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Tired of buying overpriced lattes? You need an espresso machine that can pull luscious, cafe-worthy shots at home. Our in-house baristas bought 11 of the best espresso machines and pulled hundreds of shots, steamed gallons of milk, crafted countless cappuccinos, and cleaned and dialed in dozens of machines.
Our team of professional baristas, food science experts, and a panel of taste testers agreed the Breville Barista Express
is the best for most people. It has the best combination of espresso taste, milk steaming, and ease of use. If you are on a tighter budget or just want to use less counter space, get the Breville Bambino.
Also, see our picks for the best french presses and the best pour over coffee maker. And, if you end up purchasing an espresso machine that doesn't come with a grinder, we've also tested some of the top coffee grinders on the market and selected our favorites.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 9th, 2024, to include an additional award winner, the Casabrews.
The Breville Barista Express is, without a doubt, our favorite espresso machine. Our in-house baristas agree that it offers everything you need to create quality espresso shots, cappuccinos, and other delicious espresso drinks. It grinds, pulls, steams, and offers a ton of creative freedom for those interested in experimenting with different roasts and brewing options. The Barista Express produces rich and fairly consistent espresso that our testers describe as having “sweet undertones and rich, beautiful crema.” We also think it boasts the best steam wand of all the machines in our lineup. It produced the finest, most elegant microfoam during our tests. Even better, a slew of preset functions make it a friendly option for beginners.
One of the most impressive features is the machine's ability to maintain pressure and heat — even while producing back-to-back brews. Having reliable pressure makes this unit a perfect choice for entertaining friends or family vying for their morning caffeine fix. Consistent pressure is crucial for pulling delicious shots and creating silky microfoam each and every time. We thoroughly enjoyed the shots the Barista Express produced through its 54mm portafilter — the extraction yield landed at 19.4%, which is right in the sweet spot. But, if you're solely focused on espresso, the La Pavoni and Rancilio Silvia produced some of the best shots that were “smooth and balanced” with the appropriate viscosity, though both come with trade-offs to consider. Namely, these may both lack convenience features that would make them easier to use for beginners.
In general, we believe the Barista Express is more suited for users with some latte-making experience, but even if you are a brand new home barista, it could be worth the learning curve. It's user-friendly enough to accommodate newcomers who have the time, desire, and patience to master its nuances. The interface is the most intuitive among the machines we tested. One of our testers predicts that “brand new users will feel confident after making a few lattes on the machine.”
This semi-automatic machine has an inherent learning curve thanks to its complexity and many custom options. Its grinder is a little slow, but it does offer 16 different settings. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, we found that this unit requires a little more pampering compared to some other machines like the Flair Classic, which doesn't require any descaling. The Barista Express needs to be descaled and the water filter needs to be replaced every couple of months with regular use. There are also a lot of parts on this machine to clean. There's also the obvious elephant in the room which is the price tag. However, if you're willing to invest a little extra cash, you won't be disappointed. At a lifetime cost of $0.83 per shot, it's actually significantly less expensive than heading to your local cafe.
The Breville Bambino does exactly what an espresso machine should: It pulls a thick and rich shot. While it doesn't necessarily compare to the most tricked-out models in our testing, we were still impressed with the quality of the espresso produced by this machine with its 54mm portafilter — perfect for making decadent and fragrant espresso shots. And in this price range, you will be hard-pressed to find something that comes closer to making a cafe-quality cappuccino. Our expert baristas ranked it as one of the easiest machines to use, and it has a small space-saving design (6.3" x 13.7" x 12") that is good for those short on counter space. Although it might not be the best espresso we've had in our lab, it certainly is the best you will get for this price. Tester Michelle Powell says, “Even picky coffee drinkers are going to be more than satisfied with this little workhorse.”
Espresso aside, one of our favorite features of the Bambino is the steam wand. In our testing, it scored nearly as well as the Breville Barista Express for its microfoam texture. We appreciated that the wand is fully manual and allows for more experimentation with angles and techniques needed to get a perfectly smooth microfoam. It has a powerful and consistent stream that produces beautiful results again and again, and one of our testers remarked that “As long as you're willing to go through the effort of manual milk steaming, this machine can get you cafe-quality results.”
This model is more affordable than most espresso machines on the market, with a $0.67 lifetime cost per shot, and it lacks some accessories that are included in higher-end machines (namely, a good grinder). However, it produces espresso that is quite a few steps up from other budget options we tested and impressed us. The Bambino is great for users who already have some of their coffee supplies lined up and want to round out their coffee-making arsenal. If you appreciate good coffee but like to switch up your daily brew between espresso, pour-over, and French press methods, the Breville Bambino could be a good supplementary machine that saves space and a few bucks compared to other models.
