Ever wondered how some people can just make barista-quality coffee? It’s all in the espresso machine that they use. This kitchen appliance is ideal for those looking to master the art of brewing or want to save extra bucks long-term on their morning coffee run.
From manual espresso machines to automatic versions, we consulted with our resident at-home baristas and professional coffee experts to get their takes on the most valuable makers to own. If you’re looking to maximize your coffee ritual, we also included some editor-approved accessories to complement your masterfully made home brews.
Manual espresso machines vs. automatic espresso machines
Before you begin your search for the best home espresso machines, it’s important to decide on which type you’d prefer: a manual espresso machine, a semi-automatic espresso machine or an automatic espresso machine.
To make espresso with a manual machine, which is lever-driven, you have to use your hands. Because these models usually don’t require electricity (depending on the design), they’re typically portable and often very lightweight.
A semi-automatic machine is mostly automated, but requires your involvement to customize the espresso to your liking. With automatic machines, all you have to do is press a button — there’s no customization involved.
Best home espresso machines, according to experts
One of the more budget-friendly espresso machines of the bunch, this straightforward model lets you make perfect lattes, cappuccinos and single or double espressos without much fuss.
“This is one of those machines that proves the theory that with a good grinder and a bit of knowhow and practice, good quality espresso is possible — even despite the machine,” says Josey Markiewicz, senior director of coffee quality and training at La Colombe.
Deputy managing editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil also recommends this espresso machine. She says, “I wanted a quality manual machine so I could make authentic, homemade lattes and flat whites on the weekend, but I didn’t want to shell out $800. During my research, I learned that this machine has many of the same features (for example, a stainless steel boiler) as higher end machines, but at an affordable price point.”
For barista-quality espresso from a machine that can fit easily on your countertop, the Breville Bambino is a favorite of Atlanta-based coffee director Kayla Scott. “It has everything a home barista needs to pull great shots of espresso and create silky micro-foam,” Scott tells Shop TODAY.
“It may not be the most aesthetic, but it will get the job done and last a few years.” Since it doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, Scott recommends investing in one — her favorite is the Baratza Encore ESP — and she advises “swapping in a higher quality stock portafilter and tamper down the road.”
This sleek and simple espresso machine “with a ridiculously small footprint” makes excellent espresso, according to Markiewicz, because of its “reputable, high-quality coffee grinder that can grind anywhere from fine (for espresso) to coarse (for cold brew).”
Daniel Lancaster of Short Sleeves Coffee Co. adds that the machine is exceptionally high quality considering its reasonable price point.
“With a milk steamer, rather than a frother, and a classic espresso setup that doesn’t sacrifice results for cost, this really is the best entry level automatic espresso machine on the market,” he says.
The first jet-engineered stovetop espresso machine, the 9Barista requires no electronics and is wonderfully straightforward to use. “I love that this device is not only portable but it’s also fully analog,” says Jerad Morrison, co-founder of Sightglass Coffee Roasters. “Designed by a jet engine thermodynamics engineer, using the same principles found in jet engines, this thing is precision fabricated to produce perfectly extracted shots of espresso.”
We had to include one major splurge espresso machine — in part because coffee experts can’t recommend it highly enough. The stainless steel model, which comes in a number of chic colors, is the gold standard in espresso-making with an easy-to-use interface, 30 grind settings and steam wands that produce silky, smooth foam for latte art.
“While the Barista Pro is a bit pricier, it rivals any machine at your favorite coffee shop,” Partners coffee director Cary Wong tells Shop TODAY. “This espresso maker has an integrated grinder, auto-volumetric functionality for seamless espresso shots, and PID temperature control for maximum extraction.”
Espresso machines approved by editors
Rebecca Delman, a senior production manager at Shop TODAY, “really recommends” this Nespresso machine “if you are looking to save money and just have a good cup of coffee.” She says, “It honestly tastes better then purchased coffee.”
The sleek machine, which has a convenient built-in milk frother, is built to accommodate different mug sizes (thanks to the removable drip tray). Plus, its auto-off feature should turn the machine off in just nine minutes of non-use.
