As a former barista, I’m a little bit obsessed with the finding the best espresso machines on the market. I started out using luxury, commercial machines, but in the past five years good espresso machines have become more accessible, reliable, user-friendly, and much more beautiful.
These hands-on machines vary significantly. You can spend thousands on huge, sparkling appliances with dials, gauges, gadgets, grinders, and other smart functions. However, there are some excellent compact, sleek, and small machines, perfect for every home.
I’ve taken all of these to our dedicated test kitchen and some have even come back to my home for a longer trial. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the beautiful. You might recognise some of them from our buying guide for the best coffee makers on the market — it’s no coincidence. Without further ado, here are the best espresso machines on offer.
Quick List
Best overall
1. De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro
The best overall
De’Longhi means business with this machine. The shiny steel and impressive dials promise incredible coffee and La Specialista Maestro more than delivers. Although, it comes with a big price tag.
Read more below
Best luxury
2. Breville The Barista Pro Machine
The best luxury
Breville didn’t skimp on anything with this shiny machine. Available in a range of colors, it looks beautiful on the countertop. As for the coffees it makes, they’re faultless. Look no further for luxury.
Read more below
Best for beginners
3. KitchenAid Artisan Machine
The best for beginners
Some espresso machines can be overwhelming, but this model simplifies everything. It comes in a range of colors and can make a killer coffee too. You’ll need to buy a grinder separately though.
Read more below
Best for small spaces
4. Breville Bambino Plus
The best for small spaces
This compact coffee machine comes without compromise. It’s easy to use, makes delicious coffees, and won’t wipe out your wallet. It doesn’t come with a grinder though, so you’ll need one.
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Best technical
5. La Pavoni Professional
The best technical machine
This is one of the most beautiful coffee machines on the market, but it’s also incredibly technical and quite expensive. It’s perfect for geeks who want to devote days to coffee making.
Read more below
Best portable machine
6. Wacaco Picopresso
The best portable
Even though this is no bigger than a can of cola, it can pack a coffee punch. It comes in a luxury case with a satin finish, so it feels really premium. I think the flavors it extracts rivals bigger machines.
Read more below
Best for style
7. Smeg ECF01/2 Machine
The best for style
Smeg’s signature retro style shines through in this espresso machine. It’s not the most technical, nor is it the most practical, but it makes a true style statement.
Read more below
Best value
8. Casabrews 5700 Pro
The best value machine
You’ll have seen the Casabrews all over TikTok. This comes with generous quantities of accessories and generally performs well. Although, it’s not as slick as more premium machines.
Read more below
Best manual machine
9. Flair NEO Flex Manual
The best manual machine
The Flair NEO is the bare-bones of a manual espresso machine. It’s great for travelling or a more hands-on approach to coffee, but isn’t quick or easy to use if you’re a beginner.
Read more below
Best espresso machines 2023
Best espresso machine overall
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Buy it if
✅ You want a ‘wow’ machine: this is eye-catching
✅ You need some help: this auto grinds, tamps, brews, and steams
✅ You drink cold brew: this has a setting for cold brew
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: this doesn’t score high on affordability
❌ You have slim countertops: this is a large and heavy
❌ You only drink one coffee type: La Specialista’s coffee range will be overkil
The bottom line
🔎 De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro: the people who will really get the most for their money out of La Specialista Maestro drink a range of coffee and notice the nuances in every sip. If you want simplicity (and a budget machine) this is too much.
De’Longhi’s La Specialista Maestro gets people talking, even if they don’t like coffee. Sat on my kitchen countertop, it’s almost always the first thing people mention when they walk into the room and I’m pretty proud of it. The machine looks the part, with dials, gauges, and a shiny stainless steel finish.
On test, La Specialista more than delivers for flavors and usability. The machine can automate most functions: grinding, tamping, infusing, brewing, and steaming. Even a beginner could make a barista-quality coffee without breaking a sweat. There’s a neat dial that lets you choose from a range of delicious coffee, including iced, and cold brew options. I’ve tested a lot of espresso machines and have never seen a good cold brew function; this is a first.
The coffees it makes are consistently flavorful, well-balanced, and nuanced. Even when frothing plant-based milks, the sensitive steam wand can create a velvet texture, rather than burns and bubbles which taste horrible in the mouth.
