Best Espresso Machine to Start Your Day Right

If you are serious about your espresso and want something in the “prosumer” category – a borderline café-quality espresso machine for your home – the Rancilio Silvia is a very popular choice in the espresso community. This manual espresso machine makes great shots and can last you decades if you treat it right.  

With a rectangular, stainless steel body that looks like a countertop sized version of what you would see in a coffee house, the Rancilio Silvia screams that it is a serious espresso machine. This machine has heft, so once you find a place for it on your countertop, it is not moving – so you do not need to bearhug this machine to twist the portafilter on. With an ergonomic 58mm portafilter with two non-pressurized filter baskets (for single and double shots) and double spout for pouring one or two shots at once, the Rancilio Silvia is designed for impressively authentic espresso. The flat top is a perfect place for storing espresso cups, warming them in the process. The water tank and drip tray do not have clear indicators of their volume, so knowing if you have enough water or if you are about to overflow requires taking the steps to check.  

In terms of making espresso, the Rancilio machine is a solid machine overall, that might need some learning or work to figure out how to get the most out of it. One of the drawbacks is that the machine runs a little hot, and likely you might see steam when making an espresso, indicating water hotter than the 90-96 degree Celsius sweet spot. Some users remedy this by “temperature surfing,” as the internet’s resident coffee expert James Hoffmann puts it, where you let the machine run hot water through the machine and extract your espresso after the initial run as the machine is heating back up. Some users have looked to modding this unit, and there is a community of users online who look to mod this machine for better results, who have resources available. These mods can help improve the brew temperature but can cost more on top of the already significant price tag. The other alternative is opting for the Rancilio Silvia PID, which is a factory-built version which brings in a Proportional Integral Derivative unit for better temperature control. This will also up the price but is worth it if you are uncertain about completing the mods yourself.  

The Silvia boasts a very impressive, café quality steam wand that steam wands that produces excellent frothy milk if you know what you are doing – but if you do not, or are just trying to figure out milk frothing, it can be daunting due to the technique it requires. The Rancilio Silvia overall is a machine worthwhile upgrading if you develop a strong passion for pouring espresso and making milk drinks, however the learning curve makes it less ideal for your first espresso machine.  

Cleaning this machine is not hard, but it is highly recommended you do it thoroughly, backflushing the machine regularly, and de-scaling when necessary. Users are overall are impressed with the quality of espresso and the quality of the unit itself. While the temperature fluctuations might result in inconsistent brews, this issue can be navigated around, and the espresso is still worth the money. The Rancilio Silvia is a costly unit (although similar espresso machines can run significantly higher) but very worthwhile as an upgrade pick if you get the espresso itch.  

The Gaggia Classic Pro is a very popular model of espresso machine renown on coffee forums everywhere. From espresso enthusiasts to beginners, users found that machine can make excellent espressos.  

With a large, stainless steel body, the Gaggia Classic Pro looks like a solid espresso machine while also not being intimidating. The Gaggia Classic Pro has a 58mm portafilter, with dual spouts so you can pour two shots at a time. The water reservoir is also solidly big at 71 oz, and accessible from the front (once the drip tray is removed) but you can also pour water into the reservoir though the top of the unit. The drip tray is large but does not have a float to see how much room is in the drip tray. One thing that is frustrating with the Classic Pro is the spout does not sit too far above the drip tray, which does not give enough height for users who want to put a scale underneath their espresso/cappuccino cup for precise measurements. The Gaggia’s steam wand does seem to be lacking in pressure and power and is overall less ideal for milk drinks but is still usable. 

The Gaggia Classic Pro comes with both a pressurized and non-pressurized basket for the portafilter, so you can either go with pre-ground coffee in the pressurized or grind your own with the commercial basket. The Gaggia Classic Pro has a 3-way solenoid valve, also commonly found in commercial machines, which relieves pressure in the brewing chamber and for an easily removable puck and the ability to make back-to-back espresso very easily. One thing that the Gaggia has is a higher pressure of around 15-bar, which can lead to a certain harshness to your espresso for discerning drinkers who want to grind their own beans. There is a solution to the high pressure, that involves modifying the unit, which will not be too hard, but you will likely void your warranty in the process. The Gaggia is a favourite for modders, as the weaknesses of this machine – temperature and pressure – can be adjusted and the resulting machine when modded properly can be a huge boost to the Gaggia Classic Pro. There is a large community of Gaggia Classic owners that share their knowledge on modding online if you are interested in improving these results. 

