Best Coffee Espresso Machines

You turn the knob, press a button, and a delicious drink is at your fingertips. The machine won't win any beauty contests but it does make a great cup of espresso. Our test participants found that the flavor was more like coffee than other machines.

It also requires more work to use than other models we reviewed. But, it's worth the effort for the hands-off java lover.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you're a coffee lover looking for consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Insert a capsule and press the brew button 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 for Nespresso Vertuo, as you do not have to worry about adjusting different temperatures or pressures for different types. However, it does restrict your options to Nespresso pods only and doesn't include a built-in milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to produce a rich smooth and creamy crema. The machine spins up to 7000rpm to remove all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also pours hot water while it heats up, 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 an ideal upgrade for those who want to improve their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus comes with smaller water tanks of 40 ounces, as opposed to the its deluxe counterpart's 60 ounces. If you are planning to make large drinks or share with guests, then the deluxe model might be the better choice for you.

2. Barista Express Impress

Breville's Barista Express Impress is an eye-catching machine with a premium design and practical features. Its smart dosing and assisted tamping help beginners simplify the process by automating certain parts of it, making it simple for anyone to create an excellent espresso. It also allows for small adjustments to the temperature of water. This is something that baristas with more experience appreciate, since even one degree can affect the flavor of the espresso.

The machine is equipped with a top-quality conical burr grinder that offers 25 grind settings to fit any type of coffee. The machine also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well with double-wall and single-wall filter baskets that can be used for one- and two-cup sizes. You can also use the frothing arm to create micro-foam for cappuccinos or lattes.

We loved that the interface of the espresso machine is simple to use and clearly explains each step of the process. We also liked that the machine doesn't contain lots of plastic components and is quite sturdy. It's not cheap but it's a very well-constructed machine that comes with many features that will last for years. It comes with an excellent warranty that covers mechanical problems within a year from the date of purchase. That's pretty impressive for an espresso machine this expensive. If you're looking to make espresso regularly, it's well worth the investment.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia's Classic first came out in 1991, and quickly gained a following of cult status due to its minimalist style and, of course, its ability to brew a tasty espresso machines for home. Three decades later, it has returned better than ever with the latest Classic Pro. Although the Classic Pro isn't as advanced as other entry-level machines it's still capable of providing cafe-quality espresso using the professional-grade portafilter and group. As a single boiler machine you will not be able to make espresso and steam at the same time and you'll need to wait for a little time between pulling a shot.

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

The Classic Pro comes with few accessories, but the 58-millimeter portafilter is a great addition. Also the tamper, made of plastic, is a nice touch. A 3-way solenoid valve is also a nice addition that helps prevent water pressure fluctuations and helps with getting rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy - something that cheaper machines struggle with. Gaggia also has an steam wand that does an excellent job of frothing the milk to make latte arts.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

This De'Longhi machine is a great option for those who wish to make barista-quality coffee at home. It has a unique design that makes it easy to use and offers a wide range of features. It has a stainless-steel boiler, brewhead, and portafilter, aswell being a water tank that is removable. It is also small and fits on the majority of counters.

This espresso makers machine has an 15 bar pressure pump that guarantees consistency in results. It also can be heated up in less than 40 seconds, saving you both time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks gorgeous on any kitchen countertop. The De'Longhi COM532M is the best choice for coffee lovers who wish to make their own coffee at home.

It's an all-in one espresso and coffee and espresso maker maker that can make two cups at one time. It has two heating systems that allows you to make both drip and espresso simultaneously. This is a great feature for parties since you can serve your guests your favorite drinks at the same.

The espresso machine is equipped with a milk frother which can create creamy and delicious lattes and cappuccinos. It is also easy to use, with an easy touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn't make much noise while operating.