The Best Espresso Machines To Start Your Morning Strong

Perhaps once a day is fine. But popping into your local cafe more than that is a ritual that not many of us can afford. And whilst we’d never suggest you resort to inferior-tasting instant, you’d be surprised by just how incredible a home cup of coffee can taste with the best espresso machines. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that even the most passionate Italian barista would sign off on these coffee machines. And if you’ve ever debated coffee with a passionate Italian barista, you’ll know that this is saying something. 

Intense and aromatic, with the perfect amount of crema, the art of espresso-making has its roots firmly grounded in Italian culture. And just like gelato and pasta, the quality of the brew is not to be overlooked. An authentic espresso requires just the right amount of pressure and heat—a system perfected by the best espresso maker. 

Besides the flavor and intensity of the brew (the most important factors for sure), many of our best espresso machines also play double duty as kitchen counter ornaments. While automated presets and cutting-edge features make brewing barista-quality coffees easier than ever. 

Sold yet? See our carefully curated list of the best espresso machines. Let’s just say, we don’t see you queuing for another early morning coffee again. 

In a rush? No problem! Here’s our shortlist of the absolute best options available right now:

The best espresso machines of 2023

Rank	Brand	Best for
1	Breville Bambino Plus	Best overall
2	Breville The Barista Express	Best high-end
3	Nespresso Vertuo	Best value
4	Keurig	Best for beginners
5	De Longhi	Best for cappuccino
6	Jura	Best automatic
7	Nespresso Inissia	Best pod
8	Breville-Nespresso	Best compact
9	Staresso	Most portable
10	Alessi	Best stovetop
11	AnZa	Most expensive

Check our special espresso machine buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing an espresso maker.

Breville Bambino Plus: Best overall espresso machine

Perhaps you love the artistry that comes hand-in-hand with the espresso-making experience. If that’s you, then the Bambino Plus is just the thing.

This advanced espresso maker comes with filter baskets for your pre-ground coffee, as well as all of the professional-grade tools you’ll need for the perfect shot of espresso: A trimming tool, a milk jug, and a tamper.

Whether you’re in the mood for a single espresso or need the jolt of a double, the Breville Bambino Plus has your back. You can froth your milk with the same machine for fresh cappuccinos and lattes with the perfect amount of microfoam.

The best thing? You can do all of your advanced latte art without having to wait. This espresso machine heats up to optimal extraction temperature in as little as three seconds.

Best for: Caffeine enthusiasts who appreciate the DIY nature of a fine espresso experience. 

Materials:	Stainless steel
Type:	Automatic
Capacity:	64 Fluid Ounces
Settings:	1 & 2 cup volumes, manual over-ride
Pressure:	9 bar
Removable water reservoir:	No
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	No

Breville The Barista Express: Best high-end espresso maker

Experts agree that one of the best ways to lower bitterness and really experience the true flavor of your coffee beans is to grind your beans fresh. However, in order to get the fine grind you need for espresso, you can’t just have any grinder. Only a burr grinder will extract the most oil from your beans. Most espresso machines can’t do that for you.

This one can.

This Breville The Barista Express not only has a built-in burr grinder for ultimate freshness, but also has digital temperature control so that your water is always the perfect temperature for espresso extraction.

An on-board milk foamer also delivers micro-foamed milk for enhanced flavor, creaminess, and picture-worthy art for your espresso beverages.

If you’re looking for the best espresso machine with a grinder, the Breville The Barista Express is it.

Best for: Gourmands who believe that nothing should stand in the way of a truly blissful, high-grade cup of espresso.

Materials:	Brushed stainless steel
Type:	Automatic with manual options
Capacity:	67 oz
Settings:	Single or Double Shots. Adjustable Grind Amount & Manual over-ride
Pressure:	15 bar Italian Pump (9bar high pressure)
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	Yes

Nespresso Vertuo: Best value espresso machine

When you’re looking for a quality shot of espresso, you’re looking for luscious, fresh-brewed, rich taste. And, likely, you want it fast.

The Nespresso Vertuo delivers on both fronts. If you want espresso first thing in the morning, all you need to do is press one button. Within seconds, you’ll have your fix.

(We never thought complicated coffee-making should come before caffeine, anyway.)

With room for five cup sizes, easy-use pods for freshness every time, and an intelligent extraction system that recognizes the type of espresso you’re brewing, the Nespresso Vertuo takes care of all the advanced barista work for you. (Once it starts brewing, the capsule inside rotates 7,000 times a minute to blend your coffee perfectly.)

All you need to do is sit back, then enjoy each sip of your barista-worthy espresso.

Best for: Espresso with a solid crema, first thing in the morning – without having to think about how to make it!

