Best Espresso Machines 2024

Bringing you the best espresso machines 2024, we tested some of the best espresso machines for your purchase. Espresso machines are manufactured in three main types, manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic. Of these three types, the choice is preferred according to your lifestyle to bring you a quick shot or to make your customized shot with a bit of work.

The below best espresso machines will consider manual and semi-automatic machines, while super-automatic machines are also worthy if you are finding it hard to brew an espresso yourself so that it will handle the work for you.

Best Espresso Machines – Prosumer

Best Espresso Machines – Entry Level Prosumer

Rancilio Silvia is one of the most famous domestic espresso machines that you can find in any coffee aficionado’s home and with its beginner level prosumer counterpart being the most preferred espresso machine that one could purchase to elevate their espresso game.

With that the Rancilio Silvia upgraded its original model with a dual broiler with both of them are PID controlled which is now Rancilio Silvia Pro X. The machine itself is a bigger model from it’s original.

Simple rocker switches in the control panel but a lot weirder with the way they function as three of the rocker switches just jump back up rather than staying down. The controls are traditional and not user friendly.

The design of the drip tray is also bit frustrating when changing the height and when it’s pulled out, due to these weird design choices a thorough refer on the manual is needed before first use. For the drip tray however Pantechnicon offers an alternative with its 3D printed design.

As of the temperature control and the pressure the espresso machine delivers pin point accurate results and provides an excellent balance on both aspects. Thoughtful design elements, such as the factory-set brew pressure at 9 bars and a deep stock portafilter capable of accommodating 22-25g baskets, enhance the machine’s suitability for brewing enthusiasts.

The dual pumps for the brew and service boilers add a layer of convenience, allowing for simultaneous hot water dispensing and pressurization of the brew loop. Additionally, the inclusion of IMS-made stock baskets elevates the overall quality of the coffee-making experience.

In essence, this espresso machine stands out with a unique approach, utilizing dual thermocoils (advanced thermoblocks) instead of traditional dual boilers. This feature caters to individuals seeking swift heating capabilities within a compact space.

On the positive side, the inclusion of dual thermocoils allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming without the typical wait for changeover. The machine incorporates PID temperature control over both thermocoils, ensuring a consistent and precise brewing experience. Notably, the thermoblocks contribute to a rapid heat-up time of well under 5 minutes from a cold start, providing efficiency for those with time constraints. The addition of a no-burn steam wand enhances safety and convenience during the steaming process.

Practical design features further elevate the machine’s appeal. The side-accessible water tank simplifies under-counter refilling, addressing a common user concern. Aesthetically, the machine adopts a minimalist and unobtrusive design, seamlessly fitting into various kitchen setups. Additionally, it offers programmable pre-infusion and auto-volumetric shot features, empowering users to customize their brewing experience. The compact footprint is a notable advantage for those with spatial constraints in their kitchen setup.

However, it’s essential to consider certain aspects that might not align with every user’s preference. The thermoblock steam, while efficient, may not match the power of traditional boiler steam, potentially impacting certain brewing styles. High-flow shots, such as turbos, might pose a challenge as the thermoblock may struggle to keep up with the demand. The machine employs a solenoid steam valve rather than a manual rotary valve, a factor subject to personal preference.

In summary, this espresso machine’s innovative use of dual thermocoils addresses the need for quick heating in a compact form. It excels in efficiency, customization, and space-saving design, making it a practical choice for users with specific preferences and constraints. However, potential limitations in steam power may influence its suitability for those who prioritize certain brewing styles.

The best espresso machine from Reddit picks is the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. The design of the espresso machine is the first to catch the eye. The exterior is made out of stainless steel which makes for superb built quality. The inside parts are equally strong and durable. In terms of brewing, this is a single-broiler machine much like the Gaggia Classic Pro but unlike the Gaggia, it provides a large capacity of 12 ounces for both brewing and steaming.

