The Best Home Espresso Machine in 2024: From Ascaso to Solis
Even the nerdiest coffee geeks can struggle to choose the best home espresso machine. In my espresso machine reviews I've put dozens of models through their paces to find the best in each category. This guide gives you an overview of brands, models and types available, so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Updated on: 14 September 2024 We aim to provide you with the most relevant content! However, prices and availability can change at short notice. That's why we've integrated fact checking into our editorial process. During this additional step, our team members make sure that every article has the most current information available. That way you're always up to date! If you happen to notice an issue, please leave us a comment. Thank you! Facts checked by Nicholas Marshall
Written by people for people
Updated on: 14 September 2024 We aim to provide you with the most relevant content! However, prices and availability can change at short notice. That's why we've integrated fact checking into our editorial process. During this additional step, our team members make sure that every article has the most current information available. That way you're always up to date! If you happen to notice an issue, please leave us a comment. Thank you! Facts checked by Nicholas Marshall
Written by people for people
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
If you’re searching for the best home espresso machine you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to share all I’ve learned from dozens of reviews.
In the past, even the best espresso machines had an image problem; consumers saw something labor-intensive and hard to operate, and often said: “Thanks but no thanks.” That’s why super automatic espresso machines exploded in popularity – they deliver similar results with far less hassle.
However, as more folks get excited about specialty coffee, the popularity of espresso machines for home use is on the rise. With that in mind, I decided to update this guide with the latest information.
Before I give you all the details on my favorites, here’s a bit of background to my approach: much like with my super automatic reviews, if a unit doesn’t make sense for end consumers, I don’t review it.
The best professional espresso machines for home baristas can easily set you back $10,000. Who can afford that in this day and age? In light of such, I’ve set $3,000 as the upper price limit for the average end user. Anything priced north of that isn’t getting a second look.
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
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Whether you’re ready to spend some serious money, or you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely to be wary of jumping into a purchase. I mean, what if you make the wrong decision?
Don’t worry, I explain everything you need to know in my how to choose an espresso machine companion guide. So, head over there first if you need tips and pointers about which espresso machine might be your best bet.
In the meantime, here’s a top 10 list of my favorite home espresso machines:
Home Espresso Machine vs Super Automatic: Which One is Right for You?
You guys often ask me which espresso maker I would recommend. Another question that comes up at least as often is whether you should put a home espresso machine or a super-automatic coffee machine in your shopping cart.
The short answer is:
Doesn’t matter – as long as you use decent coffee beans.
For the longer version, you also need to answer this question:
How committed are you to making espresso?
And I don’t just mean in terms of willingness to learn, but also the time, money and patience involved. An espresso machine isn’t just nice to have the way a fully automatic is. To make authentic espresso, you have to use a portafilter. What comes out of super-automatic is espresso-esque. I could go on.
With that in mind, consider buying an espresso machine if one or more of the following statements ring true for you:
I like to try out different beans and have high standards in coffee.
I only drink straight espresso.
I don’t want to have to worry too much about cleaning and maintenance.
I want to make a splash on Instagram!
Alternatively, a super automatic espresso maker might be best if you’re thinking like this:
I love espresso and frothed milk drinks but don’t want to have to invest in tons of extra equipment.
My family is very coffee-politan — everyone likes something different.
I want a quick, no-hassle cup of coffee or latte in the morning.
I need a machine for the office.
Incidentally, if you find yourself somewhere in the middle, consider a hybrid espresso machine like the Philips Barista Brew. In many ways, hybrids are much simpler than super-automatic coffee makers. But they don’t require the same level of expertise as a traditional espresso machine. Naturally, the integrated grinder and, in most cases, automatic steam wand are big pluses. And don’t forget the built-in tamper. Best of all, you can whip up true espresso.
Our Top 10 Best Home Espresso Machine Picks in Detail
Now that you have a clearer idea of what you’re actually looking for, it’s time to take a closer look at our home espresso machine reviews to see what each machine can do. Oh, and feel free to skip ahead to the model that interests you!
Breville Bambino Plus: Best Entry-Level Home Espresso Machine
great starter machine
Breville Bambino Plus
Pint-sized, pint-priced and practical — but not barista quality
The Bambino Plus isn’t just defined by its compact size, though. In reality, this is a powerful espresso machine with a 54mm portafilter and an automatic pre-infusion function.
