Do you love a little espresso after lunch? or maybe you’re more of a cappuccino man in the morning? Or how about a lie-down to get the day off to a good start?
Would you like to try your hand at a real barista machine: the espresso machine?
Find the best settings, control in detail all the extraction parameters to make the best espresso possible. I have to tell you, shooting the perfect shot is almost an art and it’s addictive 🙂
Secondly, I must warn you: making a good cup of coffee with an espresso machine isn’t as easy as it sounds. It takes a little time and learning. It’s also a passion that can quickly become quite expensive!
Another consideration is investing in a coffee grinder. We recommend putting as much or more money into the grinder.
But don’t panic, I’ll explain everything in detail and present you with the best options for you, depending on what you’re looking for. The world of espresso is a fascinating one, and you’ve come to the right place!
Here’s one of the best models to get you started!
What kind of machine are we talking about?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, I advise you to read the following carefully. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a machine that doesn’t suit you, and which may make bad coffee, or waste your time and money.
Espresso is a short, very strong, full-bodied coffee. It is nonetheless tasty and pleasing to the taste buds. He’s powerful with body. That’s why it’s so popular with you and me.
To make a real espresso, you need an espresso machine, which consists of a boiler (or 2 for top-of-the-range models), a filter holder and a steam nozzle. As I mentioned, you’ll need a grinder suitable for espresso.
But you also have other options that allow you to make a coffee very close to espresso: the bean-to-cup machine with built-in grinder, or the Nespresso machine, which doesn’t exactly make espresso, but comes close.
In this article I’ll focus on traditional machines, but I’ll also introduce you to the best grain and capsule options.
Are you really motivated?
Making espresso can be a bit tricky. In fact, more than the machine and the grinder, it’s practice and knowledge that are important for making a good espresso.
Before buying or offering an espresso machine, here are a few questions you should answer:
- Are you ready to spend some time reading and understanding espresso extraction?
- Are you ready to spend some time perfecting your technique?
- Are you ready to buy a (very) good coffee grinder?
And believe me, it’s easy to mess up your espresso at first!
But what a pleasure, with a little practice, to obtain the perfect shot with a beautiful crema, that is powerful in the mouth and well balanced.
It’s also a real pleasure to share one’s passion for coffee with family and friends.
If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee without too much hassle, then I’d advise you to opt for a bean-to-cup machine.
The importance of the grinder
I know, you’re wondering when I’m going to introduce you to the best machines.
I’m getting there. But first, one last point that I consider very (very) important. The grinderquestion.
We often think of the espresso machine as the accessory and the grinder as the most important appliance.
In fact, you could almost think of the machine as a simple pump that heats water to the right temperature and sends it out at the right pressure (9 bar).
If your grind is unsuitable, your coffee will be bad. It doesn’t matter which machine you have. That’s why the mill is so important.
And to get a true espresso grind, you need a mill that is capable of grinding sufficiently finely and evenly.
You can also opt for a model with a built-in grinder, such as the Sage Barista Express, which I’ll introduce later. It’s practical, but can cause a few problems.
You should expect to pay at least 100 dollars for a good manual grinder and 300 dollars for an electric one.
Why trust me?
After more than 50 hours of research and testing of different machines, I’ve put together a complete guide to the best espresso machines on the market.
Then I’ll try to answer all your questions and help you solve any problems you may encounter using your machine.
Passionate about the world of coffee for years, I love to share my passion and present the fruits of my research.
Comparison of the best espresso machines
Breville Bambino : excellent value for money
Excellent value for money, this compact coffee machine is perfect for making espresso at home. This is the smallest coffee machine from Sage (or Breville for North America), a world leader in espresso machines for beginners.
Aesthetically, it is small, compact and weighs 6.5 kg. With a height of 31 cm, a width of 19.50 cm and a depth of 32 cm, it fits into any kitchen, however small. The black parts of this machine are made of high-quality plastic. The rest is stainless steel. At first glance, its look is rather pleasing.
It’s very easy to use. As with all Sage machines, it has a very fast heating system, ready for use in 3 minutes. It works with ground coffee, but it’s advisable to have your own grinder for top-quality espresso.
