The Best Espresso Machines We Tested, From $100 to $1,000

Best Overall

Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine

Orig. $750 $700 at Amazon Orig. $677 $675 at Walmart $700 at Target

Espresso aficionados will tell you that the brew is best when the beans are ground fresh, and the Barista Express makes that easy with an integrated conical burr grinder. We tested the product firsthand and found its many customizable settings convenient, especially regarding the grinder; we were able to adjust the grind size, grind amount, and tamp to get the perfect espresso shot. While there may be a learning curve involved, it's worth it in the end, as the Barista Express is one of the best at-home espresso/cappuccino machines on the market.

The water tank includes a carbon filter to remove impurities from the water before brewing, and it holds 2 liters of water, so you’ll have enough to make espresso for a crowd before you need a refill. (You should be able to brew more than two dozen shots between refills.) Plus, this brews fast: In the Lab, the entire process was complete in 45 seconds. And when you’re not brewing espresso, you can use the grinder on its own for your French press or cold brew coffee.

This 15-bar pressure machine has two presets for standard shot sizes, but you can override those for custom amounts if you prefer. The steam wand finishes your beverage with exquisitely steamed milk for all your favorite coffeehouse drinks. It conveniently moves in all directions, allowing you to angle the wand off to the side to move your milk jug up and down and properly steam the milk.

With this, you get single- and dual-walled filter baskets and a custom-sized Razor Dose Trimming Tool that flattens the layer of grounds in the portafilter, leaving the perfect amount of space between the coffee and water source. While this machine will set you back more than $700, it's a good value—the resulting espresso compares to what the pros make, and it outperformed many models that cost even more.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes | Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 13.5 | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 110 to 120

Best Budget

Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine

Orig. $130 $110 at Amazon Orig. $150 $140 at Walmart $130 at Home Depot

The Casabrews 3700Essential is comfortably within the range of budget-priced espresso makers. Few options are cheaper—I would be dubious of the quality of an espresso maker below the hundred-dollar mark, anyway—and despite that, I was impressed and confidently recommend it. It’s a better fit for those new to espresso or people looking to save money or space in the kitchen rather than a person who wants a life-changing, top-of-the-line machine.

The espresso itself has a lot of flavor. I made 10 double shots (responsibly paced out over several days) and none were watered down, which is a concern with cheaper espresso makers. They lacked a rich, golden crema, but the taste and body were otherwise impressive. I also appreciated that the machine automatically brewed the right amount with the touch of a button; other espresso makers in this price range require users to manually stop the flow of water, which leads to inconsistent results.

Another benefit of the 3700Essential is its compact design. The width is technically 6.5 inches because of the protruding side dial, but for practical purposes, it’s really only 5.75 inches wide.

The steam wand was on par with other espresso makers I’ve tested, and I was able to make a good latte in around a couple minutes total. It’s disappointing that the espresso maker doesn’t come with a milk pitcher, though.

Dimensions: 13 x 6.5 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 8.14 pounds | Wattage: 1350 Watts | Voltage: 120V | Water Tank Capacity: 44 ounces | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty | Accessories: 51-millimeter portafilter, single-shot basket, double-shot basket, plastic measuring scoop and tamper

Best Value

Mr. Coffee Café Barista

Orig. $250 $200 at Amazon Orig. $299 $200 at Walmart $200 at Target

Mr. Coffee has long been a well-known source for affordable drip coffee makers, but it's no slouch in the espresso department either. The brand designed this highly rated espresso machine complete with a milk frother so you can have cappuccino or latte at home any time you want.

You can use any coffee beans you like, whether you grind them fresh or buy them from the store. The water and milk reservoirs are both removable for easy filling and cleaning, and a touch panel makes it simple to select the drink you want. You can also customize your drink or choose the manual setting for even more control. The machine automatically goes to sleep after 15 minutes of non-use, saving you power.

The Café Barista received high marks in our testing process, particularly because of its ease of use and overall design. The machine is both sleek and modern looking, and it easily fits in with the rest of her kitchen appliances. All of its parts are labeled clearly and removable, which is convenient for cleaning and refilling.

The only qualm we had was that the espresso tasted weaker than with other machines and more noticeably so when used in a milk-based beverage, as this further dilutes the taste of espresso. This could be due to the maker adding too much water (which can also be manually controlled, though we didn't notice a huge difference there) or the plastic tamper, which didn't allow us to apply a lot of pressure to the grounds. That said, it's very easy to use and tastes pretty good for the overall effort required. It's great for someone just getting into espresso drink-making because the machine does most of the work.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.86 x 11.22 inches | Wattage: 1,040 | Voltage: 110 to 120

Best Versatile

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Orig. $170 $130 at Amazon $170 at Wayfair $170 at Home Depot

Ninja has created a bevy of appliances in the food world, from blenders and air fryers to coffee makers. The brand's Specialty Coffee Maker is a highly versatile option that we tested and recommend to customers looking for a do-it-all device. It has six brew sizes ranging from 4 ounces of coffee concentrate to a full carafe of drip coffee. The icons for different sizes of cups and other containers are easy to understand, and the panel lights up to show you which you chose.