Costing $499.95, the Bambino Plus isn’t exactly cheap. However, the machine’s solid stainless steel construction and ease of operation make it more than worth the investment.
In fact, as I’ve said elsewhere, the Bambino Plus is ideal for novice baristas looking for something more authentic than an automatic espresso machine.
With that in mind, it seemed like a no-brainer to award the Bambino Plus “Best Entry-Level” espresso machine. Incidentally, I should mention that the Breville Bambino Plus has a fantastic automatic milk frother. Seriously, this steam wand even has a temperature sensor and allows you to adjust the milk texture.
Ultimately, the Bambino Plus will appeal to a wide range of home baristas, especially those with small kitchens and limited barista knowledge.
There are plenty of budget-friendly espresso makers out there, so it can be difficult to find one that can actually perform.
Enter the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe, which costs just $114.99 on Amazon. Having put this compact and affordable machine through its paces, I can tell you it really is the best budget espresso machine.
Beginners will appreciate the machine’s pressurized filter baskets as well as the option to program espresso shots volumetrically. What’s more, I can see the Dedica Deluxe appealing to more advanced users, thanks to its adjustable temperature settings.
Best of all, the DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe is equipped with a thermoblock heating system, so it’ll be ready to make espresso or steam milk in just a few seconds.
Speaking of steaming milk, I was very impressed by DeLonghi’s pannarello steam wand during my testing. There are a couple of settings here, one for creating pillowy cappuccino foam and another for just steamed milk. Seriously, you don’t find that kind of versatility on many machines at this price point, making the Dedica Deluxe stand out from the crowd.
It was always going to have to be an extremely impressive machine that could topple the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro from the “Best Performing” throne. But having recently reviewed the Ascaso Steel Duo, I can confidently award it the title.
The Spanish manufacturer has outdone itself with this wonderful prosumer espresso machine, packing in an astonishing amount of features. What’s more, the Ascaso Steel Duo is both compact and well-built, as well as being easy on the eye.
Getting back to all those features I mentioned above, you can expect volumetric shot programming, adjustable PID temperature control and even an easily adjustable OPV valve. What’s more, you’ll get a digital shot timer, pressure gauge, commercial steam wand and so much more.
As you can probably tell, the Ascaso Steel Duo kind of blew my mind as I was reviewing it. I mean, this beautiful home espresso machine has everything you could ever want and can produce exceptional espresso.
As for the Steel Duo’s price tag, it’ll set you back a not unreasonable $1,895.00. The manufacturer can keep the price so low seeing as the machine is equipped with dual thermoblocks rather than a heat exchanger boiler. Don’t worry, though – the thermoblocks are super consistent and precise thanks to separate PID controllers.
If you’re new to the world of home espresso machines, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated by the Rocket Appartamento. However, this gorgeous work of art is actually really easy to use. Sure, there’s a learning curve involved, but that’s true for any espresso maker. The difference here is that this “prosumer” machine uses high-quality, commercial-grade components, so you’ll be able to get truly fantastic results.
For around $2,000, the Rocket Appartamento is far from cheap. Still, if you’re set on being able to make professional quality espresso and milk foam, the price is worth it. Plus, the Appartamento is a real thing of beauty, and its retro-industrial vibe will definitely enhance your kitchen.
With its old-school knobs and levers, the Rocket Appartamento offers a tactile and traditional approach to espresso preparation. Other than a pressure gauge to monitor boiler pressure, there aren’t any screens, buttons or dials. Thanks to its powerful copper heat exchanger boiler, you can prepare espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Not to mention how the famous E61 group head ensures consistency.
All in all, the Rocket Appartamento represents a significant jump in quality from consumer grade espresso machines — no wonder it’s our best rated home espresso machine. If you truly want to develop your barista skills, it doesn’t get much better than this!
I’ve been a huge fan of the Rancilio Silvia for a long time. First released in the late 90s, this awesome home espresso maker has hardly changed over the years. The machine’s classic boxy design, durable stainless steel housing and commercial-grade group head are all still in evidence, although there have been some improvements to the brewing thermostats.
The Rancilio Silvia is a single-boiler machine with few bells or whistles. That means you’ll need to wait around 20 minutes for the thing to heat up. You’ll also need to learn how to “temperature surf” in order to get the best out of the machine. However, that’s all part of the fun for many home baristas, myself included.
Once you get the hang of using the Rancilio Silvia, it’ll offer a richly rewarding experience. You can get top-notch espresso from this machine. On top of that, the steam wand is as powerful as you could ever want.
