though — with a little research and our handy guide, bringing that coffee shop experience home is easier than you think. Here, we share our top picks for the best espresso machines of 2024.
The Best Espresso Machines of 2024
- Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Best for Beginners: De’Longhi 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best Budget-Friendly: IMUSA 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
- Best for Versatility: Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System
- Best Semi-Automatic: Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
- Best for Capsules: L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine Combo
- Best Splurge: Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
- Best One-Touch: Nespresso Vertuo Next
- Best Value Buy: Gevi Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- Best Compact: Casabrews 20 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best All-In-One: EspressoWorks 19-Bar Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Maker
- Best for Experienced Home Baristas: Wirsh 20 Bar Espresso Machine
Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- Integrated coffee grinder and tamper
- PID temperature control
- 15-bar pump
- Steam wand
- 67-ounce water tank
Pros
- Built-in tamper and adjustable grinder
- Manual steam wand for milk-based drinks
- Wealth of customization features
Cons
- Takes up a bit of counter space
- May take some practice to get used to
Why We Chose It
Want to channel your inner barista without leaving your kitchen? The Breville Barista Express is an incredibly popular choice that lets you step into a coffee shop role. It delivers everything you need to create delicious cappuccinos, lattes and more. From precise grinding to velvety milk frothing, this machine has you covered.
This Breville machine brings coffee shop power and control into your home. The integrated grinder lets you adjust grind size for the perfect shot of espresso, while the PID temperature tech ensures your water’s at the optimal heat for rich extraction. Another plus is the milk frothing wand. This handy tool helps you create café-quality textured milk, letting you unleash your latte art skills.
There is a learning curve to get the most out of the Breville Barista Express. It’s more of an investment for the serious espresso enthusiast or someone who truly loves experimenting. The machine also requires some counter space, but if you have room, it’s a worthy contender.
Best for Beginners: De’Longhi 15 Bar Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- 15 bars of pressure
- Manual milk frother
- Three-in-one filter holder
- 37-ounce water tank
Pros
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly control panel
- Multiple filter baskets for flexibility
- Compact countertop footprint
Cons
- Temperature can be inconsistent
Why We Chose It
If you dream of crafting delicious lattes in your kitchen, this De’Longhi machine could be your entry ticket. Its focus on user-friendliness and quality components gives you an edge when mastering that perfect shot.
De’Longhi takes the hassle out of creating café-style drinks. With features like its intuitive controls and milk frother, you’ll be steaming milk and adding latte art flourishes like a pro in no time. The multiple filter baskets give you fantastic flexibility, whether you want a classic espresso shot or the ease of pre-ground pods.
While it delivers great value for its features, this model might not satisfy those seeking a truly high-end espresso experience. The temperature can be a bit inconsistent, and you may want to invest in a separate tamping tool to get a more precise pack in your coffee grounds.
Best Budget-Friendly: IMUSA 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
Key Specs
- 4-cup water tank
- Milk frother
- Removable drip tray
- Permanent filter
Pros
- Compact size
- Super affordable price point
- Simple and straightforward operation
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Not the most durable option
Why We Chose It
Want an affordable taste of that coffeehouse feeling at home? IMUSA’s manual espresso machine has all the basics you need to whip up a quick espresso shot or whip up a creamy cappuccino. This little machine won’t break the bank and takes up minimal counter space, offering a convenient entry point into the world of good espresso at home.
This IMUSA keeps things simple and straightforward, ideal for those new to making lattes or those who want their coffee fix fast. The included milk frother means you don’t need separate equipment for fluffy drinks, and the permanent filter saves you from needing extra supplies. Customers appreciate its value and compact size, too.
IMUSA’s unit might not satisfy experienced espresso drinkers. It lacks some of the advanced features found on pricier options, potentially resulting in less flavorful shots. There are also some concerns about durability, so it might not be the best choice for heavy everyday use.
