Best Home Espresso Machine Picks and Reviews

#1 Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Espresso machine won the SCAA Best New Product Awards 2013 for the Coffee or Tea Preparation and Serving Equipment (Consumer) that was held in Boston in April 2013. Consumers loved that this espresso machine from Breville is easy to use and can make the very best espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine boasts an integrated burr grinder, that limits the time between grinding and extraction to just seconds, because in the world of coffee – fresh is best! Consumers could also select the grind settings they want from fine to coarse (1-16), adjust the amount of fresh grounds that goes into the filter basket, and have a filter size button to indicate whether a single or a double-wall filter basket is being used. There are 4 filter baskets included in the box: 2 double-wall pressurized filters (1 and 2 shots) that take the guess work out of tamping, which is ideal for beginners; 2 single wall non-pressurized filters (1 and 2 shots) that offer more room to experiment with different ground amounts, sizes, and tamping pressure.These are best for consumers with more experience in making espressos. A 54mm tamper is also included with a magnetized storage that’s easy to remove for tamping, and easy to store back on the machine. Even though it comes with a smaller size 54mm portafilter (stainless steel) compared to a commercial size 58mm portafilter, it is still made with commercial style spouts. Emptying the portafilter after brewing is also very simple, as the grounds become relatively dry, making it easy to knock out off the portafilter. Found at the back of the machine is a 2 litre removable water tank, with water filter, that can be filled with water at the machine or at the sink.

Another great feature of the Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine is its PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control which results in accurate brew water temp control. This feature is very important in order to make consistent shots and PID is also found on higher end models. When you are ready to steam milk to make cappuccino or latte, the Breville BES870XL will only take 30seconds to come up to steam temperature. The steaming wand of the machine is mounted on a 360 degree swivel joint to produce well textured milk easily and quickly. You can read our full review here

Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.3 stars (1,502 Customer Reviews)

#2 Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Espresso Machine

The joy of a professional quality espresso is now at your finger tips any time of the day with the Rancilio HSD-Silvia Espresso Machine. This best selling espresso machine is one of the most recognized semi-automatic espresso makers in the business. The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine has a strong linear body design made of an iron frame and stainless steel side panels. These kinds of materials are well known for their long lasting durability. So if you plan to make quality espressos for a long time, this espresso machine from Rancilio comes highly recommended. The Rancilio Silvia also has a reasonable price for a serious espresso machine! Getting a good grinder and installing a PID in the Rancilio Silvia will bring out the full potential of this espresso machine.You will deliver perfect, professional espressos every time.Your friends will definitely love them. Since this machine is also very popular, consumers can easily find tips and tutorials on making professional quality espressos, lattes, cappuccinos (and many other specialty drinks) on the internet.

There are many commercial grade components built into the Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Espresso Machine, such as Rancilio’s commercial quality group head that delivers exceptional heat stability and premium extraction. A 58mm portafilter is also included which is similar that are found on Rancilio commercial espresso machines. Consumers were impressed with the machine’s 12oz brass boiler that produces excellent steaming power and has fast recovery time between shots. The single boiler of this machine has the largest capacity of any home espresso maker in it’s class. The Rancilio Silvia also features a commercially designed steam knob, and an articulating steam wand that allows full range of motion, to steam milk for a perfect cappuccino or latte. A 7gram coffee scoop, plastic tamper, and 2 filter baskets for single & double shots are also included in the package. Read more

Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.0 stars (315 Customer Reviews)

#3 Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine

The Gaggia Classic 14101 is our best home espresso machine under $500. This espresso machine, built in Italy, was named by Consumer Digest in its 2011 edition as their top home espresso machine for the price. Combined with advanced technologies and classic design, the Gaggia 1410 Classic Espresso Machine makes quality espresso, lattes or cappuccinos at home with many benefits of commercial espresso systems. Its commercial quality construction includes a stainless steel body, a high powered 17-1/2-bar pump along with high voltage boiler to get fast warm up times, as well as its independent expansion valve. Also included is a 3-way solenoid valve that provides an instant pressure release from the grouphead right after an espresso pull has finished, allowing the portafilter to be taken off and immediately prepared for the next espresso shot. The grouphead and portafilters are made of heavy-duty chrome plated brass. In addition, this espresso machine can work using coffee pods and is designed to make 2 cups of espressos at once. More convenient features of this espresso machine include a frothing wand for cream, a hot water dispenser and a cup warmer. Its 72oz water reservoir is also removable for cleaning and filling. The included accessories are single/pod and double shot filter baskets, a coffee tamper and 7 gram scoop.

