Whether you're a professional or beginner, pull a perfect espresso shot every time.
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The best espresso machines can elevate your at-home coffee routine. Making espresso at home can turn ordinary coffee into a coffee shop experience, and you'll seriously impress your guests by pulling a perfectly crafted shot with good "crema" (the creamy, light-colored foam that forms on top of a freshly made espresso). You can take it even further by frothing milk and perfecting your latte art or whipping up a solid cappuccino.
In our never-ending effort to find the best home espresso machines, we've evaluated over 40 espresso machines in the last few decades. In our most recent test, we tested well over 20 espresso machines, brewing more than 60 cups of espresso in total.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested all types of coffee makers including pour-over coffee makers, single-cup brewers, French presses, drip coffee makers, portable coffee makers for camping and cold brew coffee makers. When it comes to testing espresso machines, we assess how well they make espresso consistently and how easy the machines are to use. We also note extra nice-to-have features such as built-in milk frothers and coffee bean grinders that add convenience but may not be necessary to make a great cup of espresso.
We tested many types of espresso machines, from super-automatic espresso makers that will make an espresso drink from start to finish with just the push of a button to capsule machines and everything in between, such as semi-automatic models and combo coffee and espresso machines.
Read on to learn more about how we test espresso machines and what to consider when shopping for one. If you're looking for more espresso content, check out our guides to the best latte machines and best Nespresso machines.
The name "Impress" says it all. Our pros were, in fact, impressed with this Breville machine. We loved it so much that we gave it a spot in our 2023 Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards. It’s no surprise since Breville is a brand that consistently performs well in our Lab tests. This new machine takes making espresso drinks to a new level with a touchscreen that guides you through the drink-making process with images, tips and instructions. We were in awe that the machine told us how much espresso to brew and what temp to steam the milk. It produced a tasty espresso shot with a nice layer of crema.
If you choose not to use the preset drink-making options, you can adjust the grind size and water temperature to personalize your shot of espresso. In addition, there are eight settings for the amount of froth as well as temperature choices from 110 to 170 degrees for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, so your drink can really be tailored to your preferences.
Feel like a true barista by manually frothing your milk, or there’s a hands-off option for days when you want more convenience. We were pleased that the espresso maker had options for the type of milk being frothed including dairy, almond, oat or soy milk. In our tests, we found the controls were responsive and easy to use. The machine parts were easy to take apart for a thorough cleaning, but most parts needed to be hand-washed.
At around $200, the Café TS Touchscreen Espresso Machine is more affordable than many espresso machines, and it performed well in our Lab testing. Our experts appreciate that the machine pre-infuses the espresso grinds with water to saturate them before brewing. This helps to extract the grounds evenly, and in our tests, we found this led to a smooth extraction and a lot of crema on top of the espresso.
Surprisingly, for a lower-priced espresso machine, it has some nice extra features, like a warming plate on top to warm up your mug before pulling a shot. We found this model's touch-screen easy to navigate with two-shot, hot water and steam options. The included scoop ensures you measure out your grinds accurately each time you pull a shot. While this machine offers a steaming wand to whip up your favorite coffee shop beverage, you will need to purchase a steaming pitcher separately for whipping up frothed milk.
If you want to feel like a barista but don't want a large machine, the Breville Bambino Plus is the perfect, compact machine that won't take up a lot of counter space. One of our experts owned this for years and loved that the small machine still made a high-quality shot of espresso. It comes with two dual-wall filter baskets for pre-ground coffee beans, a trimming tool, a tamper and a milk jug to be used with the attached steam wand to froth your own milk.
The brew settings allow you to choose between a single espresso or a double espresso, plus steamy, frothy or very frothy milk. In our tests, this machine made espresso that was strong with a crema that wasn't overbearing. In the Lab, we found that this machine heated quickly, wasn’t too loud, had a small footprint and could be wiped down easily.
If you’re very particular about your coffee, the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine with a built-in grinder is for you. The intuitive LCD display allows you to choose from five temperatures and a whopping 30 grind sizes, and it shows grinding and extracting progress animations. The attached steam wand allows you to froth your milk exactly how you like it.
Like other Breville espresso machines, this model comes with two single-walled and two double-walled filters. The double-walled filters are great for producing a thick layer of crema even with older espresso beans or pre-ground coffee. We recommend playing around with the settings, starting with the defaults and then tweaking as you go to create your perfect espresso. All parts are easy to wash and wipe down, and in our tests, we were especially impressed with how quickly the system heated up compared to other models.
