Best Italian Espresso Machines: 12 Top Picks Made in Italy

For lots of people, owning a machine from the birthplace of espresso is the only way to go. After all, the best Italian espresso machines are ideal for discerning coffee enthusiasts looking for an authentic way to prepare espresso at home.

With that in mind, I’ve put together this Italian espresso machine guide. Oh, and I’m fully aware that everyone has different wants and needs, so I’ve compiled an eclectic list of machines.

You’ll find everything from drool-worthy prosumers to budget-friendly super automatics. And because I only want the best for each and every one of you, I’ve included tips for choosing the best machine, a look at how to prepare authentic Italian espresso and lots more.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into my guide to the best Italian espresso machines!

Best Italian Espresso Machines at a Glance

Here’s an initial look at the Italian espresso machines I’ll be talking about today:

What Sets Authentic Italian Espresso Machines Apart

As we all know, the Italians invented espresso, and for that we should all be eternally grateful. I mean, try to imagine a world without this wonderful, concentrated elixir. Actually, don’t think about that – it’s just too awful to contemplate.

What you might not know is that the very first espresso machine was invented by Angelo Moriondo in 1884. Of course, things were later improved upon, most notably by Luigi Bezzera in 1901 and Achille Gaggia in the 1930s. Incidentally, espresso wouldn’t have its characteristic crema if it weren’t for Gaggia’s brilliant mind, so he deserves a special grazie mille.

These days, of course, home espresso machines are produced all over the world. In fact, some of the best home espresso machines are produced by Australian, Swiss and North American manufacturers. So, why should you consider buying an Italian espresso machine?

Well, for starters, the Italians are fiercely proud of their espresso machine heritage. This motivates many manufacturers to continue producing machines of the highest quality possible. In fact, it isn’t at all unusual to encounter Italian espresso machines that have been hand-made in Italy.

Not only that, Italians are known for producing things that are both functional and beautiful. Just take a look at their cars if you don’t believe me. Heck, even the humble moka pot – which is how most Italians prepare coffee at home – represents the perfect balance between form and function.

The best Italian espresso machines are no different – they’re beautiful to behold while able to produce exceptional espresso. I guess there’s still something unique and special about Italian espresso machines after all these years.

What Are the Best Italian Espresso Machine Brands?

There are dozens of highly regarded Italian espresso machine manufacturers, many of which primarily produce commercial models. For the purposes of this guide, I’ll focus on iconic brands that offer exceptional home espresso machines. Each brand has a rich history and is known for its commitment to quality, durability, and producing exceptional espresso.

Our Winners: The Best Italian Espresso Machines Reviewed

Now it’s time to look at what I consider to be the best Italian espresso machines for home baristas. Below you’ll find a wide range of models, from classic fully automatics to sumptuous prosumers. I’ve grouped the machines on my list into distinct categories: 

So, feel free to skip ahead to the Italian espresso machines that interest you the most. In the meantime, here’s a comparison table of all the espresso machines I’ll be discussing:

Traditional Italian Espresso Machines

Choosing the best traditional Italian espresso machines was easy peasy. All the models below offer a balance of performance, durability and value. Sure, there’s a fairly steep learning curve involved when approaching any of these models. However, with a little time and patience, you’ll be able to make superb espresso and milk foam.

La Pavoni Professional

If you want to prepare traditional Italian espresso in the purest, most authentic way possible, consider the La Pavoni Professional. Costing $1,202.57, this gorgeous work of art features shiny chrome in spades as well as a pressure gauge and powerful steam wand. There’s also a large brass boiler and professional portafilter.

Don’t expect an easy ride, though – the La Pavoni PC-16 demands pretty well-developed barista skills, and you’ll need a really good espresso grinder. With that said, once you’ve got to grips with this stunning machine, you’ll be able to geek out to the max. And there’s nothing quite like the experience of using a manual lever to pull a shot of espresso. After all, you’re in complete control of the outcome, and you can play around with pre-infusion times and pressure profiling to your heart’s content.

