The right crema, the right flavor and the right amount of kick are the trademarks of a perfect espresso. Making a great espresso at home, though, requires a more exacting process than just making a good cup of regular coffee. Quality coffee, ground very fine is a must. Most importantly, the espresso must be prepared at the proper temperature and pressure for the right amount of time. Failure to use an espresso machine that does these things well can result in an espresso that is just a tiny cup of coffee. Using a quality machine that brews to exacting tolerances, though, results in that perfect shot of flavor and energy that so many crave.
With so many different models of home espresso machines on the market, trying to choose just one out of the lot can be quite a daunting task for the average shopper. So with the goal of help making your buying decision easier, we thoroughly analyzed and compared close to 60 different espresso machines, investing 37+ hours in the process, to create this list of the ten best espresso and cappuccino machines, buying guide and comparison chart. Since semi-auto machines are too different from their super-auto counterparts to really be able to compare them with each other, we split our list up into two parts.
Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Best Overall: Breville BES980XL Oracle Semi-Auto Espresso Machine
Those seeking the ultimate semi-automatic home espresso machine should look no further than the Breville BES980XL Oracle. It’s easily our top pick and we give it our highest recommendation. With its hefty 35 pound weight, handling it just once will convince any new owner that they have purchased a solid machine built of quality parts and materials. The result of this quality, thoughtful design and construction is a machine perfectly tailored for those who want total control of each aspect of the espresso making process without having to manually perform each step the old fashioned way.
The Breville BES980XL allows users to program both the texture and temperature of milk froth. Being able to determine these things without the work-arounds of microwaving and shuffling the milk between containers is a tremendous convenience. While your average espresso maker tends to be better at making froth for one type of drink: general crema, cappuccino or latte, the Oracle allow its owner to make the perfect texture for any of these.
In addition to many other espresso styles, the Oracle has an Americana setting. Now, many who read this will probably think, “Well, an Americana is just a watered down espresso.”, and wonder if the setting is necessary at all. The difference the machine setting makes is consistency. Manually adding hot water tends to give varying results, depending on the temperature of the water and the amount added in that particular instance. Here, the machine automatically adds the proper amount of water at the same temperature every time.
In addition to the quality of the product itself, Breville, the manufacturer, has a strong reputation for providing terrific customer service. Customer reviews of most products are full of nightmare stories about manufacturers taking weeks or months to respond to an issue and the product disappearing into limbo when it’s at the repair facility. However, there are many stories out there from Breville Oracle owners who were shocked at how quickly the company was willing to replace their machine when they ran into issues. Read reviews on Amazon >
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Semi-Auto Espresso & Cappuccino Machine
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a great starting point for those who want to unleash their inner barista at home. This highly versatile machine is engineered to allow a forgiving experience for those who want to experiment with the various aspects of an espresso brew.
The unit comes with two sets of filters. The first is a single walled filter that allows maximum freedom for those who already have a good idea of what they need to do for the perfect brew. This single walled filter allows a great deal of variability in the grind and texture of the coffee and the tamping pressure of the puck.
The unit also comes with a double walled filter, which takes much of the human error out of the process, but only works with grounds that are espresso fine. Another great feature of the Breville BES870XL is its automatic purge process for used grounds.
All in all, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a superb machine that offers the perfect combination of convenient automation and the freedom to experiment. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Auto Home Espresso Machine
Out of all the semi-auto espresso machines that we analyzed, the Gaggia 14101 Classic appeared to strike the best balance between price and performance. Combining old world craftsmanship with modern flair, the Gaggia 14101 is comprised of chrome plated forged brass parts that ensure that the head distribution during the brew process is absolutely consistent.
Additionally, the Gaggia Classic works with coffee pods, which is a convenient feature for a semi-automatic espresso machine. While most agree that control over the blend, grind and tamp of the coffee grounds results in a better cup of coffee, few can argue that the ability to quickly toss a pod into the machine to get a good cup of espresso is a huge asset when pressed for time.
