Best Espresso Machine 2023: (Top 10 Home Espresso Makers)

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Besides listing the best espresso machines of 2023 in the market, we have described the type of espresso makers. This allows you to understand what type of espresso machine you need and what will suit you. A buyer’s guide is included at the end for you to make the right choice.

Good espresso machines will normally cost you a higher amount because of their easy-to-use nature and superb quality. For many, investing an amount ANYWHERE from $300 to $700 might not be an option. But suppose you like your espresso in the morning, and you regularly hit a coffee shop for it. In that case, you really need to think about investing in the best espresso machine.

There is no doubt that some budget espresso makers are also readily available. They come with all the options you will want to have. But the quality of those machines will not be at the level which you like in the morning. Now, we have covered some of the best espresso makers, one of which you will definitely love to have on your countertop. As a matter of fact, not all of them are expensive, we’ve included some budget options. However, don’t bother going beyond the top three espresso machine reviews if you want to have the best. These will cost you a higher amount for sure, but you will be happy with their taste quality for life.

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Editor’s Top 3 Picks

Breville Barista

Type: Semi
Drinks: Espresso, Cappuccino
Reservoir: 67 oz

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DELONGHI Nespresso

Type: Super
Drinks: Espresso, Coffee
Reservoir: 60 oz

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Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista

Type: Semi
Drinks: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte
Reservoir: 16 oz

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Types of Espresso Machines

You must have heard a lot about an espresso machine and its types. But do you really know the differences among these different types? Let’s get to know the different types of espresso machines and how they operate. End of the day, they all make a shot of espresso, but every mechanism has its specialty, and you might want to go for your favorite one.

Before we talk about different espresso machines based on the level of automation. You first need to know how an espresso machine applies pressure onto the coffee grounds for brewing an espresso shot. So based on the driving mechanism, an espresso machine may use a piston, steam, or a pump. Most modern-day espresso machines rely on either a pump or steam-driven mechanism. In contrast, pistons are now only used in manual espresso machines. And being honest, no one wants to buy a manual espresso maker for their daily use unless you want to have it at your holiday home.

Now let’s get to know the different types of espresso makers based on the level of automation, what they offer and what they don’t.

Manual Espresso Maker

This is the most basic type of espresso machine. There is nothing but an arm handle which you push to exert pressure onto the fine coffee grounds to pump out an espresso shot. These days a manual espresso maker is more of a luxury and antique sort of a thing. You really would not like to use it when you want a quick espresso in the morning while running late for the office. However, a manual espresso machine is the best one to tone as per your taste. Of course, it only helps if you have prior knowledge of making the best espresso shot.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The semi-automatic type is where you put coffee ground into the portafilter, place it below the pump and turn it ON. But you have to decide when to turn off the machine based on the amount of espresso it has made. The machine won’t stop itself; you will have to manually stop the pump from brewing further. However, some new espresso machines let you set the brew volume in advance and turn it off themselves. The good thing about this type is that these machines are affordable because they do not have many features. But the downside is that you will rarely get an excellent espresso shot brewed at optimal temperature and recommended pressure. Moreover, in many places, the semi-automatic and fully-automatic are considered to be the same. Things like grinder and cup warming tray, more or less, is what makes the difference.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Fully Automatic Espresso Machines come with all the bells and whistles. You will get a grinder, milk frother, cup warming area, etc. So everything is automated. But it still has a portafilter you have to first insert for catching the coffee grounds and then place it under the pump for brewing the shot of espresso. The thing about these machines is that they offer many features and programming options, but the help of a human hand is still needed. Most people prefer this type because you get a lot of things in one machine and its price is high but not like that of super-automatic, which we will discuss below.

Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Finally, the super-automatic espresso machine undoubtedly consists of some of the top-rated espresso machines. This type gives you everything that a fully automatic espresso machine has, taking out the portafilter. So there is no help required from a human hand. The machine will grind the beans, push the ground towards the pump, where pressure is applied, and a nice shot of espresso is brewed. However, super-automatic espresso machines are the most expensive ones. But they are worth the high price because things are automated, but the standards and quality are raised.