Costing $900.00 on Amazon, the Rancilio Silvia represents extremely good value for your money. In fact, it topped out my list of the best espresso machines under $1000. This durable, hard-working espresso machine will last for years. And, if something does fail there are cheap and readily available replacement parts.
Another single-boiler home espresso maker that’s been around for years, the Gaggia Classic Pro is a steal at $399.00. I guess that’s why it earned the top spot in my guide to the best espresso machines under $500.
Featuring rugged stainless steel construction and a sleek, minimalist design, the Gaggia Classic Pro has been serving home baristas well since 1991. Now, that’s what I call staying power!
As with the Rancilio Silvia, improvements have been made over the years, but we’re still looking at essentially the same machine. There’s a commercial-style 58 millimeter portafilter, powerful commercial-style manual steam wand and a generous 72 ounce (2.1 liter) removable water tank.
Although you’ll have to wait for the Gaggia Classic Pro to heat up, the improved aluminum boiler means we’re only talking around five minutes. Plus, when it comes to ease of use, the Classic Pro hits a home run. Seriously, there are three chunky buttons with lights and a steam dial. That’s it. In other words, you can concentrate on the important business of fine-tuning your espresso without any distractions!
The Breville Oracle Touch is the model that converted me to hybrid machines. However, the Breville Barista Touch Impress takes things to a new level. Why? Because it succeeds in finding a reasonable middle ground between automation and the need to learn the ropes. You’re sure to pick up a whole bag of barista tricks – without needing to know every little detail – on your way to making yourself a good cup of coffee.
If you can’t decide between a super automatic and an espresso machine, the Breville Barista Touch Impress represents the best of both worlds. With its awesome built-in grinder and assisted tamping station, the Barista Touch Impress is a sophisticated device, to say the least. You can let the machine take care of all espresso preparation variables or take over and do the work yourself.
Thanks to its beautiful touchscreen display, the machine will walk you through all the steps involved in crafting any specialty coffee drink. Oh, and Brevile’s automatic frothing wand is a huge success. Though I was skeptical at first, the results from this thing were nothing short of phenomenal.
Costing $1,479.00, the Barista Touch Impress isn’t exactly cheap. However, thanks to its supreme capabilities, this machine easily justifies the financial investment.
I honestly didn’t think I’d ever recommend anything other than the Breville Barista Express to those looking for the best entry-level hybrid. But having recently reviewed the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo I’m changing my tune.
Costing an entirely reasonable $669.99, this brand new machine really impressed me during my testing. That said, its cold brew function didn’t exactly blow my mind.
I happen to love the way the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo looks – it has a streamlined, retro design that really makes it stand out. That said, it’s compact enough to fit in just about any kitchen.
Although the La Specialista Arte Evo has a limited number of grind adjustment settings, I had no problems dialing in. Plus, the machine consistently delivered excellent shots of espresso. As for the professional steam wand, it’s more than capable of producing beautifully silky microfoam.
Listen, the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo is far from the perfect espresso machine. Then again, the same can be said for the Barista Express. Ultimately, the Italian espresso machine for home use offers better value for money and is ideal for beginner espresso enthusiasts.
Okay, I admit it. I have a soft spot for machines like the Flair Classic Espresso Maker. Since technology has made manual espresso makers redundant, that probably makes me a bit of a show-off. Plus, getting to grips with the Flair involves a pretty steep learning curve.
With the right treatment, however, it’s capable of producing espresso of a higher caliber than many semi-automatic espresso machines. In fact, I’d go so far as to say well-extracted espresso from this machine is hard to beat.
Fortunately, at $229.00 for the version with the pressure kit, the Flair Classic isn’t going to break the bank. Still, you will need a very capable espresso grinder. Not only that, it takes a lot of time, effort and patience to master the necessary skills to use this espresso machine. Suffice to say, the Flair Classic isn’t for everyone.
With that said, home baristas willing to dedicate themselves to this machine will be richly rewarded. Few other machines give you such fine control over your espresso extraction. What’s more, the Flair Classic can quickly be taken apart and stored in its very own travel case. So, wherever you go you’ll be able to enjoy superb espresso!
In my opinion, the Nuova Simonelli Musica can’t be beat in terms of its build quality and performance. In fact, it’s hard to find fault with this sleek, retro-futuristic beauty.
