20 Best Espresso Makers (Review) In 2022
- The Best Espresso Maker
- 1. SOWTECH Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker
- 2. AURAUN Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker
- 3. Breville Barista Pro Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
- 4. STARESSO Portable Mini Espresso Maker
- 5. Primula Aluminum 9 Cup Espresso Maker
- 6. Breville Barista Touch Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
- 7. De'Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- 8. Yabano Espresso Machine with Milk Frother & Steamer
- 9. Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine & Frother
- 10. Barsetto 15 Bar Espresso Machine & Milk Frother
- 11. Godmorn 6 Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
- 12. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
- 13. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
- 14. De'Longhi 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System
- 15. Flair Signature Espresso Maker
- 16. Sboly Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- 17. Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine
- 18. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
- 19. De'Longhi 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker
- 20. Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
Become a barista at home with an espresso machine! If you love Starbucks but hate overpaying for coffee, you will love being able to recreate your favorite coffee drinks from home. With a range of stovetop, semi-automatic, and super-automatic espresso machines, you can find a model that best suits your needs. Whether you are a newbie to making coffee at home or already a pro, these espresso makers will create barista-style drinks at just a fraction of the price.
This guide will review the best espresso makers and consider the features you should look for, depending on your coffee needs.
The Best Espresso Maker
1. SOWTECH Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker




Key Features
4 espresso cup capacity
3.5 bar pressure
Compact, home espresso machine
Includes a milk frother
Easy to use
Removable drip tray
If you want to make barista-style espresso and foamed milk at home, the SOWTECH Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker is an excellent home espresso machine. Being compact allows you to use this machine at home, in small apartments, or even in the office! This espresso machine is capable of making up to four cups of espresso, 240ml each, and can create frothy milk to top your latte or cappuccino. If you like making several cups of espresso to enjoy over time, this great espresso maker holds temperature well. The operation is simple! Add water and milk (if you want to use the milk frother)and then add coffee powder to the filter; then, use the knob to select the mode you require, followed by the frothing option. The glass cup has clear markings and is easy to pour from, so no spills or messes to clean up. The drip tray can be removed for easy cleaning. This easy to use espresso machine measures 10.63 x 7.68 x 13.78 inches and weighs 4.97 pounds.
Pros
Easy to clean
Maintains temperature
Heats up quickly
Efficient extraction
Affordable price
Espresso has a great taste
Cons
Limited instructions
Requires a lot of prep work prior to use
Milk frother does not automatically turn off
2. AURAUN Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker





Key Features
Stovetop espresso maker
6 espresso cup capacity
Sophisticated design
Portable
Easy to use
Easy to clean
The AURAUN Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker pairs functionality with a sophisticated design! This stovetop espresso maker has a capacity of 6 cups of espresso (300ml each) and is ready in as little as five minutes. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel and offering a matt finish, with a heat resistant wood handle, this espresso maker is ideal for use at home, the RV, or at the office (assuming there’s a kitchen!). Using this coffee maker is very simple! Simply fill the lower chamber with water, put the filter in place, and top with ground coffee; screw the two sections together and place onto your stove to heat. Cleaning is a breeze as well, just unscrew the sections, dump out the coffee, and rinse. Perfectly portable, this espresso maker measures 8.35 x 5.16 x 4.02 inches and weighs 1.23 pounds.
Pros
Can be used on induction, gas or electric stovetops
Heat resistant wooden handle
Doesn’t leak as you pour
Espresso tastes great
Quick to heat
Cons
Bottom and sides can sometimes scorch on gas stovetops
Water reservoir rim is sharp
No steam wand
3. Breville Barista Pro Stainless Steel Espresso Maker





