Best Espresso Machines To Preserve The Original Cup of Joe

Like most kitchen appliances, espresso machines are good investments for any coffee lover. Today’s espresso machines do a lot more work than making a pot of regular espresso. Some have a great pump pressure for excellent extraction; others froth milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. There are several espresso makers for you to make espresso, including semi-automatic, automatic, super-automatic, or fully automatic pod machines. When you shop for a espresso machine, it’s important to consider key features in the devices that suit your most expectations. 

A quality espresso machine does not only produce espresso-based drinks for you and your family, but it also helps you save a lot of money in the long run. Read more about our best espresso and coffee machines from various brands, and scroll down to the bottom to see our tips in picking the best espresso machines.

List of of The Best Espresso Machines

When it comes to a professional espresso machine, this model is a great match – it’s very easy to use and makes a smooth cup of espresso with perfect crema so that you can be a barista at home. In addition, this super-automatic espresso machine has a 15 bar pressure, comes with a pressure gauge, lets you see the same pressure, and consistently brews your favorite espresso.

The machine water tank is huge and transparent, so you can conveniently refill the water on demand. If you’d like a cup of cappuccino or latte, enjoy it with creamy and rich foam from the high-pressure steam wand.  No techniques are needed; just take a button, you can enjoy delicious espresso, cappuccino, and latte. Also, remember to preheat your cups ahead so your drinks are kept warm.

The Calphalon Temp iQ espresso machine is designed with precision heating technology and temperature control to get optimal flavor extraction of your espresso. It has a powerful pump that genuinely delivers the right amount of pressure to produce a beautiful layer of crema for cafe-style espresso. So, you can brew your favorite espresso exactly how you like it. In addition, it features a steam wand that you can use flat in lattes or microfoam for a delicious cappuccino. 

With this semi-automatic espresso model, your espresso is made ready in only 3 steps – tamp grounds, extract, and froth milk. A milk pitcher is also included in this semi-automatic machine, which you can easily use to accommodate the steam wand. It has a beautiful portafilter that holds more grounds and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for rich flavor. Another worthy feature is that the water reservoir holds up to 2 L of water to make more coffee without refilling too often. When you’d like a cup or two of espresso, place your cup in the warming tray, so your drinks can be kept warm. 

Hamilton Beach 40792 is one of the best semi-automatic machines for excellent extraction and rich crema. It comes with a great 15-Bar Italian Pump so that you can enjoy perfect espresso cups anytime during the day. You can choose either ground espresso or a pod for each shot and brew with a simple flick of a lever. Unlike other high-tech coffee makers that can be hard to operate and cost more, this espresso maker has a patented slide and lock technology that allows you to brew coffee effortlessly. 

With the swiveling steam wand, you can conveniently steam and froth milk; thus, you can better absorb your cappuccinos and lattes. It takes easy steps to make your favorite beverages, and it’s created to minimize the fuss and let you savor the moment of espresso enjoyment at the end. When the machine cools down, simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and wash all removable parts in warm, soapy water.

Taking up a fraction of the counter space, the De’Longhi ECP3420 has a compact design and sleek file that fits beautifully to your kitchen style. Whatever your preference, single or double espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes, this automatic espresso machine ensures a barista-quality coffee to enjoy your favorite coffee house beverages at home. It also comes with an advanced cappuccino system with hot milk or cappuccino selector, mixes, and steamed milk for creamy froth-making textured drinks. 

Another nice feature of this model includes a second-tier drip tray to accommodate taller cups so that you can drink your favorite coffee in different cup sizes. Plus, it has a removable water tank, and the water level is visible, so you don’t have to guess if it needs a refill. You can also use the self-priming option to get the machine geared up, and it’s ready to go as soon as you are. Overall, it’s an automatic espresso machine with the signature style of the DeLonghi that is good company in your coffee moment.

If you’re looking for a capsule-based coffee machine with a super compact design, look no further than the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2. This device is thoughtfully crafted to fit your single cup, black and specialty coffee brewing needs with a small footprint. All you have to do is pop a capsule pod in, lock the lever, customize your beverage size with the toggle stick, and push the button. 

The 15 bars of pressure allow high-level extraction for optimal flavor and aroma delivered consistently in every cup. In addition, with 15 flavor varieties, you can choose from intense Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, and more. The pods can be used to make a double espresso, and water capacity can serve up to 10 cups. The machine consistently crafts the best-tasting hot and cold specialty coffees for your coffee rituals with included functions. 

Not many beat this Essenza Mini with its sleek design and effortless parts for exceptional coffee and espresso moments. In 25 seconds or less, this machine reaches an ideal serving temperature to produce a shot of espresso barista-style with a perfect extracting process. Choose from espresso or lungo, with the option to use or remove the drip tray for a bigger cup. 

While brewing your favorite espresso, the Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso maker from Breville works so efficiently. It includes a low energy consumption after 3 minutes and automatically swifts off after 9 minutes. So, you can have peace of mind when leaving the house. In addition, the water tank is removable, and you can refill the water quickly. At such a low cost and with a complimentary welcome set, you can get started with various Nespresso capsules from Breville with each unique taste and see which one you like best.

This K-fee espresso machine proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on costly espresso makers. Instead, it’s an affordable appliance crafted to deliver coffee and espresso of exceptional barista-quality and supreme coffee enjoyment. When the special K-fee pods have been filled, they are sealed to ensure a flavorful taste for your cups. 

