Key takeaways
- Best overall: Breville Barista Express BES870XL ($549 – $749).
- Best value: Breville Bambino Plus BES500 ($399 – $499).
- A good grinder matters as much as the machine; buy one built in or budget for a separate one.
In this article
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Not sure which espresso machines to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Breville Barista Express BES870XL ($549 – $749)
- Best value: Breville Bambino Plus BES500 ($399 – $499)
- Premium pick: Breville Oracle Touch ($2,500 – $3,000)
Espresso machines compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express BES870XL | Buy | 9.0/10 | $549 – $749 |
| Breville Oracle Jet | Buy | 9.0/10 | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Breville Barista Pro | Buy | 8.8/10 | $750 – $850 |
| Breville Oracle Touch | Buy | 8.8/10 | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Breville Bambino Plus BES500 | Buy | 8.7/10 | $399 – $499 |
| Rancilio Silvia Pro X | Buy | 8.7/10 | $2,000 – $2,400 |
| De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK Manual Espresso Machine | Consider | 7.3/10 | $99 – $129 |
Our picks in detail
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Beginners who want it all · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $549 – $749
Why we like it: Built-in grinder and steam wand in one.
Pros: Built-in conical burr grinder · Manual steam wand for latte art · Pressure gauge helps you dial in · Everything you need in the box
Cons: Learning curve · Grinder range limits light roasts
Buy it if you want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand.
Skip it if you want push-button lattes with no learning curve.
Breville Oracle Jet
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $2,000 – $2,500
A safe choice: Breville Oracle Jet earns a buy verdict with a score of 9.0/10, at a typical price of $2,000 – $2,500.
Breville Barista Pro
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $750 – $850
A safe choice: Breville Barista Pro earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.8/10, at a typical price of $750 – $850.
Breville Oracle Touch
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $2,500 – $3,000
Breville Oracle Touch is one of the espresso machines we would buy in the US. It scores 8.8/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $2,500 – $3,000.
Breville Bambino Plus BES500
Compact and fast · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $399 – $499
Why we like it: Heats in seconds with auto milk frothing.
Pros: 3-second heat-up · Automatic milk frothing · Compact footprint
Cons: No built-in grinder · Small water tank
Buy it if you want café-style lattes from a compact machine that heats up in seconds and froths milk automatically.
Skip it if you do not own a good grinder; budget for one.
Rancilio Silvia Pro X
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $2,000 – $2,400
Rancilio Silvia Pro X is one of the espresso machines we would buy in the US. It scores 8.7/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $2,000 – $2,400.
De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK Manual Espresso Machine
Budget espresso · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.3/10 · Typical price: $99 – $129
Why we like it: Cheapest real espresso machine.
Pros: Very affordable · Steam wand for milk · Compact
Cons: Pressurized baskets limit flavor · Inconsistent shots
Buy it if you want to try espresso at home for around $100.
Skip it if you want consistent café-quality shots; you will need a better grinder and machine.
What to check before you buy
- A good grinder matters as much as the machine; buy one built in or budget for a separate one.
- A real steam wand makes café-style milk; automatic frothers are easier but less flexible.
- Heat-up time and pump pressure stability affect daily convenience and consistency.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying pre-ground coffee for an espresso machine; freshness makes the biggest difference.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. A daily espresso habit pays for a mid-range machine within months.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best espresso machines in the US?
Our top pick is Breville Barista Express BES870XL (typically $549 – $749). For the best value, choose Breville Bambino Plus BES500 (typically $399 – $499).
What should I check before buying espresso machines?
A good grinder matters as much as the machine; buy one built in or budget for a separate one. A real steam wand makes café-style milk; automatic frothers are easier but less flexible.
When is the best time to buy espresso machines in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying espresso machines?
Buying pre-ground coffee for an espresso machine; freshness makes the biggest difference.