While the Bambino is genuinely an excellent machine for the price, we think that those who value convenience above all else will wish it came with a grinder. Purchasing a separate bean grinder means spending more and using more counter space. And depending on the grinder you purchase, it could almost negate the savings of the affordable Bambino. However, if you already have a grinder that you love at home, then a smaller and cheaper machine could be a plus for you. Lastly, we weren't huge fans of the included plastic tamp, but this is easy to replace with a heavier-weight metal one if it bothers you. If price is your number one consideration, and the Bambino still feels out of budget, the Casabrews CM5418 is one of the most affordable options we tested, and it still makes good-quality shots. But if you want a great home espresso without spending multiple hundreds of dollars on your machine, the Breville Bambino is our top recommendation.
A capable machine at a bargain of a price, the Casabrews CM5418 impressed us with its espresso shot quality and ease of use. It's not a chart-topper, but relative to the more advanced, premium-priced espresso machines we tested, it held its own. This machine regularly pulled good-tasting shots topped with delicate crema through its 51mm portafilter. In fact, we recorded a virtually perfect 20.7% espresso extraction yield during our testing. The steam wand produced velvety microfoam when steaming milk, too. It's also quite compact, taking up very little counter space. Plus, it's one of the cheapest machines to purchase and use among those we tested, which means daily latte drinkers will quickly recoup the initial purchase price if they cut out the cafe runs.
The simplicity of operating and maintaining the Casabrews is where it really shines. Setup is a cinch — all you have to do is fill the water tank, give the machine a minute to heat up, and then run water through the steam wand for 10 seconds. Only the Flair Classic was quicker to set up, and that's because it has no electronic parts. The four buttons on the face are clearly labeled and intuitive, and there is a basic dial on the side that controls the steam wand pressure and hot water dispensing for Americanos or teas. Cleaning and descaling aren't that complicated either, and you only need to descale after 500 brew cycles.
Those seeking the best bang for the buck in an espresso machine will find the Casabrews a practical choice. Our in-house barista, Lesley, said that it is a “pretty low cost per shot and per drink,” at $0.60, which is based on our calculations of the lifetime cost of owning the machine. However, it's best for households that only need to make one or two drinks at a time since it needs time to cool down between making drinks. It also doesn't have the advanced features and material quality of more expensive machines, but it will fit nicely on a kitchen counter and make a tasty beverage.
That said, the lower quality of its components and construction are apparent when in use. For one, the espresso machine shakes rather vigorously when pulling an espresso shot. And the steamer works, but it is a bit finicky. The steam pressure is low no matter how you adjust it, which means it takes some time to properly foam up milk for a cappuccino. Also, the machine struggles to make multiple drinks one after another and needs time to cool down, or it can burn the coffee. For a machine that can better handle back-to-back drinks, consider spending a little more to upgrade your purchase to the Breville Bambino.
Delivering flawless espresso shots is what the Rancilio Silvia does best. Its brews were fan favorites of our hand-picked by our expert baristas, one of whom remarked, “If you tasted a shot from this machine and a shot from your favorite coffee shop side by side, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference.” The Silvia gives the user ultimate control over the entire infusion process. This results in heavenly espresso with a respectable 18.9% extraction yield, but it also requires a solid knowledge of the intricacies of pulling a shot, so you'll need skill to dial in this machine.
Next to its top-notch espresso, we absolutely loved this model's clean industrial look, old-school rocker switches, and rugged design. Plus, it has a large 76-ounce water tank and an ideally sized 58 mm portafilter that is commonly found on commercial-grade espresso machines. The Silvia's functions are straightforward, easy to understand, and allow for an endless amount of customization and experimentation, and “When used well…” our tester notes, “…the results are spectacular.”
We think experienced baristas will “get” this machine and be drawn to the ultimate freedom it gives them. It will also appeal to brew masters who are ultra-focused on espresso quality. However, the Silvia has a fair amount of oddities that may annoy and frustrate both serious and casual users. Our lead barista, Lesley Robinson, says, “The Silvia is perfect for those who don't mind looking past this machine's annoying quirks in order to keep their eye on the prize — the ability to produce amazing, cafe-quality espresso.”