Upgradeable yet easy to use, it will help you master the perfect espresso, thanks to its thermal stability, stainless steel coffee group and high-quality PID system.
Plus: very rapid heating, two programmable doses (for one or two coffees), professional-quality stainless steel steam nozzle and exclusive adjustable automatic milk frothing system. We regret that the group diameter is only 54 mm, and that the machine is slightly unstable.
This coffee machine is for you if :
- If you’re new to learning ;
- You like to prepare specialities like cappuccino;
- you have a kitchen with limited space.
Delonghi Dedica : the most compact
With a depth of 30 centimetres, a height of 30 centimetres and a width of just 15 centimetres, this coffee machine has an innovative and captivating design. No problem, even if you have a small kitchen.
Speaking of technologies, this device has a few not to be overlooked. First of all, this machine has a number of features in common, such as the ability to choose the coffee temperature, the coffee length (i.e. the quantity of coffee per cup) and the size of the filter, which is pressurized. There are three different filter sizes, allowing you to make a stronger or weaker coffee and dispense more or less coffee.
The Delonghi Dedica is also equipped with a thermoblock water heater. I present this technology in the second part of this article.
As far as water pressure is concerned, the machine delivers a steady 15 bar, which is by no means negligible for an individual machine of this size.
Last but not least, this machine allows you to use both ESE coffee pods (for Easy Serving Expresso) and the more common ground coffee.
Last but not least, this device is highly appreciated by its users. They appreciate the various possibilities for adjusting temperature, length, etc. But there’s also the thermoblock, the milk dispenser, which we’ll introduce later, and above all the simple design for such a small product.
The only downside is that the water content is “only” 1 liter. It’s not enough for some, but it’ll be more than enough for most of us.
The Sage Bambino is the best model for getting started in the world of espresso. Be aware, however, that with this type of filter door you may be limited if you want to continue learning.
This machine is for you if:
- If you’re new to the world of espresso
- You don’t have much room at home
- You’re looking for a compromise between customization and ease of use
Gran gaggia classic pro: the most modifiable
Here’s one of my favorite models to get you started in the exciting world of espresso.
Here we enter the world of true semi-professional home barista machines. In fact, it’s the most popular entry-level machine, and also the one I’m currently using.
Several strong points: low price, pressurized and non-pressurized 58 mm filter holder (commercial size), single boiler and pro-style steam nozzle.
La Gaggia Pro is designed and manufactured in Italy. A real plus, given Italy’s espresso expertise.
Speaking of design, the machine has recently been redesigned, with many new colors and improved aesthetics. For me, it’s the most beautiful machine in this category.
The steam nozzle has also been improved.
At this price, the machine has to make compromises. Not in terms of quality, but in terms of ease of use.
Out of the factory, the pressure is a little high, between 12 and 15 bars, which can increase the risk of channeling (the fact that your coffee is not extracted correctly). A simple solution is to change a small spring (it’s cheap and easy to do) to increase the pressure to 9 bar.
The Gaggia has no PID, which results in some temperature fluctuation. There are several ways to deal with this problem.
As the boiler is a little small, you’ll have to wait if you want to make cappuccino after cappuccino, for example.
Despite these few drawbacks, this is a solid, future-proof espresso machine built to last, with a large community of enthusiasts. It’s the ideal way to start your espresso adventure.
This machine is for you if:
- You really want to get into espresso
- Looking for a machine that can grow with you over the long term?
- Aesthetics are important to you
Sage barista Express plus: the ultimate integrated grinder
The Sage Barista Express is a top-of-the-range coffee maker, one of the best espresso machines with integrated grinder. This is a semi-automatic, single-boiler machine.
Its brushed stainless steel body, attractive design, impressive dimensions (310 x 325 x 400 mm) and 12 kg weight give it a professional look. You immediately feel you’re dealing with something robust and serious.
Its thermoblock heating system ensures rapid heating, hence the name Express Plus. This semi-automatic machine takes care of almost everything: the integrated mill, with its stainless steel conical grinding wheels, can obtain 18 levels of grind. You can choose the right alkalinity for your water thanks to its built-in water filter.