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Best Espresso Machines 2023

1. Breville Barista Express BES870XL

The best for years now

Breville Barista Express is one of the best automatic espresso machines from all viewpoints. An espresso machine shouldn’t only be full of features and fancy in design. It is supposed to be easy to use, affordable. It should actually be able to make an adorable shot of espresso. So the espresso maker being reviewed is best in all of these things. First comes its shiny stainless steel covering over the body, which makes the machine look fancy. Next is the fact that it comes will all the necessary features and even some additional ones. More, compared to other automatic espresso machines, it is affordable, and the way you interact with it is super easy.

On top of the machine, you get a cup warmer area, which comes in handy all the time. Next to it is the bean hopper which is easily removable and comes with its own lid. Then on the front, you will see all the buttons. This is where you can choose the amount of beans to grind and whether you want a single or double shot. Things don’t come to a halt here, the machine comes with its own tamper, magnetically held on the left end, and a milk frother wand on the right. Even better is the fact that the frother side of this top-rated espresso machine can give you hot water on demand. What else? To keep the taste of the espresso at a nice level, Breville gives you 4 different filter baskets, two of which are pressurized. These are good for when you are not sure about the perfection of the grind. Overall, this espresso machine gives you all the perks of espresso and yet is offered at a relatively lower price.

2. DELONGHI Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Nespresso Drink with DeLonghi Quality

The brand “De’Longhi” is incredibly famous for providing the finest quality espresso machines. These amazing espresso and coffee machine makes it so easy for us to have a sip of coffee brewed in almost a few minutes. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine is a worthy introduction by Delonghi with both capabilities of brewing coffee and preparing a tasty shot of espresso.

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine comes with a compact and good-looking design that perfectly matches your kitchen environment. The machine works with a single button to let you make a tasty shot of espresso on the go. Nespresso Vertuo Plus uses K-Cup capsules for espresso. It has a 60 ounces water reservoir that helps to make many coffee cups at a time. The Vertuo Plus is a single-serve espresso maker. For this reason, the drip tray is made flexible and adjustable to fit a large cup.

3. DELONGHI Magnifica Super Automatic

A super-automatic espresso machine

DELONGHI Magnifica is one of the best super-automatics on the market. Most of the time, super-automatic espresso machines are are expensive. Still, this one costs just above $500, a friendly price for the given design and features. Since it is a super-automatic, you only have to add water and beans. It will do the rest. Or you can skip the grinding of beans and use the bypass option where you add pre-ground coffee. The grinder allows you to choose from 7 different grind sizes, and you can also set the amount of beans to grind. In addition, you also get a steam wand which you can use to steam your milk for getting a nice foam, or you can use it to simply get some hot water.

More, the machine allows you to brew a single or double shot of coffee. And for both espresso shots, you can set the brew volume anywhere from half an ounce to 8 ounces. The water tank comes out to the front, which is convenient when refiling or cleaning it. And it can hold up to 60 ounces of water which is massive, so this best espresso maker can be used in the office. To keep things even better, you have to take care of two things. First, super automatics are not good with oily beans, so it is better to stick with medium roast coffee beans. The next thing is that you should rinse the internal brew unit once a week, it is effortless to remove. This way, the quality of espresso you brew will remain intact.

4. Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ

Fancy though affordable espresso machine

Calphalon BVCLECMP1 has a relatively lower price, though the looks of it are high-end. Its stainless-steel body makes it a nice addition to your kitchen countertop. The semi-automatic nature of this espresso maker makes you work a bit, but it is only limited to adjusting and removing the portafilter. Apart from this, its front-facing control dial does the rest. You get an option for a single or double espresso, steam and hot water. Yeah, you heard that right. It has a got steam wand of its own, so you can prepare a cappuccino as well. There is no built-in grinder in the machine, though this does not stop brewing the perfect espresso. With just the right type of espresso beans, it brews a perfect espresso as per the standards. What makes it even a better contender among the best espresso machines is Temp iQ. This feature digitally controls the heat when the extraction is happening. This obviously is only found in high-end espresso makers, and no doubt raises the quality of the brew.

5. Flair Espresso Maker

A good manual espresso maker

The Flair Espresso is an amazing manual coffee maker that creates the perfect pressure level through its uniquely crafted design. The flair espresso maker does not need to be always plugged in, which means that you can store it just about anywhere in your house. Heck, you can even bring it glamping, although a more compact device might be better. The machine can produce professional-quality shots of espresso from your home or wherever you are. Add 60ml of boiled water and a dose of up to 18 grams to yield a 40 ml shot with beautiful crema. A burr grinder is essential for use with this product.

