Sometimes we imagine a world without the best espresso machines, and we don't like it. Like many people we like a strong coffee to start the day, and we're pretty partial to a double espresso after a fine meal too. But as much as we enjoy the flavors of drip coffee and the lattes the local independent coffee shop brews up, there's something special about the unique and intense experience of a home-made espresso on a lazy Sunday morning – not least because unlike a coffee shop espresso, nobody judges you if you drink it in your PJs.
Espresso makers aren't just for making little coffees that contain so much caffeine you can't sit still, though. They're also the foundation of some of the world's greatest coffees: foamy cappuccinos, milky lattes and many more. And the best espresso machines can make those coffees and make them quickly, easily and for a fraction of what you'd pay to order in.
It's worth noting that these espresso makers are a subset of the best coffee makers, which come in all shapes and sizes including some of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines: they also help you achieve barista-quality results, and because they include their own integrated bean grinder there's even less effort involved in making your morning coffee. However, that extra equipment adds bulk and often cost too, and you'll usually find that single-serve or pod coffee machines are faster, more affordable and take up a lot less space.
For us, though, the king of coffee machines is the espresso maker – and no matter which model you go for, they all have the same crucial feature: they make great espressos. That’s important in its own right, but it's also important for any coffee: a lousy espresso makes an equally lousy latte or crummy cappuccino. If you'd like some expert advice on how to make coffee-shop worthy drinks at home we have some great tips and tricks for you – and while you're at it, check out our guide to the game-changing coffee maker trick that will ensure you never drink bitter espresso again.
The hardest thing about getting a new coffee maker is deciding which of the best espresso machines is right for you. That's why we're here. We've tested so many coffee machines our eyeballs are vibrating, so we can help you decide between Gaggia and DeLonghi, Nespresso and Breville (Sage in the UK) and let you know which one delivers the goods in the best possible way. And when you've decided on your shortlist, check out our constantly updated list of the best cheap coffee maker deals to make sure you get the best coffee maker for the best possible price..
Best espresso machine: tried and tested by us
Known as Sage in the UK or Breville in the US and Australia, this premium kitchen appliance brand is recognized for making some of the best espresso machines (opens in new tab) you can buy. The Barista Express is a mid-range model and sits above the entry-level espresso machine - the Bambino (opens in new tab)(opens in new tab): it has a built-in burr grinder to dispense freshly ground coffee right into the portafilter, but unlike the more automated bean-to-cup style machines from other brands, this one allows you to flex your barista skills. You’ll need to tamp the coffee yourself, use the razor tool to get it to the perfect level, and steam your own milk. That might take a bit of practice, especially if you're a novice, but the sense of satisfaction is enormous.
This is a great machine if you want to be your own at-home barista, but that also means it's not the best choice for every kind of coffee drinker. If you just want fuss-free coffee whenever you feel like it you'd be better off with a more automatic option, and if you're short of counter space then you might be better with the smaller but equally impressive Sage Bambino. But if you like to be more hands-on with your coffee and enjoy the ritual of putting everything together this is tons of fun and makes really enjoyable espressos.
Read our full review: Sage The Barista Express
How we test espresso machines
We take testing espresso machines seriously and put each device through its paces to see if it can live up to its promises. We assess the quality of espresso produced by each machine, analyzing the flavor of the final drink; we look for a rich, intense shot of coffee that doesn’t taste bitter or burnt, along with a thick, stable crema that reforms after the sugar has been sprinkled on it.
The temperature of the espresso is also measured, checking for consistency from one cup to another, and we assess the noise level of the machine. If it has a built-in steam wand, we evaluate its ability to texturize both dairy and plant-based milk, looking for tiny bubbles that create a rich, smooth texture. Again, we assess whether its noise level is acceptable.
We also evaluate how easy an espresso machine is to set up and use, whether it offers enough manual control for those who want to take on the barista role, plus how much space it will take up on your kitchen counter. Finally, we consider if the water tank is removable for easy refills and how the machine looks.
How to choose the best espresso machine for you
What to consider when buying a an espresso machine
When choosing an espresso machine, there are many things to consider.
First, decide if you want an espresso machine that offers manual control over dispensing water or a device that takes on that work for you; the latter is probably better for those new to playing barista.
Next, consider if you want a machine that you can use with ground coffee, single-serve pods, or a mixture of the two. Coffee pods are less messy than using ground coffee. They can be handy if you occasionally want to make decaf coffee using the machine – but they don’t produce the thick, rich crema you get with freshly ground coffee.
If you regularly make espresso for a couple of people simultaneously, look for a coffee machine with a double spot on the tray that can fill two separate cups simultaneously. Meanwhile, if you like longer coffee drinks with milk, such as cappuccinos and lattes, choose an espresso machine with a built-in steam wand or factor in the cost of a standalone milk frother.
Finally, take note of the size of the espresso maker to see if you have sufficient room for it on your kitchen countertop – or, if you plan to store it away in a cupboard, consider its weight to see that you’ll be able to lift it easily.
How do I make an espresso?
Once you have the best espresso machine, it’s essential to know how to make an espresso. Espresso is made by passing water at high pressure through compacted ground coffee.
However, a set ‘recipe’, which usually refers to a ratio and brewing duration, is generally given by the roaster (the brands that roast and blend coffee beans). The most common recipe is 1:2 in 25 to 35 seconds, effectively turning each gram of ground coffee into 2g of liquid espresso in that period.
How compacted the ground coffee is will affect how quickly or slowly the espresso brews. If the coffee is too tightly packed, it will take longer to brew and be too strong; loosely compacted coffee means it will be dispensed too quickly and subsequently weak. Prefer cappuccino, latte, or a flat white? Find out how to make your favorite coffee in our article.
How is an espresso machine different from a coffee machine?
An espresso machine differs from other coffee machines because it uses pressurized hot water passed through a disc of compacted coffee grounds called a puck. It's possible to adjust the volume of water passed through the grounds and how tightly packed the coffee is to change the strength of the hot drink brewed.
Single-serve coffee machines, or pod coffee machines as they're sometimes known, still use pressurized hot water, but the coffee is contained in a capsule or pod. The coffee machine punctures the capsule several times to allow the water to flow through the coffee ground to brew the drink. However, while some single-serve coffee machines let you adjust how much water is used to create different volumes of coffee, it's impossible to tweak how compacted the grounds are.
Finally, drip coffee makers pass hot water through compacted coffee grounds. As a result, it's not at the same pressure as when using an espresso machine, and there's no set volume of water used. Instead, the brewing takes place until the water tank runs dry or the coffee maker is switched off. This creates a more traditional filter coffee rather than espresso.
