Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn a knob, press a button, and a delicious drink is in your hand. The machine won't win any beauty contests, but it will make a delicious cup of espresso that our testers found to be more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires a bit more work to use than other models we reviewed. It's still worth the effort in the case of a Java enthusiast who prefers to be hands-off.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you're a coffee enthusiast who is seeking consistency and efficiency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that blends with your kitchen decor and is easy to use. Simply place a capsule in and press brew before enjoying your beverage. The machine can recognize the barcode of the capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters for the best extraction. This is a major benefit for Nespresso Vertuo, as you do not have to worry about adjusting temperatures or pressures for different types. However, it does restrict your choices to Nespresso pods only and doesn't include an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a rich and smooth crema. The machine spins at 7000rpm to remove all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, making it possible to make American drip coffee or espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is cheaper than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade for people looking to improve their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus has smaller water tanks, which are 40 ounces, as opposed to the deluxe model’s 60 ounces. If you plan to make large drinks or serve guests the model with a higher tier may be better for you.
2. Barista Express Impress
The Barista Express Impress from Breville is a machine with a stunning design and useful features. Its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping makes it easier for beginners to automate elements of the process making it much easier for anyone to make a good espresso. It can also make small adjustments to water temperature. This is something that baristas with experience appreciate, since even one degree can affect the flavor of the espresso.
The machine features a high-end conical burr grinder, which has 25 grind settings that can accommodate any type of coffee. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug, as well as one- and two-cup single and double-wall filter baskets. This means that you can decide the number of shots you want to make at a time. The frother arm can be used to create micro-foam in cappuccinos or lattes.
We loved that the espresso machine's interface is easy to navigate and clearly explains each step of the process. We also appreciated that the machine doesn't have lots of plastic parts and is quite robust. It's not cheap, but it's a well-constructed barista espresso machine machine that comes with many features that will last years. It is also covered by an excellent warranty that covers any mechanical problems for one year from the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine at this value. It's definitely worth the money should you decide to try making espresso regularly.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic was launched in the year 1991. It quickly gained a fan-base because of its simplicity and the ability to make a tasty cup of espresso. Almost three decades later it's back better than ever before with the brand new Classic Pro. The Classic Pro may not be as sophisticated as other entry-level machines, but it can still deliver cafe-quality espresso thanks to the professional portafilter and group. However as a single boiler machine you cannot brew and steam simultaneously and you'll have to wait for a little while between pulling a shot.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and a feel that is elegant and sturdy in the hand. It comes with simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew/steam with indicator lights. The frames and switches are more durable than the old Classic making this machine feel real 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 extra. A 3-way solenoid is another great addition. It stops water pressure fluctuations and helps remove loose espresso pucks, something that cheaper machines struggle to do. Gaggia has also added a sleek steam wand that can do a fantastic job of frothering milk to create latte art.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This espresso machine from De'Longhi is a great option for those who wish to enjoy barista-quality espresso at home. It has a unique design that makes it easy to use and offers numerous features. It comes with a stainless steel boiler, portafilter, and Brewhead, as well as an easily-removable water tank. The machine is also compact and fits on the majority of counters.
This espresso machine is equipped with the 15 bar pressure pump, which ensures consistency in results. It can also heat up within just 40 seconds, which saves you both energy and time. It is easy to clean and looks great on any countertop. The De'Longhi Com532M is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who wish to make their own coffee drinks at home.
This is a combination coffee maker and espresso maker that can make up two cups of espresso at the same time. It features two heating units, which means you can prepare both drip and espresso simultaneously. This is a great feature for parties because you can serve your guests your favorite drinks at the same.
The espresso machine is equipped with a milk mixer that can make delicious and creamy cappuccinos and lattes. It's also easy to use, with an easy-to-use touchscreen and buttons. It's also quiet and doesn't produce much noise when operating.