Best Coffee Espresso Machines

You turn the knob, press a button, and a delicious drink is in your hand. This machine isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it makes a delicious cup of espresso. Our test subjects found that the flavor was more like coffee than other machines espresso machines.

It also takes more effort than other models we've reviewed. Still, it's worth the effort for the hands-off Java enthusiast.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if an avid coffee drinker who is looking for consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to operate and has a minimalistic design that can be incorporated with any kitchen decor. Simply place a capsule in, press brew and enjoy your beverage. The machine scans the barcode of the capsule, and then adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure optimal extraction. This is a major selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don't have to think about setting different pressures or temperatures for different drinks. It does restrict your choices to Nespresso pods only and doesn't come with a built-in milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a smooth and rich crema. The machine spins up to 7000rpm in order to get all the flavors and durable aromas from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, allowing you to make American drip espresso or coffee.

The Vertuo Plus is cheaper than the Creatista Pro, which makes it the perfect choice for those who are looking for a basic upgrade to their current Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus has a smaller water tank of 40 ounces compared to its deluxe counterpart's 60 ounces. If you're planning to prepare large drinks or to share it with guests the model with a higher tier is probably the best choice for you.

2. Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress from Breville is a machine with a beautiful design and useful features. Its sophisticated dosing and assisted tamping help beginners to speed up the process by automating parts of it, making it easier for anyone to create an espresso of a high quality. It also allows for small adjustments to temperature. This is something that baristas who are more experienced appreciate, as just a few degrees can alter the flavor of the espresso.

The machine features a high-end conical burr grinder which has 25 grind settings to accommodate any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug and one- and two-cup single and double-wall filtering baskets, so you can choose the number of shots you want to make at a time. The frother arm can be used to make micro-foams for lattes and cappuccinos.

We were impressed by the espresso machine's interface is easy to navigate and clearly explains each step of the process. We also appreciated that it doesn't have many plastic parts and is very durable. It's not cheap but it's a well-constructed machine with a lot of features that will last for many years. It comes with a fantastic warranty that covers mechanical malfunctions for up to one year from the date of purchase. This is quite impressive for a machine of this value. It's definitely worth the investment if you want to try making espresso on a regular basis.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia's Classic first came out in 1991, and quickly gained a following of cult status due to its minimalist design and - of course - ability to brew a tasty cup of espresso. It's back and better than ever with the new Classic Pro. Even though the Classic Pro isn't as advanced as other entry-level machines it's still capable delivering cafe quality espresso with the high-end portafilter and group. But as it's a single boiler, you can't brew and steam simultaneously and you'll need to wait for a little while between pulling out a shot.

The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and feel that is elegant and sturdy in your hand. It has simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew or steam, along with indicators. The frame and switches are also more durable than the old Classic making this machine have a real premium feel.

In terms of accessories, the Classic Pro doesn't come with much, except for the commercial-standard portafilter of 58 millimeters and the plastic tamper are nice touch. A 3-way solenoid is a great addition. It stops water pressure fluctuations and helps to get rid of loose espresso pucks, something that less expensive machines struggle to do. Gaggia has also added a sleek steam wand that can do a fantastic job of creating a frothy milk drink for latte art.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

This De'Longhi espresso machine is a great choice for people who want to try barista-quality coffee at home. It is a distinctive design that makes it easy to use and comes with an array of features. It has a stainless-steel boiler, brew head, and portafilter as well as a removable water tank. The machine is also compact and fits on the majority of counters.

This espresso maker comes with a 15-bar pressure pump that gives consistent results every time. It can also heat up in just 40 seconds, thereby saving both energy and time. It is easy to clean and looks great on any countertop. The De'Longhi Com532M is the ideal choice for those who wish to make their own coffee at home.

It's a complete coffee and espresso machine that can make two cups at a time. It comes with two heating systems which allows you to make drip and espresso simultaneously. This is an excellent feature for parties because it lets you serve your guests their favorite drinks at the same time.

The espresso machine is equipped with a milk frother that can create creamy and delicious lattes and cappuccinos. It's also easy to operate, with an easy-to-use touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn't produce a lot of noise when operating.