Best for Versatility: Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System
Key Specs
- 19 bars of pressure
- 60-ounce water tank
- Milk frother
- Adjustable cup tray
- Warming plate
Pros
- Nine different cup sizes
- Compatible with both capsules and ground coffee
- Used capsule bin holds up to 20 capsules
Cons
- Some customers say the milk frother could be improved
Why We Chose It
Whether you want a single shot of espresso or a full carafe of drip coffee, you can do it all (and brew it all) with this Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System. It offers three espresso brew styles and a total of nine different cup sizes, and it works with both coffee capsules and ground coffee for maximum versatility. Prefer your coffee iced? You can do that, too, courtesy of the “over ice” button.
The 19-bar pressure system creates flavorful espresso with silky crema, and the 60-ounce reservoir holds plenty of water without needing a refill. If you’re using capsules with this machine, the built-in storage bin can hold up to 20 used capsules at a time.
This Ninja machine includes a foldaway frother that you can use to make milk-based drinks, such as lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos. However, customers note that the frother isn’t the best at its job, with some users having to microwave their milk in order to achieve their desired result.
Best Semi-Automatic: Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- 15-bar pump
- Thermoblock heating
- PID control
- 58mm portafilter
- 2-liter water tank
- Steam wand
Pros
- Precision features at an approachable price
- Large portafilter for more grounds
- Consistent temperature
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Advanced features take some practice
Why We Chose It
If you crave the rich, nuanced flavors of a café-style espresso in your own kitchen, the Calphalon Temp iQ is your ideal companion. It delivers precision features often found in higher-end machines, helping you create consistently delicious results. And forget about guesswork when you want great espresso. Thermoblock heating and PID control ensure consistent temperature, which is key for getting the best flavor out of your coffee machine.
The larger 58mm portafilter lets you pack in more coffee grounds (just like the baristas do) for a richer, more satisfying taste. And if you get a craving for a latte or cappuccino, the steam wand makes it a total breeze to froth that milk.
A powerful machine means the espresso maker can get a little noisy during operation. This might be a factor if you enjoy a quiet morning routine. Also, mastering its advanced features takes some practice, so patience is helpful for those new to this style of espresso brewing.
Best for Capsules: L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine Combo
Key Specs
- Automatic capsule detection
- 25-second heat-up
- Compatible with L’OR and Nespresso Original capsules
- 40-ounce water tank
Pros
- Sleek design
- Brews both coffee and espresso
- Multiple cup sizes
Cons
- No steam wand
- Some customers report leaking issues
Why We Chose It
Add a touch of European café style to your countertop with L’OR’s automatic espresso machine. Here, you get the best of both worlds — one, you get wide access to a variety of L’OR espresso and coffee capsules, and two, you’ll enjoy compatibility with popular Nespresso Original ones. Sweetening the deal, the larger water reservoir means less frequent refills.
If you’re hooked on the ease of coffee capsules and crave a variety of coffee shop drinks, the L’OR Barista is worth looking into. This super automatic espresso machine automatically adjusts based on your capsule choice, giving you the flexibility to create small, medium or large coffee and espresso cups.
However, the espresso shots might not be as flavorful compared to dedicated espresso machines. There also seem to be potential leaking issues for some users, which could be a deal-breaker if you’re concerned about maintaining your countertop.
Best Splurge: Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- Integrated grinder
- ThermoJet heating
- PID temperature control
- LCD display for progress
- 64-ounce water tank
Pros
- Three-second heat-up
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Barista-quality espresso shots
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Steep price point
- Some customers note inconsistent temperatures
Why We Chose It
If getting barista-quality shots at home and achieving that “third-wave” coffee experience is your goal, the Breville Barista Pro is hard to overlook. It combines speed and precision to deliver delicious espresso and milk drinks that would rival those at your favorite coffee shop.
Breville appeals to dedicated espresso lovers with what is possibly the best coffee grinder, the lightning-fast ThermoJet system, and precise temperature control (PID) for perfect extraction. The LCD screen adds a touch of high-tech to the process, and many users love how easy it is to clean and maintain.
While powerful, the Barista Pro comes at a higher price point, making it an investment for those truly serious about their espresso. There are also some mixed comments about the pump’s performance and how consistently hot the machine gets, so those could be factors to research further.
