BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES OF 2025: TOP PICKS FOR HOME BARISTAS

I’ve tested dozens, if not hundreds, of espresso machines over the years. Here are my 11 standouts.

Photo: Julia Bobak

I understand the stress of buying a new espresso machine. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the high prices and hundreds of options. Let me help you!

I’ve spent years reviewing these machines and am confident I can find you the perfect model – no matter your priorities and budget. You’ll find my 11 favorites below, followed by an in-depth guide to choosing your perfect home espresso machine.

The table below contains my top picks for 2025, with a recommendation for every budget and machine category.

The 11 Best Espresso Machines for Home Use

Here you’ll find concise reviews of my favorite espresso machines, highlighting why each stood out to me and the rest of the Home Grounds team of experts.

The Rancilio Silvia M’s track record sets it apart as a superior entry-level prosumer machine. It gets my top pick for its unmatched combination of espresso quality and durable build – though I’ll admit it lacks a little in the aesthetics category.

The Silvia M, a 2020 update to the original Silvia, is a single boiler semi-automatic espresso machine with a 12-ounce boiler, professional-style steam wand, and commercial-standard 58 mm group.

The real reason the Silvia’s popularity has been so enduring, however, is its build quality. These machines last decades, thanks to commercial-quality components and top-notch engineering. This also makes them easy to modify as your barista experience grows. You’ll find plenty of guides online for updates like adding a PID or OPV.

The Silvia will take you a few days to master if you’re not used to this style of machine – and you’ll need a decent espresso grinder. It doesn’t do much for you beyond turning on the pump and heating the water. So prepare to learn the art of dialing in an espresso shot. But if you’re a keen espresso enthusiast, that’s part of the fun. And the reward is truly cafe-quality coffee drinks!

The very popular Bambino Plus from Breville takes the runner-up spot this year (1). I don’t think it’s worse than the Silvia; it just has a different target audience. 

I’ll go ahead and admit my bias right here. The Bambino Plus is what I use to make espresso at home when I’m not testing other machines. So, naturally, I’m a fan.

The Bambino Plus trades the build quality and commercial style of the Silvia for something far more user-friendly and affordable. There are two programmable volumetric buttons for pulling shots, and you can even program pre-infusion timing – a remarkable addition at this price. 

The automatic milk frothing is perhaps the most impressive aspect of this machine. It far exceeded my expectations. I assumed I’d have to operate the wand manually for the best frothed milk, but I was wrong. With options for three different milk temperatures and textures, it produces wonderfully silky lattes or airy cappuccinos at the touch of a button.

My only small complaint is that this machine only comes with pressurized baskets. I definitely recommend swapping in non-pressurized versions if you have a good grinder.

The Delonghi Stilosa is a recent update to the long-beloved EC155, and it’s one of very few pump espresso machines under $100 worth buying. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to settle for a manual machine, this is my pick for you (2).

The standout feature of the Stilosa, a holdover from the EC155, is its stainless steel boiler. This is the only machine in this price bracket not to use a thermoblock, and it shows in its better temperature stability and notable steam pressure.

I often recommend this model for novices buying their first espresso machine. Not only is it compact and inexpensive, but it has beginner-friendly features like a Pannarello steam wand and ESE pod-compatible portafilter. This allows you to develop barista skills without condemning you to bad coffee as you learn.

Naturally, a machine this cheap and largely plastic isn’t built to last. I’d give it three years. But that’s kind of the point. By then, you’ll be ready for a more advanced model anyway!

You can find home espresso machines that cost upwards of $15,000 – looking at you, Slayer Single Group – so the Lelit Bianca isn’t even that much of a splurge at around $3000. But I chose it for this list because I think it still offers incredible value for money, despite being a fairly expensive machine.

It’s packed with enough features to satisfy 99% of serious home espresso enthusiasts, including dual boilers, an E61 group, a rotary pump, PID temperature control, and built-in flow control. It even comes with gorgeous wooden accents and a bottomless portafilter at no extra cost.

One reason I’m a fan of Lelit espresso machines in general is the brand’s patented digital interface, the Lelit Control Center. This easy-to-use system provides tons of control and information to take your shots to the next level. You can program boiler temperatures and pre-infusion timing, turn the steam boiler on and off, engage standby mode, and activate cleaning cycles.

The result is a high-end machine that, in my opinion, nicely balances commercial quality and control with user-friendly design and programmability – well worth opening the wallet a little further!

Plenty of cheap (and not-so-cheap) automatic coffee machines will make you a “latte” at the touch of a button. But if you want a truly barista-quality milky drink, you need three things: a proper steam boiler, a professional-style steam wand, and the ability to steam and brew simultaneously. The Rocket Appartamento delivers on all counts.

