The Top 5 Espresso Machines

An espresso machine can make or break your morning routine. If you're constantly rushing out the door at the last minute, you'll probably want to purchase a machine that is hands-off and will brew your coffee at the touch of a button. If you have a refined palette, you'll probably enjoy a more involved machine that allows you to control the temperature and grind size of your espresso beans. Whatever your preference, we've gathered our favorite coffee machines below so you can find the best one for you.

Espresso Machine with Steam Milk Frother and Carafe by SOWTECH

Bring the Coffee Shop Home

Enjoy the convenience of a morning cup of espresso.

Best Overall

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Everything you need to make that overpriced latte — just from the comfort of home. This compact machine by SOWTECH will fit nicely on your kitchen counter, and it comes with a removable drip catcher to keep your space clean. Brew up some delicious espresso, then use the milk frother to whip up a cappuccino or a latte. No matter your drink of choice, this machine is sure to deliver.

Pros:

Compact
Easy to clean & set up
Powerful machine brews coffee in about 5 minutes

Cons:

Does not include a grinder

Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine

All-Inclusive Espresso Machine

Get all the bells and whistles of a coffee shop with this complete machine.

Best for Coffee Experts

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If you’re looking to pull out all the stops for your morning coffee, this is the machine for you. The Breville machine contains a dose-control grinder that channels directly into the portafilter. You can even adjust the grind size of your beans with a special dial. With a digital temperature control and a steam wand for enhanced flavor, you’ll feel like you are at that hipster coffee shop down the street.

Pros:

Excellent for serious coffee lovers
Temperature control allows you to optimize your espresso filtration
Steam wand to make lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more

Cons:

Machine will take up a large amount of counter space
Expensive, though well-worth the investment in the long run

EspressoWorks 7 Pc All-In-One Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker with Built-In Steamer & Frother

Everything You Need for the Perfect Espresso

Don't sacrifice convenience for quality — you'll get both with this machine.

Easy to Learn

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This machine is simple to use but still comes with all the accessories to make fancy drinks. You will be able to grind your own beans in the electric grinder, forth milk using the wand and stainless steel frothing cup, and enjoy a shot of espresso right away with the high-quality espresso cups. A detail we love about this machine is the see-through water tank that allows you to see at a glance how much water is left in the machine. It’s small, but makes a difference.

Pros:

Comes with 2 espresso cups and a frothing cup
Easy to assemble and clean
Great as a gift or as a first-time purchase

Cons:

Not ideal for commercial use

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine with Aeroccino

Simple Espresso Machine

It's never been easier to froth milk for your hot or cold coffee.

Best for Lattes

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Not a fan of grinding your own espresso beans? That’s where Nespresso comes in. Its signature pods are easy to use, and this machine also comes with an Aerocinno for incredibly easy milk frothing. Whether you’re in a hurry or just looking for a simple machine, this coffee maker is sure to delight.

Pros:

Simple to use
Compact
Dynamic, powerful milk frother

Cons:

Pods sold separately

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker in Charcoal

Morning Espresso On-the-Go

You won't waste a single second with this easy-to-use espresso maker.

Most Efficient

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This machine was built for the busy individual. Simply inset a K-Cup or a K-Cup coffee filter, click the brew button, and you’re ready to go. The machine can hold 6 cups worth of water, so you won’t waste time refilling the reservoir every day. It’s dishwasher-friendly and is built to accommodate travel mugs.

Pros:

Easy to clean
Brews coffee quickly
Can hold a travel mug

Cons:

Brews espresso-style beverages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase any accessories with my espresso machine?

It depends. Check with the manufacturer to see what accessories come with your machine. You’ll need a milk frother to make fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos — but most espresso machines have one of these built in. You may also need a frothing container and espresso shot glasses.

Do espresso machines use filters?

No, espresso machines don’t use the paper filters that you’re used to seeing in a drip coffee machine. Instead, they use something called a portafilter. A portafilter is a stainless steel component that holds your coffee grounds and filters them into your cup or container through a small hole at the bottom.

Can I use K-Cups in my Nespresso coffee machine?

No, you cannot. These are two different name brands, and the pods are not interchangeable. If you’re looking for affordability, you’re better off going with a Keurig machine. Nespresso pods are more expensive but also tend to contain higher quality espresso grounds.