First, we love how easy the Nespresso VertuoPlus is to use. The lid opens and closes with a light press of the lever, and you can start brewing with the push of a button. It's also rather foolproof: The capsule machine uses a special system to detect the barcode on the capsule and then brews the drink exactly how it’s supposed to brew. Choose from five drink types: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto (perfect for your travel mugs).
In our tests, every cup of espresso and coffee came out hot and well-rounded with a luxurious crema. We also like that the position of the water tank can be moved around to accommodate your counter space. Another noteworthy perk is that Nespresso recycles used pods if you send them back to the company, and the brand's newest Vertuo machine is made with 54% recycled plastic. Finally, you can't beat the price, and it requires barely any cleanup.
The Café Affetto is a sleek, design-forward and compact model with Wi-Fi connectivity. Compared to other semi-automatic espresso makers on the market, this machine doesn't take up too much space on your countertop. This smart espresso maker connects with the SmartHQ app to help you customize the temperature and grind dosage for your desired strength. The top of this model has a sleek touchscreen control panel with the following settings: espresso, americano, my cup or hot water. "My cup" is automatically set to ristretto, but you can change it to your favorite coffee drink in the SmartHQ app. In our tests, this machine produced a really beautiful espresso that was silky with a golden brown crema.
The water reservoir and hopper are hidden for a sleeker look. The milk frother tilts to the side so you can froth easily into the included pitcher and operates with a steam button that responds relatively quickly. In our tests, milk heated quickly and foamed nicely. We also appreciate that the frothing pitcher has measurement markings which is not common. You can also remove the milk frothing wand for easy cleaning and the entire exterior is easy to wipe down without extra knobs or buttons. Take note that the brand recommends not using dark roast coffee beans in the machine because they tend to contain more oils that can adhere to the machine's components and potentially cause damage.
Beginner baristas will appreciate the balance between automated and manual shot pulling, so you can feel like a pro with the ease of automating some of the process. This machine has a built-in coffee grinder so you can experiment with the grind size and learn exactly how you prefer to make your espresso shot. You’ll feel like a coffee pro by tamping the espresso (there may be a slight learning curve) and steaming milk with the built-in frother.
Our kitchen pros tested this at home and love how intuitive it is to use. One of our analysts actually learned how to make espresso shots and froth milk on this beginner-friendly espresso maker. We appreciate the low-pressure water that’s applied at the start of the espresso shot to gently wet and expand the grinds to create an even extraction.
This super-automatic espresso maker is one of our favorite machines. It grinds your beans and produces excellent, hot espresso with a thin but creamy crema. We were particularly impressed with the unique milk hopper and frothing capabilities and found it easy to fill, attach and clean. Since it's detachable, you can store the unused milk in the fridge for later. When you choose a drink that incorporates milk, the machine indicates the frother setting and gives you time to select it from three options before frothing begins. It also reminds you to run the cleaning stage for the milk container.
The Dinamica has a touchscreen that’s highly responsive and easy to operate. There are 16 drink options on the machine including latte, espresso, cappuccino, flat white, true brew over ice, regular coffee and more. You can also save your favorite drink settings for one-touch brewing.
This super-automatic espresso machine from Philips has a large, intuitive touchscreen control panel that makes it easy to select and brew drinks. It grinds whole beans for five different drink presets: espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, black coffee and Americano. Our testers found the drinks to be flavorful but light-bodied and were especially impressed with the cappuccinos and lattes.
It has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper rather than a wand, which pours the froth directly into your cup, so frothing milk is simple, hands-free and easy to clean up. This model also includes a water hardness test strip so that you can adjust the system based on your water's hardness level. An AquaClean filter reduces water hardness and prevents the build-up of limescale in your machine to ensure that each cup of espresso is excellent.
The Lavazza Classy Plus stood out in our tests as a truly unique espresso maker, earning it an award in our 2023 Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea awards. It’s one of the most convenient capsule machines for making a single-serve latte, cappuccino or macchiato in a few easy steps. Simply fill the Lavazza glass with milk, attach the top lid, drop in a capsule and start the machine. It does all the work for you, producing a coffee-house-style drink in a few minutes. The milk whips up directly in the cup and the coffee brews directly in to join it. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone who wants a milk-based coffee drink without the hassle of a ton of steps. In our tests, the frother worked well, even for nut milk, which can be hard to froth.