Key Features
1/2 pound coffee bean capacity
67oz water tank capacity
1 or 2 cup volumetric control
Steam wand to create microfoam milk texturing
19-22 gram dose
Includes a burr grinder
If you are looking for coffee shop style coffee at home, opt for the Breville Barista Pro Stainless Steel Espresso Maker. This barista-style espresso maker features a conical burr grinder, which allows you to use your own coffee beans, making either one or two cups of coffee; with a single touch of a button, you can adjust grind size and dose, which helps provide you with coffee on demand. Your settings will be displayed on the LCD screen. For rich, flavorful espresso, this home espresso maker uses a 54mm filter with 19-22 gram dose which provides you with the best-tasting coffee, just like you would get in a coffee shop. The heating system reaches optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds! The steam wand allows you to create textured micro-foam milk to top your coffee with, giving you the option to create art for your latte too! This brushed stainless steel espresso maker doesn’t require too much of your counter space, as it measures 13 x 12 x 13 inches and weighs 20 pounds. Your purchase is also covered by a two year limited warranty.
Pros
Warms up in 3 seconds
Sleek, professional appearance
Semi-automatic machine
Simple to use
Easy to clean
LCD display
Cons
Price
4. STARESSO Portable Mini Espresso Maker



Key Features
Single-serve manual espresso maker
20 bar pressure
All in one design
Creates a range of specialty coffee drinks
Compact and portable
High-quality stainless steel pump and coffee chamber
With a choice of three color finishes – pink, white or black – the STARESSO Portable Mini Espresso Maker has a sleek finish that matches your kitchen decor. Requiring very little counter space, this espresso maker is ideal for use in the smallest of homes, in the office, and can even be brought with you on vacation! This single-serving espresso machine can reach up to 20 bar stable pressure which helps to make great espresso. It can hold up to 80ml of water and 0.53oz of ground coffee. This hand controlled espresso maker allows you to create the perfect coffee, from cappuccinos to americanos, you can adjust the capsule and ground coffee as well as the temperature of the water to create the flavor you want. Simple to use and clean, you making rich, delicious espresso at home has never been easier! This model is also compatible with Nespresso pods as well as ground coffee. Compact and portable, this espresso maker measures 8.81 x 3.46 x 3.42 inches and weighs only 1.26 pounds.
Pros
Compatible with Nespresso pods
BPA free plastic
Simple to use with easy instructions
Easy cleaning
Choice of three finishes
Cons
Must have access to hot water to be used
Holes need to be poked into Nespresso pods
5. Primula Aluminum 9 Cup Espresso Maker





Key Features
Stovetop espresso maker
9 demitasse cup capacity
Aluminum construction
Cool touch handle and knob on the lid
Simple to use
Compact and portable
Capable of making 9 demitasse cups of coffee, the Primula Aluminum 9 Cup Espresso Maker is constructed from high-quality aluminum and has a cool-touch handle and lid grip. Whether you want espresso for a latte, americano, frappe or even an affogato, this easy to use stovetop espresso maker can be used at home or even the office (assuming your office has a kitchen). The safety release valve handles the pressure levels at which the water is delivered to the coffee grounds, which helps to create deliciously aromatic extracted espresso. Making the perfect espresso is simple! Unscrew the top part from the bottom and remove the filter funnel; then fill the base section with water before putting the filter in place. Add your finely ground coffee to the filter and screw the top part back onto the base. Place your espresso maker on the stovetop and heat until the coffee percolates to the top. This model measures 6.2 x 4.5 x 9.4 inches and weighs only 12.8 oz.
Pros
Silicone gasket
Durable
Makes strong, aromatic espresso
Easy to clean
Heats quickly
Cons
Shouldn’t be used in the dishwasher
Sometimes leaks
Can be hard to unscrew
6. Breville Barista Touch Stainless Steel Espresso Maker