Of course, the Musica’s $2,495.00 asking price will be hard to swallow for a lot of folks. Still, if you’re committed to owning a machine that’ll really elevate your espresso preparation experience, look no further than this superb prosumer model.
Featuring a huge copper heat exchanger boiler, thermosiphon group head and a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, the Nuova Simonelli Musica excels in the consistency department. Plus, you’ll be able to steam milk and pull shots at the same time.
Other notable features include a commercial steam wand, backlit soft touch buttons and a dedicated hot water outlet. What really elevates the Nuova Simonelli Musica is its adjustable pre-infusion function and programmable volumetric dosing for espresso. Moreover, there’s a handy gauge for monitoring boiler pressure.
Essentially, you’ll have full control over your espresso extraction, allowing you to geek out to your heart’s content!
Brand Overview: Best Espresso Machine For Home Sorted by Manufacturer
For the most part, espresso machine manufacturers don’t hold back when it comes to releasing multiple variations on a theme. Take DeLonghi, for example. Here at Coffeeness, I’ve consistently expressed my frustration at the way in which the Italian powerhouse adds seemingly endless versions of its super automatics, each with a slightly different (and complicated) model number.
While DeLonghi’s home espresso makers are easier to sort through, there are still tons of machines to consider. Manufacturers like Gevi have jumped on the bandwagon too. Trying to wade through all the options can quickly get confusing.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to give you a quick summary of the best espresso machine brands. In addition to giving you some background on each manufacturer, I’ll offer tips on which machines to consider, as well as the ones that might not be worth your time.
I recently updated my guide to the best DeLonghi espresso machines, which helped put a few things in perspective. For starters, I was reminded just how successful the Italian manufacturer is when it comes to releasing popular, affordable and awesome fully automatic coffee makers.
Not only that, DeLonghi has really blazed a trail in the hybrid espresso machine segment. Seriously, the La Specialista series just keeps growing, so DeLonghi must feel like it’s doing something right with machines like the La Specialista Arte. Other than the aforementioned hybrids, DeLonghi specializes in releasing dozens of budget-friendly espresso machines, some of which actually perform really well.
I just wish DeLonghi would quit referring to these home espresso makers as “manual machines.” They’re not manual, they’re semi-automatic. Every last one of ’em. Anyway, here are a few of the affordable DeLonghi espresso machines I’ve reviewed:
Let’s give it up for Gaggia! Without the innovation of the company founder, Achille Gaggia, espresso as we now know it might never have existed. I mean, the guy dreamed up a new way to extract espresso using water pressure, effectively inventing crema in the process. Starting in the 70s, the manufacturer helped popularize home espresso machines, and in 1991 launched the beloved Gaggia Classic.
Let’s just say the company’s appetite for revolutionary espresso makers seems to have waned in the interim. Sure, the Classic Pro is a wonderful machine, but most of the rest of Gaggia’s lineup comprises unexciting machines with panarello wands and pressurized filter baskets. Sure, they look pretty, but you’re better off spending your money elsewhere.
On the flip side, Gaggia’s super automatics are on the up and up. I’ve reviewed several of these and have been consistently impressed. Check out my guide to the best Gaggia espresso machines for an overview of what’s on offer.
I guess the company’s focus is on the lucrative fully automatic sector now that Philips is the majority shareholder. Anyway, in case you’re interested, the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe could be worth checking out.
You have to hand it to Breville. The Australian manufacturer has set about dominating a specific niche of the home espresso machine market. They’ve cottoned on to the fact that plenty of aspiring home baristas want more control over their espresso, but like a certain amount of automation too.
Just go and check out Breville’s website; they’re definitely catering to a specific type of “third wave” coffee drinker. Anyway, I’m all for it! Then again, you probably guessed by the amount of Breville machines on my list.
As I’ve said elsewhere, what impresses me the most is Breville’s dedication to constantly improving its coffee makers. Rather than rest on its laurels, the manufacturer ensures its products get better with each new release.
I aimed to include the very best Breville espresso machines above. However, there are plenty of others to consider:
Established in 2017, Gevi is a relatively new name in the home espresso machine world. Based in Hong Kong, the manufacturer specializes in producing affordable machines without skimping on advanced features and materials.
Of course, you can’t expect that a Gevi espresso maker will offer top-notch results, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how good these machines actually are. Seriously, it’s not unusual to find PID temperature control, thermoblock heating and separate thermostats for espresso and steam on a Gevi machine.