Best One-Touch: Nespresso Vertuo Next
Key Specs
- Compatible with Nespresso capsules
- 1.1-liter water tank
- 25-second heat-up
- Milk frother included
Pros
- Compact size
- Brews four different cup sizes
- Convenient one-touch operation
Cons
- Can be a bit loud
- Lacks extra customization features
Why We Chose It
If you want a cup of espresso in hand in the easiest way possible, opt for the Nespresso Vertuo Next. This convenient machine requires only the touch of a button (and the insertion of a Nespresso capsule) to create quality espresso shots.
Equipped with a 1.1-liter water tank, this Nespresso machine lets you brew your coffee in four different sizes, from single and double espresso shots to 5- and 8-ounce cups of coffee. It also includes an Aeroccino milk frother for cappuccinos, lattes and other cafe-style drinks. Plus, at only 5.5 inches wide, this machine won’t take up too much space on your countertop.
However, since the Nespresso works with coffee capsules, you don’t get as much customization control as you would with some of the other options on our list. Some customers also report that this machine can get noisy while in operation.
Best Value Buy: Gevi Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Key Specs
- 20-bar pressure
- NTC temperature control
- Milk frother
- 1.2-liter water tank
Pros
- Creates rich crema
- Consistent temperature control
- Adjustable shot size
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Tricky to clean
Why We Chose It
Want an espresso that rivals your favorite coffee shop but don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas (or spending a ton of money)? The Gevi Espresso machine could be your new best friend. It’s got all the features you need to create delicious cappuccinos, lattes and classic espresso drinks, all at an affordable price point.
The 20-bar pressure system means perfectly extracted espresso with a rich crema. The NTC temperature control keeps things consistent, so your coffee’s flavor is always on point. Plus, the milk frother will help your homemade lattes get way more impressive. You can customize your espresso shot size for exactly the strength you like.
It’s not the quietest machine in the world, however, so be prepared for some noise if you’re an early-morning coffee drinker. Some users also found it could be a bit tricky to clean, especially the milk frother.
Best Compact: Casabrews 20 Bar Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- 20-bar pressure
- Milk frother
- 34-ounce water tank
- Pressure gauge
Pros
- Sleek, space-saving design
- One- and two-cup brewing filters
Cons
- Smaller water tank means frequent refills
Why We Chose It
If counter space is limited, but you still crave barista-style cappuccinos and lattes, the Casabrews could be a great option. This surprisingly compact machine has plenty of power under its hood, letting you brew rich espresso shots and whip up that velvety milk foam.
Don’t be fooled by this espresso machine’s size. This little machine boasts a 20-bar pump for flavorful extractions, which many customers rave about. The included milk frother means you can ditch separate appliances, saving even more space. Rounding out this unit is a sleek stainless steel design that gives your kitchen a bit of that coffee shop vibe.
Since it’s on the smaller end, you may find yourself refilling the water tank a bit more frequently. That also equates to waiting a bit longer for hot water. You should also be aware that some users have suggested taking a brief pause between frothing milk and pulling espresso shots, as the machine needs time to cool down.
Best All-In-One: EspressoWorks 19-Bar Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Maker
Key Specs
- 19-bar pump
- 1.4-liter water tank
- Milk frother
- 45-second heat-up
Pros
- One-touch controls
- Four preset drink selections
- Included grinder and accessories
Cons
- Coffee temperature isn’t the highest
- Can be difficult to clean
Why We Chose It
If you dream of making lattes and cappuccinos in your kitchen, but the challenge puts you off, this EspressoWorks machine might be the answer. This setup has everything you need to start pulling shots and frothing milk like a pro (or at least feel like one).
EspressoWorks takes the intimidation factor out of making fancy coffee drinks. The one-touch controls mean you can brew an espresso, make a latte or froth milk with just the press of a button. It heats up in a flash and comes with a bean grinder, so it’s truly all-in-one.
Some users report that the drinks don’t come out piping hot, which can be a deal-breaker for those who like their coffee blazing. Also, like any machine with a milk frother, cleaning can be a bit of a chore.