The integrated milk frother combines the flavor of milk with that of coffee for your caffe latte and cappuccino preparations. Its PID (digital temperature control) delivers water at the right temperature.
The machine features a self-cleaning program to ensure long machine life. Some may regret the limited grinding parameters and the 54 mm filter holder.
This machine is for you if :
- you’re looking for a semi-professional machine;
- you are a connoisseur of café latte preparations;
- you want to refine your preparation skills.
Rancilio Silvia: the most durable and solid
The Rancilio Silvia coffee machine is a model of excellence when it comes to domestic machines. The brand is renowned for its quality and reliability.
Made of brushed stainless steel, its striking silver and black look makes it a perfect match for any kitchen style. Its dimensions are standard and its weight rather imposing (14 kg), but its very square shape makes it easy to find a place for it in the kitchen.
It is ergonomic and easy to use, with a front panel equipped with switches (main switch, steam coffee and hot water) and indicator lights. It doesn’t have a built-in coffee grinder, so you’ll need to get your own. On the other hand, the cup warmer is a welcome addition, as is the large-capacity water recovery tank. An important point to note is its low power consumption when on standby, switching off after 30 minutes if not in use.
Its latest innovations include a new boiler with screw-in heating element, a professional stainless steel steam tube and a 58 mm professional filter holder.
It’s a shame there’s no steam on demand. It should be pointed out that this machine is reserved for a more experienced public and requires a little time to learn how to use it perfectly; but afterwards, your espresso coffees will be worthy of a real coffee-shop.
This machine is for you if :
- You already have experience;
- you want to learn more;
- you can make a substantial investment in a semi-professional machine.
Lelit Anna: entry level 58mm
This semi-professional coffee machine combines simplicity and efficiency. The Italian Lelit brand uses the same technologies and components as professional barista machines. It’s a guarantee of quality, reliability and performance.
In terms of design, all stainless steel with a matt finish, it is elegant and quite small, making it easy to place in the kitchen.
Its high-pressure pump and automated hydraulic tamping system guarantee excellent coffee with maximum flavour. Its brass boiler distributes even heat to ensure the success of your espresso.
Note the backlit gauge, multi-directional professional spray tube, extraction quality and meticulous finish. This intuitive, versatile, evolutionary machine is an excellent choice for beginners.
Offering excellent value for money, it’s an excellent compromise between an entry-level model and much more expensive machines.
Be careful here, as there are 2 very similar models: PL41LEM and the PL41TEM version with PID (which is the one we recommend).
Minuses: no PID (for the least expensive version); you have to hold the machine with one hand to insert the filter holder because of its light weight. Its heating time is a little long: between 5 and 8 minutes.
It’s for you if :
- you like small, compact machines;
- you love the classic stainless steel look ;
- you have an average budget ;
For the budget-conscious: De’Longhi ECP
Here’s my low-priced selection. Obviously, at such a price you can’t expect miracles, but the Delonghi ECP makes decent espressos.
With its small dimensions and simple design, this machine offers several interesting functions.
Starting with the steam nozzle for milky beverages such as cappuccinos and lattes.
It offers a total of four different coffee-making options. Added to this is the thermoblock for faster coffee brewing. The lack of programming is still to be deplored, even if it’s not quite what we expected for a machine of this price.
The coffee it prepares is drinkable, and can be used both in powder form and in ESE pods. The machine adapts perfectly to both.
This coffee maker is for you if:
- You have a small budget
- You don’t have a mill
- Want to know if a manual machine is right for you?
Top-of-the-range models
I didn’t want to end this selection of the best machines without telling you about 3 top-of-the-range models.
Lelit Bianca
This manual espresso machine is designed for advanced baristas. It is a semi-pro machine. It offers the technology of coffee-shop machines. It’s for anyone who wants to control the extraction process themselves, down to the smallest detail.
