The 10 Best Espresso Machine Professional: Expert-Approved

Customer Review: Update 9/19/2020– The machine continues to may fantastic coffee. Enjoying some right now. One of our most used small appliances during the pandemic. Will never go back to SB again. It compares very poorly to what I can make at home now. Have run the descale cycle once because the light turned on, but I think it is set to turn on at a certain number of cycles rather than based on actual scale build up since we use RO water and scale build up is minimal. In any case, certainly does not hurt. Another tip I’ve got is to get yourself some disposable earplugs and set them next to the machine. The decibels during steaming can be really high and they hurt my ears. I also keep a quick read thermometer on the machine to know when my steamed milk is at the temp I like.Update 6/17/2020: This has ended up being one of my favorite birthday presents I gotten in years. Prior to owning the machine my family had a $100/week Starbucks habit. Since purchasing this machine 4 months ago, we’ve spent maybe $40 at SB. With COVID19, we’ve been at home and using this machine several times per day. The coffee it makes has only gotten better as we’ve learned to calibrate it. It has more than paid for itself in a few short months. It is well designed. We drink mostly Americanos so the hot water dispenser with automatic shut off is one of my favorite features. We were able to reprogram the machine to raise the water temperature very easily. The only glitches have come with the grinder which is a bit temperamental with certain beans, but these have been minor. The coffee the machine produces is delicious with a good amount of crema. I run a cleaning table through the machine about once per month, but because we have a reverse osmosis filter on our tap, we have had no need to descale. I highly recommend using reverse osmosis filtered water in the machine to cut down on internal build up. The machine is fairly easy to clean and has a lot of nice touches like the little float indicator that tells you when you need to empty the drip tray. We also like the ability to calibrate shots. I am raising our review from 4 to 5 stars since it seems that our poor experience with the first machine we received was just luck of the draw and we really have no complaints with our current machine. It is wonderful!Update: 2/18/2020 Amazon agreed to swap out the lemon (see original review below) for a new Breville Barista Express. It arrived today. I set it up and ran two cleaning tablets (3 cleaning cycles) before I even tried to make my first cup of espresso. I let the machine warm completely and set the grind size at 5 as suggested. Pulled my first shot and the new machine performed perfectly with the pressure reaching and staying in the middle of the gray extracting zone as it should. The shot was smooth with beautiful crema. I took the opportunity to program this shot so that it would be exactly 1 oz using my little espresso cup. I then pulled a double shot and did the same thing programming the machine to fill two of my espresso cups. Again the pressure was perfect at the level 5 grind size setting and the coffee is absolutely delicious with a beautiful smooth crema. Apparently the first machine I received was a dud. I’m glad Amazon allowed me to swap and will be sending the old one back tomorrow. I’ve changed my rating from 1 to 4 stars. If the new machine continues to perform as it did in its maiden voyage, I will revisit the rating and perhaps raise it to 5 stars. I highly recommend that anyone who buys one of these start off with a couple of clean/descale cycles before trying to make coffee. Save yourself a headache and a lot of wasted coffee.Pros: Very attractive and sturdy. The hot water dispenser is super convenient for making Americanos which is what I drink. I now don’t have to heat up a separate kettle of hot water. It’s great. The built-in grinder is really nice and its automatic function that also allows manual operation is convenient. The programmable temperature and shot amount adjustments are great.Cons: Because it takes so much water to keep the machine clean and operating well (it flushes itself after each use of steam or hot water) the water receptacle has to be refilled OFTEN (around every 3-4 coffees for me). I wish the machine had a bigger water tank. The drip tray also needs to be changed fairly often because the machine flushes itself, but this is does not bother me as much and it is not as often as the water tank. The grinder amounts tend to fluctuate and I’m still trying to figure out what adjustments or cleaning will might fix this. I’m not impressed with their customer service. When I tried to get help for the first unit I purchased (which ended up being defective), it took a couple of days to get a response and then that was an email with the exact same information contained in the user’s manual (I guess the assumption was that I had not read it) along with a flat dismissal that there could be anything wrong with the machine. Thankfully, Amazon dealt with the problem quickly by replacing the machine so I did not have to rely on Breville. I hope that I have a better response if I ever need to contact Breville in the future.Original review:I’ve wasted almost a pound of coffee over the past day trying to get the pressure on this machine to the “espresso” level that the instructions say is required. The machine will not go beyond the “pre infusion” level. I have cleaned it with the cleaning tablet as suggested in some of the reviews and I have adjusted the grind fineness and grind amount to every combination I can think of. Both settings are currently at the maximum levels. I’ve tamped the coffee harder and also used less pressure. NOTHING works. Like I said, I grew up with espresso as it is a daily drink in my culture. When I was little, my mom made it a the little stovetop espresso pot. My last espresso maker was a $79 Mr. Coffee that lasted almost 7 years and made very decent coffee with a nice crema everytime. No fuss. Then it finally broke and I can’t find that model. I didn’t want the new models with milk receptacles. Yuck! Anyway, I thought, well if I’m going to spend over $200 on Mr. Coffee, why not just splurge and get the Breville. The coffee I’ve so far gotten from this machine is thin and acidic and has almost no crema. As I’ve said, I have tried everything suggested. The pressure gage only reached the correct level on two shots after I had just cleaned it and then it went back to barely registering. IT SHOULD NOT BE THIS DIFFICULT TO MAKE A DECENT CUP OF COFFEE! Right now I feel like all these 5 star reviews are a product of the psychological phenomenon that happens with very expensive wine, where people report it tastes better because they don’t want to seem stupid for paying so much and not liking it. I will update if it turns out I’m just missing the magic key to having this thing not be a ridiculously expensive pain in my coffee loving butt. But I’m not feeling hopeful.

