We Pulled Hundreds of Shots to Find the 15 Best Espresso Machines for Every Budget

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Great espresso used to be reserved for coffee shops. But there’s a new era of at-home espresso machines that make it easy to create high-quality cappuccinos, lattes, cortados, flat whites, macchiatos, and americanos without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. 

But most espresso machines are an investment. To find the best espresso machines for every coffee preference, skill level, and budget, we tested 33 of them with both experts and beginners weighing in to see which models made top-notch espresso, steamed latte art-worthy microfoam, and were easy to use. After hundreds of shots, we landed on the 15 best espresso machines.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Bambino Plus is a longtime Serious Eats favorite. We've recommended it for about four years, and we’ve yet to have a serious (get it?) complaint. It’s quick to heat, comes in a compact package, pulls great espresso shots, and has an automatic steam wand that creates microfoam silky enough for latte art.

With a built-in grinder, an automatic coffee portioning system, and an assisted tamping lever, the Barista Express Impress streamlines the shot-pulling process so anyone can make great espresso. Its steam wand is ready in seconds, and we love the smiley face that illuminates to let you know the grounds level is correct. This espresso machine will especially appeal to beginners.

This approachable yet sophisticated machine is the pick for intermediate espresso enthusiasts who want to be guided through the process while still retaining some agency over the finished result. Its grinder has a very respectable 30 settings, and the ThermoJet heating system takes seconds to heat up. We got the hang of this machine very quickly, having to tweak only a few important settings.

The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler makes a lot of promises—100% customization combined with a user-friendly automatic mode—and it delivers. We had fun using it in both modes and appreciated the numerous upgrades, like retractable wheels and an incomparable steaming wand that offers nine texture options.

The De’Longhi La Specialista Touch amplifies its touchscreen experience with an interactive screen that walks you through every step, and even asks you for feedback once you’re done pulling your shot. (Don’t like it? La Specialista will offer variables you can tweak to get a better result.) It steamed milk really well.

The Rancilio Silvia has been a favorite of home espresso enthusiasts for over two decades. Built with commercial parts, it pulled some of the best shots in our tests. It also has a powerful steam wand, though it does take a little time to heat up when switching to steam mode. There are online communities entirely devoted to the Rancilio Silvia, making it a great option for tinkerers.

This Italian-made espresso machine is a stunner. It easily pulled quality back-to-back shots, has a temperature configuration button to tweak extraction for different roasts, and has an insulated steam wand that stayed cool to the touch when frothing milk.

With a built-in grinder featuring Baratza burrs, automatic coffee portioning, automatic tamping, a touchscreen, and automatic milk steaming, this machine couldn’t be easier to use. It allows you to customize foam, milk, and temperature preferences, and it times shots, alerting you if they’re too fast or slow and how to adjust the grind size accordingly. It also has wheels on its underside that make it easy to move, and it comes with a knockbox. “My husband makes me a very good latte with this machine every morning,” associate editorial director Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm says. “He’d never used an espresso machine before we got this.”

One of our longtime winners, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers commercial components for under $500. Like the Rancilio Silvia, the Gaggia is beloved by home espresso enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering, and it pulled great shots during our testing.

While we didn’t l-o-v-e this espresso machine, it’s the only model under $200 that we thought did a good job, making passable espresso shots. However, it did struggle with steaming milk.

The De’Longhi La Specialista Touch amplifies its touchscreen experience with an interactive screen that walks you through every step, and even asks you for feedback once you’re done pulling your shot. (Don’t like it? La Specialista will offer variables you can tweak to get a better result.) It steamed milk really well.

The Tests

• Espresso Tests: We dialed in a medium roast espresso blend with the Baratza Sette 270, our favorite espresso grinder. We then pulled back-to-back shots to assess flavor quality and consistency.
• Milk Steaming Tests: We used each model’s steam wand to froth milk, seeing if it could create microfoam. We poured latte art and tasted the drinks to assess the milk’s texture.
• Usability Tests: We evaluated the overall design of each espresso machine by testing every function and assessed user-friendly details that helped simplify the shot-pulling process, like automatic volume buttons and built-in timers.
• Cleanup Tests: We ran a cleaning cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions, evaluating how easy this was.
• Long-term Test: Many of our winners were sent to (or are owned by) Serious Eats editors, allowing us to gather long-term feedback.

What We Learned

How Do Espresso Machines Work? 

Espresso machines have boilers that heat water and vibrator pumps that pressurize that water through finely ground, tamped espresso pucks. The resulting espresso is around eight to 10 times more concentrated than drip coffee, with a syrupy body from emulsified and suspended coffee oils. 

A good espresso machine produces a consistent nine bars of pressure, extracting flavor without overly compacting the puck. It also keeps water within 195ºF to 205ºF. Too hot (over 205ºF) and the coffee can be over-extracted, and too cold (under 195ºF), it’s under-extracted and sour. 