In only less than 20 seconds, you can brew a wide range of coffee specialties – from espresso and cappuccinos to lattes, strong to mild, regular and decaffeinated, and more. You can also make milk foam using fresh milk, soy, or almond by the K-fee Lattaero milk frother you buy separately. For ease of use, this machine also includes an automatic switch-off feature and a removable water tank.

The Klarstein Espressionata Gusto is an excellent semi-automatic espresso maker for all passionate coffee and espresso connoisseurs. Most buyers are impressed by the distinctive retro look from this machine yet also appreciate its ability to brew delicious espresso coffee with the powerful pump pressure quickly. The machine presses hot water through the ground coffee beans with its incredible power and 20 bar pressure, unleashing the full aroma of the coffee. 

What’s more, the operation is quite simple and comes with clear power buttons and arranged indicators. The removable water tank stores a large volume of water and can be easily detached with the carrying handle. Then, when you want to froth milk for your cappuccinos or lattes, simply use the removable frothing nozzle. With this semi-automatic machine, you can use pre-ground, but you can also use a bean grinder if you want to enjoy fresh-tasting espresso.

Some reviews suggest the Cuisinart EM-200 as a machine that makes espresso in a straightforward process. It includes two programmable buttons, one manual brewing button, and the option to use ground coffee or pods for best espresso making at home. Also, the 15-bar pressure in this unit ensures the extraction of fresh flavors from the coffee beans. Following a few easy steps, you can pre-program your perfect serving size down to the ounce.

The Cuisinart EM-200 super-automatic espresso machine integrates the steam wand that heats the milk and mixes it with the air to form a foamy texture. Therefore, it’s very suitable for serving cups of cappuccinos or lattes for yourself or your family members. Besides, the removable water reservoir in the appliance comes with a capacity of 69-ounce, which provides you enough water for several brew cycles. And with an included warming tray in this espresso maker, your cups can be kept warm in advance before operating

Enjoy the brew experience with Gevi 15 Bar Espresso Machine. Whether you want a single cup or two of espresso, authentic lattes or cappuccinos, this espresso machine does it all in the comfort of your kitchen. What’s unique about this machine is the separate thermostats; temperature control for frothing and water, giving you the ideal coffee extraction, and rich and creamy milk foam. You can also adjust the steam wand levels to customize a variety of espresso-based coffee.

Compact and appearance of bistro design, this machine fits beautifully to your kitchen counter space. With a visual temperature panel, you can observe the water temperature easily while brewing the coffee. It also has a heated metallic plate on top that helps keep your cups warm and prevents the coffee flavor from being affected. When the unit needs cleaning, the machine parts are easy to remove and clean up. 

Buying Guide To Choosing The Best Espresso Machines in 2024

Brewing Pressure 

Brewing pressure is the amount of pressure in extracting the coffee. It is an essential part of the process of making espresso. Although some machines can exert as much as 15 to 19 atmospheres of pressure, this does not mean you need as high pressures as they can offer. Often, higher pressures result in a very bitter brew. So, it could help if you look for a pressure amount in the machines that meets your needs instead.

Built-in Milk Frother 

The milk frother is another factor to consider when you shop for espresso machines. It’s because you can make more alternative drinks like macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, and other beverages with milk. In the meantime, it also provides more options for your whole family to enjoy their preferred coffees.

Machine Size 

Machine size is also an essential criterion that you should put into account. Some espresso machines are more compact than others and need less space. In addition, you should measure your kitchen counter space beforehand and pick the dimension of the coffee maker that matches your kitchen space.

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)

Is a home espresso machine worth it?

Often, a quality personal espresso machine saves a lot of expenses in the long term. Besides saving on the cost of coffee every day from the coffee shops, the machine also has many convenient features – like making espresso for a quick cup during the day at home, morning, or daytime. Moreover, the espresso machine also lets other family members enjoy their coffee, or alternative drinks made themselves.

Which is the best espresso machine for me?

The best espresso machine mostly depends on what features are more preferable to you, and you can start by choosing the types of espresso machines that most suit your needs. Firstly, the manual machines require you to do more work such as grinding beans, fill the filter for drip coffee, but it also provides more customizable functions. 

Likewise, semi-automatic machines are similar to manual machines in preparation, but they operate with a button or dial that automates the water flow instead of a lever. On the other hand, super-automatic machines are a step above automatic machines. 

Besides the automated and programmable coffee sizes, they can also grind beans, measure them out, and often tamp them. Moreover, there are also capsule machines that use capsule pods filled with pre-measured coffee to make espresso or other coffee drinks.

Conclusion 

All in all, with the right espresso machine, you can make the perfect espresso and other coffees in the comfort of your home kitchen. As we come across many well-known brands, we’ve put together a collection of their quality coffee and espresso machines that helps you choose the best one for yourself. When you shop for those appliances, It’s also important to remember that price isn’t always an indicator of performance. Many affordable models also outperform the expensive ones, so it’s crucial to look for the one that meets your expectations best.

References:

• Cuisinart EM 200 Reviews – Best Espresso Machines Under $200 | Republikcoffeebar
• The Art of Making Espresso | 1stincoffee
• Is it worth buying a home espresso coffee machine? | choice.com
• Gevi Espresso Machine 15 Bar Review | bestmilkfrothers.com
• 10 Best Espresso Machines of 2024 | goodhousekeeping.com

The Espresso Guide For Beginners By Joshua Weissman