See Also: La Pavoni Professional Review

Gaggia Classic Pro

It’s hard to think of another home espresso machine that I love more than the Gaggia Classic Pro. This compact little beauty has become a cult classic among home baristas, and for good reason. Plus, at just $449.00, the Classic Pro is an affordable option for most people.

Sure, the Gaggia Classic Pro is far from perfect – there are plenty of other more sophisticated options out there. Still, this machine just has so much personality. Maybe it comes down to the fact that you really need to learn the Gaggia’s idiosyncrasies to get the best out of it.

Unlike other machines at this price point, the Gaggia comes with a professional 58 millimeter portafilter. What’s more, this little machine has a ton of steam power. Add in the fact that the thing not only looks really cool but feels practically indestructible and you know you’re onto a winner.

See Also: Gaggia Classic Pro Review

Rancilio Silvia

Like the Classic Pro, the awesome Rancilio Silvia feels like it’s been around forever. And its enduring popularity, despite having changed very little since 1997, is a testament to its superb design and performance.

Costing $995.00, the Rancilio Silvia features a boxy, utilitarian design and sturdy build. What’s more, this Italian classic is equipped with a professional steam wand and commercial 58mm portafilter. So, you’re able to pull cafe-quality espresso shots and whip up silky microfoam with the Silvia.

While the Rancilio Silvia is relatively easy to use, it is a little temperamental. However, if espresso is your passion, you’ll absolutely love using this machine. Plus, there are tons of mods available if you want to get even more serious. 

See Also: Rancilio Silvia Review

Best Italian Espresso Machines for Home

Not all Italian espresso machines are traditional semi-automatics or manual lever machines. In fact, plenty of manufacturers produce fully automatic and hybrid espresso machines with built-in grinders. This has helped brands like DeLonghi and Gaggia stay competitive in today’s crowded home espresso machine market.

Gaggia Accademia

Without a doubt, the Gaggia Accademia is one of the best fully automatic espresso machines I’ve ever tested. And although its $1,999.00 asking price might seem high, it represents excellent value for money. Thanks to its ceramic grinder and dual boilers, the Accademia is a very powerful machine. What’s more, the Accademia is equipped with both an automatic milk system and a professional steam wand, making it incredibly versatile.

Personally, I love the Gaggia Accademia’s color touchscreen display, which makes it easy to navigate the drink menus. Plus, there are tons of adjustable settings, meaning you can really dial in your espresso to perfection. Ultimately, the Gaggia Accademia is a stunning super automatic that does just about everything right. 

See Also: Gaggia Accademia Review

DeLonghi Dinamica Plus

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus has achieved legend status here at Coffeeness. In fact, the Dinamica Plus has become my go-to comparison device whenever I review a new mid-range super automatic.

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus costs $1,299.99, which is definitely a substantial investment. However, when you take all the machine’s features and functionality into account, you’re looking at a real bargain. Plus, the DeLonghi can more than hold its own when compared to much more expensive Jura coffee machines.

To be honest, the Dinamica Plus has everything you could want in an automatic coffee maker. There’s a color touchscreen display, conical burr grinder with 13 adjustment levels and a wonderful LatteCrema milk system. As far as specialty drinks go, the Dinamica Plus offers everything from latte macchiato to cappuccino. Plus, you’re able to tweak a variety of settings to get exactly what you want. 

See Also: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review

SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine really impressed me during my review, and I ended up making some very tasty espresso with the thing. Sure, the SMEG is expensive at $999.95, but given its high-quality build, professional 58mm portafilter and gorgeous retro design, I’d say it’s worth every penny.

Featuring a built-in conical burr grinder, the SMEG Semi-Automatic is very easy to set up and use. And while the steam wand isn’t the best I’ve ever used, it’s perfectly capable. A standout feature of this Italian espresso machine is its dual thermoblock system. This means there’s no downtime between pulling a shot and steaming milk. Plus, the SMEG allows you to play around with pre-infusion time and brew temperature, making it a very sophisticated semi-automatic.