There are a variety of Lavazza capsules available, from light to dark roasts. It can also make an 8-ounce cup of coffee for the traditionalists. The touch screen is easy to read, although some of our testers didn’t find it as intuitive as we would have liked.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we evaluate each espresso maker for ease of use, brew time, consistency, taste, temperature and noise level.
We've tested over 40 espresso machines across the last few decades to find the best ones for making great espresso at home. In our most recent test, we rounded up well over 20 espresso machines in the Lab, brewing more than 60 cups of espresso.
To find the top performers, we test the timing and temperature of multiple espressos made in a row and note the quality of the crema. We also rate the flavor and smoothness of each drink.
If the machine includes a milk frother, we test it with both skim and oat milk. Where applicable, we use the machine's preset options to make cappuccinos and lattes to compare the milk ratio of each and to assess the quality of the frothing.
Our favorite machines are easy to set up, simple to use without a user manual, quick to heat up and reasonably fast to brew. The best machines produced a hot, smooth cup of espresso. Our favorite shots had nice depth and weren't too bitter or acidic and had a crema that was smooth without any noticeable air bubbles.
An espresso machine is an investment — especially if you want one with all the bells and whistles. There are several ways to make espresso with manual, semi-automatic, automatic, super-automatic and pod machines all available to the home barista, so it's important to consider the type that fits your needs.
✔️ Manual machines require finely ground beans that are scooped into a portafilter and tamped down. The filter is attached to the brew head and a lever is used to manually pull water through the grounds. It is the most customizable method but arguably the most difficult to master.
✔️ Semi-automatic machines are similar to manual machines in terms of preparation, but they operate with a button or dial that automates the water flow instead of a lever, and the size of the brew is controllable.
✔️ Automatic machines use a button instead of a lever to brew espresso. The size of the espresso or coffee drink is automated and often programmable. This method offers more consistency than a manual or semi-automatic machine, making them super easy to use. This style tended to nab top scores in Lab tests.
✔️ Super-automatic machines are a step above automatic machines. In addition to automated and programmable coffee sizes, they can also grind beans, measure them out and often tamp them for you. These tended to be our favorite in Lab testing for their do-it-all performance.
✔️ Capsule machines use pods filled with pre-measured coffee to make espresso or other coffee drinks. They offer the most consistency and hands-off ease of use.
✔️ Size: Consider how much space you have to allocate to your espresso maker. The more customizable ones are usually bigger, while the smaller ones are typically more straightforward with fewer brewing options.
✔️ Price: A good espresso maker with features like a built-in grinder and multiple drink options can be expensive; a simple machine is usually more affordable. However, some espresso machines that seem straightforward can be costly due to higher-quality materials and more effective heaters, milk frothers or technology.
✔️ Coffee grinder: Grinding your coffee beans right before pulling a shot is ideal for a good cup of espresso. Espresso machines with built-in coffee grinders are convenient, reduce some mess and ensure you have freshly ground coffee beans each time. One downside is that built-in grinders are hard to fix if they break and often lead people to purchase an entirely new machine.
✔️ Milk frother: There are two common types of milk frothers: a hand-frothing wand that requires manual milk frothing in a pitcher or an attached milk container that the machine utilizes to froth milk and add it directly into your cup. With a manual frothing wand, you can practice your latte art, but it does take some practice to learn how to froth milk properly right from the start. An attached milk container with automatic frothing takes out all the guesswork, giving you a cappuccino at the right temperature with a good amount of foam automatically.
✔️ Clean-up: Depending on the model, espresso machines tend to be easy to clean. Some super-automatic machines take the work out of routine cleaning, while more manual machines require daily cleaning of the portafilter, milk frother and more. Some super-automatic machines have milk containers that connect to the machine with a straw, which can be tricky to clean, and large drip trays that can be cumbersome. You will also need to descale your machine every couple of months (or as recommended by the manufacturer) to ensure your espresso machine is operating properly and your coffee is tasting great.
✔️ Pressure: The amount of pressure exerted upon coffee grounds is measured by BARs or barometric pressure. While some machines will have up to 19 BARs, a machine that exerts around 7 to 11 BARs of pressure will produce a good extraction.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks. She conducted the last side-by-side test of espresso machines and uses at least one daily. Her favorites are easy to use and clean and — most importantly — deliver a rich and balanced cup of espresso.
Jamie (Kim) Ueda's first job at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing a variety of consumer products, and one of her first tests was drip coffee makers. Since then she has tested and written about many kitchen-related and cooking tools, especially drip coffee and espresso makers as well as coffee accessories. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting. She is also a judge for GH's annual Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards.
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. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
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