It’s certainly pricier than your average appliance, but not by as much as you might expect. It’s Rocket’s smallest and most affordable model. And with the brand’s legendary build quality, it will outlast those cheaper options by years – probably decades.

The Appartamento has a 1.8-liter heat exchange boiler, which allows simultaneous brewing and steaming and provides impressive steam pressure. I can prepare perfect latte art-worthy microfoam in 30 seconds.

It also sports stunning good looks, taking the iconic Rocket aesthetic up a notch with attractive laser cut-outs on the sides. I love the copper option.

The Delonghi Dedica has long been my pick for small spaces, like galley kitchens, offices, or RV. It’s not just small; it’s small while maintaining a decent capacity and set of features.

There are several variations of the Dedica, and my pick this year is the new Dedica Maestro. It stays fairly true to the base model but adds a professional-style steam wand for vastly improved milky drinks. It’s a must-do upgrade if you’re a latte or capp fan.

The Maestro measures just 7.5” wide by 12.8” tall, though it is a fairly deep 17” – which makes space for the ample 1.6-liter water tank. It has a sleek look and durable stainless steel casing. 

It’s an impressive step up in quality and functionality from the cheapest espresso machines without a substantial price increase. It even offers adjustable brew temperature! A welcome surprise was the inclusion of both single and double-wall filter baskets, something even the Bambino can’t boast.

The only downside to a machine this size is that the drip tray is necessarily very small. Plan on emptying it every few shots to avoid an overflow.

There are many styles of super automatics. In my opinion, if you’re going this route, you might as well get one that does everything at the press of a button. If you agree, you’ll be thrilled with the Jura E8, which took the Home Grounds’ award for Best Super Automatic Machine this year.

Every Jura coffee machine is pretty impressive, but there’s a reason the E8 is the brand’s best-seller. It has enough advanced features to deliver high-quality espresso drinks and a wonderful user experience without skyrocketing the price.

The E8 has a built-in burr grinder, pulsed extraction, and automatic milk frother, allowing it to prepare 17 fully customizable specialty drinks. It’s all controlled with a vibrant 3.5” color display – or by your phone if you’d rather download the Jura app.

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a fantastic portable option for espresso on the go. I especially like it for human-powered on-the-go, not so much car camping as hiking, climbing, or bike-packing.

Made of sturdy plastic, this cylindrical espresso machine comes apart into several pieces for brewing but then neatly reassembles into a single unit for storage and travel. It measures just 2.44” x 2.88” x 6.14” and weighs less than 12 ounces.

Extraction pressure is generated by a patent piston system that you pump by hand. It’s not quite as easy as pressing a button on a pump machine, but it’s honestly not much more difficult. In fact, the Nanopresso is notably more ergonomic than the older Minipresso.

The small size naturally comes with some capacity and usability limitations. There is no heater, so you’ll need a separate means to boil water. It only holds about 8 grams of coffee, so you’re not pulling double shots. And, of course, it doesn’t steam milk.

But all that is easy to overlook when you’re enjoying real-deal rich and crema-topped espresso deep in the backcountry.

Starting with the launch of the first Flair Espresso Maker on Kickstarter in 2016, the brand has been on a quest to perfect manual lever espresso. They’ve released a number of models in the years since, and the Flair 58 represents the pinnacle of those developments.

Its defining feature is a preheat temperature controller – an electronic heater added to the group head to ensure temperature stability during brewing. Yes, you still need a kettle to heat your brew water, but pre-heating is no longer mandatory. 

It also sports a commercial-standard 58 mm portafilter, holding up to 20 grams of coffee for a true double shot, and a group-mounted brew pressure gauge. Its sleek design has an architectural feel, with smooth curves, a matte black finish, and blond wood accents – a worthy showpiece for your coffee bar.

I’ve been recommending the Breville Barista Express for years, but the release of the Barista Pro in 2019 forced me to crown a new champion. In my opinion, it is undeniably the better Breville machine – adding some nice upgrades while keeping the friendly appeal of the original.

The LCD screen is the most obvious addition, making it easier to pull excellent shots consistently. But that’s not what won me over. My favorite update is the Thermojet heating system. Not only does this machine heat up way faster than the Barista Express (just 3 seconds!), but it also switches between brewing and steaming much quicker and has noticeably more steam power. Latte lovers certainly reap the most benefits from this new model.

The Barista Pro includes a built-in conical burr grinder with Breville’s patented dose control, ensuring you get the precise amount of grinds for your single or double shot. It has 30 grind size settings, compared with just 16 on the Express, for better dialing in the perfect shot of espresso.

