Best Espresso Machine For 2020

Finding the best home espresso machine is anything but easy. With so many brands and different models available, search for the right one can be daunting. Luckily, you ended up here, in a place where looking for the best coffee makers is made super-easy.

Besides our Top 15 list, we also prepared a comprehensive buying guide in which we cover absolutely everything you need to know about espresso machines and how to select a quality one. There is also an FAQ section in which we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about espresso and espresso machines, so make sure you check that out as well. Remember, the more you know about coffee machines, the easier it will be to select the right one for your needs.

What to Consider When Buying an Espresso Machine

To purchase the best espresso machine, consider the following features and how much (if at all) they matter to you.

• Build Materials

Let’s start with the most important thing – the materials used in the construction of the machine. Metal such as steel, brushed stainless steel, etc., as well as aluminum, is a better option than plastic. For one, metal espresso machines are much more durable than plastic ones, and two, they’re usually easier to clean too. However, a metal body is not a must-have for an espresso machine, especially if you're on a tight budget. What’s truly important is that the boiler is made of steel or brass (more expensive). The machine with a plastic body and a steel boiler should still be quite affordable.

• Controls

The next thing to consider is how user-friendly the machine is. Generally speaking, unless you’re a barista, it’s best to look for machines with simple, easy to use controls. This is especially important if you’re a beginner when it comes to espresso-making and you don’t have the time or desire to learn new brewing tricks. In this case, semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines are your best bet, although manual tools are not too hard to learn to use either.

• Extras

If you just want a nice espresso every morning before work, a simple bare-bones espresso maker will do the trick. If you enjoy your lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated beverages on the regular, it’s important to look for machines that offer the extra features. A frothing or steam wand is a must-have in this case and we wholeheartedly recommend you don’t skimp on this important feature. If other features, such as grinding technology or making several cups at a time are also important to you, make sure the machine you’re thinking of buying offers them.

• Cost

Finally, let’s talk about your budget. If you can’t spend more than a couple of hundred, the choice is not that hard – we’ve covered quite a few affordable options in the first chapter of this article and they’re all perfectly good, quality budget coffee makers. They’re ideal for folks who just want a quick and easy cup of a coffee/shot of espresso in the morning. If your budget is much larger than this, you will have more options but also a harder time to pick the right espresso machine. Luckily, you can find some of the best products right here, but if you’d like a few more pointers, here goes. Look for machines that are made of sturdy, quality materials and that have a good bar pump system, a milk frother and quite a few extra features, including a grinder.

Different Types of Espresso Machines

There are three main types of home espresso machines.

• Manual

These coffee makers usually don’t have any electronic components and are simple, albeit physically harder to use. If you don’t mind putting some work into your espresso, definitely give manual machines a try. They allow you to control pretty much every part of espresso-making which results in a cup of coffee that is just to your taste. Manual machines have levers and are usually very aesthetically pleasing.

• Fully Automatic

Equipped with an electronic pump, fully automatic espresso machines do all the work for you. They automate the amount and delivery of water and often coffee grounds or pods too, making them the easiest to use. However, they’re not particularly versatile as they don’t offer that much control. For this reason, they’re best suited for folks who like to keep things quick and simple.

• Semi-Automatic

The most common of the bunch, semi-automatic espresso machines also use electronic pumps, making them much easier to use than manual ones. They’re in between fully automatic and manual machines in that they give you a mix of control and ease of use, so they’re perfect for both espresso connoisseurs and beginners.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Espresso Machine

To keep your espresso machine safe and sound for years, maybe even decades, it’s important to take care of it properly and clean it regularly. To keep things nice and simple, clean your espresso machine:

Immediately after using it: sanitize the milk wand with a damp towel and release some steam to expel trapped milk in the nozzle hole.

• Daily: unscrew the basket and filter and clean them both with hot water and a scrubby pad. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Now clean the gasket (seal) with a nylon brush, dislodging the material trapped there. Rinse with water. Finally, remove the sieve (screen) so you can clean it with a wet cloth or brush. Use hot water and remember to dry it with a clean towel.
• Weekly: wipe the entire machine carefully and thoroughly with a damp, hot towel. You can also use a sanitizer of your choice, as long as it doesn’t compromise the material of the coffee maker. Go into nooks and crannies and once done, dry with a clean towel.
• Monthly: once a month, deep-clean your machine with a cleaning solution. Make sure you read the instructions as every machine is different – use the recommended amount of detergent, mix it with water and use it to clean your machine by disassembling all the parts. Portafilter, basket, screen and steam wand should all be deep-cleaned.
• Every 2-4 months: if you have hard water, it’s crucial to descale your cappuccino machine regularly. For this, you’ll need a commercial descaling solution. Just fill the machine’s tank with water and the descaler and run the mixture through the steam wand and group head (use a container to catch it). Then, leave the descaler for about 30 minutes to do its job. Finally, empty the tank and fill it with clean water and rinse it the way you did with the descaler. Do the last step two to three times.

What Drinks Can You Make With Your New Espresso Machine?