One of the biggest advantages that the Gaggia 14101 Classic has over other machines is the fact that it’s been in use for decades with only minor changes. This means there are no big surprises in how the machine operates or new innovations that could suddenly fail because they looked better on paper than they are in real life.
For anyone who wants a semi-automatic espresso machine that offers some versatility and has a long track record of quality results and satisfied owners, the Gaggia 14101 is a great choice. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Best Budget Model: Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista Semi-Auto Espresso Machine
When people start shopping for a semi-automatic home espresso machine, coming across the Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista is somewhat of a shock. The surprise is not only due to the low price tag, but also because of the fact that the Mr. Coffee brand is not one generally associated with gourmet coffee. While no one would imply that the ECMP1000 can stand toe-to-toe with far more expensive industry staples when comparing features, as an entry level model for someone who wants to try the convenience of a home espresso machine, this unit is worthy of consideration.
Probably the most surprising feature found on the ECMP1000 is the automatic milk frother. This is not just unusual for a semi-automatic espresso maker in this price range, it is pretty rare in semi-automatic espresso machines, where a pop-out steamer wand to manually froth milk is standard. Whether a cappuccino or a latte, simply filling the milk reservoir with milk and attaching it to the machine will ensure milk foam at the right consistency. The reservoir can be easily detached and returned to the refrigerator after use, too.
While it is not an heirloom purchase that is going to be passed down the the grandchildren one day, the Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 is a great entry level option for those who simply want a semi-automatic machine to brew espresso at home. Read reviews on Amazon >
5 De’Longhi EC155 Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Maker
The De’Longhi EC155 is a tiny machine for those who want tiny European style servings of espresso on a tiny budget. It’s nowhere near the quality of a Breville or Gaggia machine, but it’s one of the only decent semi-auto espresso machines you can buy for under $100. The biggest drawback of this unit is that it’s designed mainly for making classic European espresso. A cappuccino, for example, in the European style differs from a straight espresso only in a tiny layer of milk froth. American style cappuccinos tend to be a less concentrated shot with more foam. In other words, a bigger cup is required.
This espresso machine is designed for Old World small cups and servings. The milk frother, for instance, is less than 4 inches from the base of the unit. A taller cup requires the user to pick the machine up to slide the cup into place. This size issue also applies to the primary dispensing area. A large cup simply won’t fit.
As long as you fully understand the limitations of the De’Longhi EC155, it’s a good buy, especially if you’re new to the world of espresso making and can’t afford anything else. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
Best Overall: Jura Impressa XS90 Super-Auto Cappuccino & Espresso Machine
The Jura Impressa XS90 is an exquisitely made fully automatic espresso machine specifically engineered to meet the needs of users who expect to need dozens of servings per day. The first step to meeting this demand is the Impressa XS90’s huge water and coffee bean capacity. The water reservoir holds a remarkable 1.5 gallons, simply massive for a non-commercial espresso machine. The bean hopper, likewise, is huge for the industry, holding 10 ounces of coffee beans.
The next aspect of the Impressa XS90’s ability to serve crowds of espresso lovers is the large variety of individual drinks it can produce. As one might imagine, in any group of a dozen espresso drinkers, there will be a range of favorite drinks. Some will want the classic espresso, others might prefer cappuccino while still others would want latte macchiatos. By having the ability to produce 12 different coffee specialty drinks, this machine caters to virtually any espresso taste.
Taking this foolproof approach a step farther, the Impressa XS90 monitors the level of beans in the hopper and the status of other important areas and provides warnings to the user that some action is required to get the perfect shot of espresso.
Lastly, internal cleanup procedures like descaling need to be manually started, but are carried out automatically. This means there is virtually no effort involved in keeping the machine running its best.
