Do you dream of making café-quality espresso right in your own kitchen? That rich, creamy shot of perfection seems close, but choosing the right machine can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, features, and price points! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and worried about wasting money on a machine that just doesn’t deliver that perfect cup.
Finding the best espresso machine is tough. You want reliability and great taste, but the sheer volume of reviews and technical jargon can make your head spin. That’s where trusted recommendations become your best friend. We understand the frustration of buying a new gadget only to find it falls short of expectations.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve done the heavy lifting, sifting through countless models to bring you the top picks that consistently earn high marks for performance, ease of use, and overall value. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which espresso machine fits your budget and your brewing style.
Ready to stop guessing and start brewing amazing espresso? Let’s dive into the best espresso machines according to Wirecutter’s rigorous testing.
Top Espresso Machine Wirecutter Recommendations
- Eliminates coffee residue and oils from espresso machine group heads, valves and lines
- Specially formulated to clean heavily soiled equipment in a professional setting
- Powder format allows for easy and controlled dosing
- Recommended for use as part of a daily backflush regimen
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed and NSF certified
- Comfort- Newly redesigned Scoopz brush with ergonomic handle for more strength and comfort
- Multi-Purpose - Dual purpose espresso machine cleaning brush with detergent measuring scoop
- Durable- Strong and durable bristles; fast, safe easy to use
- Scoop - Scoop provides portion dosing for back-flushing (2 scoops = 3 g)
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE DESCALER - This product can be used to descale Keurig machines, as well as Nespresso, Breville, Jura, Delonghi and other drip coffee makers, espresso machines, superautomatics, and kettles
- BETTER THAN VINEGAR - Our formula is more effective at removing limescale than vinegar, works faster than vinegar, and is odorless
- MAINTAIN YOUR COFFEE EQUIPMENT - Descaling extends the lifespan of your machine, helping to prevent damage to heating elements, corrosion, and component malfunctions
- DRINK BETTER TASTING COFFEE - Descaling removes limescale buildup from your coffee maker; if not removed, scale prevents machines from reaching optimal water temperatures
- EASY TO USE - This is a powdered descaler that dissolves easily in warm water
- Eliminates coffee residue and oils from espresso machine group heads, valves, and lines
- Specially formulated to clean heavily soiled equipment in a professional setting
- Recommended for use as part of a daily backflush regimen
- Tablet format allows for easy and controlled dosing
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed and NSF certified
- Concentrated formula eliminates coffee waste in group heads, valves, and lines
- Tablet form for easy and controlled dosing into delivery chamber or group head
- Available in multiple tablet sizes for a broad range of full automatic machines
- Offers flexibility with traditional espresso machines and can be used to perform backflush cleaning
- Use Cafiza with Dezcal Activated Scale Remover (powder), Rinza Milk Frothier Cleaner, Rinza Milk Frothier Cleaning Tablets, Scoops
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE DESCALER - This product can be used to descale Keurig machines, as well as Nespresso, Breville, Jura, Delonghi and other drip coffee makers, espresso machines, superautomatics, and kettles
- BETTER THAN VINEGAR - This descaler is more effective at removing limescale than vinegar, works faster than vinegar, and is odorless
- MAINTAIN YOUR COFFEE EQUIPMENT - Descaling extends the lifespan of your machine, helping to prevent damage to heating elements, corrosion, and component malfunctions
- DRINK BETTER TASTING COFFEE - Descaling removes limescale buildup from your coffee maker; if not removed, scale prevents machines from reaching optimal water temperatures
- EASY TO USE - Powder format is ease to dose. Use 1 oz of descaling powder per 32 oz of capacity in your machine's water reservoir
- Cleancaf Coffeemaker Cleaner eliminates residual coffee oils and buildup that can turn rancid to prevent bitter tasting coffee
- Proudly made in America; odorless and non toxic; contains 3 single-use treatments (3-month supply)
- Gently removes lime scale and oil residue buildup in automatic coffee makers and espresso machines; brew faster, better-tasting coffee
- Simple, effective and easy to use; cuts buildup without harsh chemicals or odors; non-toxic. No Vinegar odor!
- Using Cheancaf is as easy as brewing a pot of coffee; made in the USA
- Eliminates coffee residue and oils from espresso machine group heads, valves and lines
- Specially formulated to clean heavily soiled equipment in a professional setting
- Powder format allows for easy and controlled dosing
- Recommended for use as part of a daily backflush regimen
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed and NSF certified - Made in USA
The Wirecutter’s Guide to Picking Your Perfect Espresso Machine
Buying an espresso machine can feel like a huge task. There are so many buttons, knobs, and shiny parts! This guide helps you cut through the noise, just like Wirecutter does, to find the machine that makes you the best cup of coffee at home. We focus on what really matters for great espresso.
1. Key Features to Look For
A good espresso machine needs a few core things to work well. Think of these as the must-haves for a tasty shot.