The Flair Espresso Maker is a 100% human-powered, manual espresso press. There are no plugs or electronics, meaning the flair, which was fully manual and beautiful. The flair espresso comes with a completely detachable brewing head. This patented design allows users to completely remove the brewing head, separate the parts, and rinse under cool water. With a stronger, upgraded base, post, and lever! Made from durable materials like cast aluminum and stainless steel, you can be sure your manual espresso maker, by flair, is built to last. Both the aluminum press stand and stainless steel brewing head are backed by a 5-year warranty. The device is pretty much portable because of its compact design.

6. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista

An easy to use espresso machine

Cafe Barista is an elegant espresso machine with modern looks and quick results. It comes with a built-in milk frother, which is why it is among the best espresso machines of 2023. You get the option to brew a Cappuccino, Espresso, or Late. Besides, you can also choose if you want a single or double shot. The frother of it works relatively good for the given price, and the good thing is that you don’t need to hold a cup or mug for it. The frother itself pours out textured milk into your cup. It can’t get any better.

More, since it is semi-automatic, so there is no grinder. You will either have to use ground coffee, or you might buy a separate grinder for it. And then comes the fact that its reservoir sits at the back of the machine, which is not very convenient. However, these trade-offs are well explained for the lower price of this espresso machine. The reason it is this prevalent in the market is the overall ease of use and its design. The machine can be controlled using a one-touch operation, and it does not ask for a lot of space on the countertop.

7. Delonghi DEDICA EC680M

Stainless Steel Shine

Delonghi DEDICA is one of the top espresso machines from Delonghi. They make quite a good number of espresso makers, some of them are super-automatic, and others are not. This one is relatively simple, it does not come with many buttons and an LCD for different options. All you get is three different buttons and a knob for turning on the frother. The machine comes with a nice design, and so it will look good placed anywhere at office or home. For its portafilter, you get three different baskets. One of these is for a single shot, the other one for a double shot, and the third comes for using the easy pod.

Delonghi makes its own espresso pods for such machines. They come in different types and actually make the process very easy. Because using pod will ensure that the taste and quality of the brew are kept intact all the time. The three buttons on the top front of this machine are for single shot, double shot, and frothing milk from left to right, respectively. Besides, there is a cup warming tray on top of the machine. Whenever your coffee grounds are ready, so will be the cups to which the espresso will be poured. The reason a specific set of users love this espresso maker is that the machine is rather simple to use and at the same time occupies very little space.

8. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic

Expensive though worth it

Gaggia Brera coming up next, is a worthy contender on the list of best Espresso machine 2023, with great features to offer you the best coffee cup ever. The machine is not too pricey but still offers extraordinary premium features, from grinding beans to pouring out espresso within a limited time duration. With a user-friendly display, the Gaggia Brera is super easy to use, not carrying any complexity.

Gaggia Brera offers rapid steam features that make so fast the operation regarding brewing and steaming. It comes with a capacity for coffee beans of 250 grams. With its 3.5 to 4.5 inches cup height, Gaggia Brera ensures extreme aroma extraction and great flavor. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine uses a 110V to 120V voltage for its operations. Pannarello Steam Wand siphons the air straight into the milk to prepare it with a rich foam for different beverages. It can be easily adjusted to clean the brew group, remove it, and install it easily. Before opting for any other best espresso machine 2023, you must take the Gaggia Brera into consideration.

9. DeLonghi Dinamica Automatic

A plethora option of drinks

DeLonghi Dinamica is one of the latest and decent-looking best espresso coffee makers by the manufacturer. It comes with a ton of features and is super-automatic. What makes it fall on our list is the type of machine you can use anywhere at home or office. You get it in two different colors, which are white and black. Both look good on the countertop, and the dimensions are such that not a lot of space is occupied. What actually sets it apart from other espresso makers is that it not only brews espresso but also lets you make iced espresso or a simple traditional dripped style cup of coffee.

On top of it rests the bean hopper, where you can add up to 10 ounces of beans, and it comes with 13 different grind settings. Or you can choose to use the bypass option and go with pre-ground coffee. On the front, you will see all the control buttons where you can choose from a simple espresso or lungo. And you also double the volume of each of these types. For iced espresso, the machine internally changes the brewing mechanism and gives you a nice iced espresso. The water reservoir comes out the front and can hold up to 60 ounces of coffee which actually is a lot. But the downside to this espresso maker is that all these features are not cheap. You will have to pay a high price to own this machine.