If that sounds like a dream come true, it’s because this machine is one. However, one look at the price tag might wake you up. When not on sale La Specialista Maestro costs over $1,000. There are plenty of good models at just over half that price, so if money really matters, keep scrolling. It’s also worth noting that this is quite a dominating machine: be ready to have it on display all the time.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Perfect flavors across the range | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Can make cold brew and iced coffee | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | Plenty of guidance and automation | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Almost double the price of most others | ★★★ |
Best espresso machine for luxury
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Buy it if
✅ You want a professional espresso machine: this can get very technical
✅ You have a sensitive palette: the precision controls are next level
✅ You like luxury: this is a truly premium machine
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: this isn’t cheap
❌ You’re a beginner: this might be overwhelming
❌ You have slim countertops: this demands a lot of space
The bottom line
🔎 Breville The Barista Pro: everything you need to know is in the name. Breville’s espresso machine turns your kitchen into a cafe; it’s technical, precise, and ultra-impressive. If that sounds overwhelming, there are cheaper, easier models available.
If you’re ready to indulge your inner barista with some luxury and quality, Breville’s The Barista Pro has been waiting for you. The shiny, stainless steel model is simply perfect. It even comes in a range of stunning finishes. Truffle black anyone?
Getting set-up with The Barista Pro doesn’t take long. I had unboxed it, rinsed it, and brewed a delicious coffee in under five minutes without having to read novel-like instruction manuals beforehand. The grinder has an impressive 30 settings, so you can dial-in to whichever bean variety you’ve chosen to brew.
Thanks to Breville’s smart system, the machine warms up much quicker than other, boiler espresso machines. Even better it has a pre-infuse setting which mimic ‘blooming’ coffee grounds, meaning everything I made, from espresso to cappuccino was a little sweeter and more mellow than the average coffee.
The steam wand has a flexible 360 rotation socket, which is perfect if you’re confident frothing your own milk. If not, it will take a little practice before you can get into your latte art, but be patient. It’s worth it.
This nearly knocked De’Longhi’s La Specialista Maestro off top spot in our buying guide, but it’s not as automated or versatile. The Barista Pro won’t help you out with coffee-pre sets, auto-tamping, or auto-grinding, so the whole process is a little less precise and a lot more messy. Texturing your own milk, as I’ve mentioned, takes work too. These aren’t issues for competent coffee makers, but it’s enough to put plenty of beginners off.
There’s more detail in my Breville Barista Pro review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Pre-infuse setting is brilliant | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Covers all speciality coffee options | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Good for experts, but no automation | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive, but good quality | ★★★★ |
Best espresso machine for beginners
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Buy it if
✅ You’re a beginner: this is simple and easy to use
✅ You want color options: this is available in a range of finishes
✅ You’re short on space: this is ultra-slim
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t own a grinder: you’ll have to buy one
❌ You want customization: this only has a few controls
❌ You can’t froth milk: this doesn’t have presets
The bottom line
🔎 KitchenAid Espresso Machine: In true KitchenAid style, this beautiful, durable machine is highly-desirable. Although, it’s designed for beginners, so might be a little basic for some.
KitchenAid has carried a reputation for their iconic stand mixers into the coffee industry and they are very welcome here. Their espresso machine, available in a range of classic, tasteful colors, is slim and stylish, perfect for any kitchen. It sits subtly on the countertops and quietly works on delivering perfect coffee every time. It’s a true success.
If you’ve never owned an espresso machine before, they can look a little daunting. That’s where KitchenAid’s model becomes a must-have. The simple buttons make it hard to trip yourself up. I made consistently delicious espressos in here and the steam wand is more than capable of frothing dairy and plant-based milks.
If you’ve never used a steam wand before, it’s worth practicing, because this is one of the few aspects of the KitchenAid which isn’t fully automated. You’ll still be able to warm milk easily, but to get truly silky latte milk, you might need a bit of practice. It’s also worth noting that this doesn’t come with an integrated grinder. KitchenAid sells a co-ordinating model separately and I can attest to its excellence. However, adding this into the cost of the KitchenAid makes it seem like less of an incredible deal.