Customer Review: The Breville Barista Express has been fantastic for me. It works flawlessly right out of the box and feels very well built. There’s a lot to learn with it, but once you get the hang of it, it’s extremely rewarding.I mostly use the double wall cup for my coffee when I’m not using the built-in bean grinder, and it produces consistently great espresso. The controls are intuitive, the steam wand works well for frothing milk and getting it hot, and cleanup is straightforward.It’s definitely an investment, but for anyone serious about making quality coffee at home, it’s worth every penny. A really solid machine that makes morning coffee something to look forward to. That storage bin that goes behind the drip tray is kind of annoying though since it gets splashed from the steam and boiler drip.

Customer Review: I absolutely LOVE my Ninja Luxe Coffee Maker. I’ve had quite a few coffee machines over the years, and this one is hands-down my favorite. It makes rich, smooth, coffeehouse-quality coffee right at home.The variety of brew options is amazing — whether I want a classic cup, a stronger brew, or something more specialty-style, it delivers every time. The flavor is bold without being bitter, and the temperature is perfect. I also love how sleek and modern it looks on my counter — it feels high-end without the crazy price tag. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and consistent every single morning (which matters when you’re not fully awake yet 😅). If you’re on the fence — get it. It’s worth it.Best coffee investment I’ve made in a long time! ☕️💛 as you can see. I added a little glass coffee pot that did not come with it and it’s perfect!

Customer Review: As my title says, it took me 3 tries to become adept at making the perfect latte, and the first didn’t count as you’re supposed to dispose of that one anyway.I’ll be honest, I was worried about becoming an amateur barista thinking the instructions for setup and brewing might go over my head. On the contrary, between the setup instruction manual and the step by step instructions through the BILT app (just scan the QR code and it’ll walk you through this part), it was quite easy to get going. In less than an hour, I had the machine setup and had brewed myself a perfect store quality caramel latte.The stainless steel design looks great and the unit itself appears to be quite durable. A sturdy design with enough weight behind it to keep it easily in place. I’m impressed with the various functions and choices available. It came with a basic recipe book that included various types of recipes, including cold brews. This lovely machine also makes an amazing cup of hot cocoa, for which I used a thick froth setting for the milk (Lactaid works just as well as regular milk, as I’ve become lactose intolerant over the last decade).I haven’t yet purchased a separate knock box for the coffee grounds, so until I do, I have an empty coffee can I keep under my sink for proper disposal. The coffee grounds come out with just a light tap.Overall, I’m very happy with this purchase. I’ve always been a fan of Ninja products, and this machine is no exception. The Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 machine makes it easy to become an amateur barista in no time. As someone who spends roughly $65-$85 a month on retail coffee shops, this machine will pay for itself quickly.