Most espresso machines have a single boiler that switches between brewing and steam mode, and the temperature in the boiler can swing as high as boiling (212ºF) and as low as 185ºF, depending on the heating cycle. Some models use a thermoblock, which flash-heats water on demand. High-end espresso machines, however, have two boilers: one for brewing and another for steaming (this is the case for the Breville Dual Boiler), allowing you to do both at the same time.

Important Espresso Terms

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of testing, here's a non-exhaustive overview of some commonly used espresso terms you should know and will see throughout this review:

• PID: This is short for proportional-integral-derivative—essentially a control box that maintains precise temperatures using an algorithm. Not every machine has this.
• Group head: Where water exits and the portafilter locks into.
• Portafilter: The handle that holds the filter basket.
• Filter basket: What holds the ground coffee. These come in different sizes.
• Distribute: Before tamping, you might consider distributing the coffee grounds in the filter basket to ensure an even spread. (A distribution tool is helpful for this.)
• Tamp: A tamper is used to press ground espresso into an evenly compact puck in the filter basket. This is so that water flows through the puck at the same rate. Many espresso machines come with flimsy plastic tampers, which is why we suggest buying a separate one.
• Purge: After use, you'll want to purge the machine by turning it on (as if you were pulling a shot of espresso) to clean the group head and dispersion screen (the mesh filter in the group head). This removes coffee oils and particulates.
• Pull: To make a shot of espresso.
• Steam pitcher: What you add milk to for heating and frothing. Depending on the pitcher, it can have lines to help you gauge volume. It's usually made from stainless steel, nice for sensing temperatures.

Types of Espresso Machines

There are three main types of espresso machines: semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. These refer to how much of the shot-pulling process is controlled by the user or the machine. 

• Semi-automatic machines require you to grind coffee, tamp it, and then start and stop the espresso shot manually.
• Automatic espresso machines allow you to grind and tamp coffee, but have built-in volumetric systems that automatically stop shots.
• Super-automatic machines will grind, tamp, and pull shots for you. While super-automatic machines are convenient, they don't offer as much control as semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines, making it harder to fine-tune espresso quality. For this review, we focused mainly on semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines.

Espresso Machines Are Pricey—and for Good Reason

We tested machines that cost between $200 and $2,000. You can get nice espresso from a cheaper coffee maker; however, the more expensive and commercial-grade the machine, the easier it is to make great espresso, thanks to its consistent pressure and temperature stability. That said, it doesn’t mean that pricier machines are totally easy-breezy. With many of our top picks, it took trial and error, and adjusting the grind size, to get the shots we wanted. 

It’s worth noting that we have several favorite espresso machines from Breville’s Barista series (including the Breville Bambino Plus and Breville Barista). There’s a reason for this. They use a lower-pressure “pre-infusion” that gently and evenly saturates espresso pucks, helping us pull better shots quickly.

Do You Need an Espresso Machine With PID?

Machines with PID controllers were more consistent. (Remember: temperature stability!) While many of our top picks come with PID, the Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic Pro do not. That means the boiler temperature on both of those machines can swing between 185ºF to 210ºF, leaving some shots tasting sour and others bitter. There are ways around that, though—you can temperature-surf by purging water to trigger a heating cycle and pulling your shot at a set time after the boiler light turns back on. Once we worked out a routine, these models pulled incredible espresso shots. People who love to tinker can also order an aftermarket PID kit and install it themselves, too, but this modification will void the warranty. 

Should You Buy an Espresso Machine With a Built-in Grinder? 

Some of our favorite machines, like the Breville Barista Express Impress and Oracle Jet, have convenient built-in grinders and make great espresso. However, their grind range was more limiting than using a standalone espresso grinder—basically, there are a finite number of changes you can make to improve shot quality. That said, while espresso aficionados might want the freedom that standalone grinders provide, the average coffee drinker will probably appreciate a built-in grinder.

Which Steam Wands Made Cafe-Quality Milk Foam?

Unless the machines had dual boilers, most had only adequate steam pressure—but that wasn't a surprise. To produce silky microfoam capable of pouring latte art, espresso machines need powerful steam pressure to whip air bubbles into the milk, breaking them down until they’re microscopic. A dedicated steam boiler is the best way to have consistent, high-powered steam for microfoam (hence why the dual boiler models excelled here). 

The majority of home machines, however, use a thermoblock for flash-heating or a steam mode to superheat the boiler to over 240ºF. These worked fine, but they just weren’t the most powerful. What really impressed us, though, were automatic steam wands, like on the Oracle Jet. These have temperature sensors and variable air injection systems that create microfoam automatically, making them great options for latte lovers.

Automatic Cleaning Cycles Were Helpful

The best way to clean an espresso machine is to backflush coffee detergent into the group head using a blank, solid filter basket. Typically, you’ll have to run the machine in five-second on-and-off intervals so it can pressurize the cleaning powder into the machine and dispel it through a valve in the drip tray. However, many of the machines we tested had automatic cleaning cycles. Basically, after the cleaning cycle is selected and the requisite cleaning product is added, the machine cleans itself. Even better were the Breville models that alerted you when it was time to perform a full cleaning cycle. 