Best for Experienced Home Baristas: Wirsh 20 Bar Espresso Machine
Key Specs
- 20-bar pump
- 42-ounce water tank
- Pressure gauge
- Steam wand
- Cup warmer
Pros
- Adjustable temperature and volume settings
- Tons of features packed into a petite machine
Cons
- Takes some experimentation to dial in the perfect shot
Why We Chose It
If you’re the type who loves to tinker and tweak your espresso, the Wirsh might be worth considering. It packs a surprising number of features usually seen on bigger machines into a compact design, offering more control over your drinks.
This isn’t your basic espresso maker. The pressure gauge lets you keep an eye on the extraction process, which can be a huge help in improving your shot quality. Being able to adjust both brew temperature and volume means you can really dial in that perfect shot. And that frother means creamy cappuccinos are on the menu, too.
It doesn’t come cheap, so keep your budget in mind. Some users also find they need to experiment to get the ideal steam temperature for frothing, so there may be a slight learning curve there.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right espresso machine is about finding the perfect balance of features, performance, and price to suit your needs and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a solid overall option, we love the Breville Barista Express. For a budget-friendly option, opt for the small-but-functional IMUSA 4-Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker. And if you’re looking for a machine that does it all, it’s hard to go wrong with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System.
How to Choose an Espresso Machine
Pressure
Aim for 15 bars or higher. That’s the sweet spot for rich, crema-topped shots.
Heating System
Thermoblock or boiler systems offer better temperature control, which is key for consistent, flavorful espresso.
Extra Features
Want milk-based drinks? Look for a built-in steam wand. Need it fast? Machines with faster heat-up times might be your jam.
Budget and Counter Space
These machines range in price and size, so try to be realistic about your needs and space limitations. In many cases, higher-priced espresso machines come with more bells and whistles than cheaper ones, while budget-friendly espresso machines tend to forfeit the extra features in favor of a more compact footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use an espresso machine?
Since every espresso machine is different, each one will have its own method of use and operation. But in general, to use an espresso machine, you’ll start by filling the reservoir with water and preheating it. Then, you’ll measure out your coffee grounds, tamp them into the portafilter, and place the portafilter into the group head and lock it in. From there, you’ll select whether you want a single or double shot (if your machine offers that option), then press a button and wait for the machine to brew the espresso right into your cup.
How do you clean an espresso machine?
Again, this will vary from machine to machine, and you’ll need to refer to your model’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions. But generally, you can wipe down most espresso machines with a cloth and some soapy water to remove any gunk from the exterior. (Make sure you unplug the machine first, though!)
You’ll also need to clean the group head and steam wand, as well as the portafilter, tamper and any other accessories that come with your machine. Some removable parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it’s a good idea to check the manual to be sure. And every couple of months, you’ll want to descale your machine to remove any buildup from the insides.
What are the different types of espresso machines?
Espresso machines come in many forms, but some of the most popular types are automatic, semi-automatic and manual. An automatic espresso machine essentially does all the work for you, including grinding the beans, tamping them and brewing them into espresso. While these machines are super convenient, they don’t usually give you a ton of options to customize your drink. With a manual machine, however, you’ll do everything yourself, giving you more control over the final result. Semi-automatic machines give you the best of both worlds, automating some of the functions while still requiring some of your own manual input.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of writers, editors and shopping experts evaluated dozens of popular espresso machines before coming up with our final picks for this list. When choosing the best espresso machines, we factored in the price point, specifications (such as water tank size and bars of pressure), extra features and the overall quality of the finished drink. We also considered customer reviews and ratings when determining if the machines we selected were truly up to par.
Sources
- What is a PID Temperature Controller? | West CS
- How to Use a Milk Frother | KitchenAid
- What Is Bean-to-Cup Coffee? | Club + Resort Chef
- How to Make a Latte at Home | Smells Like Home
- How to Use an Espresso Machine | KitchenAid
- How to Clean an Espresso Machine: A Step-By-Step Guide | Breville
- How to Descale an Espresso Machine | Alternative Brewing
- Espresso Machine Differences: Manual vs. Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic | KitchenAid