Overall, if you are looking to make espresso a hobby, many enthusiasts will point you in the direction of the Gaggia Classic. This machine has a lot of solid qualities to it, its flaws can be remedied, and is not too steep of a price for an espresso machine that can contend with much more expensive models.  

If you are looking for an easy-to-use automatic espresso machine that can make impressive drinks, without getting too into the coffee-enthusiast side of espresso machines, the Breville Bambino Plus is a great place to start. The Bambino Plus has many impressive features, in both manual to automatic functionality, including a solid milk steamer and 3 second heat up time.  

The Bambino Plus is a smaller, elegant looking machine that will not take up much counterspace. While it is primarily plastic, the machine has a silver aesthetic that would suit most spaces. There is a nice distance from underneath where the portafilter sits to the drip tray, so this lets users who are interested in learning how to make quality espresso put a coffee scale underneath their cup. While the drip tray is not very large, it does have a float to indicate when it needs emptying.  

While some espresso machines take significant time in terms of heating up, the Bambino Plus heats up in an impressive 3 seconds. This in conjunction with the digital temperature control via PID allows for optimal extraction of your espresso. The Bambino Plus also features low-pressure pre-infusion, where the ground espresso is moistened with water at low pressure before hot water is pumped through it. This technique is proven to improve even extraction, as water will disperse evenly through the espresso and reduce channelling (where the water pushes the coffee out of the way in the brew chamber). The Bambino Plus features a 15-bar pump, that is set to deliver that ideal 9-bars of pressure. The Bambino Plus features a 54 mm portafilter ideal for 19 grams of espresso. This unit comes stock with a pressurized, double-wall backet, but you can order a single wall basket if you are looking to improving this aspect of your espresso machine.   

One of the features of the Bambino Plus where it excels is the milk steaming. Manually, the milk steamer is powerful, but gives you enough time to develop foam, resulting in quality steamed milk, perfect for lattes. But not everyone will care to do it manually when a unit like this features a well-equipped automated milk steaming feature, which allows you to pick your temperature and texture. Either way, this unit features one of the easiest to use milk steamers among household espresso machines. Another thing we can rave about with this machine: the steam wand is self cleaning (just make sure the wand is pointing at the drip tray, unless you do not mind cleaning up after it).  

There are some common criticisms on this machine that may influence your decision on purchasing this unit. Since this unit is small or lightweight, some users have complained about twisting the portafilter onto the group, feeling they need to bearhug the machine to get a secure enough seal.  Apparently for some users, with time this gets easier. Some users took issue with the drip tray being shallow. Overall, users find this machine in a sweet spot in between ease-of-use and delicious espresso beverages. If you do not want to adjust settings and pour times and still have good espresso, the Bambino plus is a great pick. Looking to save a little more? The base Bambino lacks the auto-frothing capabilities at a cheaper price.  

Espresso machines can be very expensive, but they do not have to be. The De’Longhi EC155M is an excellent beginner machine due to its lower price and easiness to use, but it can be further modified for improved results if you get the itch for better espresso.  

The EC155M is a more compact machine, that will sit on your countertop without taking up too much real estate. It may not impress your friends with its chrome on black aesthetic, but at this price, it does not need to. The distance from the portafilter to drip tray is only big enough for espresso cups, and if you want to weigh your shot, you might struggle to fit in this tight squeeze. The drip tray for this machine is easily removable and machine washable. One thing not very popular among users is the location of the tamper, which is fixed to the right of where the portafilter sits and requires an awkward pushing-up motion to tamp the coffee. 

The De’Longhi is a simple manual espresso machine that is great for beginners due to its feature set but can be upgraded if your taste changes. The model features a 52mm portafilter with a pressurized basket, which makes sense for a machine on the lower side of the price spectrum, as these specs are suited for getting crema and texture for pre-ground or imperfectly ground beans. The three-in-one portafilter has baskets for single and double espresso shots, and one for an easy-serve espresso (ESE) pods, which are gaining more traction. Many swear by self-ground beans, so you will either need to buy a non-pressurized basket or make some slight modifications if you want to grind your own espresso for the EC155M. With two internal thermometers, the Rapid Cappuccino System maintains the temperature of the machine at optimal rates, so you can brew drinks for the family or any guests you may have. The De’Longhi EC155M is advertised having 15-bars of pressure, which is above what is ideal, but with a budget espresso machine, there are going to be things you will have to sacrifice.  