Selecting a Grinder for Espresso

Selecting the right grind size—and getting a fine-enough, consistent grind—will make all the difference in espresso quality. The question then becomes: What espresso grinder do you get? We tested eight of them and landed on four top picks, but we’ll highlight the Baratza Sette 270 and Baratza Encore ESP here. The pricier Sette has a continuously adjustable dial, so it technically has more than 270 settings—a dream for anyone looking to fine-tune shots. The Encore ESP is half the price of the Sette and has 20 micro-adjustments and a handy dosing cup. It'll give you enough precision without being overwhelming. It's worth noting that while most burr coffee grinders can't grind beans fine enough for espresso, the Encore ESP can go coarse enough for drip coffee.

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Espresso Machine

The best espresso machines pull great shots and consistently deliver the same espresso quality time after time. They also have steam wands that are capable of creating silky microfoam. We favored espresso machines that were easy to use, too, especially if they were marketed toward beginners.

That said, we acknowledge that it's tricky to weigh taste, value, and usability the same for everyone. “I advise considering what your needs are first and foremost," says Steve Rhinehart, manager at Acaia and formerly of Prima Coffee Equipment. "Do you want to cut out the cafe expenses from your budget? Are you already interested in coffee and want to expand your hobby? What kind of drinks do you like—straight espresso, flavored lattes, flat whites?” For this reason, we have 15 winning espresso machines. That way, you’re bound to find one that matches what you’re looking for.

Our Favorite Espresso Machines

What we liked: The Bambino Plus is compact and holds its own against models twice its size. Instead of a traditional boiler, it uses a ThermoJet heating system that reaches brewing temperatures in just three seconds. It also has a PID that ensures it’s operating at exactly 200ºF every time. The machine uses pre-infusion to evenly saturate the coffee puck at a lower pressure during the first few seconds of brewing, which helped us dial in shots quickly. Aside from its excellent espresso performance, the Bambino Plus is chock-full of user-friendly details, like a bobber that pops up when the drip tray is full and the cleaning instructions printed on the back of the removable water reservoir. Combined with an automatic steam wand that has three temperature and foam options, it’s an approachable machine for beginners and experts alike. 

What we didn’t like: The biggest gripe we have with the Bambino Plus is its automatic volume buttons for espresso. They weren’t as consistent as we’d like, so we suggest stopping your shots manually. 

Best for: Anyone who wants a feature-rich machine at an approachable price point. 

Recommended accessories: 

• IMS Espresso Filter Basket: We recommend switching out the standard basket with this 18-gram precision basket, which has straight sides and larger holes for a more consistent extraction.
• Crema Coffee Tools Distribution Tool and Tamper: This tamper was designed specially for Breville portafilters and has dual sides to level the grounds and apply even pressure every time.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Use a cleaning powder like this one regularly to keep your machine pristine and running smoothly.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8 x 13 x 12 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
• Capacity: 1 liter 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 54-millimeter tamper, the Razor precision dosing tool, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single wall and dual wall filter baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: The most amazing feature of this machine is its intelligent dosing system. By adding a built-in tamper, the Barista Express Impress can adjust the amount of coffee it dispenses to the ideal 18-gram dose. Once the tamper is fully compressed, the gauge gives you immediate feedback if you need to add a little more coffee—or, if it’s overdosed, the filter basket—and the machine will auto-correct itself the next time it grinds. (It also comes with a tool for removing excess grounds from the basket.) We found this super helpful during testing, where it pulled back-to-back shots consistently without us having to do much. Its built-in grinder was also easy to adjust and, like the Bambino Plus, it has a flash-heating system with PID and a near-instantaneous switch to steam pressure.

What we didn’t like: We still wish its grinder had more settings—it offers 25—but it did a good job. It has the same automatic volume issues as the Bambino Plus.

Best for: Anyone new to espresso or who just wants a streamlined home experience. 

Recommended accessories: Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Regular maintenance and cleaning can not only make your espresso taste better, but it can make your espresso machine run better for longer.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 16 inches
• Weight: 24 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 480-milliliter stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single and dual wall filter baskets, water filter holder with filter, the Razor precision trimming tool, cleaning tablets, Allen key, steam wand cleaning tool, cleaning disc, cleaning brush, descaling powder
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: Which espresso machine should you buy if you’ve got a working knowledge of espresso machines, don’t want to spend thousands, and value an efficient, speedy process? This one. It’s a fantastic upgrade of the Barista Express and Express Impress. The Barista Pro offers the ideal combination of user-controlled upgrades with a streamlined, yet not overwhelming, experience. This machine has 30 grind settings and a lightning-fast ThermoJet system that takes just three seconds to heat up. It only took us six tries to dial in our shots, and once we did, they were very consistent, between 18.4 and 18.6 grams of coffee in and 40 grams of brewed espresso out. The pucks were evenly saturated and held their shape well, which is a sign of even extraction. This machine offers only a few adjustable settings, like grind size, but they produced a satisfying, sweet shot with nice density and texture. It’s a fast machine, and it made denser, creamier microfoam than the Express models.

