Last Updated: August 1st, 2017

Espresso Drinks are something awesome for every coffee drinker — subject to preferences. In fact, it’s our favorite when it comes to the world of coffees, because it gets the real feel out of coffee beans. In the earlier days, cafeterias were the only way to have the best espresso for our tastes. Now that several home espresso machines have become available in market, it’s all simple and cool to create your own espresso in minutes.

Depending on whether you are an entry-level Barista or an advanced one, you should choose the appropriate type of home espresso machine. It’s only then you can have a tasty, fresh and quality-rich espresso — every time you crave for one. So, we decided to review more than a few home espresso machines and pick 6 best Home Espresso Machines for your daily use.

Best Home Espresso Machines 2017 – Our Top Picks!

 

  

 

Design

Pricing

Brewing Control

Our Rating

 

Keurig K145 OfficePRO

Design : 4.5/5

Pricing : Premium

Brewing Control : 4.5/5

Our Rating: 4.8/5

Buy on Amazon

Keurig K55 Series

Design : 4.6/5

Pricing : Budget

Brewing Control : 4.0/5

Our Rating: 4.9/5

Buy on Amazon

Keurig 2.0 K575 Series

Design : 4.5/5

Pricing : Premium

Brewing Control : 4.5/5

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Buy on Amazon

Keurig 2.0 Series K250

Design : 4.5/5

Pricing : Budget

Brewing Control : 4.5/5

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Buy on Amazon

Keurig K15 Series

Design : 4.3/5

Pricing : Budget

Brewing Control : 4.0/5

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Buy on Amazon

We will move onto the detailed, hands-on reviews of our recommendations.

Top Pick — Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

We selected this Espresso machines, depending on our own experience and user-reviews. This machine has been the favorite of entry-level Baristas and experienced ones alike. With a great design, controls and variety of options, this Espresso machine gave us the perfect drink — every time.

Despite being semi-automatic, Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine has several features for an optimal espresso. For instance, water temperature is adjusted, for the best extraction of espresso. As we had expected, the taste was something unique as well.

It’s using a 15-Bar Italian Pump for pressure, accompanied by 1600W Thermo-Coil System for heating. With a large-enough capacity of 67 water, it lets you a few cups of perfect Coffee. Also, the coffee-grinding task is also easier, thanks to the attached Conical Burr Grinder. We find no remnants of beans in the espresso.

Another thing about Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is that it includes two types of filter systems — single-layer and double-layer. You can pick one depending on the level of proficiency you hold. In addition, the machine offers a bunch of programming options and volume-based advanced controls.

Moreover, we loved the total design and usability of the product. Even some entry-level espresso makers do use it fine, thanks to ergonomically-placed handles and control panel. It’s a great thing that the customer is not required to worry about temperature settings and all.

Who Is it for: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is recommended for budding and experienced Baristas alike. It provides greater controls and taste, with the least amount of effort and time. It’s worth what you are paying.

Best Buy — Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista Premium Espresso/Cappuccino System

This 3-in-1 machine from Mr. Coffee has been the favorite of Baristas with lower budget. Without spending more than $150, you are getting a decent machine that can give you Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte. Though not advanced, you can have standard control options as well.

Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista Premium Espresso/Cappuccino System comes with an easy-to-use design and automation features. That having said, technically speaking, it’s a semi-automatic espresso machine for home needs.

Almost all components of this coffee machine is removable, including the Water Reservoir and Milk Reservoir — and we find it easy to clean them after using. It also comes with an Automatic Milk Frother, which offers an extra convenience. All these work fine with the one-touch control panels on top.

For this price, you won’t spot an in-built Grinder, for sure. That having said, the control panel is so advanced and feature-rich. There are automatic and manual modes you can pick, for Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte. It’s all just a second away.

A best seller in this category, Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Café Barista Premium Espresso/Cappuccino System has support for single-shot filter, double-shot filter, and you get measuring scoop and tamper with the package. It’s pretty great for the amount you are paying.

Who Is it for: We believe this product is ideal for even the ultimate newbies in espresso-making. We found it really easy to use the product and the Automatic mode is a real time saver. If usability is your thing as a Barista, go for it.

Contender #1 — DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

Another widely-used espresso maker for home, DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker falls into the semi-premium budget category. However, you are assured the best results in terms of speed and taste. We had used the machine for making a variety of Espresso drinks across the globe.