The De’Longhi EC155M features an entirely removable 35 oz water tank, which is on the smaller side of some of the tanks of machines listed on this list. The controls for this unit are minimal: a 4-mode dial that has features for (from left to right) getting steam temperature, off, on, and to pour espresso, and a knob on top can be used to control the steam wand or to even expense hot water. Like most espresso machines, the De’Longhi features a milk steamer for making milk drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. While users have stated the milk steamer is not great, it is serviceable, and is one such aspect that users have had luck modding themselves.  

Users overall are satisfied with this machine. Many users who want espresso occasionally can enjoy this machine’s ease of use and its price tag. For espresso enthusiasts, this is one of the better machines at its price range and is relatively easily modded. While it will not compete with the more expensive models, it is perfectly serviceable. However, you do notice the corners that have been cut – like build quality for one.  

This article spends a significant amount of time zeroed in espresso machines that can be chosen for making quality shots of espresso, but what if you are always on the rush? Many offices run on coffee (ours included), and the Nespresso Vertuo line is great for taking care of your office’s espresso and coffee needs.  

This Breville Nespresso machine is a comprised mostly of black plastic and is the perfect size for countertop or desk space. The machine features a removable 40-oz water tank, which for pod machines is a decent size.  

The Breville Vertuo machine is compatible with Nestle’ Nespresso line of Espresso pods. For many, these pods are one of the easiest ways to get espresso, and while pods are inherently wasteful, Nespresso has a commited recycling program for their pods which makes enjoying espresso while being environmentally conscious easy. Nespresso pods utilize Nespresso’s patented Centrifusion process to improve extraction, spinning up to 7,000 times per minute. The result is a rich, hot cup of either coffee or espresso with a gorgeous crema. What is better is that this Vertuo machine uses an intelligent extraction system that reads a barcode on each capsule and uses that barcode to determine the exact steps required for the optimal brew. Brewing with this unit is so easy, it literally only requires the touch of a button. Many of these features can be seen in most Nespresso Vertuo machines, so you cannot go wrong with most available Vertuo machines. 

This Breville Vertuo unit includes the Aeroccino Plus – a simple, automatic milk frother without noise or vibration. This makes the Nespresso one of the simplest ways of making tasty milk drinks. Also included with this unit is 12 different Vertuoline capsules, with varying strength and flavours so you can pick your favourites.  

Overall, if your main objective in owning an espresso machine is having a variety of coffees at your fingertips, this Breville Nespresso Vertuo machine is a great pick. However, what you get is what you get with machines like this. You cannot make adjustments to temperature, and some users find their coffee cold once it is dispensed. You are also locked into Nespresso Vertuo coffee and 3rd party pods, and the coffee itself, depending on your taste, is palatable and easy drinking, but does not wow. I have sipped on a selection of Vertuo coffees while writing this article and generally found them mostly low on the flavour chart. However, comparatively to other pod coffee machines, Nespresso stands above the others handily.   

Automatic or super automatic coffee machines are for ideal for people who want the full barista experience without the hassle, or the expertise required. The Philips 3200 LatteGo is one of the latter machines that can quickly and easily deal with any of your coffee needs, from espresso shots to frothy cappuccinos to your regular cup of coffee, without the hassle required.  

The Philips LatteGo is a sleek machine composed mostly of black plastic, with chrome accents. With its smaller footprint, the 3200 LatteGo is best suited on the countertop. Looking at the machine, you might notice many features unlike other espresso machines featured on this list. There is a reservoir on the front for milk for frothing, there is a compartment on the top for storing and grinding whole coffee beans. But the most stand out aspect visually is the large control panel with several presets for some of the most popular espresso and coffee drinks, as well as controls for aroma strength, coffee quantity, and the milk froth.  

So, what can this unit do? As mentioned previously, this unit has a compartment for storing beans, which it can grind automatically whenever you start making a coffee – or you can also use pre-ground coffee, which can be loaded into a slot inside the compartment. There is a 12-step grinder control inside, allowing you to control the grind size of the automatic grinder. The automatic milk frother makes milk perfect for drink cappuccino and lattes alike, without the technique necessary for making milk with a steam wand. There is a large, 60 oz water reservoir, and an included AquaClean filter to ensure your coffee is not impeded by water impurities and allows you to make up to 5,000 coffees without needing to descale the machine. This means that every aspect of your morning coffee can be automated.  