It features a paddle to monitor extraction pressure in real time, a dual pressure gauge to indicate the pressure in the service boiler and the pressure of the rotary pump. Its E61 unit enables pre-infusion to be managed mechanically, electronically and manually.
The lelit Bianca has a double boiler to control thermal stability. A high-quality mill is a must.
Rocket Appartamento
This top-of-the-range espresso machine is perfect for those who are really demanding when it comes to their morning coffee. In its specialty, it represents the entry-level segment.
The look is elegant and original, with stainless steel bodywork and copper-colored inserts. Its small, compact design is a welcome feature compared to other machines.
It is equipped with an E61 commercial brewing unit for optimum espresso extraction. A single boiler gives the same temperature to the water for coffee and to the steam for foaming milk. Its dual pre-infusion system ensures optimum coffee extraction.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is an imposing model. Its body is made of stainless steel and ABS, with an aesthetically pleasing minimalist design.
It is available in two versions: with reservoir or direct connection to water pipes. Its thermo-siphonic boiler guarantees the right water temperature, and its four-hole steam nozzle. ABS maintenance can be a little tricky.
Read the full Simonelli Oscar 2 test here
We should also mention the Marzocco Linea Mini, surely one of the highest-quality machines for home use.
Alternatives
To make a real espresso, you’ll need a machine like those mentioned above.
But the good news is that it’s now possible to brew espresso-style coffee without a manual machine. I’ve selected 3 options for you to get the best results from your cup.
La delonhi magnifica S: the top automatic machine
This automatic machine features a steel grinder with 13 positions.
It also features an improved steam nozzle for excellent milk foam. With this machine, you can make coffee on demand: tight or long, light or strong. You can also choose the temperature.
The intensity of the coffee aroma is adjusted by turning the central knob. Another plus point for the Magnifica S is that it serves two cups at the same time. Its cappuccino system produces a delicious creamy foam for latte art preparations. Not to mention that it’s not very noisy.
This machine is for you if :
- there are two of you drinking coffee;
- You love the smell of coffee being ground;
- you love making latte drinks.
Minipresso: the most mobile
The Wacao Minipresso is astonishing. Nothing to do with the previous ones! It’s nomadic, compact and doesn’t require a power supply.
Extraction is by hand pump. Operation is simple: with hot water and ground coffee, simply prime the pump and manually inject pressure.
The great advantage of this mini-machine is that you can make your espresso almost anywhere! And the coffee is good!
This machine is for you if :
- you are often on the move;
- you need an espresso wherever you are;
- You have an electric kettle next to you.
Nespresso capsule machine
From Delonghi, this Nespresso machine has nothing in common with its predecessors, both in terms of price and function.
It’s a pod machine. It can make either a short or a long coffee, which is appreciated. Its 19-bar pressure ensures a good cup of coffee with a perfectly creamy froth.
Its ultra-fast 25-second preheating time, simple operation and excellent value for money are particularly noteworthy. One small criticism: pods aren’t ideal.
This machine is for you if :
- You’re looking for extreme simplicity
- Are you looking for a machine at a very low price?
- The cost of pods is not a problem for you
What you need to know before buying your machine
So as not to get lost in the jungle of machine technologies, here’s a short list of everything you need to know before making your choice.
Single or double boiler
Double boilers are great, but not really necessary for an espresso machine, especially if you’re just starting out. However, having a double boiler does have its advantages:
You can make more espresso: double boilers allow you to make two espressos at the same time. This can be useful when you need to make two coffees in a much shorter time.
Special drinks: A double boiler allows you to make espresso and steam milk at the same time, which is very practical.
However, I don’t have a double boiler on my espresso machine and as there are only two of us in the house, it hasn’t been a problem.
PID
A PID controls the boiler water temperature. This is very practical for constant extraction and control of parameters.
Most entry-level machines have no PID. It’s often possible to control water temperature by “temp surfing”.
Steam nozzle for milk
If you dream of making lattes with a beautiful microfoam and latte art with hearts, make sure you buy an espresso machine with a powerful steam nozzle.
Most inexpensive models are equipped with a so-called “Panarello” nozzle, which is actually quite effective for preparing cappuccinos.