See Also: SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Review

DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro

I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect from this Italian espresso machine. However, during my testing the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro won me over with its features and functionality. Plus, at just $1,199.95, this DeLonghi espresso machine represents really good value for the money.

For starters, I love the way the La Specialista Maestro looks – it’s unashamedly big, bulky and beautiful! And that prominent pressure gauge on the front of the machine isn’t just for show. It really helps you dial in your shots.

There are tons of adjustable settings to play with, and the automatic dosing and tamping functions work really well. Not only that, you can choose between manual and automatic milk systems, which is a real bonus. Overall, the La Specialista Maestro is an excellent choice for experienced or novice home baristas. Everyone will enjoy using this machine.

See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review

Best Italian Prosumer Machines

These days, more and more home baristas are considering so-called prosumer espresso machines. As the name suggests, the best prosumer espresso machines are aimed toward the home market while incorporating high-end components from professional espresso machines. Essentially, if you’re serious about upping your barista game, a prosumer machine is the way to go.

Rocket Appartamento

The Rocket Appartamento has quickly become one of the most popular prosumer espresso machines out there, and for good reason. For starters, the Appartamento features a stunning retro-industrial design, as well as super-durable materials. What’s more, thanks to its E61 group head, heat exchanger boiler and commercial-style portafilter, the Rocket Appartamento is capable of producing espresso that’s as good as you’ll find anywhere.

The manufacturer’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Rocket Appartamento’s design, and pulling shots with its manual lever is an absolute joy. Oh, and the machine’s powerful steam wand makes it easy to create silky microfoam for your morning latte. Trust me, if you’re an aspiring home barista looking for a machine that will consistently deliver, the $2,050.00 Rocket Appartamento will definitely fit the bill.

See Also: Rocket Appartamento Review

Lelit Mara X

Another prosumer machine with an E61 group head and heat exchanger boiler, the wonderful Lelit Mara X is both compact and very powerful. Plus, at $1,699.95, it’s a good deal more affordable than the Appartamento.

As you’d expect, the Mara X is equipped with a 58mm portafilter and commercial-style steam wand. However, the manufacturer has added thoughtful and functional extras, like a dual manometer, digital PID controller and three brew temperature settings. Even better, you can switch between two modes – one that prioritizes brewing and another that prioritizes steaming.

During my testing, I was impressed by the Lelit Mara X’s temperature stability and overall ease of use. And best of all, you can prepare truly authentic espresso with this powerful little machine.

See Also: Lelit Mara X Review

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Costing $1,650.00, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is actually one of the more affordable prosumer machines around. I just love the way this machine looks – it’s got shiny stainless steel housing and a distinct retro-futuristic vibe.

Under the hood, there’s a powerful heat exchanger boiler, so maintaining consistent temperature is no problem. As you’d expect, the Oscar II comes with a 58 millimeter portafilter and a powerful steam wand. There’s also a cool control panel for programming shot times.

It almost goes without saying that the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II can produce sublime espresso; if you’re looking for an option that’s as close to commercial as possible, this is the best Italian espresso machine for you.

See Also: Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Review

Best Budget Espresso Machines Made in Italy

I’m well aware that not everyone has the resources to pick up a prosumer espresso machine. With that in mind, I’ve selected a couple of budget-friendly models. And while the two Italian machines I’ll discuss below have their limitations, they are capable of producing convincing espresso.

DeLonghi Stilosa

Retailing for just $149.95, the DeLonghi Stilosa (CURRENT BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! ONLY 99.95 $ INSTEAD OF 149.95 $) represents seriously good value for the money. This pint-sized Italian espresso machine may look like a toy, but it’s actually very capable.