What we didn’t like: The shots pulled a little long, although that’s likely because of the pre-infusion step.

Best for: Intermediate espresso drinkers who want a speedy machine that helps them make better drinks but won’t control too much of the process.

Recommended Accessories:

• notNeutral Lino 3-Ounce Espresso Set: If you’re going to pull shots like a pro, you ought to have a set of barista-approved espresso cups. These are designed with a flat top for easy gripping and would look right at home in your favorite café.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Keep a container of this in your kitchen so you’ll be ready to backflush the machine regularly and avoid buildup.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.9 x 13.5 inches
• Weight: 20.92 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 54-millimeter portafilter, 1- and 2-cup single and dual wall filter baskets, tamper, Razor precision dosing tool, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug,  dosing funnel, water hardness test strip, cleaning kit (including brush and steam wand needle)
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: Everything about this machine whispers “quiet luxury.” It makes very good espresso while also offering loads of little upgrades, like a removable water reservoir and retractable wheels that make moving it around on a counter much nicer. When it comes to the user experience, we enjoyed testing both the automatic and manual options. In automatic mode, the Oracle will note if it recommends a grind size change after the shot is pulled. If you’re working in the manual mode, you have control over everything: grind size and time, water temperature and brewing time, and milk temperature. The touchscreen options helped the process feel manageable, even for beginners. Once you reach your preferred shot in either mode, you can save it as a favorite, and the machine will remember the variables. (That’s an especially cool feature if you cycle through a few different coffee beans.) The steaming wand, which worked extremely well in our tests, offers nine texture settings as well as temperatures between 115˚F and 165˚F. Its automatic-mode microfoam was nearly indistinguishable from milk we steamed in manual mode. The dual boiler setup allowed us to steam milk while we were pulling a shot without missing a step. Oh! And to really sweeten the pot, Breville throws in a well-made knock box for disposing of your pucks.

What we didn’t like: The automatic tamping could have been better. Sometimes, it didn’t completely flatten the puck, and you can’t tamp yourself, even in the manual mode. 

Best for: Tech lovers of all espresso aptitudes looking for a high-end, luxury experience.

Recommended Accessories:

• Acacia Lunar Espresso Scale: Working in manual mode? You’re going to want a very good scale that helps you get granular. This handsome scale is slim enough to fit underneath any portafilter, and it won the title of best coffee scale for espresso in our review. 
• notNeutral Vero Cortado Glass: Baristas love using these durable shot glasses for espresso drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos. Its wide rim reduces splashing, and its thick walls keep espresso hot while you steam milk.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 14.7 x 17.9 x 15.2 inches
• Weight: 37.9 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.2 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 58-millimeter portafilter, 1- and 2-cup single-wall filter baskets, tamper, 12-ounce stainless steel milk jug, knock box, cleaning tool kit including brush, tablets, and needle for steam wand, water hardness test strip
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: De’Longhi packed a lot of features into this moderately priced espresso machine. Using its touchscreen was interactive and intuitive; it took us only three tries to dial in our ideal shot (well-balanced and rich, with a thick, caramel-colored crema) because the machine asked us via the digital display whether we liked the shot and offered ideas for improving it. It wasn’t all automation, though. We could override the screen prompts to adjust our shot manually. De’Longhi allows the user to adjust the grind time by 0.5 seconds and specify the size of your shot; a feature that we liked and that espresso drinkers who want more control will appreciate. The automatic steaming wand did better than most automated wands, producing dense, velvety foam. This is likely because the machine offers four temperature settings, five texture levels, and the option to choose between dairy and plant milk. Overall, it’s an enjoyable-to-use machine that makes learning the process of good espresso easy.

What we didn’t like: The portafilter basket is narrower and deeper than is typical, so the pucks were slightly dry at the bottom—not ideally extracted. It only offers 15 grind settings; enough to get the job done, but nothing to write home about. It doesn’t come with a lot of accessories.

Best for: Intermediate-level espresso enthusiasts who want to be guided through the process while learning more as they go.

Recommended Accessories:

• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: The De’Longhi will let you know when it’s time to clean your machine (a notification will pop up on the screen), but you’ll need to purchase the cleaning powder separately. Cafiza is our favorite because it removes coffee residue and hard water buildup.
• Cleaning Brush: Brush away espresso grounds with this small brush; it will fit in the storage bin on the upper back of the machine.
• homeffect Knock Box: Get rid of your pucks with this knock box. It’s the winner of our review, and while it doesn’t cost much, it outperformed every other one we tested. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 11.22 x 14.37 x 15.87 inches
• Weight: 31.97 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 51 millimeters
• Capacity: 1.7 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 51-millimeter portafilter, 1- and 2-cup single-wall filter baskets, tamper, 12-ounce stainless steel milk jug, tamping stand, dosing ring 
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: A favorite of baristas for over two decades, the Rancilio Silvia is one of the first home machines ever made with commercial-grade parts. We pulled some of the best-tasting espresso shots with it during testing. While it doesn’t have a PID-controlled boiler, it has a light that indicates when the machine is heating, allowing us to temperature surf. Its single boiler can be switched to hot water mode—for pre-heating espresso cups—as well as steam mode. With a full boiler heating the steam wand, it was powerful and easy to use. It’s the same one Rancilio adds to its commercial machines, and that, combined with the weighted portafilter, made the Silvia feel like having a pro setup at home. 