10. Cuisinart EM-100 Espresso Maker

A budget espresso machine

The EM-100 by Cuisinart is a budget-friendly espresso maker. It does not come with many bells and whistles, which is obviously why it’s a lower price. Neither does it come with a built-in grinder. What you get is a fancy-looking old-school design espresso machine that is not too wide and will easily fit anywhere on your countertop. What makes us include it among the best espresso machines 2023 is that the machine gets you a nice shot of espresso despite its lower price. There are no controls for strength and volume etc. Still, the default configuration of the machine is capable of brewing an excellent espresso shot.

As mentioned earlier, you may like the low price of it, but everything is manual. So you will have to be precise with the type of coffee grounds you are using and how you will froth milk. Yes, it does come with a steam wand which is relatively easy to use and comes in handy every time. You should know other things before buying the machine is that the water reservoir of it is fitted in the back. It takes around 53 ounces of water at most but is not very convenient to fill or remove for washing. Besides, the machine is a loud one, so you have to make sure and keep it at a place where you won’t disturb your neighbors if you live in a tight space.

11. Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic

The one with everything

Gaggia Anima Prestige is one of the most feature-rich and compact super-automatic espresso machines you will find on the market. It falls down to such a lower position among the best espresso machines because it has a very high price. No doubt it has everything on it and even has some cool options that other machines do not have, but its price is still very high for a lot of people. On the off chance that you have good cash on you and you wish to own the best of all, this is what you should be actually going for.

This best espresso machine for home comes with a built-in grinder with 5 grind settings, and it is good to use the finest of all sizes. Besides, it comes with its own milk carafe, which fits into it for frothing purposes. You get one-touch operation buttons for all drinks like cappuccino, latte, espresso, or lungo for brewing. This one-touch mechanism is what actually makes it a useful one. Moreover, you can choose from 5 different strength settings for your espresso, which is a blessing because you might not want a strong drink every time. Last but not least, what it does is that the machine asks you to run a cleaning cycle after every brew cycle, which frees you from thinking about cleaning the machine internally.

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Choosing the Best Espresso Machine

Now that you know all the best espresso machines of 2023 and types of them, here is how to choose a best home espresso machine.

Type of Espresso Maker

First of all, you have to choose the type of espresso machine. You have to decide from semi-automatic, fully automatic, or super-automatic espresso maker. This depends on two different things, first is how easy you want the process to be, and second is the amount of cash you have got. There is nothing better than a super-automatic espresso if you’ve got above $500 bucks and you want your espresso shot to be the best. On the contrary, if you are not willing to spend a lot and at the same time you are not very curious about the quality of espresso you get, then a fully automatic machine is the best thing. And finally, if you are looking for a budget espresso machine capable of brewing a nice espresso shot but is short on other features, then a semi-automatic espresso maker is the best way to go.

Space & Dimensions

Espresso machines are usually large in size. Even the simplest of them will require a good space on your countertop. This is why you should think about it in advance. Suppose you buy a Breville Barista Express or a Delonghi Magnifica based on our espresso machine reviews. In that case, you should have enough space for it in your kitchen or anywhere you will be placing it. On the contrary, you might find some compact espresso machines which are top of the line and don’t require a lot of space. However, those are way expensive, like the Delonghi Dinamica.

Consumption Frequency

The amount of espresso you consume per day and how fast you want to brew a second round also matter when choosing a good espresso machine. Espresso machines come with either single or dual boilers. With a single boiler, you could go for either brewing espresso or frothing the milk. But with a dual boiler, both these use their own dedicated boiler, so you can take your espresso shot and froth milk for it while your second espresso shot is being prepared.

Bean Hopper and Water Reservoir

Last but not least, the capacity of the bean hopper and water reservoir matters a lot. If you have a family of 6 – 8 people, or maybe you want to buy an espresso maker for your workspace, you need to consider these two things. With low water reservoir capacity, you will need to fill the water tank again and again during the day. Also, the bean hopper might need more beans on the same day. This requires you to fetch an extra 5 minutes from work and do all the filling. On the other hand, if your espresso maker can hold enough beans and water for the whole day, then it won’t be tiresome at all.