Associate market editor Audrey Ekman recommends this Smeg retro-inspired espresso machine for two reasons: design and function.
“I recently scored a beautiful Smeg espresso machine on sale! As a beginner-level barista, the retro-inspired, aesthetic-forward appliance is perfect for my needs and quickly became the most prized possession in my apartment, making me smile every time I catch a glimpse of it holding court in my tiny kitchen,” she quips.
Social video producer Anita Chomenko says this machine is the perfect housewarming gift and the “most-used thing” at home.
“It’s very beginner-friendly and user-friendly. The machine tells you when to tamp the grounds, and it alerts you when you’re out of beans or low on water. I’ve used it to make cappuccinos, lattes, iced lattes, Americanos, etcetera. There are different settings for the strength you want for your coffee, and you can even select five different froth levels for milk (including cold froth). You can even say if you’re frothing plant-based milk or not. I genuinely love this thing,” confirms Chomenko.
Editor-approved espresso accessories
Enhance your at-home cafe with these glass dispensers, which you can pour your freshly made homemade syrups.
“I recently purchased these syrup bottles and I am obsessed with them! They encourage me to make my own simple syrups and they are pretty enough to leave out on display,” says social media producer Dani Musacchio.
“I gifted this to my friend for his birthday and he loved it. It looks like an actual camera lens and ideal for those photographers who need to hide their brew during photoshoots,” says writer Jannely Espinal.
It also comes with two lids and a spoon to mix up your favorite creamer.
“When it comes to preserving your coffee’s freshness, an airtight glass container to keep your grounds or beans in is an absolute MUST. I love this option because it comes with a stainless steel spoon for scooping and even has a holder for your Bialleti’s Moka pot funnel,” says Musacchio.
Here’s another recommendation from Musacchio, who takes her coffee rituals very seriously.
“While a coffee scale isn’t absolutely necessary to have, it has proved to come in handy when I need exact measurements for when I batch cold brew. If you’re a coffee snob like me and want the perfect brewing ratios every time, you’ll get great use out of this scale,” says Musacchio, who says she needs a precise measurement when building her coffee recipes.
For those looking for fresh coffee grounds, this grinder will deliver fine coffee for a balanced espresso.
“I firmly believe that the best way to upgrade your cup of joe is to grind your own coffee beans. After doing extensive research on which grinder to invest in, I settled on this burr grinder from OXO because the brand has never let me down. It has 15 grind settings, which means I can create any type of grind, from a fine grind for espresso to a course grind for cold brew. I love how it’s not too loud and doesn’t take up too much space on my counter,” explains Musacchio.
Frequently asked questions
Markiewicz of La Colombe tells Shop TODAY that there is no more valuable tool in your coffee kitchen than your coffee grinder.
For espresso, it’s ideal to “use a burr grinder that has been calibrated to grind coffee fine enough to brew espresso with,” he says. “We will need to be able to measure our dose and achieve uniformity of grind particle size. Some espresso machines are equipped with grinders. Some are not.”
You technically can, but ideally you’re using finely-ground beans. Espresso is a brew method, not a different type of bean. “A thoughtfully blended medium roast should do the trick,” says Markiewicz.
Your espresso will only taste as good as the water you use. Markiewicz tells Shop TODAY, “It is the minerals in water that pull the solubles from ground coffee. If your tap water smells like chlorine, metals, or mildew those flavors will affect the taste of your coffee.” For this reason, filtered or spring water is recommended.
How we chose the best espresso makers and accessories
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. We based the best sleep products on editor-tested and -recommended picks, along with Shop TODAY bestsellers and award winners.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Meet the experts
- Josey Markiewicz is the senior director of coffee quality and training at La Colombe.
- Cary Wong is the director of coffee at Partners in New York City.
- Kayla Scott is an Atlanta-based coffee director who curates coffee events.
- Daniel Lancaster is the owner of Short Sleeves Coffee Co. in Black Mountain, NC, and the founder of Coffee Made Better.
- Jerad Morrison is the co-founder of Sightglass Coffee Roasters in Los Angeles.
