The Best Espresso Machines Money Can Buy

Espresso is without question the most popular way to drink coffee today. Whether it’s consumed in its natural state or being used to create delectable coffee-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos, it’s fair to say that espresso is beloved in all forms. Every visit to our favorite café is accompanied by espresso, but it doesn’t taste the same when we make it at home. Is it your technique that’s lacking or your machine that’s slacking? Either way, we’ve got you covered. 

If you want to improve your espresso technique, this is a great place to start.

Want to learn more about puck preparation? Click here.

Preparing good espresso doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right equipment and know-how, you’ll be pulling espresso shots akin to the baristas in your favorite cafe. The path to becoming comfortable with espresso wouldn’t be fun without some commitment. Making perfect espresso is elaborate, complex, precise, and yet incredibly rewarding. The difference between a great shot and an average one is sometimes just one parameter gone askew. It’s important to choose the right machine for your needs, it makes all the difference.

Here’s our list of the best espresso machines that money can buy. This list includes a manual espresso maker, a travel version, and a budget option.

Best Espresso Machines

Eagle One Prima by Victoria Arduino 

Prima, simply translated, means first, and the Eagle One Prima makes beautiful, 100% digital, one-group espresso machines. The Prima can brew and steam milk with precision on par with its commercial counterparts, and it comes with an app that doubles as its display and gateway to programming. Its small size, however, does not compromise power. The E1 bridges the gap between home and commercial espresso machines.

What do we like?

• Built to last
• Form Factor
• Benefits of a commercial machine
• Companion app for deeper customizability

Dimensions: 21” x 16” x 15”

What’s in the box:

• Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima
• Quick Start Guide
• Manual
• Paperwork
• Double-spouted portafilter
• Single-spouted portafilter
• Metal Tamper
• Triple, double, single, and blank baskets
• Cleaning pack
• Microfiber towel

DE1PRO by Decent Espresso

The DE1PRO is a commercially-rated espresso machine with a sleek design and excellent build quality. Thanks to its operating system, the Decent Espresso machine can do things others can’t, including commercial and prosumer machines that exceed its price. If you like tinkering with your espresso, the DE1PRO provides the most control over your shot and proves one of the best options for customization.

What do we like?

• Cutting edge technology
• Minimalist aesthetic
• Access to data before, during, and after espresso shot
• Future-proof hardware & software
• Active community

Dimensions: 14.17” x 12.5” x 8.66”

What’s Included:

• The espresso machine
• Android Tablet
• Suitcase
• Power cable
• Drip tray
• Drip tray cover
• Bottomless portafilter
• 18g basket
• Blank basket for cleaning
• USB tablet charging cable
• Group head handle
• Porcelain water tank

Linea Mini by La Marzocco

The Linea Mini is inspired by an iconic espresso machine. It is a snack-sized version of the Linea Classic, a machine that was adored by thousands of professional baristas at the heart of your favorite cafés. The Linea Minis’ features include a dual boiler, integrated group, hot water spout, thermal stability system, internal pump, PID control, water reservoir, connected app capability, and barista lights.

What do we like?

• Well built
• Customizable aesthetic
• Commercial quality espresso
• Timeless design

Dimensions: 18” x 14” x 15”

What’s Included:

• Break-away double spouted portafilter with standard rubber handle
• 7 gram, 14 gram, 17 gram, and 21-gram baskets
• Standard European 58mm convex La Marzocco tamper
• 12oz steaming pitcher
• Purocaf Cleaning Solution
• Cleaning basket
• Installation guide/ user manual

Appartamento by Rocket Espresso

The Appartamento is a compact espresso machine designed for environments where space is at a premium. The internal components’ chassis and layout were optimized by rocket engineers without compromising the quality and features you expect from an espresso machine that can do it all.

What do we like?

• Compact design
• Designed to last
• Easy to use

Dimensions: 17” x 14.25” x 10.5”

What’s Included:

• Single-spouted commercial-grade portafilter
• Double-spouted commercial-grade portafilter
• Rocket tamper
• Single basket
• Double basket
• Blind basket
• Cleaning brush
• Adjustable feet
• Espresso Machine Detergent
• Towel
• Start-Up Guide USB

The Dual Boiler by Breville

The Dual Boiler was designed to use the correct dose of freshly ground beans, and ensure precise temperature control along with optimal water pressure. At the heart of this machine is a dual boiler heating system. The boiler, for the espresso shot, is PID temperature controlled, while a separate steam boiler offers instant and powerful steam on demand. So you can extract your shot at the right temperature, delivering optimal flavor, while simultaneously steaming your milk.

What do we like?

• Feature-rich
• Well priced
• Lightweight
• Beginner-friendly

Dimensions: 15.9” x 14.7” x 14.9”

What’s Included:

• 58mm Razor Dosing tool
• 58mm Stainless Steel Portafilter
• 1cup & 2cup Single and Dual Wall Filter Baskets
• Integrated Tamper
• 16oz Stainless Steel Milk Jug
• Cleaning Kit
• Water Hardness Test Strip
• Water Filter Holder and Water Filter

Best Manual Espresso Maker

Flair Classic Espresso Maker

The unique design of the Flair makes it a great way to craft a rich, full-bodied espresso manually at home. It’s portable, durable, fun to use, and a throwback to simpler times. It includes a bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter for spouted or naked brewing allowing for some flexibility. The custom carrying case adds style while making it easy to transport or pack up after use.

What do we like?

• Well designed
• Affordable alternative
• Accessories to improve the experience

Dimensions: 14” × 10” × 4”

What’s Included:

• Flair Classic Espresso Maker
• Black Post, Base & Lever with Red Portafilter Base
• Bottomless 2-in-1 Portafilter
• Stainless Steel Dispersion Screen
• Brewing Cylinder
• Polyacetal Piston
• Dosing Cup/tamper
• Funnel
• Drip Tray
• Carrying Case
• Screw for Affixing Post to Base Permanently
• Brewing Guide

Best Travel Espresso Maker

Picopresso By Wacaco

Picopresso is a compact portable espresso machine. It features a naked portafilter for a view of delicious creamy espresso during the brewing process. The Picopresso doesn’t cut corners. Each homebrewer must master the art of manual espresso by executing the correct grind size, tamping, and pulling technique. Those who live and breathe espresso will be rewarded an authentic cafe-quality espresso regardless of their location; at the top of a mountain or hundreds of miles away at sea.

What do we like?

• Compact form-factor
• Affordable
• Portable

Dimensions: 4.17” x 3.07” x 2.8”

What’s Included:

• Picopresso
• Double filter basket
• Tamper
• Scoop
• Brush
• Distribution tool
• Funnel
• Protective case
• Multi-languages instruction book
• Warranty card
• Wacaco sticker

Best Budget Espresso Machine

The Bambino Plus By Breville

The Bambino Plus can deliver café-quality espresso. It’s big on performance, and yet small in size. A full-bodied coffee full of rich and complex flavors accompanied by a heating system that lets the machine start in 3 seconds.

What do we like?

• Lightweight
• Good for beginners
• Plenty of features for the price

Dimensions: 12.6″ x 12.2″ x 7.7″ 

What’s Included:

• 54mm Tamper
• Precision Dosing Tool
• 16 fl. oz / 480ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug
• 1 & 2 Cup Single Wall & Dual Wall Filter Baskets
• Cleaning Tool
• Cleaning Disc