Customer Review: I’m honestly impressed with this mini coffee espresso & latte maker. For its compact size, it delivers surprisingly rich and flavorful espresso, and the milk frother works beautifully for cappuccinos and lattes.What I love most is how easy it is to use—even if you’re not a coffee expert. It heats up quickly, doesn’t take much counter space, and is perfect for mornings when you want café-style coffee without the hassle or cost of going out. The frother creates smooth, creamy foam, making my lattes feel truly barista-level.The build quality feels solid, it’s easy to clean, and it’s ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or even office use. If you enjoy espresso-based drinks and want something compact, affordable, and reliable, this machine is a fantastic choice

Customer Review: After researching several espresso machines, I decided on this one — and I’m so glad I did. Setup was straightforward, and the instructions were clear. It heats quickly and maintains consistent pressure, which results in smooth, balanced espresso.The steam wand works well for frothing milk, and I’ve been able to make lattes and cappuccinos easily at home. It’s user-friendly enough for beginners but still produces results that feel professional.For the price, the quality and performance are outstanding. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their home coffee game.

Customer Review: Gevi Dual Boiler Espresso Machine ReviewI’ve been very impressed with the Gevi Dual Boiler Espresso Machine. The size is just right — compact enough for a home kitchen but still feels like a serious piece of equipment.The dual boiler system is a standout feature. Being able to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time makes a big difference in speed and workflow. No waiting around, which is perfect for making multiple drinks.Heat-up time is fast, so you’re not standing there forever before your first shot. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, making it beginner-friendly while still offering solid performance.The built-in grinder works great and adds real convenience. It helps keep everything streamlined without needing extra equipment on the counter.On top of everything else, it’s a very nice-looking machine that adds a professional touch to the kitchen.Overall, a great choice for anyone wanting café-style espresso at home with the efficiency of a dual boiler setup.

Customer Review: You definitely get your moneys worth on this espresso machine. As someone who works in the coffee industry I was really impressed with this machine.If you have experience with dialing in espresso, this is an easy setup. The quality of the shots and the temps were on par with what a commercial machine can do.Cleaning is minimal and easy. The size of the machine is pretty decent. Doesn’t take much counter space.The steam wand is ridiculously good, just got it let it prime and build up steam just like any other single boiler espresso machine. Wish the wand was able to swivel out more, but that’s a minor thing. You can still get good steamed milk.My only con with this, is the grinder. Wish there was a built in weight measurement to see how much grounds you get. But for the price point it is such a small con. Honestly, when I let it grind, it comes out to be 15g on average for me. Depending on what coffee you use it varies. I use the single wall double basket myself.

Customer Review: This machine does an amazing job. I was a bit skeptical because it’s not a brand I know and I love a great cup of coffee. Perfect espresso every. single. time.

Customer Review: I have had this espresso machine for over a month now and have been using it daily! It is amazing for a small at home coffee bar and makes great espressos. The steamer wand takes about 2 minutes to get the milk to 165 F degrees which it is what it is. It’s very easy to clean, no assembly of the machine all you have to do is put on the espresso puck / handle. It’s also very easy to use, you don’t have to program anything you just hit one of the four buttons on top. The manual is descriptive and if it displays a red error on one of the buttons, the manual tells you exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. Holds a good amount of water I have to refill it maybe twice a week. The only thing that I guess would like to be different or better is not having to reload the espresso every two shots. I wish it either had a bigger puck or have the ability to change the pressure to be able to get more espresso out of the grounds. Other than that, Very happy with purchase.Oh also the warmer on top doesn’t keep anything warm, but I have never needed a warmer anyways.

Customer Review: I’ve been using this espresso machine for a while now and I’m really happy with it. The espresso comes out strong and flavorful with good crema, and the steam wand works well for making lattes and cappuccinos. It’s compact, doesn’t take up much counter space, and is easy to use even if you’re not experienced. Cleaning is simple, and overall it feels like great value for the price

Customer Review: Best espresso machine we’ve owned over the years. Gave it to my husband as a Christmas present and he was so impressed of the performance of this compact but powerful machine. Easy to use and produces specialty coffee shop quality espresso–rich, creamy flavorful and the temperature is perfect! We use it too to make tea. Best of all is it’s excellent price. Highly recommended.