The Essenza Mini is the most popular Nespresso model thanks to its affordable price tag and ultra-compact size, marrying the quality of Delonghi engineering with the Nespresso coffee pod format. 

I won’t claim it pulls a shot as delicious as an espresso machine, but it certainly does it with less fuss and muss. Just pop in a pod, push a button, and enjoy. It takes less than two minutes from turning it on to sipping your drink. Clean-up is even easier, as the used capsule ejects automatically.

A machine this tiny doesn’t offer many features, but you have the option of two drink sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) or a lungo (5 oz). And you can always bundle it with the Nespresso Aeroccino for milky drinks.

I don’t generally extol the virtues of pod brewing, but I have to concede their convenience at the office in particular. The pod system means everyone gets to brew the coffee they want, and the pod design makes a lot of sense in a space without a sink.

How I Tested These Espresso Machines

I thoroughly test every espresso machine I recommend to bring you the most reliable reviews. Each machine has a unique operation and target audience, so I follow a standard set of guidelines when putting it through its paces.

Preparing Espresso

I use each espresso machine out of the box, as intended. I don’t upgrade the filter baskets, install a PID, run automatic machines manually, or use other tricks.

I use filtered water and freshly ground coffee (except for Nespresso machines). For machines with built-in grinders, I use the integrated grinders. For others, I used a Eureka Mignon Specialita, an excellent mid-level espresso grinder.

For manual, semi-automatic, and automatic espresso machines, I pulled at least 10 shots before settling on a verdict to ensure I had properly dialed in the grind and dose. Super-automatic and pod machines should be able to deliver perfect shots right away and were judged accordingly.

Milk Steaming

Not every machine on this list froths milk, but for those that do, I ran several tests. I steamed both large and small milk volumes, using both dairy (2%) and plant-based milk (barista-version oat milk). I evaluated steaming time, pressure, and the ability to achieve an airy froth and a creamy microfoam.

Types Of Espresso Machines

The first step to choosing an ideal home espresso machine is settling on the type that suits your needs. Here’s a quick overview.

Super-Automatic

Built-in

Manual

Portable

Manual

Manual espresso makers require (and reward) skill and practice. They’re the benchmark if you want to control every aspect of your shot. Their defining feature is they lack a mechanical pump, so you need to generate pressure manually – typically with a lever or piston.

Semi-Automatic and Automatic

Semi-automatic and automatic machines use a pump to force hot water through finely ground coffee beans. You’re responsible for grinding, dosing, and tamping in both cases. You’re also in charge of shot timing in a semi-automatic machine, whereas an automatic machine is programmed to dispense a certain volume of water.

This article focuses mainly on these machines because they are the most common for home use.

Fully Automatic

Also known as super automatic machines, these machines offer one-touch operation – dispensing espresso and milk-based drinks at the touch of a button. They are quick and easy but generally can’t match the hands-on methods in terms of the quality of espresso.

Pod Machines

Last (and least) is the capsule espresso machine. They definitely don’t make the highest quality coffee, but their popularity endures due to unmatched convenience. They are particularly handy in office settings.

Espresso Machine Milk Frothing Options

An easy way to narrow your options when shopping for an espresso machine is to consider what drinks you enjoy. If you like milky drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll want something with a frothing system.

Cappuccino Machines

Latte Machines

The most common option is a manual steam wand. These take practice to master but are worthwhile if you want silky microfoam for a latte. Some manufacturers modify their steam wands to make frothing easier, though this can limit user control in a negative way.

The alternative is automated frothing. You program your preferred milk texture and temperature, and it delivers it to your waiting cup. The quality isn’t always on par, and keeping these systems clean can be a headache, but the convenience is undeniable.

What about machines without frothing?

If you opted for an espresso machine without a milk system, you’ll need to buy a separate milk frother to enjoy a cappuccino. Check out my review of the best milk frothers for some great options.

How To Choose The Best Home Espresso Machine

This buyer’s guide is here to help you narrow down the list above to the perfect model to suit your home. Then, all you need to do is learn how to use an espresso machine.

Alternatively, watch our video on espresso basics: https://youtu.be/LcUQWesZsYc

What’s Your Espresso-Making Experience?

Start by considering your experience. Are you new to espresso-brewing? Do you want an easy-to-operate model? Are you an experienced home barista looking to level up? Or are you a cafe owner in the market for a professional espresso machine?

Beginner Espresso

Commercial Espresso

Prosumer Espresso

Office Espresso

Beginner

The best espresso machine for a beginner should simplify the brewing process while teaching you barista skills. Entry-level espresso machines may not have all the bells and whistles to deliver top-notch espresso, but they’re affordable and easy to use – a perfect place to start your espresso journey.