What we didn’t like: It can take the machine a few minutes to heat up for steam mode. After you’re done steaming, the boiler will be too hot to pull a shot right away. That means it’s not an ideal espresso machine for anyone who wants to make back-to-back milk drinks. We also found that nailing the temperature surfing process was tricky, though you can buy a pricier version with PID added for you.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts who don’t mind learning techniques or tinkering.

Recommended accessories: 

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: Precision baskets have straight sides and consistent holes throughout the bottom, making them optimized for full, even extraction of every puck.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This heavy-duty tool has two sides: one for leveling the ground espresso in the basket and another for uniformly pressing it into a puck. We prefer it over the plastic tampers that often come included with espresso machines.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: Many espresso machines (like this one) don't come with a steaming pitcher included. We like the Saiveina pitcher because it has tall sides and clear volume markings for measuring your milk as you steam.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: A clean espresso machine is a happy espresso machine, so make sure you use a cleaning powder to maintain yours regularly.
• Cleaning Brush: A good brush can help keep your espresso machine tidy during daily use and between deep cleans.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters
• PID: No
• Accessories: Double and single filter baskets, blank backflushing basket, tamper
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 3 years

What we liked: This machine impressed us with its ability to pull consistent, delicious espresso with rich crema. It only took four shots to dial it in, and it has a quick pre-heating process (it took less than seven minutes). We liked the Profitec’s built-in digital timer and that it has two control panels: an upper one with manual controls for pulling shots and operating the steam wand, and a lower one with a PID screen for tweaking brew temperature. During testing, it took just 30 seconds for the Profitec to be ready to steam milk after pulling a shot. It comes in different colors, and you can customize its accent colors, too.

What we didn’t like: Its steam wand isn’t the most powerful (though it did make microfoam), its tamper is so-so, and you’ll need to purchase a milk pitcher. It does, however, come with a cleaning brush.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts who want a streamlined yet customizable experience.

Recommended accessories: 

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: A precision basket is an easy upgrade you can make to any espresso machine; it facilitates even extraction and a consistent flow of water through the grounds.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: A quality tamper can help improve the consistency and flavor of your shots. This one has two sides for leveling and pressing the grounds, respectively.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: If you want to create coffee shop-style lattes, cortados, and cappuccinos, you'll need a milk pitcher. This one has clear markings inside to help you hone in on your ideal foam level.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: A cleaning powder helps remove oil buildup and descale your machine to keep it running efficiently.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8.25 x 14.9 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 28.4 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.8 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: Double and single filter baskets, backflushing disk, tamper, cleaning brush
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 3 years

What we liked: Like the Profitec Go, the Diletta Mio has a customizable PID controller that lets you adjust the brew temperature, and the display doubles as an automatic shot timer. It has a simple, three-button interface with on/off, brewing, and steaming. Its steam wand is powered by a separate thermoblock, so heating milk won’t affect brewing. This also means that the steam mode kicks on in just a few seconds. When it came to performance, the Mio pulled consistently great espresso. 

What we didn’t like: The biggest downside of this model is its price, though we think it’s worth it if you want a high-performance machine without having to take out a second mortgage. We also wish the steam wand were more powerful and that it came with a frothing pitcher.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts who want high-end performance and don’t mind spending a little more. 

Recommended accessories:

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: We like this precision basket for its consistent holes and straight sides, both of which help promote consistent extraction of espresso grounds.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: This machine does not come with a milk pitcher, so you'll need one before you can create lattes or cortados at home.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This Crema model is our favorite palm tamper. It has internal threading for calibrating tamping depth, plus its other side serves double duty as a leveler.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Cleaning your espresso machine regularly will prevent off-flavors in your espresso, and it'll keep your machine like-new for longer.
• Cleaning Brush: A cleaning brush keeps your espresso machine neat between regular maintenance cleanings.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 10.75 x 15 x 17 inches
• Weight: 28 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: Double and single filter baskets, blank backflushing basket, tamper, and group head cleaning brush
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: The Dual Boiler has a professional-grade 58-millimeter portafilter, pressure gauge, PID display, shot timer, and hot water spout for preheating cups. Because it has two boilers, we easily pulled shots and steamed milk simultaneously. Its steam pressure created textured microfoam worthy of any café. While a lot of high-end espresso machines aren’t always user-friendly, the Dual Boiler is packed with details that make it simple to operate. Not only does its drip tray have a bobber to alert you when it’s full, but there’s also a hidden storage compartment that houses tools. There’s even a magnetic divot to hold your tamper when not in use. We also really appreciated how easy its water reservoir was to fill, since the machine isn't cumbersome to move.