Make sure to note that this isn't a true espresso machine, as it brews coffee concentrate instead. The concentrate is a worthy substitute, though, mimicking espresso thanks to its super-rich taste and thick consistency (it's strong and tasty). Paired with a fold-away milk frother, you'll be able to make your favorite coffeehouse drinks and more. Even iced coffee is just the touch of a button away.

You can purchase this machine with a glass carafe or a thermal stainless steel one, both of which hold up to 50 ounces, or roughly 10 cups. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is also certified by the SCA Golden Cup Standard, which is an extensive set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality of at-home brewing.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 12 x 8.8 x 15 inches | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120

Best Mid-Range

Nespresso Lattissima Pro

Orig. $649 $269 at Amazon $649 at Wayfair $650 at Macy's

It couldn’t be any easier: The Lattissima Pro uses convenient Nespresso capsules, so there’s no need for messy grinding and tamping. In testing, the frother smoothly prepared milk for layered coffee drinks. This machine uses 19 bars of pressure to achieve the best flavor whether you want a simple shot or a cozy cappuccino. The proprietary heating system takes cold water to the ideal brewing temperature in just a few seconds, so you don't have to wait for the machine to heat up. There's also virtually no cleanup, making it one of the most efficient espresso machines around.

Coffee styles are pre-programmed, so you don’t need to remember settings—just choose ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, steamed milk, or hot water with the press of a button. The detachable milk container lets you store your milk in the refrigerator between batches of coffee, and the auto-clean feature keeps the foamer clean. The container itself can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Grounds or Pods: Pods | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.6 x 13 inches | Wattage: 1,300 | Voltage: 200

Best Splurge

Miele CM 5310 Silence Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine

Orig. $1,799 $1,700 at Amazon $1,512 at Wayfair $1,512 at Wayfair

It almost feels like having a personal barista in your kitchen with the Miele CM5310 Silence. No wonder this machine is one of our favorite coffeemakers with grinders. The super-automatic device offers more than 10 drink options at the touch of a button, ranging from espresso to a latte to a full 40-ounce coffee pot. It brews pretty quickly, too, pumping out an espresso shot in 22 seconds in our tests. The name "5310 Silence" rings true, as Miele successfully makes both the grinding and brewing process quieter than average.

Even though the machine is sophisticated and possibly intimidating at first, we found it easy to use, especially thanks to the touchscreen display. It's even easy to clean and received a perfect score in that area. It certainly is expensive, which is one of the few knocks you could have against it, but if you're looking for a do-it-all machine that grinds, brews, and has an array of customization functions, this is it.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes | Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.25 x 18.125 inches

Best Stovetop

Bialetti Moka Express

Orig. $35 $30 at Amazon $30 at Target $33 at Wayfair

Buying a coffee maker can be a headache, but the decision is much easier when a product has been trusted for as long as the Bialetti Moka Express. This small and simple device was invented almost a century ago and has been popular ever since because it lets owners make espresso-like coffee from home. Technically speaking, the Moka Express does not brew "real espresso," as it cannot produce the same amount of pressure as a commercial espresso maker. That said, moka pots are still considered a type of espresso maker (specifically a stovetop espresso maker) within the coffee industry.

I found that when using high heat on a coil burner and medium-ground coffee, it only takes three minutes to brew a lighter coffee. On medium heat with a fine grind, it takes almost 10 minutes to get rich, espresso-like coffee to drink on its own or as part of latte or cappuccino.

This moka pot is made from polished aluminum in a classic octagonal shape that will look good on your stovetop or table—however, it's small enough to store in a cupboard if that's preferred—while the shape also helps diffuse heat. It has a patented safety valve for protection and is easy to disassemble for cleaning; although, washing it by hand after every use can be a pain.

One of the only minor issues I have with the Bialetti Moka Express, which I've owned for four years now, is that the handle can get hot, so you may want to use an oven mitt or towel when removing it from the burner.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: No | Grinder: No | Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, or 18 espresso-sized cups | Dimensions: 4 x 9 inches (6-cup model)

Best Precision

Breville Barista Express Impress

Orig. $900 $700 at Amazon Orig. $869 $700 at Walmart Orig. $900 $700 at Target

Breville looked to capture and improve upon one of its most popular espresso makers with this new model, the Barista Express Impress. It has a similar design to its predecessor, the Barista Express, with a brushed stainless-steel exterior and comparable though slightly larger dimensions. The Impress also retains handy features like a steam wand, top-loading burr grinder, and 2-liter water tank. But the main enhancement Breville made is in the machine's precision and ease of use.