I guess this just goes to show that we need to refresh our ideas of what “Made in China” represents. That label no longer automatically means a product is cheap and substandard. In my experience with Gevi espresso machines, it actually means affordable and well-made!
Rancilio has been in the espresso machine business since 1927. The Italian manufacturer spends most of its time developing really high-end commercial espresso machines, and also owns Egro, which produces top-of-the-line super automatics. By that I mean $20,000 machines.
The good news for home baristas is that Rancilio hasn’t abandoned the Silvia espresso machine. Quite the opposite. In 2021, the manufacturer launched a pretty fabulous update called the Rancilio Silvia Pro X, which features in my guide to the best Italian espresso machines.
Featuring two boilers, adjustable PID temperature control and programmable pre infusion, this baby really means business. There’s even a digital shot timer on the front of the machine. The Silvia Pro X ain’t cheap, though. You’ll pay $1,990.00 for the privilege.
If that’s too steep, the Rancilio Silvia with PID might represent a happy middle ground at $1,159.00. This is essentially the good old Silvia with a digital PID installed, so you can monitor temperatures instead of having to guess.
Founded in 2007, Rocket Espresso began as a partnership between a New Zealander and an Italian. The company produces a range of drool-worthy prosumer espresso machines as well as some very impressive commercial models.
All of Rocket Espresso’s high end espresso machines are made by hand in Milan, and the attention to detail involved is pretty staggering. I guess that explains the eye-watering price you’ll pay for most models.
Seeing as I put a price cap on espresso makers I’m willing to recommend, there are only a couple of additional Rocket models I’ll mention:
Ascaso is a Spanish manufacturer that’s been in the espresso game since 1962. However, Ascaso espresso machines have only been available in the United States since 2020, which probably accounts for the fact that the manufacturer isn’t as well-known on these shores.
I expect that to change pretty quickly, seeing as Ascao produces a small range of exceptional home models.
Each Ascaso espresso machine is made by hand in Barcelona, and goes through a rigorous testing regimen before being shipped. Add in the fact that you can expect the utmost in build quality and performance as well as reasonable asking prices, and this manufacturer is definitely onto a winning formula.
Here are the other Ascaso home espresso machines currently on offer:
Italian manufacturer Nuova Simonelli is best known for producing outstanding commercial espresso machines, which it’s been doing since the 1930s. However, the company also makes a couple of home espresso machines, both of which are assembled by hand in the Marche region of Italy.
Aside from the Musica, there’s also the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, which is more compact and affordable. That said, it’s still a wonderful prosumer machine that’ll deliver superb espresso and milk foam. Incidentally, Nuova Simonelli supplies the espresso machine for the World Barista Championship, and you’ll find the same awesome manual steam wand on both the Musica and the Oscar II.
In case you didn’t know, Jura isn’t the only Swiss manufacturer making waves in the coffee machine industry. Solis has been in business since the 1930s, although the company focussed on non-coffee appliances for the first few decades.
However, in 1985 Solis launched the first fully automatic espresso machine for home use. Since then, the manufacturer seems to have shifted its focus toward the semi-automatic espresso machine, with great success.
Based in Irvine California, Flair Espresso is the brainchild of an inventor and coffee lover who wanted to break espresso preparation down to its simplest form.
Upon its release in 2016, the first Flair Espresso Maker took the coffee world by storm. Folks just couldn’t quite believe that such a simple device could produce such outstanding results.
Since then, Flair Espresso has continued to innovate, releasing numerous variations. All of these manual machines are similar, but some feature more professional components:
Flair The NEO – beginner friendly model with pressurized portafilter
Flair The NEO Flex – the most affordable Flair, with pressurized portafilter and plastic base
Flair PRO 2 – larger capacity portafilter, pressure gauge and silicone lever grip
Flair 58 – expensive, professional grade machine with 58mm portafilter
Flair 58 Plus – top-of-the-line espresso maker with tons of extras and a detachable electric preheat controller
Top Tips for Awesome Espresso
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
Perfectly suited for your Super Automatic Espresso Machine
I’m not going to waste your time with an in-depth intro to the theory of espresso extraction using a portafilter machine. That would be pretty pointless. Because with these machines more than any other, learning by doing is the only way. And repeat. Over and over again. After all, no two machines – or grinders – are exactly alike.
Instead, here are a few good tips to help you eliminate common mistakes and get you pulling barista-quality espresso faster.