Using the Rancilio Silvia requires some experience, if you are a beginner you may find it hard to deal with the control as it lacks any automation settings. Also, there is a bit of a learning curve attached to it. Once you know your way around this beast, it will produce cafe-grade espresso in no time. Also, the single broiler gives you temperature fluctuations when brewing therefore for coffee fanatics we recommend a PID to be installed to get constant quality espresso shots.

The cup warming shelf is a handy add-on for tech-lacking Rancilio as this will give you plenty of time to brew multiple cups and still have a warm cup that you brewed earlier. The milk frothing like the Breville does exactly what’s required. If you are known to create microfoam then the Rancilio Silvia will give you a cafe-grade frothing class. The stainless steel commercial wand will produce great foam if you have practice doing so. Cleaning requires a bit of a hassle as every part of it should be cleaned separately and manually. Refer to a professional cleaning guide.

If you are just starting and won’t be having time to deal with the brewing process and cleaning this will not be suitable for you. But if you are experienced and know your way around espresso machines or are eager to learn this is absolutely the perfect pick for you. The Rancilio Silvia does not disappoint you if you know your way to brew the perfect espresso.

If you are looking for an espresso machine that provides you with consistency for a long period, your search ends here. The Gaggia Classic Pro is our choice for the best espresso machine 2024 picks as it is the most preferred espresso machine in 2024.

The semi-automatic Gaggia Classic can produce cafe-quality shots anytime. It also gives you certain control over your shots where you won’t have control over pressure and temperature. It’s a single broiler machine with 3.5 ounces for both brew and steam which is considerably less than its competitor the Rancilio Silvia.

The rich and bold taste remains the same and consistent throughout every shot you pull from the Gaggia Classic Pro. We experience a slight lack of robustness but that didn’t stop us from pulling shots. The commercial-grade steam wand is up to its reputation for producing a great amount of foam. However the milk frothing can be better but for the price and consistency of the Gaggia Classic Pro, this can be considered a bonus.

With a separate grinder to the mix the Gaggia Classic can live up to the billing if you are looking for a semi-automatic machine with less amount of work cut out for you, this is the best espresso machine Reddit has recommended for you.

If you don’t have much counter space to work with and are not willing to sacrifice the quality brew espresso then the Bambino Plus is the best option for you. The Bambino is a well-built stainless steel compact machine that suits you if you have a small countertop space to work with.

For a small compact size, the milk frothing works pretty well, you may not expect the perfect micro foam but it certainly lives up to the expectation considering its price and specs. The automatic steam wand is well-built and you can adjust the milk temperature as you prefer. The water tank has a 64 oz capacity which will avoid filling it after every cup.

With pre-fusion same as the Breville Barista Express, you get an even coffee extraction from the Bambino. Also, you can control the steaming, milk temperature, and texture level after choosing whether you prefer a single shot or a double.

The Bambino Plus is a great espresso if you are cramped up in space and won’t prefer a low-quality espresso machine. The Breville Bambino produces quality shots and does amazingly well in frothing for its price and compact design. That’s why it features mostly in the best espresso machine 2024 threads.

With the powerful Thermo Jet heating system, the Breville Barista Pro is one of the best espresso machine that you can purchase in 2024. Breville highlights the Thermo Jet system as one of the key features of the Barista Pro, which heats water with its internal pipes within an aluminum chamber.

The temperature of the water reaches 190 to 195 Fahrenheit within 3.5 seconds. Considering the time that it requires for the water to reach that temperature within the little amount of time is unique as other espresso machines may consume at least a minute or two.

The PID system will ensure that this water temperature remains stable, which gives a consistent extraction throughout the process. With its low-pressure pre-infusion ability the Barista Pro is able to push the boiled water through the beans at a proper temperature. This allows the coffee grounds to be ready for the ideal environment for extraction which results in a tasteful espresso.