Materials:	Aluminium
Type:	Automatic with manual options
Capacity:	40 oz
Settings:	Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy saving automatic shut off.
Pressure:	15 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	No

Keurig K-Cafe: Best espresso machine for beginners

A lightning-fast, ridiculously-simple method to get your coffee fix, this almost-mindless option from Keurig is a great espresso maker for beginners.

With an Espresso Roast K-capsule, you can easily brew a shot anytime you please. However, this machine also comes with coffee options, meaning that you can have your java precisely the way you like it. The Keurig K-Cafe comes with a built-in frother, as well as a cold option for your iced lattes.

When you’re interested in a quick-serve espresso option that’s standardized to be precisely the same, every single time, this one-touch smart-start espresso machine is a no-brainer.

Best for: Budding espresso lovers who need an at-home way to brew easy shots.

Materials:	Plastic with some metal features, drip tray is a thick sheet of stainless steel
Type:	Automatic
Capacity:	48 Oz
Settings:	4 cup sizes
Pressure:	It doesn’t use pressure to extract the coffee
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	No

DeLonghi: Best espresso and cappuccino machine

Still figuring out how to use a French Press? It may be time to change tactics. Our recommendation? This espresso and cappuccino machine by DeLonghi. Yep, the Italians may not approve of the cappuccino function, but we love it. 

With a manual milk frother, the coffee machine makes a silky smooth cuppa. While barista-quality brewing methods promise to rival your favorite local cafe in flavor and aesthetics. Pair this stellar coffee maker with the best coffee subscriptions for a home cuppa that tastes just like some of the most expensive coffees in the world—minus the price tag.

Materials:	Stainless steel
Type:	Automatic
Capacity:	35 fl oz
Settings:	Espresso and cappuccino
Pressure:	15 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	No

Jura: Best automatic espresso machine

Even if you consider yourself more of a tea person (see our best tea brands), the Jura D6 will quickly convert you into a coffee enthusiast. This automatic espresso machine makes getting your daily caffeine kick effortless. It prepares the perfect cup with just a click of the button—and in record time (under 60 seconds) too. 

This sleek coffee maker is programmable to different brewing strengths, volumes, and coffee types. And renowned for frothing the silkiest, creamiest milk, we won’t judge if we see leftovers adorning your upper lip on your next Zoom call. 

Materials:	Stainless steel
Type:	Automatic
Capacity:	37 fl oz
Settings:	Espresso, coffee, and cappuccino
Pressure:	15 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	Yes

Nespresso Inissia: Best pod espresso maker

Interested in the De’Longhi name and reputation without the hefty price tag? If so, this collaboration between Nespresso and De’Longhi serves up high-quality coffee with the ease of a pod format. 

With one simple touch, the Inissia brings water from a refillable reservoir up to the ideal water temperature. (You can get 9 full cups of espresso or coffee from the 24-oz tank.) Within a matter of seconds, you’ll be sipping on convenient, stress-free espresso – and so will your family or friends.

This model comes with a starter pack of espresso pods, so you can truly take your time to get to know the roast you’ll love. Plus – this piece incorporates an energy-efficient feature that shuts off the machine after 9 minute of inactivity. Truly, the Nespresso Inissia makes fine espresso one simple touch away! 

Best for: Coffee lovers who enjoy the simplicity of Keurig cups, but are looking for a next-level espresso investment. 

Materials:	Metal & Plastic
Type:	Automatic with manual options
Capacity:	23.7 ozm.
Settings:	2 programmable cup sizes (0.84 and 1.35 oz). Programmable water hardness
Pressure:	19-bar pressure pump
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	No
Grinder:	No

Breville-Nespresso Essenza: Best compact espresso machine

Whether you live in a stylish studio or are searching for a mini espresso machine for your office space, the Breville-Nespresso Essenza will fit the bill. Great coffee doesn’t have to take up a ton of counter space. This machine is portable, sleek, and doesn’t compromise on the quality of its espresso.

Nespresso knows how to make pod espresso excellent; Breville is an established name in the fine coffee industry. Together, they make a pod espresso machine that is as reliable as it is tiny. It’s perfect for single-serve needs – but can also make as much espresso as you desire.

Effortless, chic, and efficient: The Breville-Nespresso Essenza is a pint-sized espresso maker that can fit anywhere, yet it does everything you’d require of the perfect espresso machine. 

Best for: Those who mindfully enjoy just the one cup of espresso at a time – or who have limited counter space to devote to their caffeine obsession.

Materials:	Metal & Plastic
Type:	Automatic with manual options
Capacity:	20.3 oz
Settings:	2 programmable cup sizes (0.84 and 1.35 oz). Programmable water hardness
Pressure:	19-bar pressure pump
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	No

Staresso: Most portable home espresso machine

As much as we love the best drip coffee makers, if you’re looking for something a little easier to transport, the Staresso portable espresso maker is unrivaled in maneuverability. Take it camping. Take it to the beach. Or just take it to a friend’s if you don’t trust their brewing methods. 