This unit lacks a built-in grinder, so if you don't already own one, you'll be shelling out additional funds to outfit your home cafe. The Silvia is already expensive — it's on the higher end of the lifetime cost per shot spectrum at $0.90 — so this extra cost needs to be considered. Additionally, its steam wand is unforgiving of those who don't have a lot of experience steaming milk. Lastly, it lacks a pressure gauge, its drip tray is super shallow, and it requires a ton of experience to achieve the best brewing results. However, if you're skilled — or are willing to learn — you have VIP access to top-grade espresso. If the level of expertise this machine requires doesn't appeal to you, take a look at the Breville Bambino or its older sister, the Breville Barista Express. Both are semi-automatic machines that can produce great-quality espresso at the push of a button.
The Breville Bambino Plus is “The Little Engine That Could” of the espresso machine world. It's super compact and easy to use, and it produces espresso and microfoam equal to (or better than) the larger, more expensive machines in our review. Newbie baristas will love that it steams and foams milk at the push of a button, pulls shots just as easily through its 54 mm portafilter, and comfortably stores behind a cupboard door, giving it a space-saving edge over larger machines.
We like nearly everything about the Bambino Plus, but our most-loved feature is its automatic steam wand. You simply need to fill the milk pitcher, place it under the wand, and press a button. The machine does everything else. This feature is ideal for on-the-go early risers who want a fully adorned latte but who don't want the hassle of steaming their milk, which can often take a lot of practice for beginners.
We think this unit's push-button conveniences and automatic steam wand are perfect for beginners. “Simple, intuitive, and beginner-friendly are perfect adjectives for the Bambino Plus,” says in-house barista Lesley Robinson. Its smaller size (7.6" x 14" x 12") will also appeal to apartment dwellers, RVers, those living the van life, or anyone else who needs to maximize space.
As for negatives, the Bambino Plus doesn't include an integrated grinder, so you'll need to factor this into your budget — and your shelf space. It ships with a ton of cool accessories, but doesn't offer any built-in storage for them. Also, the drip tray is very small. The Bambino Plus's espresso tastes very good and produced a decent 18.4% extraction yield, but it's not great. However, as a whole, our review team agrees that this is an amazing machine and is a “perfect companion that can produce good-tasting shots and decent steamed milk and foams, all for a reasonable price,” especially for those who prefer a compact model. Regarding value, it's generally mid-tier with a $0.75 lifetime cost per shot. If you'd rather pull your own shots with a manual-style lever, you may be drawn to the La Pavoni. This pricey unit appeals to coffee lovers who want to showcase appliances that add flare to their kitchen. However, the La Pavoni is more than show. It produced some of the best shots of all the models in our lineup. If you want a manual model for a fraction of the price, the original Breville Bambino is just the ticket.
If you love the art of making espresso as much as you love the brew itself, the Flair Classic is a worthy machine. Although extremely basic, this fully manual, single-shot machine actually gives you infinite control of every step of the infusion process (heat, pressure, and time). This allows for a broad range of experimentation and customization, and in essence, better espresso. Testers loved the “mild flavor, sweetness and beautiful crema” curated by the Flair. The unit itself is super portable and packs away in its own carrying case, making it our top choice for travel.
Awe-inspiring espresso production and a super easy clean-up routine are what we like most about the Flair Classic. Although it lacks the conveniences of electric espresso machines, the old-school press brewer excels at pulling beautiful shots despite its small 40 mm portafilter. And, generally, a simple rinse under the sink is all that is required when it comes to kitchen duty. One of ur favorite features is that it doesn't need to be cleaned with soaps, detergents, or chemicals. So, if keeping your cleanup routine is as important to you as great-tasting espresso, you won't be disappointed by the Flair.
The Flair Classic will appeal to adventurists who are looking for an espresso machine to take car camping, throw in a carry-on bag, or store in an RV or travel van. It will also be a top pick for traditionalists who enjoy making espresso in the old-fashioned way. And, over the long haul, it's among the least expensive machines we tested at a lifetime cost of $0.61 per shot. Simply put, our expert baristas say, “If you enjoy espresso, this machine will hit the spot.” Alternatively, if you like the idea of pulling your own shots but want a machine that also includes a steam wand, you'll love the La Pavoni.
That said, the Flair Classic is far from perfect. It doesn't grind, heat, or steam. It doesn't have its own water tank, requires some muscle, and involves a fair amount of assembly each time you set it up. Lastly, it doesn't easily produce back-to-back shots. However, those who want a travel buddy or who are drawn to the true craft of espresso-making will easily forgive these setbacks. Pulling shots by the lever is a traditional experience that gives you a little more control over your espresso quality. Tester Lesley Robinson says that “with a little time and effort, you can dial in a near-perfect shot.” If you'd rather push a button, the Breville Barista Express is a great option — it's widely mentioned throughout this entire review for good reason.