There are two caveats with this unit, though, that potential buyers should be aware of when considering this unit:
The first thing to be conscious of is its size. With its huge capacity, this is not a machine that can be tucked under the nearest overhead cabinet. The Impressa XS90 will probably need to be set up in a free standing location where it can be accessed from above.
The second potential issue is that it seems the vast array of features and system alerts aren’t particularly user-friendly or intuitive. In addition, the included instructions leave much to be desired, although a far more detailed user manual can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s web site, allowing new owners to get the most out of the machine. Read reviews on Amazon >
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Fully Automatic Home Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica is an automatic cappuccino and espresso machine engineered to allow its owner as much flexibility as possible. This unit has a built-in grinder, but it also has a tray that allows its user to brew a batch of loose grounds. What’s even better, though, is that it’s possible to brew your espresso with loose grounds even when you have beans in the grind hopper. In other words, the hopper can be filled with the beans that are used most, and a single serving of a different blend can be made without emptying it.
In addition, its built-in milk frother rotates to allow flexibility in the size of the milk container. Also, the frother is tuned for Cappuccino. And because of this, those who love frequent lattes may be disappointed by its inability to make true micro foam. Those planning to make several servings of cappuccino can do so without constantly refilling a milk reservoir simply by using a bigger reservoir.
In a world where it seems that all high end appliances feature computer interfaces, many will appreciate the DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica’s more traditional interface of dials and mechanical buttons. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: De’Longhi EN750MB Nespresso Lattissima Pro Fully Automatic Espresso Maker
If you’re looking to get the best “bang for your buck” look no further than the De’Longhi EN750MB Nespresso Lattissima. This home espresso machine packs a lot of premium features into a tiny package.
Instead of loose grounds, it takes advantage of Nespresso capsules as its flavor source. While some would consider this a limitation, it can also be seen as an advantage, as it allows the machine to have a more compact design by not needing a coffee bean grinder built into it.
The Nespresso coffee capsules come in 21 flavor blends to create a taste that suits virtually any espresso lover’s palate. There are even seasonal specialty flavors to add to the variety. These capsules keep the individual portions of coffee grounds fresh until needed, a great advantage for those who do not drink large volumes of espresso daily.
The milk reservoir is removable, dishwasher safe and can be stored in the refrigerator. It is a great convenience to keep the reservoir in the refrigerator, attach it to the machine to brew espresso and pop it back in the refrigerator afterwards. For the majority of espresso makers in this category, removing the milk reservoir is, if possible, much more of a pain.
Among the variety of settings are hot milk and hot water, making the machine a great asset for quickly whipping up a cup of tea or hot chocolate. The De’Longhi EN750MB Nespresso Lattissima Pro also features a handy storage compartment for used Nespresso capsules. This saves trips to the garbage or recycling box if it happens to not be right next to the machine.
Although this machine has a slew of positive features, it does need to be mentioned that there are a couple of situations where it doesn’t thrive. Firstly, those who insist on piping hot milk may be disappointed by this unit. A workaround for this, though, is that you can preheat the milk in the microwave before the brew gets it to the temperature you prefer.
Secondly, the machine is designed to perform a self clean after each use. This amounts to placing another cup on the receiving tray and allowing it to flush water through the system. However, some may consider this to be a positive, since the De’Longhi EN750MB cleans any remaining flavor or milk from the brew path, resulting in a cleaner taste and a more sanitary espresso machine. In situations where several people are waiting for espresso to be brewed, the cleaning between every serving could become a little frustrating for those at the back of the queue. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Gaggia 59100 Brera Super-Auto Home Cappuccino & Espresso Machine
The Gaggia 59100 Brera is a good choice for those who want fresh brewed espresso at home but would rather have the machine be a low energy, low profile unit. Among quality espresso makers, the most apt adjectives for the Gaggia Brera would be “basic” and “effective.” This unit makes a quality brew at the push of a button, but the customization of the espresso is limited to flavor strength and serve size. There are two buttons for serving size: single and long pull.