One thing about DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker is that it has a maximum capacity of 44oz. it works pretty fine when you want to make cappuccinos and lattes. Also, the Milk Frothing method was quite easier when compared to other products in the list.

This espresso machine does not have many controls or customizations. So, it’s suitable for people who have just the basic knowledge about espresso drinks and machines. At the same time, the 15-Bar Pressure System is too good for brewing.

You also have the necessary accessories delivered with this product, so that you can start making espressos from the first day itself. Most components like water tanks are removable, making them easy to be cleaned. The best part is that you can use Pod coffee and ground coffee with this machine.

Who Is it for: When you have a kind of tight budget, DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker is a good choice for starting baristas. There aren’t many programming options or controlling features, but it gets the job done.

Contender #2 — Conair Cuisinart EM-100 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker

We would love to recommend this home espresso machine if simplicity is the big deal for selection. It is, no doubt, the easiest way to make your own espresso — using either coffee pods or favourite ground coffee. It also costs less than most of the other products in our list.

Talking about technicalities, Conair Cuisinart EM-100 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker comes with a 15-Bar Pressure System, which is the standard. However, when compared, the 53oz reservoir is something huge for the price. You won’t have trouble in brewing 1 or 2 cups of espresso.

The function knobs in the machine are pretty useful. Let it be about Hot Water, Steaming or Brewing, all the options can be selected in a single-turn. As far as a beginner is concerned, the multi-function knob is just an awesome addition of convenience.

Last but not the least, there are some additional features. For instance, it comes with cup-warming plates to keep them hot. At the same time, we found the cleaning pins to be useful during the review sessions. What’s more, the support from Cuisinart is something commendable.

Who Is it for: Summing up, Conair Cuisinart EM-100 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker is well-built, feature-rich and gives importance to usability. At the end of the day, you can have tasty espresso too. Judging by the design and ergonomics, it suits well for beginners.

Contender #3 — Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine

Yet another product from Breville, this espresso machine falls into the high-budget category. It’s suitable for a wide variety of control options and the great, uncompromised taste. Of course, it comes with many set of features that we had not seen in other espresso machines in the review.

On top of all, Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine has a Pre-Infusion Function, which makes way for even extraction of coffee beans. At the same time, its 15-Bar Pressure System and 1600w Thermo-coil-based heating system are a great addition for performance.

Depending on the level of espresso making you are expert at, you can use Single-Wall or Double-Wall filters in the machine. In the second option, you need less efforts for getting the perfect espresso. It also needs to be noted that the machine has 61oz of water storage capacity.

Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine is different from our top-pick, because there isn’t an in-built coffee grinder. However, volumetric controls and the classic-looking design can add enough charm to your kitchen or someplace. Other features include removable drip tray, dry puck feature etc.

Who Is it for: We’d recommend Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine if you are ready to pay extra for the infusion feature. It’s to be noted that, despite the advanced controls and features, this one does not have an in-built grinder.

Contender #4 — DeLonghi BC0330T Combination Drip Coffee and Espresso Machine

As the name says, it’s a machine that you can use for making Drip Coffee as well as Espresso drinks. It’s one worthwhile combination if you are a serious coffee drinker and want to spend less. When compared, it has a compact footprint, saving a lot of space on your countertop.

Despite the combo design, it feels easy to use DeLonghi BC0330T Combination Drip Coffee and Espresso Machine — no matter your level of expertise. On both sections, you have a lot of features. For instance, you have the Pause and Serve function while brewing Drip Coffee.

What we loved most in this espresso maker is that it requires less time for making espressos, lattes as well as cappuccinos. Because the package includes every bit of necessary accessory, it’s like you can start brewing from the very next second of setting it up.

Coming to additional features, there is a cup holder on top of the machine and 24-hour programmable timer for advanced automation. You are also notified about the water capacity through its indicators. Another part of convenience is that you don’t have to turn the machine for basic functions.

Who Is it for: When you are serious about both espresso and drip coffees, this is the best machine. It can fulfil both needs, without compromising speed and performance. It also comes with automation and customization options.

Contender #5 — De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

If you are looking for one of the most affordable espresso machines in town, this would be our suggestion, especially for beginning baristas. In case if you did not know, it comes from De’Longhi — which is a trusted manufacturer of espresso and coffee machines.

It does not matter whether you are making a latte or cappuccino; there is the professional quality in every cup of espresso you brew. Thanks to the built-in frother, creamy froth can be put on top of every espresso drink you’d love. And, it will be evenly distributed too.