However, for the art of café au lait, you need a steam nozzle capable of creating a vortex in the pitcher. This means you need to look for a model with a powerful manual steam lance.
The pressure
Why is the pressure so high? This is because the amount of pressure with which the water passes through the coffee grounds is an essential part of the espresso-making process.
Many machines, often entry-level, boast high pressure (sometimes 19 bar or 15 bar).
In reality, we’re looking for a machine with 9 bars of pressure. The less possible it is, the less advisable it is.
Espresso flavor improves at up to nine bars, because as the pressure increases, the water passes more rapidly through the coffee grounds packed in the espresso puck.
But when the pressure exceeds nine bars, the water begins to compact the coffee grounds in the washer, which slows the speed at which the water passes through the washer, and the espresso’s flavor is therefore less good.
It’s important to understand this optimum pressure setting, as most of the machines we tested had different pressure profiles – from 3.5 to 15 bar.
Machine with integrated grinder
Here’s a handy solution if you’re short on kitchen space and can’t afford a mill.
On the other hand, the integrated grinder can also cause a few problems. In the event of a breakdown, your entire machine is sent to the after-sales service department. The integrated grinder generally has fewer settings for your grind. This won’t be a problem at first, but can become frustrating later on.
Filter holder size
The filter holder is where you put your coffee.
The standard filter holder size is 58 mm. Some machines, such as Lelit, operate with a 57mm filter holder (VIP line models come with 58mm holders).
On low-cost machines, you’ll find 51-52 mm filter holders, often pressurized.
Smaller and often pressurized, they make it easier to create pressure and crema.
It’s handy for understanding how it works, but if you’re really serious about your espresso I’d advise you to use a non-pressurized filter holder.
Essential accessories
I’ve warned you, making a good espresso at home is a passion that can quickly become expensive.
You’ve found the ideal machine – that’s the first step. Next, you’ll need a high-quality mill, whether manual or electric.
Unfortunately, it’s not over yet. You’ll also need a good tamper. The one you get with your machine will probably be plastic and useless. A scale is also very important for measuring your coffee dose.
A milk jug is a must. A knock box will also soon prove to be very practical.
In short, you’ll have understood that without these few accessories, making your espresso may not be very pleasant.
A grinder
As I explained at the beginning of this article, the grinder is even more important than your machine.
So you have 2 options. First of all, the manual grinder . The big advantage is the price. You can find a good espresso grinder for around 180 dollars.
The electric mill, often recommended, is more expensive. Expect to pay at least 350-400 dollars for a grinder capable of producing a decent grind.
A tamper
The filter holder is an essential element for preparing your galette. Be careful to choose the right filter for the size of filter holder.
A precision scale
If you don’t weigh your coffee, you won’t be able to reproduce the same espresso the following days.
You can find specialized coffee scales like the Timemore, with a built-in stopwatch. Otherwise, a low-priced model will do the trick.
A jug for milk
If you like milky drinks, a small pitcher is a must. No need to buy a professional pitcher. Be sure to use stainless steel and rinse well. You’ll also need it if you want to try your hand at latte art.
A knock box
I hesitated to put this one in the must-haves. A good knock box will enable you to remove the coffee cake from your filter holder much more easily. I assure you, it will simplify your life!
Other (almost) indispensable accessories
Finally (I promise), here are 5 accessories that may not be mandatory from the outset, but will make your life much easier later on.
- A carpet
You’ll soon realize that making espresso is a messy business. A mat also allows you to place the filter holder correctly and avoid damaging your kitchen.
- Coffee dispenser
it allows you to properly level your coffee before using your tamper. Not essential, but very practical.
- WDT
This stands for Weiss Distribution Technique and helps break up the little lumps of coffee in your filter holder, thus preventing “channeling”. You can make your own for 3 euros with a cork and acupuncture needles.
Here’s how to make one in just a few minutes.
- A thermometer
If you’re serious about making lattes and cappuccinos and want to get started with latte art, a thermometer will be very useful, especially at the beginning, to know the different emulsion stages of your milk.