The portable Flair Classic is simple yet elegant in its operation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
We tested each espresso machine side by side for direct comparison.
Credit: Lesley Robinson
How We Test Espresso Machines
We assembled a stellar team of coffee-obsessed expert baristas and espresso lovers for this review. Our mission was to extensively examine our espresso machines — individually, and side by side — to determine their finest features, best applications, and the quality of the crema they create. To do this, we enlisted the help of professional baristas and appliance experts. We also recruited a diverse panel of coffee lovers to serve as very-willing guinea pigs during several rounds of taste testing. Since 2017, we have pulled hundreds of shots, steamed gallons of milk, and whipped up countless cappuccinos and lattes — and, of course, we excitedly tasted our creations. We even used a refractometer to determine each shot's extraction yield. Then, we scrutinized the user-friendliness of each machine, including maintenance and cleaning. Our end goal was to determine which was best, and ultimately help you purchase the right espresso machine for you.
Our espresso machine testing was divided across five rating metrics:
Espresso Quality (40% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Ease of Cleaning (15% weighting)
Milk Steaming (15% weighting)
Machine Customization (10% weighting)
The extraction yield of each shot was measured with a refractometer. Our tastebuds also weighed in.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Having made tens of thousands of lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, Michelle Powell, dubbed as GearLab's “Queen of Coffee,” is the cornerstone of our espresso machine testing and evaluation. She's tested hundreds of kitchen appliances for us. Michelle dove into the world of analytical research while earning her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz. Over the years since, she has racked up more than a decade's worth of work experience in the specialty coffee industry, including training with such hallmark establishments as Blue Bottle and Four Barrel, and even competing multiple times in the Southwest Regional Barista Competition.
Our in-house researcher, Lesley Robinson, holds a Food Science Degree from California Polytechnic State University. She brings a wealth of knowledge of all-things-food-and-appliances to our team and has personally tested hundreds of kitchen gadgets. Lesley spent the last decade of her career in the food and supplement industry, working with a diverse range of products. She also has extensive experience in quality assurance and food safety. Her commitment to quality gives her a unique perspective when it comes to testing the latest kitchen tech products. Plus, her experienced and discerning palate understands what quality espresso should taste like.
Having served many thousands of coffee and espresso drinks as a professional barista, cafe manager, and deli manager, Arthur McMahon has a wealth of experience with commercial and at-home kitchen appliances. During his years working at and managing coffee shops, Arthur has assisted in opening several new cafes and became a certified Coffee Master. His enthusiasm for all things coffee has even led him to tours of remote coffee farms and roasteries. Arthur has tested and reviewed hundreds of products as a freelance writer and editor and joined GearLab in 2024 to continue that journey.
Reviewer Jason Wanlass joined GearLab as a freelance writer and gear reviewer more than seven years ago. An avid adventurist and former journalist, he has tested hundreds of products and written countless reviews for our team. He has a passion for cooking and all things in the kitchen. His extensive work with GearLab gives Jason an eye for detail and the ability to find the little things that make a product great.
Brewing beautiful espresso with rich, golden crema.
Steaming perfect microfoam.
The refractometer we used in our testing.
We evaluated each machine on its ability to perform against five metrics. We studied several angles, including each unit's ability to effectively complete each step of the cappuccino process.
Analysis and Test Results
Making quality espresso in your home is more accessible than ever before. Generally, we divide our espresso machines into two categories: those that value convenience over taste and those that value taste over all else. The best machines excel at both. In this section, we highlight the top performers in each metric, including units that might not have received an award but still excel in one particular area.
What's the Best Value?
Good espresso doesn't come cheap, so determining value can be tricky. Our testing model emphasizes espresso quality, so we placed more value on machines that produced the best-tasting shots. Although we did find a few inexpensive machines, most in-home espresso machines have a hefty price tag. However, in determining value, it's important to consider that these machines can produce a shot of espresso for much less than you'd pay for at a cafe. When you do the math, even the most expensive units can recoup their cost within the first year or two if regularly used.
Testing the Breville Barista Express during our timed espresso tests. In terms of total value, this unit ranks the highest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Based on our testing, the machines that we believe offer the highest value with drink quality as a consideration are the Breville Barista Express for those who value convenience and quality. For experienced baristas, we think the best value option would be the Rancilio Silvia. This manual machine gives experienced users more control in order to personally curate the perfect cappuccino. It also produces the finest shots of espresso. The Breville Bambino and the Flair Classic each produce delicious, mellow espresso for a much lower price than most machines.