Besides true espresso, a quality espresso machine will also be able to make:

• Cappuccino: equal part of espresso, frothed milk, and steamed milk.
• Latte: a shot of espresso with steamed milk (more than cappuccino) and a thin layer of foam.
• Macchiato: a shot of espresso with a little bit of steamed milk on top.
• Americano: a shot of espresso with about 7 oz of hot water.
• Espresso con Pana: regular espresso with whipped cream on top.
• Mocha: either cappuccino or latte with chocolate syrup.
• Frappe: cold espresso with milk and ice.

Best Espresso Machine Brands

A quick Google search reveals hundreds of different espresso machines. Now, generally speaking, having lots of choices is a good thing as pretty much everyone can find the right product for their budget and needs. However, when you’re looking for the best espresso machine for your home and you’re not an expert, a huge number of different products can be confusing. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve outlined four of the most popular and best quality brands on the market.

• Breville: the Australian company has been around since 1957 and is one of the most popular manufacturers of kitchen appliances. Their espresso machines are undoubtedly some of the most durable machines on the market that consistently brew coffee of excellent quality.
• DeLonghi: this Italian company has been a reliable kitchen equipment manufacturer since 1902. Their coffee makers are among the most popular machines throughout the world and an overwhelming number of espresso machine reviews tell us they’re also of excellent quality.
• Gaggia: another Italian company that makes fantastic coffee machines, Gaggia has been around since 1947. The brand’s espresso machines have a wide range of price tags so it’s not difficult to find the product that fits your budget.
• Rancilio: founded in 1927 in Italy, Rancilio specializes in manufacturing espresso machines. Although their products are usually on the higher end price wise, they’re definitely of superior quality, design, and performance.

Things You Need to Make the Perfect Espresso

Making the perfect espresso requires using a quality espresso machine and a good recipe, as well as a little bit of practice. But because there are so many different espresso makers, it’s important not to follow the rules blindly but adjust the recipe you like to your machine. Some espresso makers come with absolutely everything you need to make excellent coffee while others don’t. If your machine doesn’t have the following accessories, simply buy them separately: a grinder (burr grinders are the best), milk frother and a tamper. And of course, don’t forget the coffee!

Most people likea 30ml double espresso, for which you’ll need 14-18g of dry coffee, depending on how strong you like your espresso. All high-end machines will automatically dose (which you can pre-set) your coffee and grind it. Because most grinders will dose the coffee grounds to the poprtafilter into a mountain shape, you’ll want to distribute the grounds evenly. Next, time to tamp your coffee evenly and consistently. Finally, it’s time to insert the portafilter and start brewing – be sure to brew immediately so that the heat from the group head doesn’t burn your grounds. The brewing time can be tricky in the beginning as over-extraction (taking too long) and under-extraction (too quick) is never good. Once brewed, you can drink straight-up espresso or use the milk frother to create a perfect cappuccino or latte!

Best Espresso Machines FAQ:

Q:  Can I make espresso without a machine?

A:  If you love your espresso but are on a tight budget, you’ll be pleased to know you can make a decent espresso with a Moka pot (stovetop coffee maker), French press or an Aeropress. However, if you really want that unique and traditional espresso taste (and kick!), we suggest you purchase an affordable manual espresso machine.

Q:  What does tamping espresso mean?

A:  Espresso tamping is a delicate task of compacting coffee grounds evenly. When tamping, it’s important to do it consistently and just right, meaning not too hard but not too weak either. If you use too much pressure, the flow of water through the coffee grounds will be restricted, resulting in bitter coffee. If you don’t use enough pressure, the water will run straight through the coffee grounds, resulting in weak, flavorless coffee. Luckily, great tamping comes with practice so don’t be disappointed if you're not successful from the start - nobody is!

Q:  Do I need to descale my espresso machine?

A:  Descaling your espresso machine is crucial if you want to keep it healthy for a long time. Calcium carbonate deposits found in kettles, washing machines, and yes, your espresso machine, can wreak havoc even on the most expensive coffee makers so make sure you descale it from time to time. How often you need to descale your espresso maker depends on how hard the water is in your area. Generally speaking, an espresso machine should be descaled every couple of months.

Q:  What coffee should I use for my espresso machine?

A:  While you can use any coffee roast to make espresso when you find the right kind (which will be different for everyone), you’ll never look back. Saying that the most common coffee beans used to make espressos are Robusta and Arabica. The former one has a strong flavor, high bitterness and low acidity with high caffeine content. The latter one has a milder, sweeter flavor and is usually more expensive.

Our Top Pick

Most excellent-quality espresso machines come with a hefty price, but not Breville BES870XL Barista Express espresso machine. This semi-automatic espresso maker boasts most of the features found on high-end models but is still budget-friendly. Made of stainless steel and equipped with a 15-bar Italian pump and burr grinder, the Breville Barista Express has it all and then some. The machine makes perfect, café-quality espresso, cappuccino, latte, and many other caffeinated drinks quickly, effortlessly and consistently. Considering it's less than $500, it’s a steal!