Best Coffee Espresso Machines

Turn an knob, push an icon, and a delicious beverage is at your fingertips. The machine won't win any beauty contests, but it does make a delicious cup of espresso that our testers found to be more coffee-like than some others.

It also requires a bit more work to operate than other models we've reviewed. It's still worth the effort for the hands-off java fan.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the ideal Nespresso machine for you if a coffee enthusiast who is looking for efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to operate and has a minimalistic design that blends with any kitchen decor. Insert a capsule and press brew to enjoy your beverage. The machine automatically adjusts brewing parameters to maximize extraction depending on the barcode in the capsule. This is a major selling point for Nespresso Vertuo, as you don't have to worry about adjusting different temperatures or pressures for different types. It does limit your options to Nespresso pods and doesn't come with an inbuilt milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a smooth and rich crema. The machine spins up to 7000 rpm, which allows you to extract the full spectrum of aromas and flavors in each capsule. It also pours hot water at the same time as it heats, which allows you to make American-style drip coffee, as well as espresso.

The Vertuo Plus is much less expensive than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for people looking to improve their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus features smaller water tanks, which are 40 ounces, compared to premium model's 60 ounces. If you plan on making large drinks frequently or sharing your drink with guests, the more expensive model might be the better option.

2. Barista Express Impress

Breville's Barista Express Impress is an striking machine that is adorned with a high-end design and practical features. Its sophisticated dosing and assisted tamping helps beginners simplify the process by automating specific parts of it, making it easy for anyone to create an excellent espresso. It can also make small adjustments to water temperature. This is something that baristas with experience appreciate, as even one degree can affect the flavor of the espresso.

The machine has conical burr grinder of premium quality with 25 grind settings that can be used for any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well a one-cup and two-cup single-and double-wall filter baskets, which means you can decide how many shots to make at once. You can also use the frothing arms to make micro-foams for cappuccinos and lattes.

The interface of the espresso machine is easy to navigate and clearly explains each step. We also liked that the machine doesn't have lots of plastic components and looks quite robust. It's not cheap, but it's a well-constructed machine that has many features that will last many years. It also comes with a great warranty that covers any mechanical problems for one year from the date of purchase. It's quite impressive for an espresso machine this expensive. It's definitely worth it in case you're looking to test making espresso on a regular basis.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia Classic was launched in the year 1991. It quickly gained a cult following for its ease of use and ability to make a delicious cup of espresso. It's back stronger than ever with the brand new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be more advanced than some entry-level machines however it is able to offer a cafe-quality espresso because of the professional portafilter and group. As it is a single boiler machine you will not be able prepare and steam at the same time. You'll have to wait a bit before brewing the shot.

With a sleek, industrial design that looks stylish and feels solid in your hands, the Classic Pro features simple switches for brewing/steam and On/Off with dedicated indicator lights making it easy to get to grips with. The frames and switches are more durable than the old Classic making this machine have a authentic premium feel.

The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, but the 58 millimeter portafilter is a nice feature. Also the tamper in plastic is a nice touch. A three-way solenoid valve is an additional feature which prevents water pressure fluctuations and assists in getting rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy which less expensive machines struggle with. Gaggia has also added a sleek steam wand that does a great job of creating a frothy milk drink to create Latte art.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

The De'Longhi espresso maker is a good option for those looking to experience barista-quality coffee at home. It is easy to use, and has many features. It has a stainless-steel boiler, brew head and portafilter, as well with a water tank that can be removed. The machine is also compact which means it can fit on the majority of counters.

This espresso maker is equipped with a pressure pump of 15 bars which gives consistent results each time. It is also able to heat up within just 40 seconds, thus saving both energy and time. It is also easy to clean and looks great on any kitchen countertop. The De'Longhi is an excellent choice for those who love coffee and want to make their own coffee at home.

This is a blend coffee and espresso maker that can make up two cups of espresso machine with grinder at the same time. Dual heating allows you to brew espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for parties, since it allows you to serve your guests with their favorite drinks simultaneously.

The espresso machine espresso is equipped with a milk frother that can create creamy and delicious cappuccinos and lattes. The machine is simple to use with its simple touchscreen and buttons. It is quiet and doesn't make any noise when it's operating.