Customer Review: Gevi Dual Boiler Espresso Machine ReviewI’ve been very impressed with the Gevi Dual Boiler Espresso Machine. The size is just right — compact enough for a home kitchen but still feels like a serious piece of equipment.The dual boiler system is a standout feature. Being able to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time makes a big difference in speed and workflow. No waiting around, which is perfect for making multiple drinks.Heat-up time is fast, so you’re not standing there forever before your first shot. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, making it beginner-friendly while still offering solid performance.The built-in grinder works great and adds real convenience. It helps keep everything streamlined without needing extra equipment on the counter.On top of everything else, it’s a very nice-looking machine that adds a professional touch to the kitchen.Overall, a great choice for anyone wanting café-style espresso at home with the efficiency of a dual boiler setup.

Customer Review: You definitely get your moneys worth on this espresso machine. As someone who works in the coffee industry I was really impressed with this machine.If you have experience with dialing in espresso, this is an easy setup. The quality of the shots and the temps were on par with what a commercial machine can do.Cleaning is minimal and easy. The size of the machine is pretty decent. Doesn’t take much counter space.The steam wand is ridiculously good, just got it let it prime and build up steam just like any other single boiler espresso machine. Wish the wand was able to swivel out more, but that’s a minor thing. You can still get good steamed milk.My only con with this, is the grinder. Wish there was a built in weight measurement to see how much grounds you get. But for the price point it is such a small con. Honestly, when I let it grind, it comes out to be 15g on average for me. Depending on what coffee you use it varies. I use the single wall double basket myself.

Customer Review: So easy to use , great coffee , the size it’s perfect for my kitchen, the price was excellent , the function of the machine is perfect.I really recommend this item

Customer Review: This was my very first espresso machine, and I’ll be honest: at first, I almost returned it.There’s definitely a learning curve if you’re new to making espresso at home. But once I took the time to learn the machine and watched the recommended tips and tricks, I completely fell in love with it.For the price, this machine seriously delivers. It performs just as well as machines in the $700 range, with adjustable settings and metrics you’d expect from a much higher-end model, all at a fraction of the cost.It’s compact, sleek, and looks great on the counter without taking up a ton of space. Most importantly, it consistently pulls great shots and gets the job done.If you’re new to espresso, I highly recommend watching the tutorial videos before diving in, it makes all the difference.Overall, this is an incredible value and a fantastic choice whether you’re just starting out or looking for a solid, affordable upgrade.I’ve included a picture of the 4 accessories that I’ve purchased that truly made this experience go from great to perfect- all found on Amazon ☺️

Customer Review: This machine makes great quality espresso.The settings and functions are easy to use and intuitive. The manual and quick guide walk you through everything you needAfter using water in any of is functions it does appear to drain the lines into the drip tray which has a water level first to let you know when to empty it.The highlight of the machine though was the surprisingly great quality grinder it is equipped with. I find the machine works best at right around 15 grind setting for both amount ground, and ease of brewing the espresso.

Customer Review: Most reasonably priced expresso machine WITH grinder and steam foamer.so far, reliable, fast (for expresso machines) easy to maintain.Time will tell on longevity

Customer Review: Genuinely impressed with this 20 Bar Espresso Machine. The built-in anti-clog grinder is a huge convenience—freshly ground coffee makes a noticeable difference in flavor, and the grind is consistent without jamming, even after daily use. The 20-bar pressure extracts rich, aromatic espresso with a nice crema. I mainly make lattes and cappuccinos, and the steam wand performs better than expected at this price point. It heats up quickly and produces strong, steady steam that’s easy to control, allowing me to get smooth milk foam after just a little practice.I also appreciate that it comes with tamping tools included, which makes the whole process feel more professional and streamlined. The machine feels solid and well-built, and the white finish looks clean and modern. : )

Customer Review: Great value all-in-one espresso machine, very beginner friendlyI’ve been using this espresso machine for a while now and I’m very happy with it. The all-in-one design is very convenient since it has a built-in grinder, which saves space and makes the whole coffee process much easier for home use.The grinder produces consistent grounds, and the 20-bar pressure extracts espresso with good crema and stable results. The single and double shot buttons are simple to use, which is perfect for busy mornings. The steam wand heats up quickly and makes smooth, creamy milk foam, great for lattes and cappuccinos.The machine feels solid and well built, and the white color looks clean and modern on the counter. Cleaning is straightforward, and the drip tray and grounds container are easy to remove.Overall, this is an excellent espresso machine for the price. It’s a great choice for beginners or anyone who wants café-style coffee at home without complicated setup. Highly recommended.