Many of us work from home these days, so stepping into a coffee shop for latte or other espresso machine can be less convenient than it used to be. Perhaps you are thinking of buying an espresso machine so that you can comfortably prepare your drink at home.
There are different types of espresso machines, including manual, automatic, semi-automatic, and capsule.
Car prices vary, some are within budget and some are luxurious.
This article contains tips on choosing the best espresso machine for your home and choosing the right espresso machine for you.
A quick review of the best espresso machines
• Highest rating: Breville Barista Express
• Ease of use: Libreville Barista Touch
• Best economic option: Bialetti Venus.
• Best Budget Guide: Flair Espresso Maker.
• The best luxury guide: La Pavilion
• Best Capsule: Espresso Overture Evolution
• Improved automation: The Philips 3200 series is fully automated
• Best Semi-Auto: Kitchen Aid Semi-Auto
• Great option for small spaces: Espresso Essen Mini
• Best Portable: WACO Omnipresent NS
How to choose
There are several factors to consider when buying an espresso machine.
A little
There are several types of espresso machines, some of which are easier to use than others. Depending on your level of experience and your interest in making espresso, you may or may not choose a more advanced model.
There are the following types of espresso machines:
• Super Automatic: These machines are very easy to use and do all the work, so they are more convenient than other machines. They grind, measure, compress and prepare your espresso for you.
• Automatic: Automatic espresso machines must first perform tasks such as crushing and compressing beans. Then prepare a shot of espresso and automatically stop the water supply to keep the amount constant.
• Semi-automatic: These machines are common in coffee shops. The person using the machine grinds and compresses the espresso beans and regulates the pressure and temperature of the water needed for the machine to make the espresso. Controls the amount of water that passes through the territory.
• Capsule: Capsule coffee maker works the same as Keurig coffee maker. This is probably the most comfortable option, as you just need to make sure the tank is filled with water, insert the capsule and press a button.
• Stove: To use the espresso machine on the stove, put water and ground coffee beans in a container and then turn on the stove. When it gets hot, the water boils and the steam passes through the coffee grounds to make espresso.
• Manual: A manual espresso machine requires more work. In addition to cooking the beans, press the lever to apply the pressure needed to push the water through the ground. This type of machine may be suitable for experienced people, but it can give more personality in preparation.
Function
In addition to the type of machine, you need to consider the features you want to include in the machine.
For example, if you use an espresso machine to make latte or other milk-based drinks, you can opt for a machine with a milk steam generator.
Also, some machines come with a grinder, which is very convenient and you don’t have to buy another grinder.
If you want to carry an espresso machine with you, you can opt for a portable version that allows you to have your cup anywhere.
The size
The size of the espresso machine can also make a difference, as some machines can take up a lot of counter space. When inspecting a machine, it is a good idea to measure its space to determine how well the machine fits.
Price
Prices for espresso machines can vary considerably. More expensive machines may have more accessories, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high quality espresso machine. There are several highly rated and inexpensive espresso machines.
How to choose
With so many espresso machines available, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.
We have selected the best espresso machine based on the following criteria:
• Machine Types – We have chosen to include several different machine types in order to provide a comprehensive list.
• Machine size: We also include machines of different sizes.
• Cost: Machines are also included in different price ranges for different budgets.
• Verification: All products are verified to meet Health line’s medical and business standards.
Best Espresso Machine Selected by Health line
highest rating
- Breville Barista Express
- Type: semi-automatic
- 1 year warranty
• Accessories: stainless steel filter holder, shaving dispenser, coffee spoon, built-in tamper, milk carafe, cleaning disc, brush, water filter, filter holder.
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches (31.75 x 32 x 33.3 cm)
This espresso machine is semi-automatic. This means it can automatically grind beans, lightly grind soil with a knife before turning on the coffee machine, and prepare a single or double espresso in one minute.
The built-in coffee grinder allows you to grind the beans just before brewing the cup, constantly maintaining the ideal temperature of the water.
If you want to make a milk-based espresso drink, you can use the steam wand to manually texture the milk and add it to your drink.
Libreville Barista Express has over 17,000 Amazon reviews and 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many satisfied customers report that the machine is professional quality, easy to use and clean, but you may need to get familiar with it first.
best luxury
Breville varistor mixer
• Type: semi-automatic
• 1 year warranty
• Accessories: stainless steel filter holder, single and double walled filter baskets, stainless steel jugs, water filters, spindle, tools for fine dose adjustment, cleaning kits, water hardness test strips.
• Dimensions: 12.7 x 15.5 x 16 inches (32.3 x 39.4 x 40.6 cm)
The Breville Barista Touch is the most expensive on the list, but it’s automatic, making it the most convenient and easiest to use.
To prepare an espresso, swipe the touch screen and choose from a variety of drink options such as American, Latte and Flat White. Then select Auto Grind and then manipulate and cut the ground yourself.
From there, simply press the “boil” button and, if applicable, the “milk” button.
This machine scored 4.7 out of five on Amazon, with many reviewers particularly praising the ease of use of the touchscreen feature. However, some write that you need to learn a little first.
