If you’re reading this post then I’m assuming you’re searching for the very best espresso machine for your home?
I know:
It’s a very difficult task to find the perfect machine that matches your lifestyle and your pocket.
Are you a first-time buyer or, are you looking for an upgrade on your existing machine?
Either way, I’m here to help.
If you’re in a hurry, I’ll spare you some time and be completely straight with you. The very best espresso machine right now is the Breville BES870XL Barista Express.
My aim with this guide is to make your choice an easy one.
So, here are the goods.
Types of Espresso Machines.
To be very honest here, this is something that had me very confused for a long time.
How is it was possible that so many types of machines could be responsible for the same thing?
At the end of the day, the difference is directly related to your desired level of involvement in the process.
Let’s take some time to go over the most popular types of espresso machines for home use.
Super-Automatic
A super-automatic espresso machine will even do your laundry for you’re if you’re not careful.
Automatics are so advanced, you’ll have a cappuccino in seconds.
All you would need to do is set the desired strength and place your cup in the right spot.
Semi-Automatic
The main characteristic of a semi-automatic espresso maker is that it gives you more control.
To be specific, you have control over the extraction time.
You’ll also find that most semi-automatics do not have a built-in coffee grinder.
This will give you a little more control by letting you decide on the coarseness of the grind.
A unique feature of semi-automatics is that they do not have porta-filters.
Steam
Steam espresso machines brew coffee by forcing steam through coffee grounds.
This pressurized steam is created by boiling the water in the sealed chamber.
The first espresso machines were steam-driven, and to this day this technology is still being used.
Manual (Lever Espresso Machines)
Manual espresso machines give you full control over the entire espresso-making process.
This could be an issue, however, if you have the skills, this method could produce the best espresso of all the other types.
A good example of this type of machine is the Flair Signature Espresso Maker. This particular unit is quite popular with buyers and shows very positive reviews at Amazon.
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express (Best Overall).
The BES870XL from Breville is the best home espresso machine I’ve ever seen regarding versatility.
When compared to other semi-automatics, it may not have the same brewing consistency, but it makes up for it with other features.
When compared to other semi-automatics, it may not have the same brewing consistency, but it makes up for it with other features.
These features make this machine far more accessible than much of the competition out there.
One example of this machine’s more forgiving nature is the inclusion of double-walled filters, which make it easier for a home barista to make an espresso.
Retaining the option to use the included singled-walled filters ensures that this machine will not alienate veterans either.
Also, the toggle on the machine to switch between filter sizes before you start your brew.
This machine is an excellent choice for those who would like a semi-automatic that is still relatively simple to use while retaining similar standards.
If you would like some more information please check out our more in-depth Breville Barista Express Review.
The Delonghi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Machine (Best Budget).
Just like the Barista Express this machine is one of the best when it comes to versatility.
The one glaringly obvious difference here is the price.
You’ll get a top notch machine for less than $100.
The De’Longhi EC155 is not as user-friendly as the Barista Express but still has everything you need.
This is a budget espresso machine, but it doesn’t lack in features.
You’ll have the ability to use ground coffee or your favorite espresso pods, depending on your preference.
This machine is fully functional, it can make cappuccinos, lattes, frappuccinos, and any other coffee concoction you could dream of.
The Delonghi EC155 is an excellent espresso machine, which is surprising considering its price point.
Are you interested in learning a little more?
Click through to our Delonghi EC155 Review for more information.
The Gaggia Classic Pro (Great for Beginners).
This machine from Gaggia is a classic espresso machine and one of the best semi-automatics that will be sold for quite some time.
The design is quite minimal, featuring just a couple of switches as opposed to the gaggle of buttons that you will see on other models.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is made for the true barista, who is confident in their talents but still accommodating enough, for beginners.
We would say that this is the best coffee machine on which to learn.
This machine is designed to be very close to your traditional espresso machine, so there is very little aid, besides the inclusion of a double basket filter.
If you’d like some more information please click through to our Gaggia Classic Pro Review.
Wacaco NanoPresso (Best Portable).
