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Learn & WatchSubmitWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.The Best Espresso Machines for Quality Coffee
Published: 14 Nov 2023Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great beverage with so much to offer, and it comes in lots of forms, from the Americano to the cappuccino and, of course, the classic espresso.
Espressos are highly concentrated cups of coffee that are served as small shot-like drinks. They’re packed full of flavor and intensity, and are perfect for people who want an instant dose of energy in one quick sip. Not only that, but you can also use espressos as the base for many other delicious coffee drinks.
One of the ideal ways to enjoy espresso in your own home is with your very own espresso machine. These machines allow you to prepare your own espressos with ease, and in this guide, we’ll look at the top espresso machines for 2023. Let’s check them out!
Show contentsReviewing the Top Espresso Machine of 2023- CASABREWS Espresso Machine - Best Overall
- Coffee Gator Espresso Machine - Rich Flavor
- De'Longhi Magnifica Evo - Highest Quality
- Breville Barista Express - Best Design
- Philips 3200 Series - Most Compact
- Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine - Best Value
- IMUSA Espresso Maker - Simplest To Use
Buying Guide: Espresso MachinesBuying Guide: Espresso Machines
What Is an Espresso?
With over 400 million cups consumed daily, coffee is easily one of the world’s most popular beverages, and it’s branched out into many other varieties — one being espresso. So, what exactly is espresso, and what’s the story behind it? Like a lot of coffee drinks, espresso originated in Italy. It consists of a small and concentrated form of coffee, almost like a shot, and it’s usually served in a small glass.
Espresso can also be used as the base for other coffee drinks. For example, you can prepare an espresso and then mix it with milk to make drinks such as cappuccinos or lattes. This makes espresso one of the most versatile forms of coffee.
Keep in mind that espresso is made from the same beans as regular coffee, but it’s thicker and stronger due to the way that it is made. It also contains higher amounts of caffeine per milliliter. But, since it’s only served in low doses, a shot of espresso will usually have less caffeine than a cup of coffee.
What Are the Advantages of a Home Espresso Machine?
So, why might you like to have your own espresso machine at home? Well, there are actually lots of benefits to owning your own espresso maker, which is why many people around the globe use these devices each day. Here are just some of the main advantages:
Convenience
One of the main benefits of having your own espresso machine is convenience. It’s much more convenient to switch on a machine in your kitchen and press a couple of buttons to make your own espresso instead of having to leave the house and visit a coffee shop or order some coffee to be delivered to your home.
Cost-effective
Another major benefit of having your own espresso machine or coffee maker is to save money. Yes, you will need to spend some cash on the machine itself and the cost of beans to keep it running. But, in the long-term, it usually works out much cheaper to make and drink your own espressos than to buy them from coffee shops and cafes.
Versatility
Another thing that many people love about espresso machines is that they’re very versatile. Even though the name says “espresso machine”, these devices are usually capable of preparing a wide range of coffee drinks. You can typically use your espresso maker to prepare standard cups of coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and many other drinks, too.
Luxury
A lot of people also love the fact that espresso machines feel like luxury items. These items add a touch of class and elegance to any kitchen, and many people take pride in their espresso machines and get a lot of use out of them daily. So, if you’re looking for a great way to upgrade your kitchen with something new, an espresso machine might be the answer.
Sharing with friends and family
If you have family members at home who love coffee drinks, or if you often have guests and friends over for dinner, having an espresso machine could make your life a lot happier. It’s a lot of fun to switch on the machine and share the fun of making and creating your own espressos with your loved ones.
Things To Consider When Buying Espresso Machines
Not sure which espresso machine is right for you? To help you narrow down the search, here are some of the most important factors and features to focus on:
Design
One of the first things to look at with an espresso machine is the design. Take a look at the general aesthetics of each machine and think about the shape and color. Try to find one that not only matches your tastes and preferences but also fits in with your kitchen’s existing décor and theme.
Size
It’s also a good idea to consider the size of your espresso machine. Some of these machines are quite big and bulky, and they’ll take up a lot of space in your home. Others, meanwhile, are pretty small and compact. You need to think about where you plan to put the machine and make sure you have enough space for it.
Build quality
It’s also a good idea to look at the materials used to make the espresso machine and the general build quality, too. A good quality machine should last for years and will feature high-quality construction, with strong metal components and quality parts. A weaker machine may break after just a few months of usage, leaving you disappointed.
Variety of drinks
As explained earlier on, most espresso machines are capable of creating a wide range of drinks. They can all make espressos, but some of them are also able to prepare drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, latte macchiatos, and more. If you like to enjoy a variety of coffee drinks each day, try to focus on machines that have lots of options.
Extras and accessories
You should also take a look to see what kinds of extra features or accessories come along with your chosen espresso machine. Again, some of these machines are pretty basic, but others have lots of interesting features like dials and controls to help you customize each cup of coffee. Some of them come with milk frothers, too, which is helpful if you like to make milky drinks.
Ease of use
Don’t forget to check out the user reviews of each espresso machine to see how easy it is to use, as well. Some machines are straightforward to use, with basic manual dials or touchscreen controls. Others are quite complicated and awkward to work with. Try to find one that is easy for you to work with, and remember to think about cleaning and maintaining the machine as well.
Reviewing the Top Espresso Machine of 2023
1CASABREWS Espresso Machine
– Best OverallThe CASABREWS Espresso Machine is a true barista-level machine, enabling users to make their favorite espresso-based coffees quickly and easily at home or the office. Featuring an advanced 20-bar professional Italian pump with 1500W of power, this machine offers maximum extraction for a rich, fragrant aroma in every cup. The built-in precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand and deposits grounds into the portafilter, with 15 adjustable settings for total control over taste and flavor. A powerful milk-frothing steam wand is also included for creating creamy microfoam, perfect for latte art.
