Best Espresso Machine Reviews

Espresso requires high temperatures and pressure to produce its distinctive flavor. If you want to make the most of it, a top espresso machine is vital.

This Breville model uses ThermoJet Thermocoil which is the same thermocoil that is found in commercial machines. It's warm in three seconds, meaning you can begin brewing espresso as soon as you're ready.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

This reviewer received promo considerations or a sweepstakes entry.

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus makes a ideal choice for those who want an easy cup but don't care about the lack of milk steaming. This compact and basic machine has a minimalist design and is able to be easily tucked away on your counter (the water tank that comes with it can be adjusted for dimensions, meaning you don't need to leave the machine unattended).

It uses a system of extraction called "Centrifusion" to extract the flavor without overheating. This also results in an extremely thick crema.

This machine has only one button, making it super easy to use. The machine is able to automatically adjust its brewing parameters to the particular blends of each capsule based on its barcode. This is a great choice for those with plenty of time and want to begin the day with a beautiful cup of coffee. It's limited to Nespresso capsules, which are expensive. It's also not the longest-lasting of coffee makers.

2. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for those who are just starting out. It is made of commercial-grade components and has a huge second-hand market, which proves its long-lasting durability. It's not the ideal espresso machine for professionals, however. If you want to make coffee that is of a cafe quality the more powerful boiler is the best espresso maker option. However the Silvia is a great starting point.

Its portafilter is the same size that cafes use which makes it much easier to follow recipes created for commercial machines. The grouphead is also an industrial-grade 58mm part that's thermally stable. The steam wand, too, is a commercial-grade model that is easy to use.

It's not perfect, like a simple switch to turn it on and off and only one boiler. It's not the best option for those who are looking for programmable features like pre-infusion or customizable timed shots. But it's still able to perform very well for the price. It also comes with a premium black wood-handled tamper.

3. Philips 3200 Series

This fully automatic Philips espresso machine is an excellent choice for those looking to make cafe-quality drinks in the comfort of their own home. The machine is easy to operate and comes with a number of impressive features. It is also relatively cheap.

It has a great selection of one-touch drinks. The classics include espresso, Americano latte macchiato and cappuccino. Additionally the machine can dispensate hot water. The Philips 3200 Series is also relatively easy to clean.

While some may be apprehensive about the machine's plastic construction, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. The majority of consumers agree that the quality of the plastic is high and that it's long-lasting.

The Philips 3200 Series espresso machine is a convenient way to make your favourite milk based coffee drinks. It's perfect for those who want to save money on coffee shop trips. It's also simple to use and requires only minimal maintenance. If you're looking to get a stronger espresso, there are alternatives. You can also buy an option which does not have the LatteGo system at a lower cost.

4. Gaggia Classic Pro

Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine coffee maker is an retro espresso machine maker for entry-level use that's built to last. It builds on the decades old reputation of the classic Classic model with a few updates including a frame that lets you see how much water remains as well as rocker switches and temperature ready lights. The Classic Pro uses the same commercial-style portafilter and brew group Gaggia utilizes in their professional coffee machines. It also has a three-way solenoid to remove any remaining steam or water after the brewing. It also comes with a commercial-style steam wand that is a significant improvement over the panarello wands found on the majority of lesser machines that do little more than inflate air to maximize foam production from boilers that are too small.

While it may not look like it's sleek and modern as some of the competition, the Classic Pro's stainless steel body offers a pleasant feature that adds a bit of durability to many of its plastic counterparts. It's also devoid of unnecessary features like PID temperature control, or any fancy volumetric jiggery-pokery which could make making the perfect shot a difficult task for new baristas.

5. ECM Casa V

ECM (sister company to Profitec, another well known high-end espresso maker) isn't well-known for its low-cost machines, however they do make one called the Casa V. This is a single boiler that's a lot less expensive than the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic Pro but it appears and performs as an expensive machine. The articulating commercial-style steam wand packs a lot of power and the stainless steel mirror-finished frame is a nice conversation piece.

The 1200 watt heating elements ensure that the 0.4 Liter Eco Brass boiler quickly. It can reach brew temperature within 5-7 minutes, and is ready to steam in less than 30 seconds. The Brew pressure gauge is an excellent addition, as it allows you to track and adjust the pressure of the pump.

ECM has put reliable espresso coffee machine for home machine technology into an incredibly compact package that is easy to fit into any kitchen. The Casa V will also look great in any coffee-themed design. It's built in the same way traditional commercial espresso machines have been built for decades, and features easily accessible parts that even a mechanically inclined home user can feel comfortable fixing or maintaining.