12 Best Espresso Machines for Home 2024
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, where do you even start?
Here are some considerations:
- 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. Be realistic about your needs and space limitations.
Now all you need to do is compare the top units on Amazon, which we’ve taken the liberty of compiling for you here. So join us as we share our top 12 picks for the best espresso machines of 2024.
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Best For: Convenience, performance, and flavor
- Key Specs: Integrated coffee grinder, PID temperature control, 15-bar pump, manual steam wand, integrated tamper, large 67 oz. water tank
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
2. De’Longhi ECP3120 15 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best For: Beginners wanting barista-quality espresso at home
- Key Specs: 15 bars of pressure, manual milk frother, three-in-one filter holder, removable water tank
If you dream of crafting delicious lattes in your kitchen, the De’Longhi ECP3120 could be your entry ticket. Its focus on user-friendliness and quality components gives you an edge when mastering that perfect shot.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
3. IMUSA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
- Best For: Beginners craving cappuccinos or those wanting an easy espresso fix
- Key Specs: 4-cup capacity, milk frother, removable drip tray, permanent filter
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
4. Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine
- Best For: Home baristas looking to up their espresso game
- Key Specs: 15-bar pump, Thermoblock heating, PID control, 58mm portafilter, steam wand
If you crave the rich, nuanced flavors of a café-style espresso in your own kitchen, the Calphalon Temp iQ might be your ideal companion. It delivers precision features often found in higher-end machines, helping you create consistently delicious results.
Pros
Forget about guesswork when you want great espresso. Thermoblock heating and PID control ensure consistent temperature — that’s 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 hey, if you get a craving for a latte or cappuccino, the steam wand makes it a total breeze to froth that milk.
Cons
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. Mastering its advanced features takes some practice, so patience is helpful for those new to this style of espresso brewing.
5. L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine Combo
- Best For: Capsule users seeking specialty coffee at home
- Key Specs: Brews both coffee and espresso sizes (6 total), compatible with L’OR and Nespresso® Original capsules, 40 oz water tank, sleek design
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. It gives you the flexibility to create hot or cold brew lattes, cappuccinos, and of course, your standard espresso shots.
Pros
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.
Cons
Unfortunately, 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.
6. Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
- Best For: Speed and consistency
- Key Specs: Integrated grinder, ThermoJet heating (3-second heat-up), PID temperature control, LCD display for progress, 64 oz water tank
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
7. Tchibo Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Best For: Reducing pod waste
- Key Specs: Built-in grinder, touchscreen controls, 500ml water tank, comes with TWO bags of whole bean coffee
If the idea of freshly ground coffee with none of the pod hassle sounds good, the Tchibo should be on your radar. It puts the focus on bean-to-cup convenience, delivering your favorite espresso drinks and coffee with a focus on fresh flavor.
Pros
Ditching the pods means a couple of things: less waste for the environment and potential long-term savings over buying single-serve capsules. The built-in grinder lets you control the flavor intensity, and many users love the sleek, modern design and easy touchscreen controls. The included bags of coffee are a nice touch to get you started.
Cons
It’s not the smallest machine, so those with limited counter space might want to measure twice before buying. Some also find it a bit noisy while grinding coffee beans, which could be an issue if you’re sensitive to that. There are mixed opinions on the overall build quality.
8. Gevi Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- Best For: Barista-quality drinks at home without the barista price tag
- Key Specs: 20-bar pressure, NTC temperature control, milk frother, adjustable shot size
Want an espresso that rivals your favorite coffee shop but don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas? 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.
Pros
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.
Cons
It’s not the quietest machine in the world, 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.
9. Casabrews 20 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best For: Anyone who loves creamy espresso drinks in a small package
- Key Specs: 20-bar pressure, built-in milk frother, 34oz water tank, compact design
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
10. EspressoWorks 19-Bar Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Maker
- Best For: Aspiring home baristas who want coffee shop drinks without the coffee shop hassle
- Key Specs: 19-bar pump, one-touch controls, milk frother, included grinder and accessories
If you dream of making lattes and cappuccinos in your kitchen, but the challenge puts you off, the 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).
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
11. Wirsh 20 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best For: Home baristas looking for control and customizability
- Key Specs: 20-bar pump, pressure gauge, adjustable temperature AND volume settings, steam wand, cup warmer
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.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
12. Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine
- Best For: Flavorful espresso and budget-friendly prices
- Key Specs: 20-bar pressure system, Thermoblock heating, steam wand, pressure gauge
If you want delicious espresso drinks without breaking the bank, the Gevi 20 Bar might be a great fit. It has the essential features for pulling shots and making milk-based drinks, all in a compact package.
Pros
It’s a breeze to use, even if you’re new to espresso. The 20-bar pressure ensures great flavor extraction, and the Thermoblock heating system means it’s ready to brew in a flash. Plus, the steam wand opens up a world of flat whites and cappuccinos. The built-in pressure gauge is a nice feature, letting you monitor exactly what’s going on during extraction.
Cons
Some users found this machine a little on the small side, so it might not be ideal if you frequently make large drinks. And as with any machine with a steam wand, be prepared for some extra cleaning.
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. Don’t get overwhelmed — with a little research and our handy guide, bringing that coffee shop experience home is easier than you think.
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
This story was originally published April 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM with the headline "12 Best Espresso Machines for Home 2024."