There’s more detail in my KitchenAid Espresso Machine review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Consistently delicious | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Compatible with grounds and pods | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | Easy for everyone to use | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Excellent value, but grinder sold separately | ★★★★ |
Best espresso machine for small spaces
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Buy it if
✅ You’re short on space: this is ultra-slim
✅ You’re a coffee amateur: this will give you enough to work with
✅ You’re on a budget: this exceptional value
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t own a grinder: you’ll have to buy one separately
❌ You need capacity: this can only make one coffee at a time
❌ You aren’t a keen cleaner: this is a little high maintenance
The bottom line
🔎 Breville Bambino Plus: don’t underestimate this slim and petite machine. It’s incredibly popular for the sensitive brewing features and reasonable price tag. However, it doesn’t come with a grinder.
Breville’s Bambino Plus is the coffee community’s worst kept secret. It’s the machine which most baristas will have at home for a multitude of reasons, but the main three are: it’s excellent value, well-built, and has sensitive brewing controls.
Keen coffee drinkers who are limited with countertop space will be grateful for the svelte and slim design of the Bambino Plus. It looks the part of a true espresso machine, with a control panel, steam wand, and all the signature features. The Bambino comes in three, simple finishes, which would blend well into any coffee bar — just don’t expect the same range of colors as the KitchenAid, for example.
When it comes to brewing coffee, the Bambino Plus is quietly competant. Breville has integrated the technology of their more expensive machines, so that the Bambino Plus can pre-infuse shots, taking any unwanted acidity out of your morning Americano.
The steam wand is semi-automatic, which is useful if you’re not confident using an espresso machine on your own. I tested it on dairy and plant-based milks and the Bambino Plus didn’t discriminate, the results with both were smooth and silky.
Most people will hold-off investing $500 in the Bambino Plus because it doesn’t come with a coffee grinder. Breville happens to make an excellent model, but it’s a cost which you’ll need to factor into considerations for which espresso machine you buy. The fact that you can’t steam and brew at the same time might also slow you down if you have a lot of coffees to make in the morning.
There’s more detail in my Breville Bambino Plus review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Consistently excellent | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Good with fresh coffee, but not pod compatible | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Intuitive and easy to use | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Great value, but no integrated grinder | ★★★★★ |
Best technical espresso machine
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Buy it if
✅ You’re a coffee geek: this is ultra-technical
✅ You like to take time over coffee: this is slow and involved
✅ You want something a little different: this is a true talking point
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re not a professional: this is complex
❌ You’re on a budget: this is very expensive
❌ You don’t have an espresso grinder: you’ll have to buy a special one
The bottom line
La Pavoni Professional: any coffee geek will go weak at the sight of La Pavoni. The industrial-chic stainless steel design is a marvel which you will need to dedicate some serious time to testing.
If you’re after authenticity, luxury, and quality, La Pavoni has a shiny, stainless steel marvel waiting for you. The machine is eye-catching. There’s no avoiding it, but all the levers and dials can make it a little scary too — it depends who you are.
If you’re a confident coffee maker, looking to dive deep into the details of coffee making, this will be an exciting challenge. La Pavoni is a manual machine, which makes delicious coffee. Once you’ve mastered the pressure and steam gauges, you can pull a beautiful (and very satisfying) espresso shot. La Pavoni’s Professional model also comes with a steam wand, so you can texture milk by hand too. It’s an experience you’ll either love or resent, depending on how you feel about taking time over coffee.
If you’re not a confident coffee maker, that probably sounded a bit scary. La Pavoni is a lot to handle and there are much simpler manual espresso machines on the market that you could try first. In fact, I recommend the NEO Flex further down because it’s a fraction of La Pavoni’s price. However, it’s not nearly as stunning as the La Pavoni.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Exceptionally good | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Limited function | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Very inveolved | ★★ |
| Value | Expensive and you’ll need a special grinder | ★★ |
Best portable espresso machine
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Buy it if
✅ You travel a lot: this is portable
✅ You need a silent machine: this is motorless and whisper silent
✅ You only like espressos: this pulls a delicious shot
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You like milky coffee: this only makes espresso
❌ You aren’t a keen cleaner: there are lots of parts to cover
❌ You want an automatic machine: this is manual
The bottom line
🔎 Wacaco Picopresso: contained in a barrel no bigger than a can of soda, is the capability to make incredible espressos. It can’t do much else though.