A certain proportion of Robusta beans can be a big help: Although Robusta – in contrast to Arabica – is only starting to gain devotees, it’s by no means new to drinkers of Italian-style espresso. Italian blends often feature fairly high Robusta content. The result? A good caffeine kick and stable crema. Even with a few hiccups in your 5M formula, you can still pull a full-bodied espresso. Check out my Arabica vs Robusta post for a more in-depth discussion.
Learn the operating instructions by heart: With many super automatic machines and other equipment, the functions are self-explanatory or go unused. With a home espresso machine, you need to read the operating instructions carefully and run through the whole procedure a number of times in full.
Start troubleshooting with the grinder: Most extraction flaws are introduced at the grinding stage. Identifying your grinder’s sweet spot – where the grind is fine, but not too fine – can be a drawn out process. If no coffee comes out of the portafilter, it’s probably because the water can’t get through the puck. Start by adjusting the grinder to a coarser setting. In contrast, a quick gush of weak espresso indicates the opposite. Still getting nowhere? Check whether the grinder is up to the job.
Practice with a kitchen scale: Every aspiring barista has to first practice tamping with a kitchen scale. It’s the only way to learn how to exert just the right amount of pressure. Eventually, you can rely on muscle memory. We’ve already seen how optimal pressure is make or break for espresso. So, be sure to get it spot on. Incidentally, using a coffee scale will really help with consistently dosing the portafilter.
Become a clean freak: Below, there are detailed instructions on cleaning an espresso machine for home use. Commit them to memory and – above all – be a conscientious cleaner. Although the coffee doesn’t pass through a portafilter machine’s innards, limescale and other water-related deposits are a major issue. The more often you clean between extractions, the less likely you are to struggle with limescale and blocked baskets.
Cleaning a Home Espresso Machine: Simple Necessity
Compared to a super-automatic machine, the cleaning list for a semi-automatic espresso machine is an absolute cinch. No milk hoses, no internal brewing group and no built-in grinder to painstakingly disassemble.
Unfortunately, this often lulls people into thinking that the usual flushing between shots is good enough and they can let the deeper cleaning slide. However, they’re forgetting about all the water that’s been used. And where there’s water, you’re going to have to descale.
Depending on the machine, I generally recommend up to six different cleaning steps, which you have to perform with varying frequency and intensity:
Before, between and after brewing espresso shots
Quickly clean and dry portafilter handles and baskets.
Remove coffee grounds from the brew group and shower screen. Use a special brush, if necessary.
Flush the brew group. Let a little hot water pass through the machine without attaching the portafilter.
Before, between and after frothing milk
Clean and dry milk pitchers.
Quickly purge the wand with steam.
Remove milk froth residue from the wand’s exterior with a clean, damp cloth reserved exclusively for the purpose.
Every time the reservoir is empty
Briefly rinse the tank before refilling.
At the end of a day’s use
Flush and brush the brew group.
Deep clean and dry all removable components (baskets, handles, water tank, milk pitcher, drip tray, tamper, knock box, etc.).
Allow the steam wand to soak in a glass of water then thoroughly wipe down.
Once a week, depending on frequency of use
Backflush the brew group using a blind basket (see below).
Once a month, depending on usage levels
Backflush the brew group with a blind basket, using a little .
Rinse the brew group thoroughly until the water runs clear.
The key tool for this job is the blind basket, which is a filter basket without any holes. If you have the Breville Bambino Plus, it’s called the backflush disc. Whatever you call it, its job is to stop the water flowing out of the portafilter and keep it in the machine.
I’ve even heard it referred to in German as “letting the machine gargle.” Which is actually pretty accurate. Seeing as the dissolved detergent has nowhere else to go, it circulates around the brew group until it’s spotless.
If that sounds elaborate and complicated, it’s not. Seconds later, you’re all done. Make a habit of it and it soon becomes part of your routine. Cleaning a home espresso machine is really no big deal.
Descaling Espresso Makers
Descaling an espresso machine also sounds like a chore. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it as often as cleaning and it’s a pretty routine affair. Of course, descaling intervals depend on:
How hard your water is
How often you make espresso
In fact, descaling is easier and the intervals are longer than for a super-automatic. We’re talking once a month or even once a quarter.
Keeping an eye on your machine’s outward appearance will help you gauge things. When you spot mineral buildup in the coffee, on the portafilter handle or in the brew group, it’s almost too late.
