Best Coffee Espresso Machines

You turn the knob, press an icon, and a delicious drink is at your fingertips. This machine isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it does provide a tasty cup espresso that our tasters found to be more coffee-like than some others.

It also requires more work to operate than other models we've looked at. Still, it's worth the effort for the hands-off java fan.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best Nespresso machine to buy espresso machines for those who are looking for efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus is easy to operate and has a minimalist design that will fit in with any kitchen decor. Simply insert a capsule and press brew to enjoy your beverage. The machine scans the barcode of the capsule, and then adjusts the brewing parameters for optimal extraction. This is a major selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don't have to worry about setting different temperatures or pressure for different drinks. However, it restricts your choices to Nespresso pods, and doesn't have an inbuilt milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to create a rich smooth and creamy crema. The machine spins at 7000rpm in order to remove all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also serves hot water while it heats up, which allows you to make American-style drip coffee as well as espresso.

The Vertuo Plus is more affordable than Creatista Pro. This makes it an excellent upgrade for those who want to improve their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus features smaller water tanks of 40 ounces, as opposed to the that of the deluxe model, which is 60 ounces. That being said, if you're planning on making large drinks often or sharing them with guests, the more expensive model is a good option.

2. Barista Express Impress

The Barista Express Impress from Breville is a machine that comes with beautiful design and useful features. Its sophisticated dosing system as well as assisted tamping helps beginners automate elements of the process making it simpler to make a good espresso. It also allows for small adjustments to the temperature of the water. This is something that more experienced baristas appreciate, as even one degree can affect the flavor of the espresso.

The machine features a high-end, conical burr grinder that has 25 grind settings to accommodate any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well as one-cup and two-cup single-and double-wall filtering baskets, so you can choose how many shots to make at a time. The frothing arm can be used to make micro-foam in cappuccinos or lattes.

The interface of the espresso machine is simple to navigate and clearly explains each step. We also appreciated that it's made of sturdy plastic and doesn't require many. It's not expensive, but it's a well-built and feature-packed machine that will last for a long time to come. It comes with a great warranty that covers mechanical problems up to a year after the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for an espresso machine this expensive. It's definitely worth the cost in case you're looking to test making espresso regularly.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia Classic was introduced in 1991. It quickly gained a fan-base because of its simplicity and the ability to make a delicious cup of espresso. Three decades later, it's back stronger than ever with the latest Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as advanced as some lower-end machines however it is able to make espresso of a professional quality thanks to the professional portafilter and group. As only a single boiler unit, it's not able to prepare and steam simultaneously. You'll have to wait a few minutes before you can pull shots.

The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and a feel that is sleek and solid in your hand. It features simple switches to turn it off/on and to brew/steam, and has 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 many, but the standard commercial 58 millimeter portafilter and the tamper made of plastic are a nice touch. A 3-way solenoid valve is also a nice addition that prevents water pressure fluctuation and helps with getting rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy which other machines struggle with. Gaggia also added steam wands that do fantastic job of frothing milk to make latte arts.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

The De'Longhi espresso maker is a great option for those looking to enjoy barista-quality espresso at home. It is easy to use and comes with numerous features. It comes with a stainless steel boiler, brewhead, and portafilter as well as a removable water tank. The machine is compact and easily placed on most counters.

This espresso maker comes with an 15-bar pressure pump which gives consistent results each time. It can also be heated in just 40 seconds, which will save your time and energy. It is easy to clean, and looks stunning on any countertop. The De'Longhi COM532M is a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who wish to make their own coffee drinks at home.

It's a complete coffee and espresso machine that can create two cups at the same time. Dual heating allows you to make espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a great feature for parties because you can serve your guests their preferred drinks simultaneously.

The espresso machine comes with a milk frother which can make delicious and Coffeee.uk creamy lattes and cappuccinos. It is also easy to use, thanks to a simple touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn't make any noise while it is operating.