Key Features
1/2 pound coffee bean burr grinder capacity
67oz water tank capacity
Touch screen display
Personalize up to 8 custom drinks
Steam wand included
3 second heat up time
Our premium pick is the Breville Barista Touch Stainless Steel Espresso Maker, which includes pre-programmed cafe drinks and automatic milk texturing. This semi-automatic machine does not disappoint and delivers superb espresso which can be compared with coffee shop drinks. The built-in grinder allows you to use coffee beans of your choice that helps to create rich, balanced espresso. To help create this full-body taste, the right dose of 19-22 grams needs to be used, which, when paired with precise temperature control over the water, coffee extraction is like none other. With a three-second heat up time, you won’t be waiting around for your coffee in the morning, so if you need an espresso shot to wake you up, you won’t be waiting long!
The automatic milk texturing also helps create that lovely flavor and is steamed with such pressure that it creates tiny bubbles, which help produce that velvety feel that is commonly associated with excellent espresso. You can even create, save, and select a name for up to 8 coffee settings, which makes your espresso machine personalized. The beautiful stainless steel finish is sleek and attractive and adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen. You will want to display this proudly on your countertop, and it will fit comfortably into most kitchens as it measures 12.7 x 15.5 x 16 inches and weighs 25.6 pounds.
Pros
Cafe quality microfoam
Premium, barista-style espresso
Easy to use
Includes pre-programmed drinks
Durable and high quality
Semi-automatic
Cons
Coffee grounds can make a mess
Water tank is located at the back of the unit
Requires maintenance
7. De’Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker





Key Features
15 bar pump pressure
35 oz water tank
Makes 2 cups of espresso at once
Adjustable thermostat to control each coffee head
Easy to use jet frother
Self-priming option
Removable water tank
With a choice of either one or two espresso shots, the De’Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is ideal for use at home but helps you to create coffee drinks that taste as though a professional barista has made them. The adjustable control allows you to modify the settings to suit your taste. The two separate thermostats mean that you can brew to your preferred temperature while also brewing for someone who may have a different preference. The built-in manual milk frother steams the milk, helping create that luxurious feel as you drink your perfectly brewed coffee drink. If you like having multiple cups of coffee, you will appreciate the temperature retention system that it features, which holds the optimum temperature, so you need not wait when you are ready for your second cup.
The dishwasher safe water tank located at the top of the unit clearly displays the water level, so when it comes time to refill it, you can easily remove and fill before returning it to the machine. The drip tray is easy to remove and is also dishwasher safe, making clean up easy. The space-saving design of this espresso machine means it can fit on your kitchen counters without taking up a load of space; it measures 12.2 x 19.3 x 15 inches and weighs 6.67 pounds.
Pros
Dishwasher safe water tank and drip tray
Maintains temperature in between brews
Compatible with either ground coffee or coffee pods
Rich, flavorful espresso flavor
Built-in cup warmer
Cons
Water reservoir is small
Max cup size of 66cm
Steam wand is not designed for latte art
8. Yabano Espresso Machine with Milk Frother & Steamer




Key Features
3.5 bars of pressure
Produces 4 cups of espresso
Milk frothing capabilities
Removable parts for easy cleaning
Water reservoir cap to prevent loss of pressure
Compact design
For amazing tasting coffee at a competitive price, the Yabano Espresso Machine with Milk Frother & Steamer is our best value pick! Serve up to four cups of espresso at once, which can be used in a range of popular coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Operation is simple with the control knob located on the side of the unit. The built-in steam wand helps you to create rich, frothy foam that can help give your drinks that luxuriously velvety feel that baristas typically create. The portafilter, milk tube, and drip tray are all removable, making cleaning easy. This home espresso maker is compact, measuring 4.7 x 9.1 x 13.4 inches and weighing only 4.7 pounds.
Pros
Semi-automatic espresso machine
Easy to use
Doesn’t require lot of space
Quiet operation
Serves coffee quickly
Pause feature allows you to switch between brewing and frothing
Cons
Doesn’t make a true espresso
Can’t brew and steam simultaneously
No automatic shut off
9. Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine & Frother