Of course, all of this comes presented in a stylish, brushed stainless steel design that will look great on any countertop. The user-friendly dial interface makes it easy to select the desired steam, hot water, or pre-programmed single or double shots. The 92-ounce transparent removable water tank is simple to fill, and the built-in pressure gauge helps make adjustments based on personal preferences. This versatility makes this best overall espresso machine an ideal wedding gift, anniversary gift, Christmas gift, or gift for mom and dad.
Pros- Built-in precision
- Makes for a great gift
- Barista-level machine
Cons- Very expensive
2Coffee Gator Espresso Machine
– Rich FlavorThe Coffee Gator Espresso Machine is a must-have for any home barista. With its semi-automatic 20-bar pump and pressurized portafilter, you can take full control over your coffee’s flavor and richness. Whether you want to make cappuccino, latte, macchiato, or another type of specialty drink, this machine has the capabilities to make it. This Italian-designed model is also incredibly space-saving, smaller than most other machines of similar capabilities, with included scoop, tamp, and single/double/ESE baskets.
Not only can it fit in any kitchen while maintaining key features like heat control and bar pressure, but it also comes with a removable 1.3-liter water tank for convenience. Cleaning the espresso machine is also made easy with the removable drip tray, pour spout for easy draining, and an auto-purge function on the steam and hot water wand. It even has an adjustable bottom tray that can be removed for space for larger mugs.
Pros- Very customizable
- Easy frothing of milk
- High-quality espresso at a reasonable price
Cons- Hard to clean
3De’Longhi Magnifica Evo
– Highest QualityWe’ll kick off our list with this fabulous espresso machine from De’Longhi, one of the most trusted and experienced brands in the world of coffee makers and machines. The Magnifica Evo is one of the most comprehensive coffee makers around, and it instantly catches the eye with its gorgeous design.
This pick looks like it belongs in a coffee shop, but it’s small enough to fit in almost any kitchen, and there’s a lot that this espresso machine can do. It’s capable of preparing a huge range of drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, iced coffee, and more. Best of all, this espresso machine comes with over a dozen settings and a LatteCrema system to texture your milk, too, making it the best overall choice for most people.
Pros- Makes various coffee drinks
- Professional-looking, high-quality construction
- Made by a trusted brand
Cons- Quite an expensive product
4Breville Barista Express
– Best DesignNext up on our list of the top-rated espresso machines, we have this fabulous appliance from Breville. Designed in line with professional standards, this espresso machine is good enough for real coffee shops. In fact, it’s the perfect choice for people who want to get that cafe-grade quality in their own homes, and it comes with lots of features and functions.
You can use this espresso machine’s four keys formula system to customize your own specialty coffee, just the way you like it. It also comes with precise dose control grinding and optimal water pressure technology to deliver the smoothest and richest cups of coffee every single time.
Pros- High-quality components
- Built to professional standards
- Plenty of customization
Cons- Doesn’t have a screen or digital controls
5Philips 3200 Series
– Most CompactThe problem with some espresso machines is that they’re big, bulky, and heavy. If you look at a coffee maker in your local coffee shop, for example, it might be way too big for your home. Well, the 3200 Series from Philips aims to do things differently. This espresso machine packs all the power and functionality of a big device into a small, sophisticated package.
Super sleek, modern, and stylish, this espresso machine won’t take up too much space in your home. Better yet, it’s strong enough to prepare all sorts of drinks, from classic espressos to complicated latte blends. Plus, with its fancy touchscreen interface and customizable settings, you’ll never get tired of using this machine.
Pros- Sleek and modern design
- Beautiful touchscreen interface
- Won’t take up much space
Cons- Quite expensive
6Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
– Best ValueSome espresso machines can be quite expensive, and not everyone has the same budget as a professional coffee shop. Well, if you’re looking for a great espresso machine on a limited budget, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine might be right for you. It’s available at a price that is much cheaper than most of the competition, but is still capable of doing quite a lot.
For example, this pick can make and pour quality espressos for you to enjoy at any time of day, and it also comes with a milk frother for other drinks like cappuccinos, too. But, most importantly, with its solid construction, this espresso machine should last you for years of usage.
Pros- Good value for money
- Capable of making a variety of drinks
- Easy to work with
Cons- Design is a little basic
7IMUSA Espresso Maker
– Simplest To UseFinally, we have the IMUSA Espresso Maker. Unlike some of the other entries on our list, this espresso and cappuccino maker doesn’t feature fancy touchscreens or automatic technology. Instead, it’s a classic manual model that allows you to prepare the water, grind the beans, and make your own cup of espresso whenever you want. It’s still capable of heating water and preparing drinks, but you’ll need to put in a little more physical effort with this model. Still, it’s very easy to use overall, and it comes with handy features like light indicators to let you know when the temperature is right and a helpful milk frother if you’d like to prepare other drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
Pros- Very affordable price
- Really easy to use
- Features a milk frother
Cons- Manual design
Espresso Machines FAQ
Q: Can espresso machines make coffee?A: It depends on the machine. Some only do espressos, but others make lots of different coffee drinks. Check the product details of each machine if you want to find one that makes multiple varieties of coffee-based drinks.
Q: Do I need special coffee for espresso?A: No, it's possible to use any standard coffee beans in an espresso machine and get great results. Espresso and coffee are made from the same beans, so there’s no need to worry about any special ingredients or preparations.
Q: What should I look for in an espresso machine?A: There are many important factors to look for in these kinds of machines, including their design, size, weight, features, functions, cost, and accessories.
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room. The Cuisine Review Team curates this content, and Cuisine’s editorial staff is not involved. Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please contact aimperiapt@gmail.com for all inquiries regarding articles or product testing.Related Reviews