Those who are always on-the-go probably already have a Wacaco Picopresso sized-hole in their lives. This espresso machine is no bigger than a can of soda, but can really pack some coffee power. It makes a shot which can rival the machines at the top of this buying guide, but requires a fraction of the space and money too.
One of the best parts about the Picopresso is the packaging. Every part of the Picopresso has an ultra-premium feel, from the stain-finish case to the smooth, matte exterior. Every aspect of the product is a true delight. If you have a coffee friend, this will make the perfect present for them. If that goes down well, there are also some lovely accessories, such as the Picopresso stand which can help you to complete your portable coffee collection.
The Picopresso is quick to use. I went from unboxing to espresso in less than five minutes, but the process is more involved; you need to pump a piston to create the equivalent of 15 bars of pressure. This doesn’t take long, but those with mobility wishes might not like this idea.
The coffee results, as I have mentioned, are exceptional. The Picopresso made an espresso with a thick, hazelnutty crema. My coffee was well-balanced and delicate. However, when you start looking for more than an espresso or Americano, the Picopresso cannot deliver. It can’t warm, steam, or produce hot water.
There’s more detail in my Wacaco Picopresso review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Makes a flawless espresso | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Only makes espresso | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Very easy to use | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive, but feels premium | ★★★★★ |
Best espresso machine for style
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Buy it if
✅ You put style first: this is beautiful
✅ You have slim countertops: this is very compact
✅ You drink mostly espressos: that’s Smeg’s speciality
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have tall coffee cups: the brew head is low
❌ You can’t steam milk: the steam wand is tricky
❌ You want lots of control: this is pretty basic
The bottom line
🔎 Smeg Espresso Machine: available in seven different colors, Smeg’s espresso machine flaunts their signature style. It can pull a good shot, but is imperfect in some practicalities.
It should come as no surprise that Smeg makes the most stylish espresso machine on the market. The colors, chrome, and curves are irresistible. Even if you have a relatively compact kitchen, the slim design will slot neatly into place, not disturbing your clear aesthetics at all.
The Smeg was easy to set-up and most of the controls are automated, so it’s a matter of pressing some simple buttons to get an espresso made. Flavor-wise, the Smeg is hard to fault. My espresso was chocolatey, smooth, and delicate. Even when I tested out the pod portafilter, which is compatible with ESE pods, the notes were well-extracted. If you’re an espresso drinker, you’re in for a treat.
The steam wand is very usable and can froth both dairy and plant-based milks well. However, it’s really short. If you have a deep milk jug, you’ll need to overfill it so that the steam wand can reach your milk. Dimensions also became an issue with the brew head. Travel cups and tall mugs simply don’t fit under the brew head, which is frustrating and can create extra washing up if you’re always having to use espresso cups.
It’s also worth noting that the machine doesn’t have an integrated grinder. Luckily, Smeg makes a grinder, which I think is one of the best on the market. The grinder and espresso machine next to each other look fantastic and they’re both pretty compact, but it’s an extra expense you’ll need to consider.
There’s more detail in my Smeg Espresso Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Makes a good espresso | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Compatibe with grounds and pods | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Low brew head and short steam wand | ★★★ |
| Value | Expensive with grinder | ★★★ |
Best value espresso machine
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Buy it if
✅ You’re on a budget: this is great value
✅ You want the barista aesthetics: this has a classic design
✅ You don’t have any coffee accessories: this comes with all the extras
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re impatient: can be inconsistent
❌ You want luxury: some aspects are cheap
❌ You’ve never used an espresso machine: you need confidence when this messes up
The bottom line
🔎 Casabrews 5700 Pro: this took over TikTok as the best espresso machine on the market. It is great value, but feels a little cheap in some aspects.
You’ve probably seen the Casabrews 5700 Pro all over your TikTok. Everybody loves it for the value, quality, and classic espresso machine aesthetics. Before I had tested it, I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical. The price doesn’t seem to match-up to the claims Casabrews makes. However, after testing, I can confirm that this is worth the hype.
For the money, Casabrews delivers a great experience. The machine looks like a proper barista machine; it sounds like one (maybe a little too much, because it’s very loud); and it comes with a ton of extras, including a spare burr, a tamper, tamping mat, stainless steel jug, and so much more. Unboxing the Casabrews felt like my birthday on repeat.