Key Features
Dual cup serving
Built-in milk frother
Built-in coffee grinder with 12 settings
3 aroma strength settings
AquaClean filter descales water reservoir
Removable brew group
The Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine & Frother is an attractive, high-performance espresso maker that produces the quality espresso you’re looking for every time you desire a cup of coffee. The touch display makes it easy to choose your preference of coffee and you can easily adjust the strength and quality in the ‘My Coffee Choice’ menu. This home espresso machine is best if you’re looking for a coffee grinder that is capable of turning your fresh coffee beans into a finely ground powder; however, as you have the option of 12 steps, you can turn your coffee beans into coarse grindings instead.
The aroma seal located on the ceramic grinders helps to ensure your coffee beans stay fresh for up to 20,000 cups! With space for a double cup serving of coffee, you can create your favorite coffee drinks in no time. Do you love that velvety smooth frothy milk that typically tops your favorite type of coffee? This model includes a classic milk frother composed of just two pieces, which makes it easy to clean. This automatic espresso machine includes a removable brew group, another feature that makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros
Ceramic grinders keep beans fresh
Fully automatic home espresso machine
3 temperature settings
Easy touch screen operation
Dishwasher safe parts
Makes a strong espresso shot
Cons
Requires maintenance
Can be a bit loud
Initial setup can be time consuming
Coffee makers can be notorious for their water tanks that can easily become contaminated and full of limescale, however, this machine includes an AquaClean filter which descales it for up to 5000 cups; your machine will also alert you when your filter requires changing. This durable machine with its modern and sleek appearance will become a much loved home appliance measuring in at 20.1 x 20.1 x 12.6 inches and weighing 20.3 pounds.
10. Barsetto 15 Bar Espresso Machine & Milk Frother


Key Features
1.8 liter water reservoir
15 bar pressure extraction
Barista quality performance and control
25 second brew time after warm up
2 separate thermostats for precise milk frothing and brewing
Includes a high performance frothing wand
Removable cup holder to accommodate larger/taller mugs
The Barsetto 15 Bar Espresso Machine & Milk Frother is a semi-automatic machine that features a double temperature control system so you can prepare to brew coffee and froth your milk – up to 95 degrees Celsius for coffee, which extracts delightfully smooth coffee, and up to 100 degrees Celsius for the steam wand. The powerful steam wand uses pressure to transform boring milk into a beautiful foam to top your favorite coffee drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos. If you love the rich crema flavor, you have the capabilities to produce this with this semi-automatic espresso machine.
Best of all, there is only a 25 second brewing time once your machine has warmed up, so you won’t be waiting for long for your coffee in the mornings! You will find that many home espresso machines can only accommodate small mugs, but this machine features a removable cup holder, so large and tall mugs are compatible with it. There is a built-in safety feature that will automatically switch your machine off if it begins to overheat, which is handy if you have accidentally left it on when rushing around in the mornings. The beautiful brushed stainless steel housing is easy to wipe clean. Compact but powerful, this model measures in at 7.01 x 5.75 x 7.87 inches and weighs 8.1 pounds. Your purchase is also covered by a two year promise.
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Pros
Overheat prevention
Chilled and heated frothing function
Programmable timer
Adjustable grind size
8 grinding strengths
Cons
Minimum and maximum fill lines can be hard to see
Warm up time required before use
11. Godmorn 6 Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker




Key Features
6 espresso cup capacity (300ml)
High quality 430 stainless steel construction
Ideal for use on a range of stovetops
Coffee ready in as little as 5 minutes
Built-in safety pressure valve
High-density filter
If you are looking for a stovetop coffee maker featuring high-quality stainless steel at a budget price, look no further than the Godmorn 6 Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker. For use on a range of stovetops, such as induction, electric, gas, alcohol, and ceramic, you can make up six espresso cups worth of coffee in as little as five minutes. The durable silicone ring and three-ring precision help to create a tight seal while the filter creates smooth tasting, aromatic coffee there is also a pressure regulation valve which results in the right level of coffee extraction, heightening its flavor. It is very simple to use, as you only need to fill the bottom half with water, add powdered coffee to the funnel, and screw on the top part of the unit; then, place it onto your stovetop and allow the coffee to percolate, approximately three to five minutes. You can even warm your coffee and bring this with you, as it’s easily portable, measuring 8.07 x 4.92 x 3.94 inches and weighing 1.3 pounds.
Pros
Corrosion and rust-resistant
Easy to use
Portable
Dishwasher safe
Ergonomic, cool-touch handle
Cons
Filter can be tight-fitting, so can be hard to remove
Can be a bit tricky to clean
12. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker





Key Features
Manual espresso maker
18 bars of pressure
Lightweight and portable
Includes detachable cup
Supplied in a pouch
The capsule design of the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is eye-catching, but also highly functional. This manual espresso maker can reach a maximum of 18 bars, which provides efficient extraction when making espresso. You will be impressed with the rich, golden crema layer that is created every time you make a shot of espresso. If you’re looking to make espresso while out camping or on the go, this small yet impressive espresso maker does just the trick. It is compact and light enough to be packed, but it does not lack in its durability. The detachable cup also means you need not worry about bringing any extra mugs or cups with you. If you have a Nespresso machine at home and wish to use the pods that are compatible with it while using this portable espresso maker, you will need to purchase a Barista Kit separately. Supplied in a pouch, this model measures 2.36 x 2.76 x 6.14 inches and weighs only 11.8 ounces.
Pros
Easy to use
Sleek, ergonomic design
Durable
Excellent extraction for delicious espresso
Making espresso takes 3-5 mins
Cons
Must have access to hot water to use
Contains very small parts
Plastic water reservoir
13. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine






Key Features
Semi-automatic home espresso machine
67oz water reservoir capacity
Includes burr grinder with dose control
Espresso extraction precision
Includes a steam wand for latte art
Option to make single or double espresso shots
If you are looking to go from coffee bean to rich espresso in under a minute, Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine will not disappoint. This Barista Express machine includes a burr grinder, so you can grind your favorite bean to your preferred grind size prior to extraction, with just the right dose and temperature, resulting in a balanced, rich flavor that will rival coffee shops. With interchangeable filters, you can choose between using this as a semi-automatic machine or a manual one to create your favorite coffee drink.
The built-in steam wand produces microfoam milk which can be textured to create latte art; the combination of sweet milk and full-bodied flavor of the espresso is unbelievably good. You can also choose to make single or double espresso shots, great for those who love a strong brew. With a beautiful stainless steel finish, the Barista Express Espresso Machine effortlessly fits into the majority of kitchens, measuring 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches and weighs 23 pounds. This model is also protected by a one year limited product warranty.
Pros
Conveniently sized to fit on most countertops
Easy to use
Brew espresso from freshly ground beans
Tamper is conveniently stored in a magnetized hole
Easy to program
Cons
Allow time for the machine to warm up
Frothing can be messy
No alert if water has run out
14. De’Longhi 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System




Key Features
15 bar pressure
Steel drip tray
Brew authentic Italian espresso
Removable drip tray accommodates taller mugs
Visible water level
If you want to create barista-style drinks at home, the De’Longhi 15 Bar Espresso Machine with Advanced Cappuccino System features 15 bar pressure and adjustable controls so you can create the perfect brew, just like a professional. Choose between one espresso shot or two, as this machine includes a three-in-one filter holder that can also accommodate espresso pods from capsule machines. This semi-automatic machine will hold just the right temperature, so you can brew endless cups of espresso without the added wait time. The dishwasher safe water tank, located on top of the machine, can easily be lifted up and out of the machine for ease of cleaning; the water level is also clearly visible. The drip tray is also removable and dishwasher safe; because the drip tray can be removed, it also leaves space for taller mugs to be used with this machine too. This unit measures in at 9.62 x 7.25 x 11.87 inches and weighs 10.93 pounds.
Pros
Froths 6oz of milk in just 45 seconds
Durable
Easy to set up and use
Easy to clean
Includes a tamper
Cons
Filters can be hard to swap
No automatic switch off
Loud
Warming plate can get hot
15. Flair Signature Espresso Maker


