Best Espresso Machines of 2023, Tested by Experts

But what really makes it stand out is the ability to accommodate two types of coffee pod in addition to ground coffee; versatility you don't often see. Of course, not everyone will need this, and it does mean you have to store an extra portafilter. If this is you, don't worry – this machine does the basics really well. We'd recommend brewing the espresso into short cups and then pouring into to your favourite mug after. Coffee-and-espresso makers inherently offer multiple drink options, which is why they tend to be the most versatile brewing devices. The Bialetti Moka Express, for instance, is a non-electric coffee maker that really only makes one type of drink but the characteristics can change based on the grind size and amount of water used.
The brand recommends steaming at around one to one-and-a-half bars of pressure, and to be sure to purge it after use to keep it clean. But if these features sound appealing (or even essential) to you, be sure to research the design of the steam wand in any espresso machine you consider. At the same time, though, if you only ever want to make just espresso shots or Americanos, then you won’t get any significant use out of the milk steamer. Espresso Coffee Machine with Steamer Stainless Steel A milk steamer makes it simple to create that perfect foamy milk used in many popular espresso-based beverages like lattes. It allows you to hold the pitcher of milk at the perfect angle for steaming and brings it up to temperature quickly. In this guide, we’ll help you make your decision by discussing our picks for the top 5 greatest home espresso machines with milk steamers, and the reasons why we think they’re so great.

The beauty of the Bambino Plus is the combination of simplicity and unexpected power, enhanced by a rather elegant aesthetic. We were able to make a complete drink, from grinding to frothing milk, in barely over a minute, faster than with most other models we tested. Of all the models we tested, the Breville Bambino Plus was one of the easiest to use. And its consistent shots and capacity to efficiently steam finely textured milk froth made it the most powerful, dependable, and fun machine we tested under $1,000. It comes with a steam pitcher large enough for a latte, a comfortable tamper, and two dual-wall baskets for the portafilter. The Gaggia Classic Pro is the updated version of the Gaggia Classic, which has been a popular entry-level machine for decades thanks to its simple, approachable design and capacity to produce worthy espresso shots.
(Watch your hands if you do this right after pulling a shot, since you don’t want to inadvertently brush them against the extremely hot group head!) Finally, the manual is a bit hard on the eyes. Compared with Breville’s cleanly segmented instructions, the directions for setting up the Classic Pro feel like an afterthought. Gaggia has made a few adjustments to the Classic Pro since we tested it in 2019, including a slightly upgraded steam wand.
If you don't have much space in your kitchen, this 15-bar pressure espresso machine by VonShef is an easy-to-use model that isn't too large, and gives you freedom to personalise your coffee without the heavy price tag. Three buttons control its simple features; power on, steam and espresso. Once the machine is fully heated and the function selected, you control when and how much water is pulled through the portafilter. The filter itself is double-shot in capacity so can be half filled for a single. The water tank pulls out at the side, which means you don't have to remove it from the back for filling.

I was also impressed with how easy it was to use, thanks to the clear dial interface and LCD display. I appreciated that it came with an instruction booklet and additional resources, which helped me get started. From machines to coffee beans, get everything you need to make a perfect cup of third wave speciality coffee. Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition.
While this could be a pain in other models, this machine has an auto-clean system that kicks in every time milk is used. If you are looking for an easy way to pull shots of espresso, look no further than the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso Maker. This machine effectively answers the question, “What is the best espresso machine for beginners?
For instance, if a milk frother is included, you can consider milky hot drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Complete with a travel cup, a single serve  coffee maker is compatible with ground coffee and coffee pads – perfect for preparing a hot drink for your morning commute. If you’re limited on counter space, a bean to jug coffee maker doubles as a grinder; the integrated grinding blade makes quick work of the beans and dispenses flavoursome coffee into the carafe. For coffee connoisseurs, our selection of barista style coffee machines feature frothing wands as well as pressure pumps for making fragrant espresso – so you can create your perfect cup exactly how you like it. The Miele CM5300 has nine preset drink options, ranging from must-haves, like lattes and cappuccinos, to more creative drinks, like ristrettos and macchiatos.

We looked for espresso with rich flavour, smooth consistency, a hazelnut-coloured silky crema and bold aroma. Learn how to use the different features on your new appliance, view cleaning & care tips, and more. Customize up to 8 personalized beverages with names so family members and houseguests can program their favorite drinks. For new customers, they can place a trial order to test the product’s quality.
If a maker came equipped with a milk frother, we messed around with it using both whole and oat milks. After we analyzed the data, reviewed insights, and determined ratings, we used our findings to finalize our list you see above. The Fully Automatic Coffee Machine with Steam function is all you need to add any espresso and milk beverage to your reperatoire. But look deeper, and you'll find that the compact Fully Automatic Coffee Machine with Steam has more than just good looks. This super-automatic brewer is outfitted with the specialized components needed to produce exceptional espresso on demand, everytime you brew.

The additional problem is that, because the grinder is attached to the machine, it is harder to clear or repair because you have to work around the awkward bulk of the the brewing side. It also has the ability to make cold milk foam for iced lattes or flat whites—and here it really exceeded expectations. The iced drinks were easy drinking and had real body to them, even if the coffee itself could get a little buried under everything else going on. Do note that for cold drinks you’ll need to use either skim milk or an alternative milk like oat or almond.
While with proper care and attention these parts should fare fine, all it takes is one slip-up and you'll have a mess of melted plastic to deal with or, at the very least, a handle to replace — ask us how we know. Apart from being built with thick, food-grade aluminum, Grosche's Milano comes with a silicone gasket, which won't wear out nearly as quickly as the rubber ones found in many alternatives. Further, while we're not making true espresso, we are still dealing with pressure when we brew in a Moka pot. The low memory of silicone (meaning you won't start to find creases in it like you would with natural rubber) means it will seal better and last longer. That said, you can find them in different materials and designed for different heating methods. We spoke with 2020 UK Brewers Cup champion and Moka pot enthusiast Matteo D'Ottavio to find out what makes a good Moka pot, and what it takes to get a good brew out of one.
The CASABREWS Espresso Machine with Grinder is a great investment for anyone who loves coffee and wants to make their own delicious espresso coffee at home. The sleek stainless steel design is not only stylish but also durable. The machine comes with a transparent 49 oz water tank that is detachable and easy to fill. The drip tray is also easy to remove and rinse, making cleaning a breeze. I appreciate the included components that come with the machine, including two filter baskets, a tamper, and a measuring spoon.