What we didn’t like: The Dual Boiler is expensive, and you still need to buy a standalone grinder. It had the same automatic volume issues as the other Breville models we tested. Still, it’s hard to find a dual boiler espresso machine for under $2,000, and we think frequent cappuccino or latte drinkers will appreciate its excellent steam pressure. 

Best for: Anyone who drinks multiple cappuccinos a day, has a bit of experience making espresso, and wants a high-performance machine that’s easy to use. 

Recommended accessories: 

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: This precision basket allows you to brew more consistent shots than a standard basket does, thanks to its straight sides and perfectly calibrated holes.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This stainless steel tamper is super durable, has two sides for leveling and pressing, and can fit in the palm of your hand.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Backflushing your machine with a cleaning powder helps keep your espresso tasting pure and your machine running smoothly.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 15.9 x 14.7x 14.9 inches
• Weight: 23 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters 
• Capacity: 2.5 liters 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 58-millimeter razor dosing tool, 58-millimeter stainless steel portafilter, 1-cup and 2-cup single and dual wall filter baskets, tamper, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, cleaning kit, water hardness test strip, water filter holder and water filter
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 1 year
  

What we liked: The Lelit Elizabeth is a serious espresso machine that made us feel like we were working in a professional coffee bar. It has dual boilers, a pressure meter, and a digital PID display for customizing brewing temperatures. And while its interface is more bare-bones than the Breville Dual Boiler, the Elizabeth pulled incredible shots and steamed pristine microfoam. It also has a programmable pre-infusion setting for gently saturating espresso pucks before full pressure kicks in for optimal extraction.

What we didn’t like: It’s very expensive, and at this price, we expected it would come with better accessories (its tamper is plastic). Still, the Elizabeth’s performance was on par with professional-grade espresso machines that cost three times as much.

Best for: Anyone who is serious about their espresso, wants unmatched steam pressure, and dreams about turning their kitchen into a coffee bar.

Recommended accessories: 

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: We highly recommend upgrading your standard basket to a precision basket with flat walls and uniformly drilled holes. This will help you brew more consistent, well-extracted shots.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: To make lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based espresso drinks, you'll need a steaming pitcher. We like this one for its tall sides and helpful internal volume markings.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This double-sided model has both a leveler and an adjustable tamper for reliable pressure across every shot you brew.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Consistent maintenance is key to keeping your machine in brewing shape, and we like this powder for removing oils and minerals that build up during everyday use.
• Cleaning Brush: This brush can keep your machine looking pristine in between deeper cleanings.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 15 inches
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.5 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: Double and single filter baskets, blank backflushing basket, tamper, cleaning kit
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 1 year

What we liked: This is, arguably, the best-made espresso machine of our winners. It pulls great espresso, is easy to dial in (it even has a temperature configuration for different roasts), and froths café-quality milk. We liked that the insulated steam wand stayed cool while on and that you could grip it while frothing and position it just so. There were small graphics above each function (like for the group head and hot water) that showed which direction to turn to engage them. The build quality on the Mara X’s tamper is much, much better than most.

What we didn’t like: While this machine offered flawless performance, it was very expensive. It’s also heavy.

Best for: Enthusiasts and pros who want a top-of-the-line machine.

Recommended accessories: 

• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This palm-sized tool works double duty as a leveler and a versatile, adjustable tamper for 54-millimeter portafilters.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: If you want to make milky espresso drinks at home, don't forget to order a steamer pitcher alongside your new machine.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: To keep your machine looking (and working) like-new for a long time, backflush it regularly with a cleaning powder like this one.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 13.75 x 16.25 inches
• Weight: 40.6 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.5 liters 
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 58mm tamper, cup warmer rack and drip tray, IMS filter baskets, cleaning kit
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 1 year
  

What we liked: This is one of the fanciest Breville models yet. It has a built-in grinder with Baratza burrs, 45 grind settings, and automatic coffee portioning. Once it finishes grinding, you’ll hear the machine tamp the puck. The touchscreen walks you through the entire brewing process—be it espresso, a latte, or a cappuccino—and times how long it takes to pull shots, offering guidance and grind adjustment recommendations if they’re too fast or slow. The milk frothing is automatic too: Just fill the pitcher to one of the etched-on lines, place it on the machine with the steam wand in it, and press the frothing icon. You can customize the milk type, temperature, and foam. In our tests, the microfoam was smooth enough for latte art. The wheels on the underside of the machine, the easy-to-fill water reservoir, and the included knockbox were nice touches. 

What we didn’t like: The grind adjustment knob was a little sticky and jumped grind sizes quickly. You’ll sometimes have to go back and forth to get the grind setting you want. Of course, if you're an espresso tinkerer, this machine will likely feel too streamlined.

Best for: If you want the easiest possible espresso experience.