If you are a fan of enjoying your espresso on the go or you are simply often in a rush, this is probably the best portable espresso machine for you.
The NanoPresso can only be loosely defined as a machine because it is hand-operated, and probably the smallest on the market today.
This is designed for hikers, early risers, and anyone else who may need a quick espresso wherever they are.
All you need is ground coffee and hot water, the rest is up to the manual operation of your NanoPresso.
If it sounds simple, that’s because it really is.
The NanoPresso is one of the easiest espresso makers to use. You could probably figure out how to use it without consulting the user’s manual.
If you’re one of those people who can’t resist the craving for an espresso no matter where you are, you will love this little coffee maker.
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magifica (Our Top Super-Automatic)
This model is made for those who would like the convenience and quality of a super-automatic without the expense.
This is one of the more user-friendly models that we have had the pleasure of reviewing.
The controls all make sense, and there is no deciphering of symbols needed just to make coffee.
The Magnifica is made to professional specifications, and the brew is excellent.
There are way more expensive options in this particular segment, however, the Magnifica holds it’s own despite its budget price point.
The ESAM3300 is our choice as the best super-automatic because of the quality produced, and due to the reasonable price.
Honorable Mentions
I had to include an ‘honorable mentions’ section here because there are so many other great machines out there that also deserve a nod.
So lets get on with it.
Mr. Coffee Café Barista ECMP1000
Mr. Coffee’s Cafe Barista is a top contender in both the semi-automatic as well as the super-automatic space.
This makes the machine far more accessible to beginner baristas.
What we particularly loved about this model is that it does not sacrifice high-quality espresso output to make the machine more accessible.
In fact, this machine makes some of the best coffee we have come across for a machine in this price range.
The inclusion of an automatic milk frother means that the only separate appliance you might need to use this machine is a grinder.
However a coffee grinder is not that essential if you’re a bit short on cash.
Check out our guide: how to grind coffee beans without a grinder.
The mode of operation is as easy as picking your filter, filling it, and the milk reservoir and then pushing a button.
So you can rest assured that this is a simple but effective choice.
For more information on this machine, check out our mr coffee cafe barista review.
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
This model features a rather attractive aesthetic when compared to some of the competition, and it is available at a lower price.
Like most of the winners on this list, we selected this product because it provides the best degree of value for money.
While it may sacrifice a few of the extras that you are used to seeing on super-automatic machines, it trades them for a better price and better coffee, which is a worthwhile exchange in our book.
Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso System
The Mr. Coffee ECM160 is one of the machines for those looking for a bargain without sacrificing brewing capability.
While it may not be overloaded with features, there are a few helpful amenities, including the built-in milk and frappe steamer.
Where this machine truly shines is in its value for money.
Where other machines attempt to woo you with shiny bells and whistles, the designers of this machine know what a true espresso enthusiast wants: a good coffee at an affordable price point.
One of the few other features there for your convenience is the removable drip catcher, which prevents spills and overflows from making it to your countertop.
If you like the idea of an affordable espresso machine which manages to make coffees like a machine worth more than double, you will certainly love the Mr. Coffee ECM160.
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine
The Gaggia Anima Prestige is one of the best machines we’ve ever seen, but it comes at a hefty price.
This machine does not compromise between convenience and quality, providing both convincingly.
If you take your coffee seriously though, this machine is the right choice.
The ability to choose between three brewing temperatures, ranging from 177.5 to 184.5 degrees Fahrenheit, is a much-appreciated feature which allows the user more control in the brewing process.
This is also one of the best-built machines that we have come across, and the included two-year warranty goes to prove it.
There are few things more reassuring than a manufacturer who has a good amount of faith in their product.
We’ve had our eye on this machine for a while. In fact, if you’d like to learn a little more, click through to our gaggia anima prestige review for more detail.
If price is no object, we would highly recommend this model.
In Conclusion
I hope my guide helped sort out any confusion you may have had in your quest to purchase the perfect machine.
Also, you should have a clear understanding of why I strongly recommend the Breville BES870XL Barista Express first, then all the others, who are also worthy contenders.
