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The best espresso machines of 2024
Whether you're a beginner barista or a coffee connoisseur, we've got the right machine for you.
If you're a coffee or latte lover, you might want to consider upgrading your coffee maker to an espresso machine so you can make your favorite coffee shop treats at home. With an espresso maker, you can make your favorite warm drink at home whenever the urge strikes. However, these machines can be a bit intimidating at first for any coffee drinker; there's a little learning curve here. And there are so many extras to consider, like frothing or steaming milk to add to your drinks, adding flavors to your beverages and more.
Barista Express Espresso Machine
Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
Classic Pro Espresso Machine
Silvia Espresso Machine
Getting an at-home espresso machine might take up some extra counter space, but it's worth it if you know what you're looking for. We tested our favorite espresso machines that run the gamut from high-quality affordable options to high-end price points. We also thought through all the factors to consider to help you find what's best for you. Our list includes a survey of semiautomatic, super-automatic and automatic espresso machines for both beginners and experts alike so you can find the one that's right for you. Here are our top picks for the best at-home espresso machines.
Weight: 23 lbs | Counter space: 13.8"D x 12.5"W x 15.9"H | Brew capacity: 2 L | Type: Automatic
For those who want an all-in-one machine, the Breville Barista Express is for you. It has a water tank and a built-in grinder! You can grind coffee directly into the portafilter for maximum freshness and in perfectly measured doses.
This machine is so good, even the pros love it! "After working as a barista for four years, the thought of leaving the cafe to go to grad school was upsetting. As an early birthday gift slash cafe departing gift, my mom purchased this machine for me. It does everything I need it to in order to prepare any coffee shop drink! Perfect single or double espresso (even coming with dual wall filters to give decent espresso from preground coffee), steam wand with acceptable pressure and good heat for texturing milk (latte art is a must for me and this machine allows me to achieve it 7/10 times).... I really love this machine."
Weight: 9.6 lbs | Counter space: 8.07"D x 13.5"W x 11.22"H | Brew capacity: 1.2 L | Type: Manual
The De'Longhi Stilosa is a manual espresso machine that won't hog space in your kitchen, and it's affordable as well. It has a water tank, drip tray, manual milk frother and the stainless steel boiler is robust and durable.
Another barista weighs in: "It's a fantastic little machine that produces great tasting espresso, awesome steamed milk, and saves you a ton of money and time. Get it! Super easy to use! Not like the industrial ones I used to use when I worked at Starbucks but still super easy and makes great tasting espresso."
Weight: 18 lbs 7 oz | Counter space: 8"D x 9.5"W x 14.2"H | Brew capacity: 2.1 L | Type: Semi-automatic
The Gaggia is for espresso enthusiasts who want to take their love for coffee to the next level. You can tinker with it to your heart's content to get the coffee just how you like it. This is a pro-level machine for the home.
"If you are serious but not obsessed with your espresso, this is absolutely the machine for you!" said one five-star review. "Over the years I’ve spent more than this machine’s cost, all while looking for that perfect 'prosumer' espresso machine. Do I wish I would had just bitten the bullet all along? U betcha! The Gaggia classic lives up to its hype and more! I have to warn you tho... once you dial it in and learn how to brew a more than decent espresso shot, visiting Starbucks will become a thing of the past!"
Weight: 30.8 lbs | Counter space: 9.2"D x 11.4"W x 13.3"H | Brew capacity: 0.3 L | Type: Semi-automatic
Want to take your espresso to the next level? Then consider the Rancilio Silvia, a machine designed for those who think of espresso as a hobby and a passion. It's commercial-grade, but it's compact enough for a home kitchen.
One former barista vouches for it: "This machine is fantastic and easy to use. Quality of coffee is top-notch with a little practice — you could do worse with a cheaper machine, or you could pay more for something more automatic, but you won't get better espresso.... When I'm super lazy, I make a generous double shot (Americano-esque) and pour it into microwaved milk, and it's a killer cafe au lait in ~3 minutes — including the time to warm up the machine.... this machine works beautifully."
Factors to consider when choosing an espresso machine
Weight: Some espresso machines are made for commercial use, which can make them super heavy. You don't want to put something holding too much weight on top of a counter that can't handle it, and you don't want to get hurt trying to lift a heavy machine.
Counter space: The dimensions of your espresso machine matter—make sure it can fit on your counter or under your overhead cabinets before making a big purchase.
Brew capacity: Each machine can brew a different maximum espresso, so take how much you want your machine to make into account. This depends on how much espresso you drink.
Type: There are a few types of espresso machines, which include manual, semiautomatic, automatic and super-automatic. A manual espresso machine requires you to grind your own beans and use a lever to determine your pour. Semiautomatic machines require you to grind your own beans and use a button or dial to determine your pour. Automatic machines require you to grind your own beans and use a button to determine how much espresso you're pouring. But super-automatic machines can grind the beans for you and use their own control to determine how much espresso you're pouring. It all depends on the experience you want from your machine.
Espresso machine FAQs
Can you use regular coffee in an espresso machine?
Any and all coffee can be used in an espresso machine. However, your coffee might taste different than you're used to if you previously used a coffee machine. You'll have a learning curve with any new maker, and some aren't as user-friendly as others. Pre-ground coffee could come out watery when used in an espresso machine, which is something to be on the lookout for as a new user. Use a coffee grinder for any coffee beans you may already have, to make them a consistency that works for your machine.
How do you clean or descale an espresso machine?
There are different solutions and specialized brushes you can use for cleaning, but each machine is different. Scrub the basket and filter to make sure those are clean so your espresso doesn't have a weird taste. Rinse any removable items with warm water, too. To descale an espresso machine, dissolve a descaling solution in water and let it sit—run the machine, let it steam, turn it off and let it sit again. You can also use vinegar to try to descale.
Which coffee drinks can I make with an espresso machine?
You can make a variety of different coffee drinks with an espresso machine, like macchiatos, cappuccinos, mochas, lattes, flat whites and more, in addition to brewing espresso. You can also include a bunch of add-ons for your drinks—like milk foam and flavors—to make it feel like you just got your drink from your favorite coffee house.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