Most of its consumers are very well satisfied with the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine, producing professional quality espressos and being robustly built with good looks. If you want the perfect espresso, you better use a good grinder such as Gaggia MDF with high quality grind set, or the Capresso 560 Infinity burr grinder which is more affordable and still delivers amazing results. The Gaggia Classic also compares well with commercial espresso machines, according to a user who has experience working at espresso shops. He also added that the switches (power, steam and brew switch) are simple to use, water reservoir is easy to fill, and importantly the machine makes rich crema shots every time. Even though the machine’s frothing capability is pretty good, but he did not like the steam wand which doesn’t rotate in all directions, unlike other espresso makers. Owners of the Gaggia Classic are enjoying the art of espresso making by getting just the right degree of fineness in grinding and tamping it with the right pressure, producing top quality espresso each time. Consumers also suggest using bottled water for best results.

Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 3.8 stars (631 Customer Reviews)

#4 De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

There are some people who thought that owning an espresso machine at home would be beyond their budgets. That is why it’s important for us to include the best affordable espresso machines that cost less than $100.

What we have here is the De’Longhi EC155 Espresso Machine that offers tons of value at a far more affordable price. This espresso machine is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in the Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines category. The espresso machine also has a compact design, is compatible using ESE pods or coffee grounds, and produces excellent crema that can be compared with expensive espresso makers.

The Delonghi EC155 features a Swivel Jet frother that makes rich and creamy froth for cappuccino or latte. The frothing wand is only 3 ¼ inches high from the kitchen counter-top, so you have to use a frothing cup with similar height or less.

Many consumers found the machine’s build quality to be quite good and solid, but others were less impressed because of its outer housing, which is largely made of plastic, unlike the stainless steel housing found on more expensive espresso machines. However, the boiler of the machine is made of stainless steel that ensures many years making tasty espressos.

Most consumers agreed that the machine can produce good shots with any coffee grounds and by using low fat or skim milk to achieve more foam when frothing milk. They are also pleased that the machine is easy to clean, as most parts are removable such as the drip tray and water tank.

Getting the De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker is also ideal if you want to switch from an instant or drip coffee to a much stronger brew.

Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 3.6 stars (5,351 Customer Reviews)

#5 Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso/Cappuccino Maker (ECMP50)

The Mr. Coffee ECMP50 espresso machine is made by one of the most popular brands of coffeemakers in America.

It features a thermal block heater (which is capable of heating water fast and evenly), along with its 15-bar pump for maximum flavor extraction to produce rich, crema espressos.

It comes with a choice of single or double shot portafilter for serving size options.

Its frothing tube steams and froths the milk fabulously for lattes and cappuccinos.
The Mr. Coffee ECMP50 also includes a 40 oz removable water reservoir and an easy-cleaning removable drip tray.

Consumers found the Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso Maker to be remarkably easy to operate, even for beginners. It includes a well detailed manual and recipes as well. They also loved the compact design of the machine and how it elegant it looks  on their kitchen’s counter top.

Consumers appreciate that the machine heats up really fast so they don’t need to wait long to make espressos. By using good quality coffee grounds, the machine will produce delicious-quality espressos. Consumers also praised the machine’s steaming feature that is simple, yet pretty powerful so it steams and froths milk surprisingly well.

Most parts of the machine that need to be cleaned can be easily detached and are also dishwasher safe, making cleaning painless.

The Mr. Coffee ECMP50 is a great espresso and cappuccino maker for the price, and delivers great tasting espressos and cappuccinos that you are going to enjoy.

Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 3.8 stars (1,267 Customer Reviews)