Equipped with a stainless steel boiler, removable water tank and panarello steam wand, the Stilosa is ideal for beginners or those on a limited budget. And while its pressurized filter baskets are somewhat limiting, you could easily replace them with single-wall baskets. During my testing I found the Stilosa to be very straightforward and easy to use. Plus, the manual steam wand performed way better than expected. All in all, this is a great little machine.

See Also: DeLonghi Stilosa Review

Gaggia Espresso Evolution

I happen to love the design of the Gaggia Espresso Evolution, which will set you back $253.83 on Amazon. Like the DeLonghi Stilosa, this small, beginner-friendly espresso machine punches way above its weight in terms of performance and functionality. Heck, the Espresso Evolution is even equipped with automatic pre-infusion and PID temperature control. Trust me, those aren’t features you’d expect to find on such an affordable espresso machine, so props to Gaggia for going the extra mile.

Thanks to its simple controls and pressurized filter baskets, using the Gaggia Espresso Evolution will be a breeze for most folks. And while this machine might not be able to compete with its older sibling in terms of performance, its affordable price tag makes it a great choice for those on a limited budget.

See Also: Gaggia Espresso Evolution Review

How to Choose the Best Italian Espresso Machine for Home Use

By now you should have a better idea of what’s out there. As we’ve seen, Italian espresso machines are available in a range of different styles and sizes, all with different features and prices. Still, when it comes to choosing the very best Italian espresso machine for your needs, there are a few things to consider. Let’s take an in-depth look at the features and technical aspects of Italian espresso machines.

Types of Machines: Manual, Semi-Automatic and Super-Automatic

As we’ve seen, there are three distinct types of Italian espresso machines: manual lever, semi-automatic and fully automatic. And the type of machine you purchase will have a direct impact on your coffee-making experience.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual lever espresso machines offer a unique ” hands-on” approach to espresso preparation. And while you’re able to prepare exceptional shots with this type of machine, there’s a steep learning curve involved. After all, you’re in control of every aspect of the extraction, as there’s no automation of any kind.

So, if you want to go with a lever machine, you should be prepared for a few setbacks before you experience success. With all that said, using a manual espresso machine can be very rewarding, especially if you’re interested in developing espresso as a hobby.

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

There’s a wide range of semi-automatic espresso machines available. Some have built-in grinders and automated tamping, while expensive prosumer machines offer advanced components and high-end features.

In all cases, the machine has a pump that takes care of creating the necessary pressure for brewing. Plus, the user is responsible for adjusting the grinder, prepping the portafilter and deciding on the dose and shot volume. For the most part, you have ultimate control over the outcome, even if your machine automates some steps.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

With a fully automatic espresso machine, you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of control. Still, machines like the Gaggia Accademia offer loads of adjustable settings, which means you can “dial in” your espresso shots to a certain extent. With that said, super automatics still only produce an approximation of true espresso, even if it is still tasty. 

To be honest, a fully automatic espresso machine is ideal for those who want to make coffee and milk-based specialties at the touch of a button. And thanks to their sophistication and convenience, you can make multiple drinks in a row, making them ideal for families.

What Key Features Should You Look for in an Espresso Machine?

Obviously, the more features that are packed into an espresso machine, the more likely it’ll be on the expensive side. With that in mind, you should think about what it is you really want. Do you just drink straight espresso or is a milk frothing system important? Do you want a machine with a built-in grinder or do you already have one?

Likewise, you should think about how involved you want to get in the intricacies of espresso preparation. If you’re planning on diving deep, an adjustable PID controller and built-in shot timer might be essentials. However, if you want a simple, no fuss experience, a super automatic will likely seem more attractive.

When it comes to a semi-automatic machine, there are a few components and features to look out for. In saying this, I’m referring to a brass boiler, powerful pump and 58mm portafilter. Plus, if your machine has a digital PID controller, you can expect an increase in temperature stability. And as I’m sure you know, temperature stability translates to shot consistency. Finally, I always prefer an espresso machine with a manometer that shows pressure at the group head. Seriously, this is such a valuable tool for assessing your espresso extractions.