Recommended accessories: Cafiza cleaning powder, which can remove coffee and hard water residue during regular cleanings.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 15 x 14 1/2 deep x 16 3/4 inches
• Weight: 27.7 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Capacity: 2.2 liters
• PID: Yes
• Accessories: 480-milliliter stainless-steel milk jug, 1-cup filter basket, 2-cup filter basket, water-hardness testing strips, cleaning tablets, knockbox, and cleaning tools
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: A longtime favorite of ours, the Gaggia Classic Pro is similar to the Rancilio Silvia—it’s a single-boiler machine made with commercial parts that overperforms considering its price. And while it might not be the most user-friendly model out there, it made great espresso. Similar to the Silvia, the Classic Pro doesn’t have a PID and requires temperature surfing to achieve 200ºF brew temperatures. Its steam wand was powerful, though it took a few minutes to heat up, and we were able to pour latte art on our second try. 

What we didn’t like: The temperature surfing process made it difficult to pull back-to-back shots quickly, and switching to steam mode and back to brew mode to make multiple milk-based drinks was a headache.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts who like rolling up their sleeves, have a modest budget, and only make cappuccinos on occasion. 

Recommended accessories:

• VST 18-Gram Espresso Basket: A precision basket is one of the easiest and best upgrades you can make to any standard espresso machine. This one has professionally calibrated holes and straight-sided walls for optimal extraction.
• Milk Steaming Pitcher: We don't want you to unbox your shiny new machine and realize you forgot to order a steaming pitcher to go with it. This one has tall sides and handy measurement markers on the inside to help you make velvety lattes and cappuccinos right away.
• Crema Coffee Products Distribution Tool and Tamper: This is one of our favorite tampers because it's a two-in-one leveler and tamper, plus it has internal threading for dialing in on your ideal tamping depth.
• Dispersion Block: This shower screen kit is designed specifically for Gaggia Classic espresso machines to encourage even water flow and distribution to the filter.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Every espresso machine requires regular maintenance, and this powder will help you remove stale coffee residue and hard water buildup.
• Cleaning Brush: Use this brush throughout your daily brewing process and in between regular cleanings to keep your espresso machine tidy.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9 x 15 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters 
• Capacity: 2 liters
• PID: No
• Accessories: Plastic tamper, coffee scoop
• Care instructions: Backflush with coffee detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Warranty: 1 year

What we liked: We didn’t love this machine, but for anyone on a budget, it makes adequate espresso. The shots we pulled with it were passable, and its steam wand produced bubbly, lumpy milk foam. Still, it’s the cheapest model we recommend. We also liked its dead-simple interface, which is a single dial that can switch to brew or steam only.

What we didn’t like: Aside from its so-so performance, it’s also pretty flimsy with a mostly plastic body and rattled a lot while brewing. But for its price, the Stilosa punches above its weight class. 

Best for: Anyone who is curious about espresso but not quite ready to take the plunge on expensive equipment. 

Recommended accessories:

• Milk Frothing Pitcher: Don't forget to add a steaming pitcher to your order so you can start brewing lattes, cortados, and flat whites right away.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Keep your espresso machine brewing efficiently by backflushing it habitually with a cleaning powder like this one.
• Cleaning Brush: Brush away escaped espresso grounds and keep your machine tidy by keeping a brush nearby whenever you brew.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12 X 19 x 15 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters 
• Capacity: 1 liter 
• PID: No 
• Accessories: Tamper, filter for single and double espresso, measuring spoon
• Care instructions: Hand-wash parts with warm water and a stiff brush
• Warranty: 1 year

What we liked: For about $100 more, you could get this streamlined, sleeker, but still well-priced espresso machine. Its control panel has a total of five buttons, making it easy to use from the get-go. The espresso it made was fairly balanced, and its steam wand frothed milk alright, too. For the price, it does what it needs to. 

What we didn’t like: It’s lightweight and not very stable. Don’t expect too much power or precision from it. 

Best for: If you want a better-looking, compact, inexpensive espresso machine. 

Recommended accessories: 

• Milk Frothing Pitcher: This machine doesn't come with a steaming pitcher. We like this one because of its straight walls and internal volume measurement markings.
• Cafiza Cleaning Powder: Regular cleaning is a must, and a specialized cleaning powder can be used to backflush the espresso machine to remove coffee oil residue and mineral buildup.
• Cleaning Brush: Use a cleaning brush like this one to get rid of stray espresso grinds and keep your machine looking neat between deep cleans.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12.8 X 7.5 x 17.75 inches
• Weight: 12.12 pounds 
• Portafilter diameter: 52 millimeters 
• PID: No 
• Accessories: Tamper, filter for single and double espresso, measuring spoon
• Care instructions: Removable parts are dishwasher-safe
• Warranty: 1 year