Prosumer

Prosumer espresso machines use professional-grade components but are designed for home use. They are more expensive than standard home machines, but they provide café-quality espresso drinks and will last far longer.

Commercial or Professional

A commercial machine is designed for a coffee shop. They are large, expensive, and built to handle high-volume use. I won’t be covering commercial espresso machines in this article.

What’s Your budget?

Pricier isn’t always better, but it’s often a good indicator of a machine’s quality and number of features. Once you’ve settled on your budget, shop within it using our guides to the best espresso makers according to budget.

Most Expensive

Under $1000

Under $500

Under $200

If you don’t have the budget for an espresso machine, consider a Moka pot coffee maker instead. While there are some key differences between a Moka pot vs an espresso machine, it’s an inexpensive way to brew a bold and full-bodied shot of coffee.

Espresso Machine Brands

An espresso machine is a big investment, so it pays to buy something from a reputable brand. Here are a few of the top names in the coffee gear industry.

Breville

DeLonghi

Italian Brands

Jura

Nespresso Machines

Espresso Machine Lingo and Features

The world of espresso has its own language, which adds to the intimidation factor when shopping or trying to understand how espresso machines work. Here are definitions of some espresso terms to help you talk the talk.

Single Shot or Double Shot

These describe the volume of espresso you pull. A single shot is traditionally 1 ounce of espresso made from 7 grams of coffee, and a double shot is 2 ounces of espresso made from 14 grams of coffee. However, these days we are seeing larger and more intense shots. 

Filter Basket

The perforated metal basket that holds ground coffee. Filter baskets range in diameter from 40 to 60 mm, with 58 mm being the commercial standard. They can be double-walled (pressurized) or single-walled (non-pressurized).

Portafilter

The handle that holds the filter basket, making it easy to move around and lock into the machine. 

One Touch

A function common to super-automatic machines that lets you make a drink with the push of a button. Often, you program options like coffee strength and volume or milk texture, after which you can brew your custom drink with one touch.

Heating Systems

Espresso machines use a boiler or a thermoblock to heat water to the ideal temperature. Thermoblocks (or thermocoils) are faster, more compact, and less expensive. Boilers deliver a more accurate and precise brew temperature, better steam pressure, and higher-quality steam.

A single boiler design has one boiler for brewing and steaming, so you can’t do both at the same time. To pull a shot and froth milk simultaneously, you need to upgrade to a heat exchanger or dual boiler machine.

Drip Tray

The section where you rest your cup while pulling a shot to catch any drips. They are usually removable for easy cleaning. The clearance between the portafilter and drip tray dictates how large a mug you can use. 

Steam Wand

The steam wand ejects pressurized steam to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Some are simple on/off mechanisms, while others have a knob for controlling steam pressure. In beginner machines, they are often capped with an extra piece of plastic to make frothing easier.

Water Reservoir

The tank holding the water used to make espresso and generate steam. A larger water reservoir means you can make more drinks without refilling, but it also means your machine will have a larger footprint.

Accessories: What Else You’ll Need

Depending on your chosen machine, you might need to purchase one or more of these accessories for making espresso.

Burr Coffee Grinder

A burr grinder is the best choice for consistency and quality of grinds, which is especially vital when making espresso (3). A burr grinder crushes coffee beans into evenly sized grounds, optimizing the flavor extraction.

The most important characteristics of an excellent espresso grinder are:

• It produces fine enough grinds.
• It has small steps between grind sizes.
• It produces uniform grinds.

A hand grinder is a great option to save money, as long as you don’t mind the exercise. And because it doesn’t require electricity, it’s great for travel. Alternatively, an electric espresso grinder is certainly faster and easier if you have the budget.

Check out this video to learn how to use your grinder when dialing in a great espresso shot:

Espresso Tamper

The tamper is a tool used to evenly compress the espresso grinds into the filter basket. If you’re lucky, your new machine came with a good tamper, but most only include a throwaway plastic version. 

You want something metal with a hefty feel and comfortable handle. Choose a calibrated model if you want a guarantee you’re tamping with the same pressure every time.

Steaming Pitcher

You need a steaming pitcher if you plan to use a steam wand to froth milk. The best steaming pitchers are stainless steel, with tapered sides to help contain splashes and a spout for pouring latte art.

Espresso Knock Box

You can make espresso without a knock box, but it definitely improves your quality of life. It serves as a container for used coffee grounds. Just knock your portafilter on it to catch the puck. It’s a simple and affordable accessory that only needs to be reasonably sturdy and heatproof.

The Verdict

Now you know everything you need to find the right machine for your at-home espresso! This year, my top pick is the Rancilio Silvia M, which will satisfy beginners and experts alike, thanks to its professional-grade components and barista-quality specialty drinks.

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