The Gaggia 59100 Brera is a very compact machine, but that may also be its biggest disadvantage. The unit’s water reservoir, coffee bean hopper and waste ground compartment are all smaller than those found in most machines in its price range. While it may not be a problem for people who only drink a few espressos per day, those who have more demanding coffee needs may feel that the more frequent filling of reservoirs and dumping of waste grounds is a deal breaker.
5 Best Budget Model: Nespresso A+D40-US-BK-NE Inissia Espresso Maker & Milk Frother
Among entry-level, fully automatic home espresso makers, the Nespresso A+D40-US-BK-NE Inissia is easily your best choice. It’s important to note, though, that this is actually two separate machines bundled as a package.
The first machine is the Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother, an automatic frother that can handle both hot or cold froth requirements. The Aeroccino comes with two frothing whisks, one that produces latte style milk and another for cappuccino style milk.
The Nespresso Inissia itself is a tiny machine, taking up less counter space than a typical toaster. It not only has a small footprint, but it’s also short. This means it can easily fit on a counter top under an upper cabinet with plenty of room for operation without having to move the machine. Also, this machine uses the very popular Nespresso capsules to make preparation super simple.
In addition, this unit’s low energy consumption makes it very friendly on the pocketbook. It has a nine minute automatic shutoff, ensuring that the machine isn’t constantly burning electricity to keep water at espresso temperature for hours at a time. And while it has no impact on the quality of espresso this machine makes, the fact that it comes in a variety of colors also sets it apart from most other quality espresso makers. Available in black, red, silver, white and titan, the Inissia brings a little extra personality to the table.
If you’re in the market for an easy-to-use espresso machine that produces fresh brewed, coffee house quality espresso and don’t want to spend a lot of money up front, then the Nespresso Inissia is the one you want. Read reviews on Amazon >
How To Choose The Best Espresso Machine
- Semi-Automatic or Super-Automatic
- The Type of Coffee Grounds That Can be Used
- Heating Type
- Serving Size and Temperature Control
Semi-Automatic vs. Super-Automatic
To understand the difference and which would be better, it is necessary to look at the traditional method of making espresso.
First, coffee beans must be ground. For espresso, the grind is generally finer than the grind for regular coffee.
Next, the water is heated on a stove.
The water and beans are combined, allowed to steep and pressurized in something like a French press and poured into the cup.
The milk is heated to the desired temperature, frothed and added to the finished drink.
This process can dirty a sink full of dishes and take half an hour to produce four ounces of espresso. While some do not mind the time or effort involved, it is too much for most people. Semi-automatic machines streamline the process.
Semi-Automatic espresso machines are a single unit capable of combining and automating some of these processes. They may have a built in coffee grinder or milk frother and always allow the brewing process to occur at consistent temperature and pressure.
For the person using a semi automatic espresso maker, the work involved is far less. The grounds must usually be tamped manually and the frothing process for the milk done manually, but once the machine is set for the desired time, temperature and pressure the process is easily repeatable.
Super automatic espresso machines, often referred to simply as ‘automatic’, are machines where the component parts of the beverage are loaded into reservoirs on the machine and the desired drink style is selected by the push of a button. The machine takes care of preparing and combining the ingredients into a beverage.
So, super automatic is the way to go, right?
Not necessarily.
While super automatics enable someone with no knowledge of espresso to make a good cup with a button press, the espresso you get is what the machine is programmed to give.
What if you prefer espresso brewed longer than the machine’s programming? What if you like a certain blend of grounds tamped more or less than the machine’s programming? What if you prefer it brewed at higher or lower temperatures?
All of these things can be changed with most semi-automatic machines, but almost never with super automatic espresso makers.
The choice between semi-automatic and super automatic comes down to how much input the user wants and is willing to put into the process.