The Competition

• Rancilio Silvia Pro X: This dual-boiler upgrade of the Rancilio Silvia performed great in all of our tests, but ultimately, its price was too high compared to the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth, which we also liked slightly more. 
• La Marzocco Linea Micra: The Linea Micra is an incredible espresso machine that we love, but at nearly $4,000, it’s hard to recommend to most people.
• La Marzocco Linea Mini: This machine is great, but it’s more suitable for commercial use. It weighs almost 90 pounds when full of water and has the same steam pressure as a machine that’s more than twice its size, making it impractical for most home espresso enthusiasts. 
• Breville Barista Pro: The Barista Pro is a great option from Breville with a built-in grinder, but we found the Barista Express Impress offered a lot more for a slightly higher price. 
• Neo Flair Espresso Maker: The only manual espresso machine we tested, the Flair struggled to produce the espresso quality of other machines.
• SOWTECH Steam Espresso Machine: This machine uses steam pressure instead of a pump, making it more like a moka pot. The shots it pulled were bitter.
• Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine: This machine produced bitter, thin espresso, and its steam wand made bubbly milk. 
• Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse+ Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Maker: Similar to the other Mr. Coffee we tested, the automatic steam wand on this machine made foamy, bubbly milk. It was frustrating trying to pull shots with it due to its flimsiness. 
• KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: This machine pulled thin and sour espresso shots. 
• SMEG Espresso Machine: Its espresso shots were only adequate, and the milk texture was full of large bubbles. 
• Cuisinart Espresso Maker Machine: This machine had issues keeping consistent pressure.
• Capresso Café TS Touchscreen Espresso Machine: This model’s espresso had a burnt, rubbery flavor.
• De’Longhi La Specialista Arte: We found the built-in grinder on this machine lacked the finer settings required to pull great espresso shots.
• KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: KitchenAid's semi-automatic espresso machine is a looker with a quiet, built-in grinder. But is too finicky to dial in for first-time users, and lacks key upgrades for espresso aficionados. Although the machine is supposed to come with two single-shot filter baskets and two double-shot baskets, we only received one double-shot basket.
• Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine: The first time we tried this machine, it had pressure-related issues. We ordered a replacement model and experienced problems with the water boiler midway through testing.
• Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine: This was a top pick, but three months into long-term testing, it stopped working. We received a new model through its warranty, and the same thing happened, so we can no longer recommend it.
• Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine: The Barista Touch offers a similar yet less automated experience than the Barista Touch Impress, which we stopped recommending after it repeatedly malfunctioned.
• De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine with Cold Brew: This model’s performance just couldn’t match up with others in the same price range.
• Breville Barista Express: Although this single-boiler machine is slightly more affordable than the Express Impress, we don’t think the savings are worth it. It took us a dozen tries to dial in a decent shot because the Grind Adjust and Size Selector were unpredictable and imprecise. The Express Impress is a better purchase because of its upgraded dosing features

FAQs

How do you clean an espresso machine?

The nuances of cleaning an espresso machine will vary depending on your specific machine, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. In general, though, you’ll want to keep up with day-to-day cleaning tasks, like purging and wiping down the steam wand after use, flushing the group head to avoid the coffee grounds buildup, and cleaning the portafilter and basket.  

How do you descale an espresso machine?

Again, check the manufacturer's directives for details on descaling your particular model, but this is a good habit to get into on a monthly basis, especially if you use your machine daily or if you live somewhere with hard water.

Is an espresso machine worth it?

Whether an espresso machine is worth the purchase or not is always going to be a personal decision. Consider your budget, counter space, and likelihood of frequent use. If you’re happy with filter coffee and only reach for an espresso beverage as an occasional treat, you’re probably fine to skip the at-home espresso machine. But if you’re dropping $6 on lattes every day from your favorite coffee shop? Well, an espresso machine might be a great investment.

What's the difference between an espresso, cappuccino, and latte?

Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, extracted at high pressure from a compacted puck of extremely finely ground beans. It's either consumed on its own or used as a base for a cappuccino or latte, which adds heated and aerated milk to the espresso in different quantities. Cappuccino is a smaller espresso and milk beverage, usually around five ounces, with a thicker layer of foam. A latte is a larger espresso and milk beverage, usually around 12 ounces, with a thinner layer of milk foam.

Why We're the Experts

• Jesse Raub was a writer at Serious Eats and spent over 15 years working in the specialty coffee industry. He was our in-house coffee expert and regularly tested coffee gear for this site.
• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director for Serious Eats. She's been with the site since 2021 and has been testing gear professionally for nearly seven years.
• For this review, we consulted Steve Rhinehart (manager at Acaia and former brand manager at Prima Coffee Equipment) and Madeleine Longoria Garcia of Pacific Coffee Research in Hawai'i.
• We tested 33 espresso machines. We also evaluated the Breville Bambino Plus, Breville Barista Express Impress, and Gaggia Classic Pro in long-term testing and everyday use, and retested them against new models like the Diletta Mio and Lelit Elizabeth.
• We recently tested four additional espresso machines, including two touchscreen models and beginner-intermediate models from Breville. We have named three, the Breville Oracle Dual Boiler, the Breville Barista Pro and the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch, winners.