Top-Ranked Home Espresso Machines for Superior Brewed Coffee Experiences
Consider the dark and sultry reinvention of espresso coffee: bolder, fiercer, silkier, altogether more alluring.
Fortunately, making it at home doesn't have to be a mystery. You just need the right espresso machine.
So, enough with the chitchat - let's spill the beans on the best espresso machines of 2022.
Top Picks
- Best overall: Calphalon TempiQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
- Best automatic espresso machine: Nespresso Vertuo
- Best for beginners: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
- Best with grinder: Breville The Barista Express
- Best for flat whites: Nespresso Essenza Mini with Aeroccino Frother
- Best under $200: K-Cafe Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker
- Best manual espresso machine: Flair Classic Espresso Maker
- Best for enthusiasts: DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
What is an Espresso Machine?
An espresso machine is a specialized device that brews espresso. Unlike a regular cup of coffee, espresso is a smooth, rich, dark delight with a texture that borders on silky, all thanks to the high-pressure, high-heat process, and the low coffee-to-water ratio used in its creation.
Espresso machines are engineered to pressurize and heat water to the perfect temperature and force it through well-tamped coffee grounds. Some models even come equipped with handy features like milk frothers or coffee bean grinders.
When compared to commercial espresso machines, home espresso machines offer a more personalized experience as they cater to lower production volumes.
Choosing the Right Espresso Machine
When shopping for an espresso machine, consider the following factors:
Cost
Espresso machine prices vary significantly, with some high-end/commercial machines going for thousands. Most home models, however, fall between $150 and $1,500.
Types of Espresso Machines
- Manual Espresso Machines - Old-fashioned and craftsman-like, these machines require your touch for every step, from grinding beans to stopping the extraction process. They lack built-in milk frothers or coffee grinders, and are pricier but provide ultimate control over your espresso's size and strength.
- Semi-automatic Espresso Machines - Similar to manual machines but use an electric pump instead of manual force. You still control starting and stopping the extraction process and may use an additional steam wand to froth milk if desired.
- Automatic Espresso Machines - Automatically manage tamping, dispensing, and frothing, making them beginner-friendly. They offer more customizable options, albeit at a higher price point.
- Capsule Espresso Machines - The Keurig equivalent for espresso, capsule machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or have attachments that allow you to use loose coffee. They are easy to use but provide little room for customization.
Special Features
Some espresso machines come equipped with:
- milk frother or steam wand
- coffee grinder
- cup warming tray
Design
Embrace your home's vibe with an espresso machine that matches it. From steam-punk inspired designs to sleek contemporary style, there's a perfect machine for every decor.
How We Chose winners
To assemble this list, we prioritized:
- Variety of types
- Variety of price points
- Trusted brands
- Editor recommendations
- Positive customer reviews
Pricing Guide
- $ - under $200
- $$ - $200-$500
- $$$ - over $500
Category Winners
Best Overall Espresso Machine
Calphalon TempiQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
- Price: $$
- Type: Semi-automatic
- Color options: Stainless
- Standout Features: Produces 2 shots simultaneously, included cup warming tray, and steam wand. Its pre-infusion technology ensures a top-notch espresso every time.
Best Capsule Espresso Machine
Nespresso Vertuo
- Price: $$
- Type: Capsule
- Color options: Titanium, Chrome, Red, Black, Matte Black
- Standout Features: Compatible with Nespresso's Vertuo pods, which offer both coffee and espresso options. The luxury feel of the entire experience makes this a crowd-pleaser.
Best Espresso Machine for beginners
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
- Price: $
- Type: Automatic
- Color options: Black/Stainless
- Standout Features: Offers both coffee and espresso, includes a built-in frother, and accommodates single cups or full pots without expensive pods.
Best with Grinder
Breville The Barista Express
- Price: $$$
- Type: Semi-automatic
- Color options: Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Sesame
- Standout Features: Features a built-in grinder and steam wand, allowing you to weigh, grind, and tamp your coffee before brewing. Known for its exceptional performance and commitment to craftsmanship.
Best for Flat Whites
Nespresso Essenza Mini with Aeroccino Frother
- Price: $$
- Type: Capsule
- Color options: White, Gray, Black, Green, Red
- Standout Features: Compact build** makes it perfect for small kitchens. Combines a Nespresso capsule machine with an Aeroccino Chef frother to easily make rich milk-based drinks.
Best Espresso Machine under $200
K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker
- Price: $
- Type: Capsule
- Color options: Chrome
- Standout Features: Offers single-serve coffee, espresso shots, and extra-strong brews. Compatible with any K-cups, making it versatile and coffee-shop worthy.
Best Manual Espresso Machine
Flair Classic Espresso Maker
- Price: $
- Type: Manual
- Color options: Black/Red
- Standout Features: Suitable for travel and offers a hands-on experience with espresso brewing. Allows you to experiment with temperature, pressure, and grind size to get your espresso just right.
- Although espresso coffee can seem intimidating, brewing it at home has become easier with the right equipment. Among the top machines for 2022, the Calphalon TempiQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, priced at $$, is a semi-automatic option that stands out for its ability to produce two shots simultaneously, along with a cup warming tray and steam wand.
- The Nespresso Vertuo, priced at $$ and available in various colors, is a crowd-pleasing capsule machine. It offers both coffee and espresso options, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
- If you're a beginner looking for an automatic espresso machine, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe, priced at $ and available in black and stainless, offers both coffee and espresso, includes a built-in frother, and accommodates single cups or full pots without requiring expensive pods.
- Another excellent choice is the Breville The Barista Express, a semi-automatic machine with a built-in grinder and steam wand. It stands out for its exceptional performance and commitment to craftsmanship, priced at $$$. This machine allows you to weigh, grind, and tamp your coffee before brewing, ensuring a top-notch espresso every time.
