Espresso Machine Reviews

Hi everyone! I’m going to try and help you choose the best espresso machine.

In a hurry? Check out our Top 7 Espresso Machine Reviews.

But first let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’m a keen espresso drinker and I’m still on a mission to create the perfect espresso in my own home.

I’ve been to Italy several times and there’s nothing better than nipping into an espresso bar and knocking back a small cupful before going on your merry way.

Creating that same creamy espresso in your own home is a fantastic goal and buying an espresso machine is your first step in that direction.

Firstly you need to decide how serious you are about espresso making. Espresso machines can cost from $100 up to over a thousand dollars. (most people go for an espresso machine under $200) If you have a few more dollars to spend then check out our new super automatic espresso machine guide.

Before I recommend an espresso machine, I want to discuss exactly what you should think about before taking the plunge.

Do You Have Room In Your Kitchen For An Espresso Machine?

It’s an easy thing to overlook but make sure you measure the space that you have available to place an espresso machine. Some of these machines are pretty big but you can get some nice compact ones like the Delonghi EC702 which doesn’t take up too much room on the counter.

I went for the DeLonghi EC702 mainly because it fits under my kitchen cabinets and the water tank is on the side so I don’t have to access it from the top at all (read my review here). For a few hundred dollars more you can go for the great looking and reassuringly well built Breville Barista Express.

Some machines also have extra gadgets like foamers which you need to take into account.

How Much Time Can You Spare?

Are you time poor and just want to press a button? Or are you excited about getting hands on about your espresso making? Machines range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic. Maybe you don’t really need an espresso machine and would be better with a simple stove top. (I have one for those lazy mornings when I can’t be bothered doing the whole machine thing. )

How Serious Are You About Espresso?

• Not very serious - Go for a simple capsule machine. The Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker  is one of the most popular in this class and you can pick it up online for under $400. It’s easy to use and easy to clean but you do have to buy their coffee pods.
• Quite serious – Go for a semi-automatic pump machine. Check out the Breville Barista Express. We think it’s a great machine and comes with a bean grinder built in.
• Serious about espresso! - Go for a lever machine. This means you use a lever machine to push the espresso out – old school style. One of the best is the La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola, a beautiful piece of equipment.
• Feeling flush? – You could invest in a magnificent fully automatic espresso machine like the DeLonghi Magnifica or a Jura Capresso Impressa. These will often cost upwards of $1000.

Now that you’ve had a good think about what kind of espresso person you are, let’s look at the most popular espresso machines available.

Best Espresso Machines

	Best for?	Description	Current Price
	Best Looking & Best Quality	The Breville Barista Express is countertop jewelry; works very well, is useable by both the beginner and the experienced enthusiast and is relatively affordable. The Barista Express is a good heavy machine and also includes a bult in bean grinder.	$799(MSRP) Live price Read our review
	Best Budget Machine	The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker is a fantastic little machine suitable for all kitchens. It's compact, efficient and easy to use and makes a great starter model. It's well made though and will last for years if you take care of it and clean it regularly. The best selling machine in the budget category and can be picked up for under $100.	$140(MSRP) Live price Read our review
	Best Value Machine	The Delonghi EC702 is one of the bestselling espresso makers in the under $200 category. It claims to be able to create cafe-standard espresso at just the right temperature and pressure. This machine looks great too and it’s easy to clean. It warms up very quickly indeed and isn’t sluggish about frothing the milk perfectly.	$350(MSRP) Live price Read our review
	Best Value Super-Automatic	A super automatic machine brews from bean to cup with the press of a button. The Delonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is probably the best seller in this category. You can get it online for well under $1000.	$1260(MSRP) Live price
	Best Super-Automatic	Not for the faint hearted the Jura-Capresso Impressa S9 is not cheap but you get a superb machine for your money. Jura have been making the best "automatic coffee centers" for years. The S9 is one of their most popular and offers a little slice of luxury.	$2399(MSRP) Live price
	Best Lever Machine (the real deal)	The La Pavoni Europiccola espresso machine is a beautiful espresso machine for coffee fans. It can make both espresso and cappuccino so lovers of both will get an exceptional machine for their investment.	Unkown(MSRP) Live price Read our review
	Best Pod Machine	The Nespresso Concept Automatic D290 Machine is an espresso machine and a coffee maker, and is a part of Nespresso’s Concept Line, which means it is designed with a practical, modern, and logistical design in both style and function.	Unkown(MSRP) Live price Read our review
	The Hardcore Espresso Geek Option	The Rancilio Silvia is well respected in the espresso world. One of the most important parts of an expresso machine is the boiler. You really want this part to last a long time. In the Silvia, the boiler is made of brass, runs at 952w, and is has a volume of 12 oz. Being made of brass means it will be much more durable than the normal aluminum or steel boilers that you usually get in machines. Brew group is also brass and functions via three way solenoid.	$799(MSRP) Live price Read our review