Whilst the Casabrews can pull a flavorful espresso shot, steam milk, and function like any other espresso machine, it’s easy to tell that this is cheaper than the Breville Barista Pro, for example. When I pulled shots with the Casabrews, it could take ten seconds or maybe forty, the time varied enormously — and so did my shots. A confident barista could take hold of this machine and make the perfect coffee anyway, but if you’re a complete beginner, you might not know how to adjust the way you grind and tamp to suit the — slightly unpredictable — machine.
If you really want the espresso machine look, but not for an espresso machine price, I’d recommend doing your research into the Casabrews before you buy it. You can make the most out of it, but it’ll just need more work.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Mostly good | ★★★★ |
| Versatility | Can make a good range of coffee | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Normally easy, but inconsistent | ★★★ |
| Value | Exceptional value with accessories | ★★★★ |
Best manual espresso machine
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Buy it if
✅ You want something different: this is an involved process
✅ You travel a lot: this is light and slim
✅ You’re on a budget: this is really cheap
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want speedy coffee: this takes time to assemble
❌ You want a premium machine: the flexible plastic feels cheap
❌ You drink more than espressos: this can’t texture milk
The bottom line
🔎 Flair NEO Flex: if you wanted to try manual coffee making, there’s no better place to start. This is portable, inexpensive, and yet still a market-leader. It’s a slower and more involved process though.
I wouldn’t advise manual espresso machines to everyone: they’re a technical, hands-on way of making your morning coffee. However, if you’re determined to test these models out for yourself, there’s no better place to start than with the Flair NEO Flex.
Flair are market-leaders for manual machines, but that’s not reflected in the price. You could pick up one of these for around $30, making it the cheapest in this buying guide by a long way. Without the need for a motor or electrics, the NEO Flex is completely portable (although quite big), ultra quiet, and has a very distinctive, looping silhouette. I’d be tempted not to leave this on show, because it’s quite fragile, but you could. I’m sure people would comment on it.
My instinct when I unboxed it was that the NEO Flex felt cheap. However, the plastic frame gives the flexion needed for the device to pull espresso shots and work with pressure.
Using the NEO Flex takes a bit of adjusting. You need a special superfine espresso blend (which you can buy from speciality coffee shops) and some muscle to help create pressure in the chamber. Once you’re used to this, it’s really satisfying to make your own shots. However, if you need more boiling water or frothed milk, you’ll need another appliance to help you out. Thankfully, you save a lot with the NEO Flex, so you can afford to splurge a little on other appliances.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Makes a delicious espresso | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | Can only pull shots | ★★★ |
| Usability | Easy to use once you’re familiar with iy | ★★★★ |
| Value | Inexpensive model | ★★★★★ |
How to choose the best espresso machine
Choosing the right espresso machine for your home is easy when you know what you’re looking for. There are some key considerations you’ll want to make before jumping into a purchase:
Size
Think about the space you’re willing to set aside in your kitchen. If you’re short on space opt for slimmer models or ones which are easy to pack away. You’ll need to think about design and color, so that it matches your kitchen décor too.
Noise
If you choose a manual espresso machine, it will make a lot less noise than automated ones, especially those with grinders. Generally, these can be noisy machines, but the noise doesn’t last long.
Grinder
Not every machine has a grinder integrated, which might suit you if you already own one. If you don’t, it’s worth factoring-in the cost of a grinder when you’re looking at these machines.
Extra features
There’s a lot on offer with different espresso machines, some you might want, others you might not. For example, De’Longhi’s La Specialista Maestro can automatically froth milk, but Breville’s The Barista Pro doesn’t. Others might pre-infuse your coffee too.
How we test
How we test the best espresso machines
(Image credit: Future)
At Living Etc, we want to give you practical, useful information. That’s why all our buying guides are based on in-person tests which our expert testers have undertaken. Every espresso machine in this guide has been to our test kitchen. There, we make notes on everything: coffee flavors, cleaning up, ease of use, and even the unboxing.
I’m a former barista and I tested all of these myself. I have high standards for what good coffee is and these all met the mark. If you’d like to know more about how we test, you can visit our dedicated page.