Why Is a Good Steam Wand So Important for Lattes and Cappuccinos?

In a nutshell, a powerful steam wand is important for lattes and cappuccinos because it generates sufficient pressure for creating silky microfoam. And as I’m sure you already know, it’s that luxurious, velvety texture that’s crucial for cafe-quality drinks. So, if you’re a latte aficionado, I’d avoid buying an espresso machine with a panarello steam wand, because you won’t be able to adequately stretch and texture your milk.

Instead, opt for a machine with a commercial-style, multi-hole steam wand that’s mounted on a ball joint. This way, you’ll have sufficient steam power while being able to manipulate the milk in your steaming pitcher.

As it happens, I’ve written a post on how to make latte art. Still, as a bonus, here’s a quick overview of how to create beautifully textured milk:

Your First Shots: A Step-by-Step Guide to “Dialing In” Your New Machine

If you happen to have bought a manual or semi-automatic Italian espresso machine, the first thing to do is dial in your espresso shots. Now, that might not be a big deal for a seasoned pro, but if you’re new to the espresso game, it might seem daunting.

Well, I’m here to tell you not to get discouraged! As it happens, dialing in your new machine is fairly straightforward as long as you maintain as much consistency as possible. In saying that, I’m referring to your dose, tamping pressure, recipe and brew temperature. If those factors all stay the same, you can isolate the grind setting as the main variable, and quickly find the sweet spot.

Below you’ll find a quick guide to dialing in the perfect espresso. I’d recommend starting with a 1:2 ratio, meaning your shot will weigh double your dose of ground coffee. Oh, and it almost goes without saying that you’ll need the best coffee scale you can find.

How Should You Clean & Maintain Your Italian Espresso Machine?

Italian espresso machines are no different than machines from anywhere else in that they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Of course, your cleaning routine will differ, depending on the type of machine you choose. Still, if you want the thing to keep performing at its best, you’d better take good care of it.

You’ll find all the information you could ever hope for in my coffee maker cleaning and descaling guide. However, for the purposes of this article, I can tell you that you should backflush a semi-automatic machine on a weekly basis, and clean a fully automatic machine’s internal brew group with the same frequency. Oh, and always descale a fully automatic machine when it asks for it. Trust me, limescale buildup will dramatically shorten your machine’s lifespan.

With all Italian espresso machines, I recommend wiping down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. As for the drip tray, make sure to keep it clean unless you want an unexpected mold colony growing in there. Finally, don’t neglect your machine’s water tank! In my experience, it doesn’t take long for algae to start growing if you don’t wipe out the tank. And I’m sure you can imagine how that will affect the taste of your coffee!

The Italian Espresso Ritual: More Than Just a Drink

When you buy an Italian espresso machine, you’re tapping into a time-honored tradition. As we’ve seen, Italians take espresso very seriously. Here, coffee is a social ritual, and espresso is consumed quickly while standing at your local bar. What’s more, Italian baristas are respected professionals, many of whom spend decades perfecting their craft.

Italians are fiercely proud of their coffee culture, which explains why Starbucks never took off in Italy. After all, no one would be caught dead sipping on a giant cappuccino while walking down the street.

With all that in mind, it isn’t surprising that many of the best espresso machines in the world are made in Italy. These guys know what they’re doing, and understand that an espresso machine needs to prioritise speed, consistency and durability for a cafe-like experience at home. Oh, and let’s not forget that the thing has to look beautiful too!

How We Tested Italian Espresso Machines on Our List

I’ve personally tested all the Italian espresso machines on my list, with the exception of the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Gaggia Espresso Evolution. Whenever I test an espresso machine in the Coffeeness kitchen, I use the same coffee beans, water and brewing ratio. I also pull a consistent amount of shots for each machine. I make a note of measurable aspects such as temperature stability, heat-up time, pump pressure and steam wand pressure.

Testing Methodology

I always pay close attention to the following criteria when I’m evaluating any espresso machine for home use:

Best Italian Espresso Machines FAQ