Temperature Stability (The Heat Factor)
Espresso needs water at a very exact temperature—usually between 195°F and 205°F. If the temperature swings too much, your coffee will taste sour or burnt. Look for machines with good temperature control, often called PID controllers. This keeps the heat steady.
Pressure Control (The Squeeze)
True espresso requires about 9 bars of pressure to push the water through the packed coffee grounds. Most decent machines hit this target. Check reviews to make sure the machine consistently delivers that strong squeeze.
Steam Wand Quality (For Milk Lovers)
If you love lattes or cappuccinos, the steam wand is crucial. You want a powerful wand that can create microfoam—that silky, smooth milk texture. Some machines have basic wands; others have professional-style “no-burn” tips that make frothing easier.
Pump Type
Most home machines use a vibratory pump. These are common and affordable. For the very best results, look for a rotary pump, but these are usually found on much more expensive, prosumer models.
2. Important Materials Matter
The materials inside and outside your machine affect how long it lasts and how well it heats up.
- Boiler Material: Stainless steel boilers heat up faster and resist corrosion better than aluminum. Aluminum boilers are cheaper but can sometimes leach flavors over time.
- Portafilter and Group Head: These parts hold the coffee. Heavy, solid brass or stainless steel components hold heat much better than plastic or thin aluminum. Heat retention means better, more consistent espresso shots.
- Housing: Stainless steel housing looks great and resists fingerprints better than plastic. Plastic housings are lighter and cheaper but might not last as long under heavy use.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a shot great or terrible often comes down to small design choices.
What Improves Quality:
Dual Boiler Systems: These machines have separate boilers for brewing and steaming. This lets you pull a shot and steam milk at the exact same time without waiting. This is a big quality boost for busy mornings.
Pre-infusion: This feature gently wets the coffee grounds with low pressure before full pressure hits. It helps the grounds expand evenly, leading to a much smoother extraction.
What Reduces Quality:
Thermocoil/Thermoblock Systems: These systems heat water on demand. They are fast to heat up, but they struggle to maintain stable temperatures during long brewing sessions or when steaming milk.
Lightweight Portafilters: If the portafilter feels flimsy, it loses heat quickly when you lock it in, cooling down the coffee grounds before you even start brewing.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the machine every day.
The Beginner (Speed and Simplicity)
If you are new and just want a decent shot fast, look for super-automatic machines or simple semi-automatics with pre-set shot buttons. You sacrifice some control, but you gain speed.
The Enthusiast (Control and Customization)
If you enjoy the ritual and want to tweak every variable, choose a machine with manual controls, adjustable temperature settings, and a reliable pressure gauge. These machines require more learning but reward you with café-quality results.
Maintenance and Cleanup
How often do you want to clean? Machines with removable brew groups are easier to backflush. Consider the water tank size too—a small tank means constant refilling, which slows down your morning routine.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Espresso Machines
Q: What is the main difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic machine?
A: A semi-automatic machine requires you to grind the beans, tamp them, and start and stop the shot yourself. A fully automatic machine does almost everything—grinding, tamping, and brewing—with the push of one button.
Q: Do I need a built-in grinder?
A: No, you don’t need one, but many people prefer it for convenience. Experts often suggest buying a high-quality separate grinder. Grinders affect espresso quality more than the machine sometimes!
Q: What is ‘tamping,’ and why is it important?
A: Tamping is pressing the ground coffee down firmly and evenly in the portafilter basket. This creates a flat, dense “puck” so the pressurized water extracts the flavor evenly instead of channeling through weak spots.
Q: How long does it take for a machine to heat up?
A: Simple thermoblock machines might be ready in under a minute. Machines with large stainless steel boilers might take 10 to 20 minutes to reach full, stable temperature.
Q: What is ‘channeling’?
A: Channeling happens when water finds an easy, fast path through the coffee puck instead of flowing evenly through all the grounds. This results in sour, under-extracted espresso.
Q: Should I use filtered water?
A: Yes, always use filtered water. Hard water (water with lots of minerals) builds up scale inside the machine’s heating elements, which ruins performance and shortens the machine’s life.
Q: What does the term “portafilter size” mean (e.g., 54mm vs. 58mm)?
A: This is the diameter of the basket that holds your coffee grounds. 58mm is the professional standard, offering more room for coffee. Smaller sizes, like 54mm, are common on entry-level machines.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee?
A: You can, but it makes poor espresso. Espresso needs a very fine, consistent grind. Pre-ground coffee is usually too coarse and goes stale quickly after grinding.
Q: What is the purpose of a ‘steam wand purge’?
A: Purging means briefly opening the steam valve before you steam milk. This clears out condensed water sitting in the wand, ensuring you only blast dry, hot steam onto your milk.
Q: How much should I expect to spend for a machine that makes truly great espresso?
A: While you can start around $200 for entry-level models, machines capable of high consistency and customization usually start in the $500 to $1,000 range, plus the cost of a great grinder.