As with many Breville Espresso machines, the Breville Barista Pro comes with an in-built grinder, which is a conical burr type that has 30 settings, providing flexibility when it comes to a good quality grind. However, at Intoptrend, we recommend a separate grinder to get the best out of your coffee beans. If you already have a quality grinder then considering purchasing the Breville Barista Pro may not be ideal.

The Breville Barista Pro is a pretty decent espresso machine, which is easy to use with its compact design and sleek finish. The LCD display will allow you to easily program its features such as the temperature, cup size, infusion timer, etc. The next feature is that the Breville Barista Pro is excellent at creating milk-based drinks.

The milk wand will create a good hand texture, and microfoam milk will bring the flavor to express itself and will also give the space to create latte art. It is the best pick for any professional barista or for any coffee lover as well as for beginners. It is easy to pull shots and learn the art of espresso and be good at it.

When reviewing any semi-automatic espresso machine the Breville Barista Express is the best espresso machine with a grinder. Featuring an in-built grinder with a half-pound bean hopper the Barista Express offers convenience and customization at the same level. With the ability to control pressure and temperature the Breville truly stands out to deliver perfect espresso shots that are more inclined to your taste.

Compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro this may have a little work cut out for you. Four filter baskets are included and will do a fine job giving you quality shits, if you are a beginner you can straightway start with a pressurized set. The grind size is also available for you to get a fine grind with 16 levels. Milk frothing is the best feature of the Breville Barista Express. The wand is much more flexible to use and gives a great deal of foam to brew a great cappuccino.

The Breville Barista Express is a candidate for the best espresso machine 2024. From the burr grinder to the drip tray all are removable and easy to clean. If you are a custom brewing cycle addict the Breville Barista Express will be the best-suited option for you. If you are a beginner the learning curve is not at all steep but maybe needs some getting used to.

Best Budget Espresso Machines Under 200 $

De’longhi Stilosa is a convenient espresso machine in terms of preparation and budget. Even with its smaller size, the De’longhi Stilosa provides an overall satisfying performance in brewing a cup of espresso. The broiler is stainless steel and is capable of generating 15 bars of pressure, although we thought that it was slightly less when analyzing the espresso. 

However, if you provide enough heat that enables a flavorful shot and combine it with steaming milk from the in-built wand it will probably surprise you when testing the espresso. The controllers of the De’longhi Stilosa are pretty straightforward. 

It consists of two control knobs and the main knob provides for direct functions, which will begin heating once it is turned to the “ON’ position. A green light is provided to show the machine is ready to brew the espresso and if the knob is turned further, it will pour the espresso, or dispense hot water from the steam wand. 

The left selection provides the functionality of the steam wand for heating the milk. The other knob that is straight on top of the wand is used for steaming milk or getting hot water from the espresso machine.

Cleaning the De’longhi Stilosa can be done with a simple wipe of the machine. Rinsing the portafilter as well as cleaning and drying the drip tray can be done with ease. The scaling may be required too frequently, but unless there are any manufacturing faults, the maintenance of the machine is minimal. The coffee or espresso machine can be a great machine for beginners and individuals looking for budget options with small counter space.

We tested the De’Longhi ECP3630 espresso machine which is advertised with 15 bars of pressure and has positive feedback towards quality espresso. The espresso machine had a 37-ounce (1L) water reservoir, which is rather small if you are looking to brew coffee for more than two people.

The broiler of the machine is built with stainless steel, which translates to its durability and conducting heat, which is also assisted by two thermostats, which are separate for precise temperature control for water and milk. The user interface is pretty much simple with a large dial that consists of hot water, espresso, and activation of the machine. Also, the side knob is available for the manual steam wand.

We can rate a solid 7.5 to 8 in terms of convenience as the De’Longhi ECP3630 has accessible features such as the water tank, which is easily refillable and consistent with a level indicator, the boiler can heat up to each optimal temperature within 5 to 7 minutes and the two separate thermostats will give efficiency in terms of brewing and frothing. 