For starters, simply put the descaler in the water tank or a bowl and allow all the moving parts to soak for the appropriate length of time. Portafilter baskets and handles should soak for about 30 minutes before being thoroughly washed and dried.
Fill the water reservoir with water and the appropriate amount of , and leave it to stand for a similar length of time. The same goes for steam wand tips (the kind that unscrew) and shower screens.
If you own a manual espresso machine such as the La Pavoni Professional, consider using an eco friendly citric acid descaler. Seeing as the La Pavoni boiler is nickel plated you can use citric acid with confidence.
However, this isn’t a good choice for espresso machines with aluminum boilers because the citric acid can cause them to corrode. Instead, consider using DeLonghi EcoDecalk Descaling Solution, which is a solid eco friendly option.
Verdict: Is There an Espresso Coffee Machine For Home Use in Your Future?
If you’ve made it this far, it probably means you’ve decided to skip the super automatics and jump onto the espresso machine train. That’s simply fantastic!
Whether you’re upgrading to a prosumer machine or starting out with the best budget espresso machine, the future will be full of new discoveries. Becoming your own barista can be challenging at times, but the results will be worth it. Pinky swear.
My hope is that you found your new dream machine in this guide. Moreover, I hope you picked up some valuable information about preparing espresso and milk foam along the way.
Feel free to bookmark this page so you can jump back in if you need a refresher. Anyway, I’ll be updating my guide from time to time as more machines hit the market.
That’s a wrap! What’s the best home espresso machine in your opinion? I know you guys love to share your knowledge and experience, so feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!
Best Home Espresso Machine FAQ
Choosing the best home espresso machine is a subjective affair, and depends on price and which features are most important to you. With that said, the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro and the Breville Oracle Touch are definitely strong contenders.
Absolutely! And not just because of how much money you could save by not visiting the local coffee shop every morning. Seriously, though, as long as you’re willing to put a little work in, learning how to prepare espresso is a hugely rewarding experience.
Again, if you’re looking for full control over every aspect of the espresso brewing process and you love the idea of manually steaming milk, a home espresso machine is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’d rather just press a button and call it good, maybe you should consider a fully automatic machine instead.
As you might imagine, professional espresso machines have been designed using high-quality components, and are usually plumbed in directly to a water line. This means they can make shot after shot without the barista worrying about inconsistency in temperature. Home espresso machines are smaller, lighter and not up to the task of preparing hundreds of drinks per day.
While you can almost always expect better results from a more expensive espresso machine, there is a point at which it becomes a case of diminishing returns. In other words, a $3,000 home espresso machine isn’t really going to be noticeably better than a $2,000 model. In fact, you’re better off buying a mid-range machine and investing in a great grinder than blowing all your cash on a top-of-the-line espresso maker.
Take it from someone who is truly passionate about espresso: it’s really easy to feel like you need this fancy new tamper and that ludicrously expensive coffee scale! However, espresso doesn’t need to become a black hole into which you pour all your money. You can get great results from a relatively inexpensive machine and a decent espresso grinder. As long as you use high-quality coffee beans, that is.
Both manufacturers produce a wide range of espresso machines, including high-end hybrids and budget-friendly starter models. Ultimately, DeLonghi will be a better fit if you want a straightforward, no-nonsense espresso maker. On the other hand, Breville excels in producing stylish and intuitive machines that offer tons of adjustable settings and thoughtful features.
You certainly don’t have to empty your bank account to get a very good espresso machine. Still, at the budget end of the spectrum you’ll have a hard time finding a machine that can really deliver the goods. Sure, it may be able to make decent coffee, but plastic parts, limited pressure and double-wall filter baskets are all common features of cheaper machines.
In terms of the money you’ll save in the long run, buying a home espresso machine is a solid financial investment. Sure, you’ll still need to buy coffee beans and other supplies. However, by avoiding the coffee shop and making your own coffee drinks, you’ll end up saving thousands of dollars over five years.
In theory you can use regular ground coffee in an espresso machine, especially one with pressurized filter baskets. However, to get the best results, you’ll need to use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them right before brewing.
Updated: 14. September 2024
More updates
14. June 2024
We switched out the Solis Grind and Infuse Perfetta for the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte Evo as “Best Entry-Level Espresso Machine With Grinder.”
3. April 2024
We switched out a couple of machines in our top 10 and added updated manufacturer details.
8. February 2024
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Your coffee expert
Arne Preuss
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
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