Advantages of Super-Automatics
- No Brewing Skill Needed
- Consistent Results
- Less Cleanup and Time
Advantage of Semi-Automatics
- Greater Control
The Type of Coffee Grounds That Can Be Used
The next major consideration is what form of grounds a given espresso machine can use. The grounds can take the following form:
- Proprietary Coffee Capsules
- Loose Grounds Prepared to Espresso Fineness
- Loose Grounds Prepared for Espresso or Coffee
- Loose Grounds and Coffee Pods
Proprietary capsules are generally the most expensive per cup. They are packaged as single serve portions. In situations where the demand for espresso is very light, their convenience and easy cleanup could make them the best option.
The extra fine espresso coffee can be used by any espresso maker that does not require proprietary coffee capsules. People who love to experiment with their espresso, though, sometimes like to mix different beans with different grind textures to produce their favorite flavor. In these situations, knowing that the machine’s filter can handle the more coarse grounds is important.
Lastly, can the machine handle prepackaged espresso coffee pods? Coffee pods are essentially a tea bag full of coffee instead of tea. They provide convenience approaching the proprietary coffee capsules when desired, but still allow loose grounds to be used.
Heating Type
The next big consideration in the search for the right espresso machine is its heating type. There are essentially two types, boiler or thermoblock, with advantages and disadvantages for each type.
Machines that use thermoblock heating basically heat a block of aluminum that has a channel cut into it. The water passes through this channel and the heat is transferred to the water. One major advantage to this system is energy efficiency. Since the machine only heats the water needed for the espresso currently being brewed, there is no waste. Also, thermoblock heating systems come to brew heat quickly.
The disadvantage of thermoblock heating is inconsistent temperature. Since it occurs on the fly, the actual temperature the water reaches can be affected by the ambient temperature.
Boiler heating systems more closely resemble the traditional method of heating a pot of water, it just occurs within the machine. The biggest advantage of a boiler system is the ability to heat enough water for several servings of espresso to a consistent and perfect temperature.
There are two disadvantages to the boiler system. The first is energy is wasted heating enough water for several beverages if several beverages are not immediately needed. Also, the machine keeps the water at this temperature as long as it is on. The second disadvantage of the boiler system is, for machines that steam milk as well, the unit can usually brew espresso or heat milk, but not at the same time. Some machines have double boiler systems that can get around this issue, so it is best to check if having the milk available at the same time as the espresso is crucial.
Serving Size & Temperature Control
The last major consideration is how much control the user has over the serving size and temperature of the espresso it brews. The classic European espresso is served in a smaller cup at a lower temperature than is often found with American espresso.
Because of this, it is important to understand which style the machine serves and whether it can be changed.
Espresso can be anything from a shot of eye opening caffeine to a relaxing beverage that caps off a meal. By paying attention to a few key factors, anyone can choose an espresso machine that makes the drink they desire.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick (Semi-Auto)
$$$$$
Semi-Automatic
Yes
18 x 15 x 16
35 lbs.
Our Top Pick (Full-Auto)
$$$$$
Super-Automatic
Yes
19 x 16 x 16
34 lbs.
Best Value (Semi-Auto)
$$
Semi-Automatic
No
14 x 8 x 10
20 lbs.
Best Value (Full-Auto)
$$
Super-Automatic
No (Uses Capsules)
13 x 8 x 11
13 lbs.
Best Budget Semi-Auto
$
Semi-Automatic
No
14 x 12 x 12
9 lbs.
Best Budget Full-Auto
$
Super-Automatic
No (Uses Capsules Only)
13 x 5 x 9
5 lbs.
Top Rated
$$$
Semi-Automatic
Yes
16 x 13 x 13
23 lbs.
Top Rated
$$$
Super-Automatic
Yes
18 x 13 x 17
29 lbs.
Good
$$
Super-Automatic
Yes
16 x 10 x 12
19 lbs.
Decent
$
Semi-Automatic
No
11 x 8 x 10
7 lbs.
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