Additionally, we feel the Casabrews is a great value based on price. Its espresso is enjoyable, with our expert baristas noting its “Light acidity, some sweetness, and no harsh flavors.”
Don't be fooled by the price of the Casabrews; it creates decadent shots of espresso with velvety crema. We found this to be the best tight-budget espresso machine.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Value
We ran the numbers, combining each machine's MSRP with the cost of producing 300 espresso shots per year over an 8 year period, to determine its lifetime cost per shot. The lower the cost, the higher the value. However, this is strictly a financial take — taste and quality haven't been added to this calculation.
Espresso Quality
This is the most heavily weighted metric in our testing model, and for good reason. It accounts for a whopping 40 percent of each model's total score. It goes without saying why we selected this metric as our most important, but we'll say it anyway: flavor, mouthfeel, and appearance are of the utmost importance. Coffee is a beautiful thing, after all, and so the espresso you make at home should be beautiful, too.
For our testing, we first assembled a tasting panel made up of a diverse group of coffee enthusiasts (including our own professional baristas and food science experts) and had them taste-test the espresso from each machine. We ask them to score each shot based on its flavor, texture, and overall appearance. We then turned to a bit of science, and with the help of a refractometer, we determined the extraction yield of each brew. The ideal yield is 18 to 22 percent, which most machines achieved in our tests.
Our in-house barista, Lesley Robinson, during our taste-testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Espresso Taste
Based on the espresso's taste, our top performing units were the Rancilio Silvia and the La Pavoni. Both produced smooth, flavorful espresso shots with lightly sweet and velvety crema that were on par with any top cafe. In particular, what sets the Rancilio Silvia and the La Pavoni apart is the absolute control they give to the user. Both require the baristas to have skills and know-how; however, once they are mastered, both machines can compete with commercial quality units. The Rancilio Silvia offers an interactive, highly customizable control board. On the other hand, the La Pavoni pulls shots by way of a manual lever that gives the user infinite control over heat, pressure, and time — it was our favorite to experiment on.
The La Pavoni's manual lever affords some of the most versatility in terms of heat, pressure, and time. It literally allows you to “pull” a shot of espresso.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Following close behind our top three producers are the Breville Barista Express, Flair Classic, and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte. Each made excellent espresso that was very close to cafe quality, though we noticed some more bitter and acidic notes to the brew than we tasted with the Silva and La Pavoni. That said, we loved the Flair Classics's all-manual design, which allows you to apply the right amount of pressure and temperature to curate a rich and flavorful cup of espresso. Our favorite of the three is the Breville Barista Express. This semi-automatic machine pulls delicious shots with beautiful crema at the push of a button. But you'll need to dial it in first before you can get cafe-worthy espresso.
On the left is an espresso brewed by the Breville Barista Express. It has great viscosity, and the crema is smooth and velvety versus the watery espresso made by the De'Longhi Stilosa on the right.
Overall Espresso Quality
The subtle tasting notes, balance of textures, delicate aromas, mouthwatering visuals, and extraction yield all played a part in determining each machine's overall espresso quality. Top performers produced absolutely beautiful espresso, while those at the bottom churned out harsh flavors and thin or bubbly crema.
Ease of Use
For our Ease of Use metric, we studied each machine's initial setup processes, user manual quality, accessories, the overall intuitiveness of the unit's interface, and the speed at which each machine could produce a quality cappuccino. This metric accounts for 20 percent of each product's final score.
The pint-sized Bambino Plus can hold its own with larger, more expensive models.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Setup
To test the ease of setup, we timed how long it took to set up each machine. Many factors affected this, including whether assembly was required, the clarity of the instructions, and whether a full tank of water needed to be run through the machine before it could be operated. With both machines providing clear instructions and being straightforward and easy to understand, the Bambino and Bambino Plus set the bar for this metric. They were incredibly quick and easy to get started at nine minutes each. Not far behind, the Flair Classic, Casabrews, and Rancilio Silvia also scored highly here.