Users can now avoid a whole lot of guesswork in the espresso-making process thanks to the Impress Puck System. After the portafilter is secured into the group head, the machine indicates how much coffee to dose (or add) with a light-up display that turns green when the right amount is reached. From there, users pull a surprisingly satisfying lever that tamps the espresso puck with exactly 22 pounds of force; the tamp even turns 7 degrees to replicate exactly how baristas make espresso. This new system means espresso will turn just how you like it every single time.

As an expected drawback, the Barista Express Impress is one of the most expensive espresso makers on our list. That said, the machine has a two-year warranty and should last long, long beyond that time frame. It's a workhorse of a machine that's highly approachable to coffee lovers who want to make delicious espresso with less effort.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: Yes | Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 16.1 inches | Wattage: 1,850 | Voltage: 120

Best for Beginners

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

$500 at Amazon $500 at Williams-Sonoma $500 at Sur La Table

Breville has several clear goals for the Bambino Plus, and after testing it firsthand, I think the espresso maker successfully carves a niche that makes it worthwhile for a few different types of customers.

First off, the cost: It’s a mid-tier option that targets coffee lovers who want a slightly elevated experience but don’t want to go over the thousand-dollar mark. Overall, I think the item lives up to its price tag. In effect, it offers the same things you get from a high-end machine. Does it make strong espresso? Yup. How about a good latte or cappuccino? Sure thing. You just have fewer settings to play with and no grinder. If you can live without those two niceties, though, the Bambino Plus won’t disappoint.

Another target is people who love milk-based drinks. The automatic steam wand is a nice touch, even though I had an instance during testing where the milk jug overflowed and spilled. Especially for beginners, it’s helpful that the machine lets you know when the milk has reached the right temperature.

One last detail I appreciate and find worth mentioning is its slim and lightweight design. This also separates the Bambino Plus from the highly expensive and usually wide espresso makers.

Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.7 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 64 ounces | Wattage: 1560 watts | Volts: 110-120 volts | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty | Accessories: 54-millimeter portafilter, milk jug, tamp, two filter baskets, dosing razor

Best Compact

Coffee Gator Espresso Machine

$118 at Amazon Orig. $271 $98 at Target

Measuring a mere 5.5 inches wide, the Coffee Gator Espresso Machine is slim enough to slide between your cookbooks, canisters, and miscellaneous kitchenware. Its height of 10.3 inches provides plenty of space beneath most cupboards, and the removable water reservoir means no cramped and awkward pouring. The best part? This small brewer has a small price to match. 

I tested this espresso machine and loved its quick heat-up time (roughly 20 seconds), the strong espresso it brewed, and, of course, its compact design. I even experimented with a variety of coffee beans, and the machine consistently produced delicious espresso shots topped with a rich crema. 

This machine is a great choice for beginners because it’s so easy to use, along with its entry-level price tag. Cleaning is straightforward, too: All you have to do is rinse the portafilter, which comes with three different filter baskets, and the detachable drip tray. Routine descaling—the process of removing mineral buildup caused by water contact—is also recommended.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 12.4 x 5.5 x 10.3 inches | Wattage: 1,150 | Voltage: 120

Best Commercial

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

$865 at Amazon

Espresso lovers looking for the full barista experience should consider the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. It's been around for more than 20 years, bringing commercial-quality espresso to home kitchens. This isn't some oversized and unwieldy machine, however. At just 9.2 inches wide and 11.4 inches long, it's well suited for countertops. It's easy to use for a manual espresso maker, too. There are four simple buttons on the front display, one of which has a light to indicate when the machine is finished heating up. The 67-ounce water tank is also removable for easy filling and cleaning.

The Silvia has been so popular for so long that Rancilio developed alternative models: the Silvia Pro and Silvia Pro X. Each has its own benefits, but we highlighted the original Silvia because it's timeless and well rounded. That said, the newer models have dual-boiler systems that heat up water for espresso and steaming separately, as well as PID controllers to maintain water temperature better. If these are must-have features, you may prefer the Pro or Pro X, both of which are more expensive than the Silvia.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: Yes | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.2 x 13.4 inches | Wattage: 1,000 | Voltage: 120

Best Non-Electric

Flair Signature Espresso Maker

Orig. $229 $183 at Amazon $159 at Walmart View on Bed Bath & Beyond

An espresso maker unlike any other, this item is portable and doesn't require electricity, so you can get your daily caffeine anywhere from the kitchen to that cozy cabin in the woods. Simply pack the filter with ground espresso, pour hot water, and use the manual lever-pull system to make a delicious espresso shot with a rich layer of crema. A ratio of 18 grams of coffee for 60 milliliters of water is recommended, but you can play with the proportions to achieve your ideal flavor and consistency.

Customers say it's easy assemble and use—though there are several small pieces to keep track of—and most love the eye-catching design. While you can find many electric espresso makers in the same price range, the Flair Espresso Maker suits the coffee enthusiast who appreciates the simple beauty of a good cup of espresso.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Frother/Steamer: No | Grinder: No | Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 4 inches