There are different types of filter holders in De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker package. Depending on your preferred intensity and the cup of coffees, you can use the right filter. It needs to be noted that the machine can brew two or more cups, on after another.

Other features of the machine include the 35oz removable water tank, and the fully-stainless-steel design, which is good for better results. The control panel is so simple that we had no trouble in choosing the right combination of settings and brewing the desired espresso.

Who Is it for: De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Maker is the best home espresso machine if you like to keep the budget at the lowest. With simple controls and professional quality taste, it is possible to make the best espresso every day.

Contender #6 — Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso System

Despite being the most affordable espresso machine in list, Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso System is the most recommended product as well. When you need lower amount of espresso drinks at comfort of home, this is the best pick you can make.

To be frank, we hadn’t expected such a great espresso results from an affordable machine like this. It’s dark, rich and tastes great for sure. Also, when you are brewing cappuccinos or lattes, the froth looks pretty fine too. Altogether, there is the power of usability as well as features.

We found it really easy to serve the espresso drinks, thanks to the included Carafe. It was easy to handle up to 4 shots of espresso, within the Glass Carafe. The best part is that everything works fine and you will not have to spend much time on set-up.

What’s more, Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso System is pretty compact than other products. It does not take up much space from your countertop, but you can have a good espresso drink for sure. The dedicated section for frother and easily-accessible glass decanter are worthier than what you pay.

Who Is it for: Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso System is the most affordable and reasonably-priced home espresso machine you can get. You can have up to four shots of espresso without much effort. It will be an appropriate solution for who are starting to make espresso drinks for home uses.

We are confident that you are impressed with our recommendation for the best home espresso machines. Now, we will share some valuable information that will help you choose the best machine according to your needs.

An Introduction to Home Espresso Machines

Before we begin, a Home Espresso Machine is a particular type of espresso machine that has been built for home-based espresso-making needs. They are not meant for commercial use, and may not have necessary certifications or meet up with the essential standards. This type of machines is noted for the simple design, affordable pricing and the lower space consumption, for sure. There are two kinds of machines you will find on the market — Semi-Automatic and Super Automatic. The second category is quite expensive and may not be suitable for all homes. So, we have covered the best Semi-Automatic espresso machines for homes.

Coming to the case of espresso machines, these are steam-based machines used for making espresso drinks. Its working method is different from other coffee-machines, like drip. Water is forced to the coffee beans with a huge amount of pressure, thereby extracting the essential oils and flavours from the ground coffee. Some machines come with in-built coffee grinder as well. In those devices, you can have the freshest cup of espresso coffee, which is dark, rich and tastes great in the long run. Depending on how much you can spend, you can have pump-based, air-pump-based and steam-based espresso machines from the market. The major objective of the system is to apply the optimal amount of pressure into water and ground coffee — so that every necessary essential stuff is brought into the cups you have placed below.

Now that you have an idea about home espresso machines and their working process, we should have a look on the noticeable aspects you should know before buying. First of all, we have to check out the choices you have in market.

Types of Home Espresso Machines

As we said, we will be considering the two major types of home espresso machines here — Semi-Automatic and Super Automatic. We will have a look on their advantages and disadvantages, so that you would know which one is best for you. We are explaining the major ones only.

• Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Machines

Just as you can guess from the name, there are something not automated in this type of machines. You can find an electric pump inside these machines, which is used for forcing pressurized water into the beans. For using this, you might need some practice. Also, it needs to be noted that you have to adjust the controls as per the type of espresso you want. Because it’s not entirely automated, you have options for flexibility also.

If you think you need an intense cup of coffee, you can adjust the coffee. Also, if you’ve noted above, some machines will work fine with ground coffee and coffee pods. In short, although you have to put some of your own effort, Semi-Automatic Home Espresso Machines are great for upcoming, passionate Baristas. On top of all these, semi-automatic machines are priced very affordably. It does not matter whether you have $100 or $500 with you, you won’t have trouble in getting one from market.

• Super Automatic Espresso Machines

This type of machines is completely automated in the sense that you just have to press a button to get the best cup of espresso. With all the technologies and programmed settings, the machine itself will choose the optimal amount of water and coffee to be brewed. In a few minutes at max, you will have a cupful of espresso and you don’t have to put any effort whatsoever. But, here too, you have some advantages and bad stuff.