The Rancilio Silvia has a quick setup process and tactile switches.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Interface
When rating an espresso machine's interface, our testers examined how the controls were laid out, if they were simple to navigate, and if anything was confusing to understand or operate. We also scrutinized the machine's design and functionality and how that affected the user, such as whether the entire water tank was removable, if the portafilter was easy to install, and if the designers were thoughtful in providing visible indicators for things like seeing the water level at a glance. In our evaluation, we really liked the Breville Barista Express for its exceptionally intuitive design and integrated pressure gauge. It has easy-to-use controls like grind size and grind amount as well as single and double shot options. The Breville Bambino and Bambino Plus also have an intuitive interface, with four and five controls respectively and included accessories like a tamper, four filter baskets, stainless steel milk pitchers, and cleaning tools.
While simple and useable, the De'Longhi Stilosa's interface isn't the most intuitive.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Making a Cappuccino
We also tested each model's efficiency by using a stopwatch to time the speed at which each machine could produce a cappuccino from start to finish with 4 ounces of milk and a single espresso shot. The Casabrews and De'Longhi Stilosa had the fastest cappuccino times of 2 minutes 58 seconds and 2 minutes 48 seconds, respectively. They were followed by the Rancilio Silvia, La Pavoni, and the Breville Bambino. But speed wasn't the only factor — so was the ease of the process and the feel of the ergonomics, which is why the Bambino and Bambino Plus did exceptionally well in this test.
Dumping the puck after pulling a shot on our Rancilio Silvia.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
To fully score the Ease of Use metric, we compiled the results of our above tests, incorporating the ease of setup, intuitiveness of the interface, and ease of making a cappuccino to create the final score. The espresso machines that scored higher were well-designed with easy-to-understand instructions and controls, while the lower-scoring machines had unclear instructions, confusing or clunky controls, and took longer to set up and make drinks. Our two most user-friendly machines are, hands down, the Breville Bambino and the Breville Bambino Plus. No other model in our lineup could match their tied score, though the Casabrews deserves an honorable mention.
Ease of Use
Product
Ease of Setup
Interface
Ease of Making a Cappuccino
Breville Bambino
10
8
9
Breville Bambino Plus
10
8
9
Casabrews Compact
9
7.5
8
Breville Barista Express
4.5
9
8
Rancilio Silvia
9
5
7
De\'Longhi La Specialista Arte
6
6.5
6
Flair Classic
9
7
2
De\'Longhi Stilosa
5
6
5
Mr. Coffee Espresso
7
4
3
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
2
5
6
La Pavoni
3
5
5
Ease of Cleaning
Espresso machines are generally complex for their size. This also means that they can be a challenge to keep clean and maintain. As a result, few of the machines in our lineup received solid scores for this metric. Our testing model examined — and then performed — all of the manufacturer guidelines for daily, weekly, and long-term cleaning (primarily descaling). We then scored each of these processes in terms of their ease, time requirements, and effectiveness.
Some espresso machines require more time to keep clean than others.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning tasks included emptying the drip tray, cleaning the steam wand, and rinsing the portafilter. Basically, we washed out everything that needed it and noted not only how long it took to clean but also anything that made the process cumbersome. With how simple the Flair Classic is, it's no wonder that cleaning it is a breeze. The process was a lot more involved for every other machine on this list. Most were pretty average by comparison.
The steaming wand on the Bambino Plus conveniently purges itself of milk after every use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weekly and Monthly Cleaning
Following manufacturer recommendations for weekly and monthly cleaning, we scored each machine for the complexity and time it took to complete the tasks. Since the Flair Classic had no such recommendations, and the daily tasks took care of everything anyway, it took the top spot once again. That was the same case with the Breville Bambino as well, which took the runner-up spot for its simplified long-term maintenance that's tied into the descaling process. The remaining machines all either had recommended tasks to perform that were fairly mundane, or they lacked instruction but obviously required upkeep and were docked for the lack of supporting documentation.
Keeping the Flair Classic clean is so easy it's almost unfair to the competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Descaling
No descaling was necessary for the Flair Classic, which is why it scored highly again. Following that, the Breville Barista Express had clear instructions and took less than 10 minutes to complete. Similarly, the next best machines are the Bambino and the Bambino Plus, which were quick to complete, though their directions are a little confusing, and you can't walk away from them during the descaling process. All of the other machines we tested took much longer, ranging from 15 minutes to over 8 hours to descale. However, it's worth noting that the Casabrews only needs to be descaled once every 500 brew cycles, which is far less often than the other machines.
Any descaling agent or citric acid works for the Casabrews Compact.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Ease of Cleaning
Our overall ease of cleaning score represents all of the cleaning that is required for the espresso machines, including the daily, weekly, monthly, and descaling cleaning tasks. Given its super simple design, it was no surprise that the Flair Classic outshined every other model on our list.