- Bottomless filter holder
Also known as bottoless or naked. It will enable you to see exactly how your coffee is being extracted, and to pinpoint any areas where there is channeling (where the water passes through too quickly without properly extracting the coffee). It’s not a must-have as such, but it’s still very useful for “understanding” your espresso.
How do you make a good espresso?
Before you even start, make sure to preheat your machine, which can take from 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 1: Grinding
Always grind fresh whole grains just before brewing. The texture of the grind is an important aspect of coffee quality. Too fine a grind will produce a slow, over-extracted beverage with a bitter, burnt taste. If the grind is too coarse, the result is a beverage that is not sufficiently extracted, is weak, watery and has an acidic taste.
The ideal texture of the grind you are looking for is similar to that of granulated sugar.
Step 2: The dose
The dose is the amount of coffee you need to fill the filter holder to prepare your espresso. The dose for a “double-shot” [la façon la plus courante de préparer un espresso] should be between 14 and 18 grams [cela dépend également de votre machine à espresso et de vos préférences personnelles].
Step 3: Tamping
Tamping ensures uniformity of extraction by levelling and compacting the grounds to guarantee even and constant contact between the water and the coffee.
The correct tamping method is to hold your elbow at 90 degrees, place your filter holder on a flat surface and apply pressure until the coffee has a uniform, polished appearance. Note: coarser coffee beans should be packed more firmly than finer ones.
Step 4: Extraction
Place the filter holder in the infusion head of your machine and place your pre-warmed cup underneath. Take a timer and time yourself. This step is essential to learning how to make the perfect espresso.
All machines and all people are different, so practice and experiment. Following these general guidelines will ensure that your drink is drawn correctly, but playing around with grinds and the like is a matter of personal taste.
To find out more, read our article: How to prepare an espresso The complete guide.
FAQ
How to clean your machine
There are two main aspects to coffee machine maintenance: the presence of limescale and the presence of coffee residue in the machine. In both cases, you must prevent these occurrences by following the manufacturer’s advice on how to use your machine properly.
So make sure you have a good water filter, and don’t hesitate to change it as soon as it wears out, for example. Then, for the actual cleaning, you’ll need to dismantle your machine and brush the various dirty parts with descaling products. Check the compatibility of this product with your machine before use.
Which water to use?
We recommend using filtered water. Avoid tap water, especially hard water, and avoid demineralized water.
What’s the difference between pressurized and non-pressurized filter holders?
The pressurized filter holder will create more pressure and enable crema production. Handy for understanding how your machine works, or when you only have ground coffee from the supermarket. To make a real espresso, you’ll need a non-pressurized filter holder.
How do I backflush my espresso machine?
Remove your filter basket from the filter holder and fit a backflush disc. This disc can be either a filter basket without holes (also known as a blind basket), or a rubber disc that fits into the holes of a simple filter basket.
Pour about 0.5 teaspoon of cleaner into the basket.
Replace the filter holder in the brew group and switch on the pump.
After about 20 seconds, the pump becomes very quiet. It’s the result of the pressure that’s building up. When the pressure has built up (silent), stop the pump.
You’ll then hear a “whoosh” sound as the cleaner is blown into the brew group, through the three-way valve and empties into the drip tray. Repeat this process until the foam in the drip tray is clean.
Which coffee to use with my machine?
Choose a quality coffee with a recent roasting date (1 or 2 weeks before purchase) Everyone will have their own coffee preferences. I recommend you start with a medium roast.
How do I store my coffee beans?
Put your coffee in an airtight can, the better to remove the air from the bottom. Store away from light and heat.
Which grind for my espresso?
Each mill will have its own particular setting, so you’ll have to experiment a little before finding the ideal grind. We recommend a very fine grind, which will stick to your finger a little, but without making a big clump.
What is thermoblock technology?
Thermoblock heating is relatively new. Water is no longer heated in a boiler inside the machine, but circulates through a small, very hot pipe. This ensures sufficiently hot water in just a few seconds.
Expresso or Espresso?
There are many different espresso machine technologies. All the machines we have presented are quality machines you can trust. It’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs.