I had a lot of fears when I was looking for the best espresso machine. But that’s why now I can help you choose the perfect machine for your needs.
Breville espresso machine pouring coffee to a white Home Grounds mug.
Photo: Julia Bobak
I was afraid that I might get a machine that is hard to use or makes inconsistent coffee. And just like you, I was also overwhelmed by the thousands of options. Lucky you, our team at Home Grounds got you covered. After all, this is a big decision; you’re not buying a new toothbrush here!
In this review, I tested dozens of the home espresso machines, covering a few different categories to help you find the best one to fit your style, kitchen, and budget. Just skim through my list and reviews below and find the one that suits you most.
AT A GLANCE
OUR TOP PICK: Breville Infuser
BUDGET PICK: DeLonghi EC155
RUNNER UP: Rancilio Silvia
BEST SUPER-AUTOMATIC: Philips 3200 Series
The table below contains all of my and our experts’ favorite picks in 2024, with a recommendation for all budgets and machine categories.
Image Product Details
Best Overall Breville infuser espresso machine Breville BES840XL Infuser
Semi-automatic machine
13.7″ x 11.5″ x 13.2″
61 oz Capacity
CHECK PRICE
Runner Up Rancilio Silvia Rancilio Silvia
Semi automatic machine
9.2″ x 11.4″ x 13.3″
1.8-liter reservoir. 0.3-liter boiler
CHECK PRICE
Budget Pick de'longhi EC155 DeLonghi EC155
Semi automatic machine
8″ x 10″ x 11″
35 oz Capacity
CHECK PRICE
Best For Milk Drinks Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Semi-automatic machine
12.6″ x 8.9″ x 11.2″
1.7 liter (water tank), 0.5 liter (milk)
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Rocket-Appartamento-Espresso-Machine Rocket Appartamento
Semi-automatic machine
16.7” x 10.8” x 14.2”
76 ounces capacity
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Best For Espresso Nerds Gaggia espresso machine Gaggia Classic Pro
Semi automatic machine
9.5″ x 8″ x 14.2″
42 oz Capacity
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Best With Grinder Breville espresso machine Breville Barista Express
Semi-automatic machine with grinder
13.25″ x 12.5″ x 15.75″
2l Capacity
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Best For Small Spaces Delonghi Dedica DeLonghi DEDICA
Semi-automatic machine
13″ x 5.9″ x 13″
35 oz tank (17.2 oz shots)
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Iconic Design La Pavoni Professional Copper and Brass La Pavoni Professional Copper & Brass
Manual espresso maker
12.6″ x 17.9″ x 11.4″
38 oz Capacity
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Best Super Automatic PHILLIPS 3200 Philips 3200 Series
Super automatic machine
9.7” x 14.6” x 17.0”
60 oz Capacity
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Most Portable WACACO NANOPRESSO Wacaco Nanopresso
Manual espresso maker
6.14” x 2.8” x 2.44”
2.7 oz Capacity
CHECK PRICE
Best Pod Machine Nespresso Essenza Nespresso Essenza Mini
Pod machine
3.3” x 12.9” x 8”
20 oz Capacity
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The 11 Top Espresso Machines for Home-Use
Still undecided? If so, keep on reading to get a more in-depth breakdown of why these are our experts’ top picks.
Top Pick
1. Breville BES840XL Infuser
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 13.7″ x 11.5″ x 13.2″
Capacity: 61 oz.
Milk frother: Manual steam wand
Breville infuser espresso machine
SEE ON AMAZON
The Breville infuser is our experts’ pick for the title “best espresso machine for home baristas“. Real baristas know the importance of pre-infusing the grinds to get the perfect extraction. With the BES 840XL Infuser, this is built into the machine. I like that its steady, low-pressure pre-infusion – much like the “bloom” on a pour over – prepares the grinds for the optimal 9-bar extraction. Unlike other Breville machines that I’ve tried, like the 800ESXL or the Breville Bambino Plus, this machine’s PID temperature controller is programmable in 2-degree increments and reduces fluctuations during extraction for consistent flavor.
This semiautomatic machine’s double-shot filter baskets take a dose up to 19-22 g (typically, filter baskets take 11-13 g) if you’re looking for a higher coffee-to-water ratio. Combine this with flexible shot control (including manual shot control), and this machine lets me fully in charge.
The Infuser is like the Barista Express, but with less features (and a more attractive price tag).
Runner Up
2. Rancilio Silvia
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 9.2″ x 11.4″ x 13.3″
Capacity: 1.8-liter reservoir. 0.3-liter boiler
Milk frother: steam wand with an acorn tip
Rancilio Silvia
SEE ON CHRIS COFFEE
The Rancilio Silvia M’s track record over the last decade has truly set it apart as a superior entry-level machine. Yet it has the ability to satisfy the experienced barista, since it’s a very straightforward machine. With an iron frame and stainless steel exterior, this sleek machine is built to last. This semi-automatic machine is equipped with a forged marine brass group head boiler, leading to greater stability in heat and longer-lasting pieces, as well as a large 12-oz boiler, which gives an incredible steam capacity.
Rancilio Silvia espresso machine has a commercial-sized portafilter and creates less mess with a 3-way solenoid valve that relieves pressure on the coffee grounds after an extraction. I am particularly impressed with the Silvia’s milk steaming, relying on a steam wand that has an acorn tip.
The one I don’t like is the lack of a built-in grinder as I feel like I have to work fairly intensively to find a grind that works. But if you already have a fine espresso grinder that works well for you, you won’t regret getting this one — learning how to grind coffee well should be a priority anyway.
Budget Pick
3. DeLonghi EC155
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 11
Capacity: 35 oz.
Milk frother: Manual steam wand
de'longhi EC155
SEE ON AMAZON
Aside from being Home Grounds’ budget pick, the DeLonghi EC155 is one of our experts’ pick for the best entry-level espresso maker. This machine combines accessibility and ease of use with the reputation of an established company. It comes with the patented De’Longhi Cappuccino Frothing Wand so frothing for an array of coffee drinks will be a breeze. It also features a 3-in-1 filter holder that works for both pre-ground coffee and espresso pods.
The black and stainless steel exterior is compact and easy-to-clean, making it a seamless fit for many modern kitchens.
Best for Milk Drinks
4. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 12.6″ x 8.9″ x 11.2″
Capacity: 1.7 liter (water tank)
Milk frother: Automated frother with carafe
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
SEE ON AMAZON
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is all about convenience. Brewing options, an automated frother, even the adjustable cup height on the tray make this ideal for anyone who wants to experiment without taking the plunge into more expensive machinery.
My favorite thing about it is its frothing system. Frothing milk is done automatically (no guesswork) and the milk jug is removable, allowing you to store any unused amount for next time. The water tank also pops out easily, making refilling a cinch. Plus, the one-touch control panel makes selecting the kind of drink utterly convenient.
This is in many ways the “sweet spot” of the home espresso market: the higher-priced machines deliver more, but you can get solid features in this bracket. If you’re looking for a convenient, quick way to get a decent cup of espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc., this is a solid choice.
Best Prosumer Espresso Machine
5. Rocket Appartamento
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 16.7” x 10.8” x 14.2”
Capacity: 76 ounces
Milk Frother: Manual steam wand
Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine
SEE ON COFFEE BROS
The top prosumer espresso machine this year is the Rocket Appartamento, a gorgeous, high-performance machine. Prosumer espresso makers are designed for home use but feature commercial-grade components and build quality. As such, the Appartamento is expensive and takes some practice to master, but the resulting cafe-quality drinks are unmatched. I was using a Breville Dual Boiler prior to getting this and the difference in the taste of espresso, the crema, and the texture is wildly different. It will take your espresso game to the next level.
Every Appartamento is handmade in Italy to exacting standards. The exterior is high-grade stainless steel with attractive laser cut-outs on the sides. It’s relatively compact compared to other prosumer machines; indeed, the name Appartamento stems from it being suitable for apartment dwellers.
The Rocket Appartamento espresso machine has a 1.8 L heat exchange boiler, a design that allows you to steam milk and pull a shot simultaneously – a must for lovers of milky drinks. It relies on the iconic E61 group head with a 58-mm commercial-style portafilter, a style found on the best espresso machines for over 60 years. It guarantees a stable brew temperature, even without a PID, and enables a low-pressure pre-infusion stage.
Best with Grinder
6. Breville Barista Express
Type: Semi-automatic with grinder
Dimensions: 13.25″ x 12.5″ x 15.75″
Capacity: 2 liters
Milk frother: 360-degree steam wand
Breville espresso machine
SEE ON AMAZON
The Barista Express is the first espresso machine I got when I started brewing espresso at home and I was very happy with it. It is popular for so many reasons but its biggest selling point is how easy it is to use. That’s why we often recommend it as one of the best espresso machine models for beginners.
Our Barista Express review came up with a common theme: a huge number of home baristas love it! It’s bigger than other machines, especially in width, and exudes espresso-making authority with a host of options and variations that give you more control over the brewing process.
The Barista Express grinds beans fresh with a built-in grinder, has a 2L water tank (a removable water tank) with filter capability, and a 360-degree swivel action steam wand – all tools that can allow you to make fresh, crafted coffee at a rapid rate. The unit even comes with a dedicated hot water outlet, making it more of an all-in-one device (and making up for some of the extra countertop space it requires).
Ideal for Small Spaces
7. DeLonghi DEDICA
Type: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 13″ x 5.9″ x 13″
Capacity: 35-oz tank (17 2-oz shots)
Milk frother: Manual steam wand
Delonghi Dedica
SEE ON AMAZON
The EC860M DEDICA is a compact, sleek machine that takes up less than six inches of counter space (in width), yet still has a 35-ounce water tank that holds enough water for 17 2-ounce shots. It’s available in black and red, as well as stainless steel.
The two-spout portafilter means you can brew two shots at once if you’re starting the day with a friend, or a double if you need a little more coffee love in your morning. You can also fit an ESE pod. Plus you can remove the drip tray to fit a taller cup underneath the portafilter. Its built-in steam wand means you can make everything from cappuccinos to flat whites and lattes.
True, you’ll need to provide your own steaming pitcher, and you’ll need a grinder that gives you finely ground coffee for high-quality espresso. But that’s true for most compact machines, especially at this price point.
Iconic Design
8. La Pavoni Professional
Type: Manual
Dimensions: 12.6″ x 17.9″ x 11.4″
Capacity: 38 oz.
Milk Frother: None
La Pavoni Professional Copper and Brass
SEE ON MAJESTY COFFEE
Steampunk fans, your machine is ready. The Pavoni name is familiar to espresso connoisseurs around the world. A Milanese man called Desiderio Pavoni was the first to produce commercial coffee machines in 1905. Made from brass and copper, the La Pavoni Professional begs you to wear goggles and a leather flying cap while pulling a shot of espresso.
It doesn’t have a spring lever but a piston, meaning it works purely on the user’s muscle power. This – well, let’s say it – rewards practice. Pull too quickly and it blows bubbles out the portafilter; pull it just right and your espresso comes with an extra helping of well-deserved pride. According to our editor, Scott Fisher, “We made a great cappuccino on the first try. It’s not up to making latte art, however, as the foam goes directly into the cup, but it tastes wonderful.”
If the Chemex speaks to Mies Van der Rohe designs, the La Pavoni cries out for Art Deco china to sip your coffee from.
The Professional is also less bottom-heavy, meaning it can be difficult to keep in place in operation. (Get used to holding the base down while you lift the lever.) It has a capacity of about 32 single shots. However, as it is a piston-operated machine, achieving a consistent brew takes practice and attention. But isn’t that half the reason you want a manual machine in the first place?