Best budget
Venus Biretta
• Type: Stove
• Warranty: Amazon additional protection plan.
• Accessories: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.9 x 7.5 inches (12.4 x 12.4 x 19.1 cm)
This stove espresso maker is available in 4, 6, or 10 cup sizes.
To make a drink, unscrew the bottom, add water, place a funnel on it, and add ground coffee. As the machine heats up on the stove, the steam moves through the ground coffee and brews fresh espresso that can be served directly from the spout.
If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use alternative to the more expensive espresso machines, this may be an option for you.
Keep in mind that you will need to buy ground espresso beans or grinders to grind yourself.
The reviews are mostly positive, but some say the machine can overheat and overflow if left unattended.
Best budget guide
Flare espresso machine
• Type: Manual
• Warranty: 3 years
• Accessories: Individual shipping case
• Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 10 inches (30.5 x 15.2 x 25.4 cm)
If you are more experienced and enjoy the job of making espresso by hand, this is a great option for you.
Keep in mind that you have full control over the crushing of the beans, but you need a separate crusher and you need to heat the water and push it with the included lever.
This machine requires a little more effort and skill, so it’s probably not the best choice for those just starting out with espresso.
Flair Espresso Maker has a great review on Amazon and many users have commented on the convenience of a manual espresso machine that is also portable.
The ultimate guide to ruin
Manual espresso machine La Pavilion
• Type: Manual
• 1 year warranty
• Accessories: Tamper, screen, screen holder, measuring cup, cappuccino spout.
• Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 12 inches (27.9 x 17.8 x 30.5 cm)
Pavilion is definitely expensive and can be more difficult to operate than the other machines on the list. However, some people appreciate the time and effort it takes to make and prepare espresso.
Keep in mind that this machine does not include a grinder, so one cost must be considered in addition to the machine.
Pavilion mainly has positive reviews and satisfied customers point out that despite the high price, the machine is of excellent quality and lasts a long time.
Best capsule
Nespresso Vertuo Evolution
• Type: Capsule
• 1 year warranty
• Accessories: includes 30 capsules.
• Dimensions: 9 x 12.3 x 12.2 inches (22.9 x 31.2 x 31 cm)
The capsule coffee machine is convenient and easy to use. With Espresso Overture Evolution you can prepare espresso from four capsule sizes.
There is also the possibility of making coffee, which is a great option for those who like both regular coffee and espresso coffee.
The Espresso website has a variety of roasted and flavored capsules.
This espresso machine has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Amazon and is clearly a fan favorite, but some disappointed customers say the espresso isn’t hot enough.
The best machine
Fully automatic Philips 3200 series
• Type: automatic
• Warranty: 2 years
• Accessories: milk frother, built-in coffee grinder, Aqua Clean filter.
• Dimensions: 9.7 x 14.6 x 17 inches (24.6 x 37.1 x 43.2 cm)
This espresso machine can make single or double espresso and has a milk frother for making latte, flat white and more.
Automated machines usually mean fewer tweaks. However, on this particular machine, you can choose how the beans are ground, the temperature, and the size of the espresso.
There are also buttons for cleaning and descaling, making cleaning easy and almost effortless.
Satisfied customers commented on the machine’s ease of use, but some disappointed reviewers say the espresso wasn’t hot enough and the machine didn’t run for long.
The best semi-automatic
Semi-automatic kitchen assistant
• Type: semi-automatic
• 1 year warranty
• Accessories: filter holder, coffee spoon, tamper, steam wand, milk jug, water tank, filter basket, immersion tray, cleaning brush.
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 13.1 x 11.3 inches (16.3 x 33.3 x 28.7 cm)
Semi-automatic machines are ideal when some tweaking is required without the effort of manual machines.
The Kitchen Aid semi-automatic does not include a coffee grinder and must be purchased separately. Chop the beans before compacting or trimming the soil. The machine will take care of the rest.
Some of the key features of this machine include a cup warmer and an intelligent temperature sensor to ensure that the cup is brewed at the ideal temperature.
Most of the reviews for this machine are positive, with many reviewers praising the convenience and customization.
Which brand of espresso machine is good?
There are several brands of espresso machines. The most famous brands include Libreville, Espresso, La Pavilion, Sidelong, Kitchen Aid and Philips, but this is not a complete list.
How do you clean your espresso machine?
Generally speaking, you should remove all removable parts from the machine and clean each one individually. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning of each part.
Over time, scale can form on the machine. For this reason, some manufacturers may occasionally recommend descaling with a descaling solution or vinegar.
After cleaning and descaling, it is recommended to run the machine several times under running water to rinse it before preparing the next espresso.
Are espresso beans different from regular beans?
Technically, espresso beans are no different from regular coffee beans. The difference lies in the roasted beans and grinding.
Espresso beans take longer to roast and are finer than coffee beans.
How to grind espresso beans?
Espresso beans should be finely ground. Some espresso machines are equipped with a grinder specially designed for espresso beans, which are ground to the desired concentration.
You can grind your own espresso beans, but a regular coffee grinder might not work. Look for a hamburger grinder or a dedicated espresso bean grinder.
