Finding the Best Espresso Machine

With the press of one button, an espresso machine can make drinks that rival those found in cafes. However, choosing the right machine is dependent on your requirements and level of expertise.


Fully automated machines handle everything for you, but they are expensive and often lack room for experimentation. Manual models allow you to manage the process of brewing however they are more likely to mess up.

1. Wacaco Picopresso

Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that can make double shots is among the top choices. It's not a cheap machine however it is a premium feel and comes with a two-year guarantee. The Wacaco coffee maker is the most professional. It's also the smallest but it's also the one most capable of producing high-quality espresso.

Picopresso does not use electricity, but relies on a hand pump to create pressure up to 18 bar. This is enough to extract two shots of espresso that have a thick creamy crema. It's much better than the third-wave cafes. The Picopresso is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It also has an authentic leather sleeve to keep it cool while using it to extract espresso.

It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, yet it feels substantial in the hands. The machine is constructed from a mixture of metal and robust parts. The accessories are also durable. The set includes a stainless steel ergonomic tamper and funnel as well as a plastic distribution device that will ensure you have an even puck.

You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk carafes on this model, however it does come with mirrors so that you can monitor your bottomless filter extractions in peace. It's a nice touch, and it fits well with the Picopresso's travel friendly ethos. Another accessory you might want to think about is the Picopresso stand that can be used to make brewing at home too.

This lets you pre-heat the piston and then pump hot water through it before you start brewing your espresso. It's a good idea since it will ensure that you get the best results from your Picopresso by removing all of the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's important to note that using the Picopresso can be a bit time-consuming, particularly when you follow the Wacaco's guidelines for weighing your beans and altering the tamping pressure so that you ensure you get a great espresso every time.

2. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia is a popular choice for anyone looking to start making espresso. This single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its longevity and durability. Many reviewers compare it with the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is similar in quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand have a chic design that can be incorporated into any kitchen design.

This coffee maker has an iron boiler that is capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also features an electronic thermostat to stop the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand which allows you to easily create creamy, rich steam-steamed milk for cappuccinos as well as macchiatos. The brewing unit is also made of durable materials that are easy-to-clean and maintain.

One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting an espresso machine is the ease of use. The Silvia comes with a sturdier portafilter and a simple four-rocker interface that makes it simple to use. It also comes with an adjustable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. best espresso maker comes with a safety feature that turns the heating element off when it's been on for more than 30 minutes.

The soft infusion feature is another feature that makes the Silvia stand out from other espresso machines. This feature decreases the amount of pressure that is applied to the ground coffee while brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the flavor of the beans. The two settings can be altered to match the type of espresso you are preparing.

Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to enhance its capabilities. This machine does come with a shot timer and a pressure pump that can be programmed but it can be used with many aftermarket accessories including PID controllers.

The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices and experienced baristas too. Its bare-bones design doesn't offer the level of customization that more advanced espresso makers require however it still produces excellent, high-quality espresso. It's a great option for those who are trying to improve their barista skills, as it provides the feedback required to make better shots every time.

3. Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus may be an entry-level machine but it still offers the features professional baristas desire. It comes with a powerful steam tool that creates microfoam which can be used in lattes. It also comes with a top-quality metal tamper as well as a stainless steel milk jug that is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that maintains a constant temperature for reliable results.

The Bambino Plus is compact. It is one of the smallest espresso machines on the market and is ideal for small spaces. It can be heated up in only three seconds, meaning it's ready to go the moment you press the button. This is the same technology Breville employed in its Oracle line, so you'll get a high-tech espresso machine for a very low cost.

The Bambino Plus, like its siblings is a well-made machine that is simple to operate and clean. It's available in brushed stainless steel, which gives it a premium design and feel for an budget-friendly model. It also includes a tamper, portafilter, and stainless steel milk jug.

This is among the best values in espresso machines on sale, and is a great option for anyone who wants to improve their morning routine without breaking the bank. It's the cheapest espresso machine that can produce high-quality cafe-quality espresso and steamed milk at home, and it's also the most simple to clean and use.

Although the Bambino Plus doesn't come with grinder, you can use any espresso-quality grinder for it. The only downside is that it doesn't come with an option for pre-infusion however, you can solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter several times before pulling a shot. Also, you'll need to flush the boiler and descale it frequently to ensure it's running smoothly. If you flush it on a regular basis and follow the guidelines, it shouldn't experience any issues with maintenance or buildup. If you want to be certain, you can purchase a descaler for a small price online.

4. Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 Series is a solid super-automatic espresso machine that has many great features. This is a great option if you want to learn how to make espresso but don't have a lot of money to spend. The machine is priced less than half as much as our second choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It is still capable of producing delicious drinks. The Cadorna has several more options that include four user profiles that can be saved for drinks, as well as a grinder but you can often find it for sale for similar prices.

This machine is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cappuccino and latte, but don't need a wide variety of espresso flavors. It also makes decent iced espresso this is an option that is becoming increasingly popular among coffee machines for home use. The 3200 comes with a making feature that utilizes a lower temperature for iced coffee in order to avoid diluting the flavor.

The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with both whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper to accommodate both and is simple to fill. You can also alter the size of the grind to suit your preference. This machine has an bypass doser that is ideal for people who wish to brew coffee but don't want decaf.

The Philips LatteGo system will automatically dispense heated or frothed milk if you like milk-based beverages. This is a big selling point for the machine since it is one of the most user-friendly milk frothing systems available. It can also heat and froth non-dairy milks like soy, almonds and Oat.

It's not the most quiet machine out there, but it's a bit more peaceful than the other options on this list. It's not as loud as a professional espresso machine, but it's close to what you might hear in your local coffee shop. The only downside is that it takes time to warm up, however this can be changed with the settings on the machine.