Ease of Cleaning
Product
Daily Cleaning
Monthly Cleaning
Descaling
Flair Classic
8
9
10
Breville Bambino
6
8
7
Breville Bambino Plus
6
7
7
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
6
6
8
Casabrews Compact
6
6
6
De\'Longhi La Specialista Arte
6
5
5
La Pavoni
4
6
6
De\'Longhi Stilosa
5
4
6
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
6
5
3
Rancilio Silvia
4
4
4
Mr. Coffee Espresso
4
4
3
Milk Steaming
The ability to create cafe-style, lush microfoam and steamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes accounts for 15 percent of each model's overall score. This metric examined the steam wand's user-friendliness, its ability to maintain consistent pressure and heat, and the resulting microfoam texture of the drinks we made.
The Rancilio Silvia steams and foams milk just like a commercial machine, but it's very unforgiving to those who lack know-how -- often resulting in scalded moo juice.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Steam Wand Consistency
Consistent, reliable pressure and temperature are imperative to making enjoyable lattes time and time again. You want your morning cup to be as good on Friday as the one you made on Monday. We found the Breville Barista Express to be a consistent and forgiving machine with a very easy-to-use steam wand. It uses low steam pressure, so it takes a little while to froth milk, but this results in greater control over the entire steaming process. The Bambino, Bambino Plus, Casabrews, and La Pavoni also used relatively low pressure, fostering consistently good microfoam. Others, like the De'Longhi Stilosa, used higher steam pressure that heated the milk too quickly to precisely control.
The Specialista Arte's magic wand. It steams slowly, but it's steady, produces excellent microfoam, and is very forgiving to beginners, which results in less scalded milk.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Microfoam Texture
Our in-house baristas were able to create nearly perfect microfoam with the Breville Barista Express. It poured perfectly and made beautiful cappuccino art, pushing this model to the front of the pack. Not far behind was the Breville Bambino, followed by the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte and the Breville Bambino Plus. They can all whip up terrific microfoam. We especially like the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte's easy-to-manipulate steam wand.
When the microfoam texture hits just right, it's like a little sip of heaven.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Milk Steaming
Steaming consistency and microfoam quality are both needed to make a delicious cappuccino. We combined the results of these two metrics to form our overall steaming score. The top espresso machines in this metric will produce exquisite microfoam without a hitch. While the lower-scoring machines may still be capable of producing a decent latte, their milk-steaming results during our testing prove them to be too variable to rely on for consistent quality.
Milk Steaming
Product
Microfoam Texture
Consistency
Breville Barista Express
9.5
8
Breville Bambino
9
7.5
Breville Bambino Plus
8
7
De\'Longhi La Specialista Arte
9
6
Casabrews Compact
6.5
7
Rancilio Silvia
7
6
La Pavoni
3.5
7
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
4.5
5
De\'Longhi Stilosa
4
4
Mr. Coffee Espresso
3
3
Machine Customization
Manual machines generally provide more customization options because they allow the user to pull a shot with complete control over heat, pressure, and time. However, manual machines require a great degree of skill and knowledge. So, we also looked for semi-automatic units that offered several preset options that allow the user similar control at the touch of a button. The race for our most customizable machine ended in a two-way tie.
The Barista Express has many different controls, some of which include filter size, grind amount, and grind size. There was a slight learning curve, but overall the interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Breville Barista Express and La Pavoni received identical scores for their ability to customize. Both machines offer the user the ability to experiment, but our favorite is the Breville Barista Express. We love the versatility of its comprehensive control panel — from manual and automatic dosing for the grinder to adjustable water temperature. It also allows the user to choose between single or double shots. Lastly, it comes with a hot water feature.
Overall Machine Customization
High scorers for customization featured practical control over things like water temperature for different roasts, shot volume, and pressure profiles — these machines give you total control over your drink. Low scorers didn't allow for much control at all.
Are These Machines Cheaper Than Your Favorite Coffee Shop?
The basic answer to that question is yes. All of the tested machines can pull a shot of espresso and make a latte for much less than what you'd pay at a coffee shop. Even the least cost-effective machines will benefit your bank account if you consistently use them.
Theoretically, any machines in our lineup can save you money compared to regularly going to a coffee shop. However, for many people, the reality is that an at-home machine will only be a partial replacement for visits to a cafe. In our experience, making quality espresso at home can satisfy part of that craving, but you'll probably still find yourself in a cafe or roastery from time to time if you also crave the atmosphere. If you fit into this latter description, an espresso machine may feel like a splurge, but a quality model can still pay for itself eventually.