The manual steam wand offers more functionality, providing the pressure of steam milk and frothy foam. The most interesting feature is that the espresso machine enables espresso cups, which can be 5 inches in height, and also allows large mugs if the drip tray can be compromised. 

Maintenance of the machine was easy compared to the De’longhi Stilosa and the descaling of the machine should be done at the standard rate, but it is important to note that cleaning of the espresso machine is rather important as the functionality of the espresso machine depends highly on its cleaning. 

To wrap it up the De’Longhi ECP3630 didn’t fail to impress in our test. Although it gives a ‘OK’ espresso we are very happy with the temperature and the pressure it delivers to its value. If you are looking for a beginner-level coffee machine within a much-restricted budget and don’t mind in missing out on the complex steps then the De’Longhi ECP3630 is the way to go.

With 15 bars of pressure, the Gevi Espresso Machine can produce a good espresso shot. With enough power of 1100W to back the espresso machine, it delivers a flavourful espresso with a rich texture to considerable satisfactory levels. 

The spotlight feature is the milk wand that rotates 360 degrees and can produce creamy milk foam with latte and cappuccinos. Much like the Delonghi separate thermostats are available to adjust water and milk temperatures separately. 

In terms of design, the Gevi stands out with a temperature dial which allows access to monitor temperature closely and the forther nozzle is removable for ease of cleaning. The water tank capacity is 1.5L slightly above the Stilosa.

With the included portafilter, filters, tamper, and soop, the espresso machine can feel like a delight to own until you try out the magic wand. The wand needs a few trials runs to get used to. Overall the Gevi espresso machine is a great purchase for the budget and coffee. 

What to consider when purchasing your home espresso machine?

It is needless to say if you are a coffee fanatic it is also better to have an espresso machine at home which will save you time and money in the long run. However, choosing an espresso machine may be a bit tricky if you do not properly organize your budget in the end.

Choosing a Grinder

Choosing a grinder is more important than your espresso machine. The best espresso machines recommend a mandatory grinder. Some semi-automatic espresso machines such as the Breville Barista Express may have a built-grinder in them.

If you are to select an espresso machine without one then you need to know your personal preference for the grinder not what goes with a certain brand or espresso machine. For example, the grinder that your favorite coffee shop uses might be a flat grinder that produces your best flavor and fine grinds. Then you should aim for a flat grinder that does the job for you.

Space on your counter

Even if you have the means to pull off a dual broiler with a wonderful design, if you don’t have the required space for it to fit, then it’s no good. That’s why you need to consider the espresso machine’s size and dimensions before purchasing. A single broiler machine would be ideal to suit your counter space needs which are mostly featured in the best espresso machines 2024 reviews.

How frequent is your consumption

Coffee making is challenging if you are looking to brew around 6-12 cups each day for your friends and family, then most of these choices won’t suit you as it is mostly for 3-4 times of consumption that a single broiler can offer. Small dual broilers will give a much greater advantage as they will expand your quantity slightly. A large dual broiler is a definite consideration if you are looking to brew all day for a group.

Types of Drinks

The type of drinks that you favor the most play an important role when choosing your espresso machine. If you are slightly on to the milk side of things, dual broilers or heat exchangers will mostly be suitable, but a few of the above suggestions will also keep you covered with no problem if you are just getting started. Single broilers are much required to pull straight espresso shots and americanos with the occasional cappuccino.

Last but not least; the Budget

If you are looking for quality tasting shots, then you may need to spend much more on your grinder as well as the espresso machine. Allocating a considerable amount of your grinder is important and calculating the amount you spend monthly and yearly on coffee will give you a rough idea of your expenses, which will suggest you spend much more to save a lot in a year.

The best espresso machine 2024 recommendations are mostly for the people who are looking to brew a genuine espresso and to have a bit of the brewing process. Semi-automatic machines are great to get started on your brew needs rather than the super-automatic machines that will cost a fortune yet will lack quality in shots.