The Staresso is compatible with coffee pods and ground coffee, all of which can be stored in the machine’s coffee basket for super compact packing. Plus, this manual coffee machine is lightweight and requires no energy. Talk about eco-chic. 

Materials:	Stainless Steel
Type:	Manual
Capacity:	3 fl oz
Settings:	30ml, 50ml or 80ml and pump
Pressure:	15-20 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	No
Grinder:	No

Alessi Pulcina: Best stovetop espresso maker

The Alessi Pulcina espresso maker is a classic stovetop moka pot. A favorite amongst coffee connoisseurs and Italians alike, the Pulcina was designed by architect Michele De Lucchi. And while this moka pot is just as durable and functional as the original Bialetti, we think the hourglass silhouette is even better at perfecting the brew. 

The Alessi Pulcina is designed to stop coffee production at just the right point, ensuring a bold, aromatic caffeine kick but without that bitter aftertaste. You don’t even need the best coffee beans (although we still recommend them) to make an Italian-approved espresso, this Alessi Pulcina espresso maker does all the work. 

Materials:	Aluminium
Type:	Manual
Capacity:	6 fl oz
Settings:	1, 3 or 6 cups and steam
Pressure:	1.5 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	No
Grinder:	No

AnZa: Most expensive espresso machine

We know, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. But when the outside looks this beautiful, it simply can’t be ignored. Sleek and elegant, the natural brass, oiled wood, and white ceramic aesthetics add an industrial flair to your kitchen countertop. While the silhouette speaks to the brand’s California roots. 

As one of our best coffee makers, the AnZa Espresso Machine looks as good as the coffee it brews. The 1.4-liter glass tank accommodates more than a double shot. The built-in grinder prepares freshly ground beans for every cup. And the removable water reservoir makes it effortless to clean. 

Materials:	Stainless Steel
Type:	Semi-Automatic
Capacity:	47 fl oz
Settings:	Steam
Pressure:	15 bars
Removable water reservoir:	Yes
Milk frother:	Yes
Grinder:	Yes

Buyer’s guide: How to select the correct espresso machine for you

The right espresso maker can completely enrich your daily routine. The wrong one, on the other hand, can just be a complication. How to tell which one is right for you depends on your lifestyle – and what you want out of your morning energy boost.

The different types of espresso machines

• Manual Pump: This ultra-DIY type of machine requires no electricity, but it does need some help from you. With the help of a lever, you can make espresso yourself, no matter where you are.

• Electronic Pump: If you have access to power, this type of espresso machine can take care of the extraction process for you: You simply select which temperature you’d like to brew your espresso at, and the machine will do the rest. These espresso machines come in different versions, depending on how much input you want in the process. For example, a semi-automatic pump would require you to grind the beans and tamp the grounds in yourself – while a super-automatic pump would take care of grinding the beans, boiling the water, tamping it down and actually making the espresso.

• Steam Espresso Maker: These types of espresso makers don’t really qualify as ‘machines’; rather, they’re deftly-engineered coffee-pots that can extrude espresso on your stovetop. They don’t offer the convenience of a one-touch interface or any other features like a milk frother or timer, of course, and you do have to turn on your stove to get them working.

The different features you’ll find on a home espresso machine

• Different sized shots or portion control: Want the ability to pull a double shot all at once? Make sure that your espresso machine is able to handle a few different sizes of cups and filler baskets, and that it has a way to manage the amount of espresso you want.

• One-touch convenience: Especially if you’re waking up early to enjoy your brew, you might want the ease of a simple interface. Some espresso machines may require intense calculations; others might only need a one-button touch from you.

• Milk frother: Although espresso can easily be enjoyed on its own, some prefer to mix it with frothed milk for indulgent lattes and cappuccinos. If your espresso machine has an on-board frother, that’ll make it much easier to produce the rich drinks you deserve.

• Water reservoir: Much like coffee machines, you’ll need a place to put water so you can pull espresso shots. Consider the size of the reservoir you’ll need: If you’re frequently making drinks for more than one, it’d be nice not to have to refill the reservoir constantly, no?

• Removable drip tray: Finally, the lower plate underneath the espresso-maker should be easy to pull out and easy to clean. Some are even adjustable, to account for different heights of cups. Ensure that the height works for you, and make sure that it will be easy to maintain.

• Grinder: You’ll only find an included grinder on the most high-end or expensive espresso machines; but if you’re interested in the freshest, deepest flavour possible, a grinder is a must-have. Look for a burr grinder – they’re the best in the business.

Frequently asked questions about espresso machines