Users like the simplicity of this machine, from its ergonomic design to its automatic preparation of whatever coffee drink you might want at a time. However, with any automatic machine, you are relinquishing control for convenience. This can be an issue with so many different components, so inconsistency is common. Some users were very critical of the espresso this machine produces, one user stating the espresso was watery, lukewarm, and lacking a nice crema. Some users were frustrated with the lack of customization of the beverages – the double version of each drink does not allow for customization of the drink volume, and you cannot froth milk without running the cappuccino or latte modes, for examples. Cleaning is not hard – many of the components are dishwasher safe, and the internal espresso brewing group are easily washable and only needs to be washed once a week. With so many different parts, in a hot, wet enclosed environment, there are many ways this machine could fail, and servicing of this machine can be difficult. Overall, if you want to make espresso drinks quickly and easily each morning, the Philips 3200 LattePro is a great selection. However, discerning espresso enthusiasts might want a little bit more control from their espresso machine. 

Manual espresso machines are not as simple as they seem. While there are no high-tech parts, there is an extra skillset when it comes to pulling espresso – which we mean literally. If you are looking for a strong manual espresso machine, the NEO by Flair Espresso is a very notable model. Not only is it a solidly priced manual espresso machine (compared to other favourites like the Cafelat Robot), but the modular design that allows for upgrades along your espresso journey.  

The Flair NEO looks quite unlike other espresso machines on this list. Instead of a blocky machine, the NEO features a simple skeleton, with a three-part brewing mechanism and an arm for applying pressure. For brewing, there are three simple components: a flow controlled pressurized portafilter that allows a dose between 12 and 18 grams of espresso, a 60 ml water reservoir, and a plunger component that when you push down the arm, creates a seal to build the pressure ideal for a great shot of espresso. The result is up to 45 ml of delicious espresso with a nice crema, with the satisfaction you did it all by hand.  

While the pressurized portafilter is great for courser or uneven ground coffee, but not ideal for if you want to grind your own beans, as the finer ground might plug the singular hole. However, the modular aspect of the Flair NEO includes a 2-in-1 portafilter with a non-pressurized filter. There is also a pressure gauge that allows you to get the appropriate pressure ideal for delicious pressure – between 6 to 10 bars. The modular aspect of this unit allows you to build the espresso maker you desire or allows you to defer part of the price of a full developed manual espresso maker for later. Both add-ons are easily available on Flair’s website. 

Users find this machine surprisingly easy to use, although a little tedious if required to pull multiple shots. One complaint we saw that was common was that the portafilter included can get clogged easily, which can cause it to break if too much pressure is exerted. Most users have stated that they shortly after bought the 2-in-1 portafilter attachment for even better tasting espresso. With a manual espresso maker, there is an entirely different set of challenges you will face than other espresso machines. One thing you might look to invest in is a kettle with precise temperature controls since this is a variable you will want to control as much as possible with manual espresso pours.  

Many Espresso makers require time, space, preparation, and so it may seem espresso away from home might be a no-go. Enter the Cafflano Kompresso espresso maker. This handheld coffee maker can be a great way to enjoy an espresso-like drink wherever you want to go.  

The Cafflano Kompresso is a small, handheld device that can easily fit into a backpack or a purse. The Kompresso features 5 components: a narrow chamber, a piston, a filter basket with a non-pressurized filter, a tamping scoop and a small cup. The filter basket features a capacity of 15g of ground coffee, and the chamber can hold up to 70ml of water. All the components easily fit together, and do not require anything else – other than coffee and hot water. Altogether, this unit weighs less than 200g, and is approximately 17 cm in length. 

Similar to other hand pump coffee makers, the Cafflano Kompresso uses hydraulic water compression instead of pneumatic air compression to apply pressure for the brewing process. While Cafflano states that the Kompresso can generate that ideal 9 bars for brewing espresso, the science behind the Kompressor requires between 30 to 54 kg of force on the Kompressor, which is a significant amount of force still, but doable for some. The resulting drink ranges from “espresso-like” strong shots of coffee, to full on espresso with a delectable crema, depending on the force applied.  

Overall, users find that this unit makes a solid shot of espresso or strong coffee on the go. Users have found that it requires some fine tuning to get strong results: you likely need very fine ground coffee and a scale to get the best tasting results, and to apply even pressure will need practice. However, this is still a strong option for espresso, especially if you want to bring espresso to a cabin, hotel room or camping trip sometime soon.