The most noted advantage is that super-automatic espresso machines don’t require practical skill. It doesn’t matter if you are making espresso for the first time — it just happens in a single press of button. At the same time, there are limitations in terms of customizability. Since everything has been programmed beforehand, you have no room for adjusting intensity or temperature. These are bigger in terms of size and require more space from your countertop. Last but not least, Super Automatic espresso machines are highly expensive.

By the way, it needs to be noted that, apart from the two options, there are Fully Automatic and Manual Espresso machines. While Fully Automatic machines stand between Super Automatic and Semi-Automatic, the other one is for those who are okay with the manual effort to be taken.

At CoffeeDX, we always give priority to the flexibility options. That is, at the end of the day, you must be able to have the perfect cup of coffee according to your own styles and preferences. That is why we have covered semi-automatic home espresso machines in the above set of recommendations. Moreover, because you are purchasing the coffee-maker for home, we hope you have time for experimenting with flavours and other aspects. We will cover more in our collection of Best Espresso Machines.

Factors to Consider for Choosing the Best Home Espresso Machine

We’ll now list out the major aspects you should consider when you need the best espresso machine for your home needs. Some of these are essential while choosing, but a few other features can be skipped if you think you don’t need them.

• Usability

This isn’t a big deal if you are purchasing a Super Automatic espresso machine. However, if you are going for a Semi-Automatic machine, you should see how usable the machine is in the long run. You can count on the ergonomic design of handle, placement of storage options, and the easiness of cleaning. Moreover, you can ask previous customers about the actual time required to brew a cup of espresso. In fact, this depends upon the actual expertise you have with espresso brewing.

• Size

You should consider the total size of the espresso machine before moving forward. By size, we mean space that is occupied from the countertop. It’s natural that Super Automatic machines will take more space. That is another reason to shift to semi-automatic counterparts. You can ask people about space requirements or have a visit to a few friends’ who are using the desired model of machines.

• Versatility

This is a major factor when you are serious about brewing and drinking coffee. There are espresso machines you can use for other purposes as well. For instance, you won’t have trouble in making cappuccino and latte drinks with these machines. In addition, there are some combination machines that let you make drip coffee and espresso drinks. Given that you are ready to pay more; these can be good options of upgrade.

• The Type of Drink You Need

Another important aspect for selection, you should find the right components in an espresso machine. For instance, there are some people who like to have the perfect quality of beans. In that case, you should get a trusted and industry-standard espresso machine for homes. Components like Boiler and Filter can have big impacts on the output espresso cup you get.

• Cleaning Methods

Some espresso machines come with pre-programmed cleaning modes, in which case you don’t have to care for anything. If there is not an option, you should seek for removable components in almost all sections. For instance, you can look out for removable drip tray, removable water tank and a dedicated space for milk. If that’s the case, you would have no trouble in getting the perfect espresso — one after another, without being concerned about the mess of cleaning.

• Programmable Settings

When you want to make the process easier, you should look for Programmable Settings in the home espresso machine you are going to purchase. Some of our recommended products have 24-Hour timers built into it. So, you would have no trouble in programming the machine to brew the espresso drink by the time you do wake up regularly.

• Miscellaneous Features

There are some seemingly small but useful features you would find in an espresso machine. For example, it is possible to find an in-built coffee grinder. This one is useful when you need the perfect and fresh coffee, ground from the fresh beans. Of course, you will have to pay a bit more for this feature. At the same time, you can look for options like water filter and cup warmer. We recommend going for these features when you are serious about espresso making and when you know the basics.

If you are purchasing an espresso machine for commercial purposes, there are a lot more to consider. Now that you are limited to home espresso machines, these factors would do the job. At the least, you will find the best espresso without much effort. Apart from all these, you can consider the price as well. The way we recommend is, first find what you need from the dream espresso machine and then make the price. The idea is to adjust the budget according to your needs.

Summing Up

As to the question what you can do with a home espresso machine, there is no specific answer. There are a bunch of superb beverages you can craft with the machine — depending on your style and preferences. For us, a perfect espresso machine is the best way for the natural, darker and intense cup of espresso. That just makes our day — no matter where you are. So, it’s completely up to you to choose between espresso, latte, cappuccino or a mocha. Make sure that you have the right type of machine with you and choose it from an impressive brand in the market. We would say the additional features like grinder and cup warmer are purely options and aren’t a big deal for the serious coffee drinker. Because, coffee is all that matters.