How to Pick the Best Espresso Machine
We bought and tested each and every unit in our lineup to help you choose the best espresso machine for your home.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is an Espresso Machine?
An espresso machine is different from a coffee machine in that it specifically brews espresso (also known as pulling a shot). Whereas coffee machines brew larger amounts of coffee by allowing heated water to trickle through loose grounds, espresso machines use more heat and pressure to force smaller amounts of heated water through a tightly compressed puck of grounds. The result is a more concentrated dose of coffee (a few ounces) called espresso. Espresso comes with a bolder flavor and a much higher caffeine content. During extraction (brewing), the espresso grounds are held in place by a small metal cup, called a filter basket. The filter basket is supported and manually locked into the espresso machine by the use of a handheld device called a portafilter. The portafilter is the most commonly recognized feature of any espresso machine. Espresso is still coffee; however, espresso beans are often roasted longer (dark roast), and they have a finer grind necessary for brewing espresso.
At it's core, an espresso machine brews fine shots of espresso. Advanced models can do so much more.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Do I Need One?
Due to its darker roast and brewing process, espresso has a much bolder taste and more dense consistency than regular coffee. That's why so many love it when mixed in a creamy, frothy milk — or milt-alternative --based beverage like a latte. So, the first thing to consider before purchasing an espresso machine is whether or not you enjoy espresso. Additionally, whereas coffee brewing is generally a very passive process, espresso brewing can be more involved. It requires precision, knowledge, and effort to produce just a few ounces of espresso. The extra steps involved in making espresso (including a fair amount of cleanup and routine machine maintenance) should also be considered before purchasing such an expensive appliance. Lastly, if you're set on an espresso machine but are tired of the extra time and money your favorite coffee shop requires of you, an espresso machine can be a very wise purchase that will eventually save you a lot of money in the long run.
The final stages of pulling an espresso shot. Liquid espresso is dark, has a bold flavor, and is topped with a golden foamy layer called crema, which is generally produced at the tail end of the brewing cycle (seen here).
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Drinks Does an Espresso Machine Make?
Most espresso machines come equipped to help you produce a variety of delicious espresso-based drinks. The most common are: espresso shots (single or double) and lattes (espresso mixed with steamed milk and a layer of foam). Other drinks produced by an espresso machine include: cappuccinos, espresso macchiatos, Americanos, and mochas — common cafe favorites. However, there are many more. The cappuccino and latte are the most recognized espresso drinks, widely loved for their velvety foam and fun latte art. Espresso machines consist of a group head and portafilter (the main brewing components). Many machines (but not all) also include a built-in steam wand, which is used to steam milk.
The best espresso machines produce microfoam that is perfect for latte art.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Which Machine is Right For Me?
The answer to this question is based on how much involvement you want to have in producing your favorite espresso drinks. As stated, espresso brewing is an involved process, so regardless, you're going to put in a little work. However, some machines make it easier than others — but sometimes this convenience can be at the sacrifice of quality. Most espresso machines are either automatic or semi-automatic. Generally, the difference between the two is that automatic machines can steam milk automatically and come with more preset brewing options than semi-auto machines. Semi-auto machines also require the user to have a decent set of barista skills since they give more control to the user during the brewing process (which can result in amazing espresso or horrible espresso, depending on skill level). Additionally, there are lever-based machines, which hold to the traditional espresso-brewing process. These machines require an even higher level of skill because they require the user to control the pressure and time of the brewing process with the pull of a lever — it sounds simple, but it's not. In the end, choosing the right espresso machine is often based on your skill level and desire for convenience. The very best machines will accommodate both considerations but will also come with the highest price tag.
Each machine we tested is unique, but they all have one thing in common: if consistently used, in lieu of heading to a coffee shop, they'll save you money in the long run.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Making espresso at home is an attainable luxury with the investment in a good machine and some practice. Such a purchase will help you cut down on coffee runs and vastly improve your morning vibe with delectable homemade drinks. Our detailed testing and results can put you on the path to being enjoyably caffeinated and help you navigate the delicious world of espresso at home, no matter your budget or goals.
If your tastes are less discerning and you just need to get caffeinated without the fuss, check out our write-ups on the best coffee makers, the top single-serve coffee makers, and the best coffee corresponding coffee pods. If you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos but aren't yet ready to drop hundreds of dollars, consider treating yourself to the best milk frother.
The best part of our job: enjoying the spoils of our work.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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Michelle Powell, Lesley Robinson, Jason Wanlass & Arthur McMahon