Key Features
Manual espresso maker
6-9 bar pressure
Detachable brewing head
30-45 second extraction time
Includes a padded carry case
5 year warranty
The Flair Signature Espresso Maker pairs style with high performance, helping you create amazing espresso topped with lovely, golden crema. All done by hand, this model requires that you have freshly ground coffee beans to hand so that you can brew your shots. The pressure kit allows you to clearly see the level of pressure being used; this manual home espresso maker is able to produce pressure between six and nine bars. The pressure kit also includes a stainless steel tamper and a portafilter. The brewing head is completely detachable, which makes cleaning easier than ever. Constructed from both cast aluminum and stainless steel, this espresso maker will stand the test of time; to further demonstrate this, the manufacturer offers a five year warranty. This model measures in at 13.35 x 9.96 x 3.9 inches and weighs 6.23 pounds.
Pros
Easy to use
High-quality construction
Includes a pressure gauge
Easy to clean
Cons
Requires very finely ground coffee
Requires a bit of prep work before extraction
16. Sboly Espresso Machine with Milk Frother




Key Features
Semi-automatic
Brews up to 4 espresso shots at once
Brews espresso within 2 minutes
Froths milk in just 40 seconds
Removable drip tray and frother arm
2-in-1 portafilter
The Sboly Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is capable of brewing up to four espresso shots to be enjoyed alone or used for lattes or cappuccinos in just two minutes. This semi-automatic home espresso maker also includes a milk frother which creates a beautifully rich and sweet foam in as little as 40 seconds. The filter basket includes clear scales which allows you to measure out just enough ground coffee for your desired number of espresso shots. Creating the perfect brew each time is simple! Simply fill the water tank with water using the measuring carafe and add coffee to the filter. Fit the filter and lock it into place.
If you want to add foam to your favorite drink, froth your milk first by turning the knob to the steam option and insert the steam wand into your pitcher, moving in a circular motion; your milk will double in volume. Now, turn the knob to brew; once ready, combine the espresso and foam in a mug and enjoy! This espresso maker can be used at home or the office, as it is compact and features removable parts for ease of cleaning. It measures 8.3 x 5.1 x 11.6 inches and weighs 3.48 pounds.
Pros
Graduated filter basket
Simple, 1 knob operation
Easy to clean
Nice amount of crema
Cons
Doesn’t include a burr grinder
Small water reservoir
Not compatible with coffee pods
17. Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine


Key Features
Single-serve automatic espresso machine
Choice of pre-programmable dose setting or pre-set
Compatible with blue Lavazza pods
Visual alerts for low water tank levels
Energy efficient
The Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine is an automatic single-serve, home espresso machine. With a choice of a programmable free dose setting as well as a pre-set one, you can have your coffee ready in just minutes. This machine is also compatible with blue Lavazza pods and can hold up to five exhausted pods. The adjustable cup support allows you to use a range of mugs and also makes for easy cleaning. The water reservoir has a 0.7 liter capacity and is transparent, so you can easily manage your water levels; an alert will also let you know when water is needed. This espresso machine has a classy, sophisticated finish, featuring chrome detailing. It is compact and will fit perfectly in your kitchen or even the office; it measures 13 x 5.3 x 10.2 inches and weighs 7.7 pounds.
Pros
Space-saving
Simple to use
Range of capsule flavors available
Brewing process creates delicious espresso
Cons
Doesn’t include a frother
Not supplied with any capsules
Capsules can be expensive
18. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker






Key Features
Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino and latte maker
15 bar pump system
One-touch control
Single or double shot option
Automatic milk frothing
Removable water and milk reservoir
The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is a semi-automatic machine that not only brews espresso but can also make delicious lattes and cappuccinos. The brewing process on this coffee maker is superb, featuring a 15 bar pump system, which precisely extracts espresso. The one-touch control allows you to select either a single or a double shot and automatic milk frothing can be achieved with the adjustable knob. There is a built-in milk reservoir which can easily be removed, so any extra milk can be stored in the fridge and allows for easy cleaning. This sleek stainless steel unit, which is ideal for home or office use, measures 11.22 x 8.86 x 12.6 inches and weighs 10.37 pounds.
Pros
Includes recipe book
Heats up quickly
Easy to use
Compact
Coffee drinks taste similar to that of a coffee shop
Cons
Water and milk reservoirs are not dishwasher safe
Noisy
Can’t control milk temperature
19. De’Longhi 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker



Key Features
15 bar pump system, semi-automatic
Brew single or double shots
Steam wand for frothing
Includes a Sempre Crema Filter for golden crema
2 separate thermostats
High quality, stainless steel construction
44oz water reservoir
Make lattes, cappuccinos, and authentic tasting espresso all with ease at home with the DeLonghi 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker. The 15 bar pump helps you craft delicious espresso at just the right level by pairing pressure with the right amount of coffee and the perfect water temperature you have the choice of either making a single or double-shot thanks to the dual head. If you like frothing milk to top your coffees, the manual frother helps create lovely, creamy milk to add texture to your drinks.
The two separate thermostats allow both the water and steam pressure to be controlled at the same time but at different temperatures. No more waiting around in between brews with this machine as it holds the temperature, so you can brew as many shots as needed without having to wait. The water reservoir is clearly visible so you can keep an eye on water levels; it is also removable so you can take it out easily for cleaning. Both the water tank and drip tray are dishwasher safe, making clean up easy. This high-quality stainless steel model measures 11.02 x 9.06 x 11.61 inches and weighs 11.5 pounds.
Pros
Accommodates tall mugs
Compatible with coffee machine capsules
Self-priming
No drip design
Dishwasher safe water reservoir and drip tray
Maintains optimal temperature in between brewing
Cons
Can be loud
Water reservoir is side loading
Tamper is plastic
20. Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand


Key Features
15 bar pump system
2-liter water reservoir
Pre-programmed single or double shot
58mm portafilter
Cup warming tray
Built-in steam wand
Featuring precision heating and a 15 bar pump system, the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand allows for excellent espresso extraction. The temperature is easily controlled and heats evenly and paired with pre-infusion which helps the espresso bloom, resulting in a bold, rich espresso to be enjoyed as it is or for use in cappuccinos or lattes. The large portafilter disperses water evenly during the brewing process. The built-in steam wand creates velvety microfoam to effortlessly top your favorite coffee drink. To ensure your coffee is enjoyable as possible, the cup warming tray will gently heat your mugs, ready for use. The easy to use dial allows you to choose between single and double shots as well as steam and hot water. The water reservoir is removable but also includes a hinged lid, which makes it easy to refill. This sleek-looking home espresso machine is compact, measuring in at 13.9 x 11.6 x 15.3 inches and weighing 15.22 pounds.
Pros
Easy to control with a dial
Removable water reservoir
High-quality portafilter
Quick to heat
Self-cleaning cycle
Compact
Cons
Can’t regulate pressure
Wand does drip sometimes
Quite loud
Features To Consider With Espresso Makers
Automated Features
Some home espresso machines require you to put in some work, as a barista would, to create robust espresso, however, if that does not appeal to you, you may want to look for a home espresso machine that is automatic. Many machines offer simple one-touch control to produce your favorite coffee drinks, so you essentially have coffee on demand. Other great automated features to look out for are self-cleaning and automatic frothing if you like a microfoam to top your latte or cappuccino.
Bar Pressure
Pump powered home espresso machines are generally considered best as they produce consistent shots and allow you to have much more control over the brewing process. Bar pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure; one bar pressure equates to the natural pressure at sea level. The ideal bar pressure is 7-9, which has enough power to force water through the coffee grounds, resulting in much better espresso extraction. So, the higher the bar pressure, the better your espresso is likely to taste!
Ease Of Clean
To keep your espresso machine functioning well, you will need to clean it often which can be time-consuming. However, the best home espresso machines have self-cleaning features and removable water reservoirs and drip trays for easy cleaning. It's a bonus when these removable parts are dishwasher safe too. You will find that the majority of home espresso machines are not provided with a knock box, so you may want to invest in one of those rather than needing to knock your coffee grounds into the trash each time you use your machine. If your machine includes a built-in steam wand, you will need to ensure that is cleaned properly too.
Ease Of Use
Manual espresso machines can be a bit more tricky to use as they require strength to be able to generate enough pressure for extraction. Semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines are typically much easier to use and many are controlled with a single button or dial, which requires very little effort.
Frothing Wand
If you want to create cappuccinos and lattes, you will want to look for an espresso machine that includes a frothing wand to create microfoam, adding texture to your drinks. The frothing wand will pressurize the milk, creating thousands of tiny bubbles, which gives it a velvety mouthfeel.
Maintenance
Some home espresso machines require a lot more maintenance than others, especially those that include a burr grinder, portafilters, and steam wands. Higher-end espresso machines are an investment, and are ideal for true coffee aficionados, and to ensure they continue to perform well, they will require maintenance. If you're looking for a coffee maker that requires virtually no maintenance, you may want to consider a French Press Coffee Maker instead.
Related Post: Best Coffee Grinder
Temperature Control
Being able to control your water temperature is ideal when making a great espresso shot. When espresso is extracted at too high of a temperature, it ends up causing it to taste bitter. Different roast types of coffee require different temperatures to create the ideal extraction, so being able to control temperature will ensure your espresso is extracted perfectly. Many of the best espresso machines include a PID temperature control so that you can control the heating element within the machine.
Espresso Maker FAQ
Q: Is an electric or a stovetop espresso maker better?
While both models have their pros and cons, electric espresso makers are generally considered better and capable of producing a great cup of espresso. Stovetop espresso makers are not always compatible with all stovetop models and don't always produce the same rich-tasting flavor compared to that of an electric espresso maker.
If you like being able to modify your drinks and adjust grind level, for example, you will want to opt for an electric home espresso maker that will give you more customization over your coffee drinks, helping you to create the perfect brew.
Q: What kind of coffee do you use in an espresso maker?
Unlike a French Press Coffee Maker, fine coffee grounds are required for use in an espresso maker, however, you will find that some espresso makers are also compatible with coffee pods (although you will need to pierce the pods to get the ground coffee out of them). Some espresso makers include a burr grinder, so you can purchase whole coffee beans and grind the coffee yourself. You will always want to look for coffee beans that are a dark roast, which produces a stronger flavor. You can use any roast, but a lighter roast will also result in a lighter flavor.
Q: Are lever espresso machines better?
Also known as piston espresso machines, a lever espresso machine is ideal for those true coffee connoisseurs. They are better at producing a truly authentic tasting espresso, however, they are quite fiddly and it can take some time learning how to produce the best espresso to suit your needs. They are not ideal for those who lack strength, as you do need strength to create the force required to extract the espresso at the optimum level.
So, while lever espresso machines may be better for the quality of espresso they can produce, they can sometimes require a certain level of strength making them a less ideal option for people who lack in strength.
Sources
How to Brew Coffee with a Stovetop Espresso Maker - MyRecipes
What Is The Best Stovetop Espresso Maker? Is it a Moka Pot? - Dorian Bodnariuc