Espresso machines for beginners and enthusiasts, with and without grinders.
Best ListEspresso Machines
Home espresso machines chosen for drink quality, ease of use and total cost including a grinder.
Top pickBreville Barista Express BES870XL
ComparisonEspresso Machines
Barista Express or Bambino Plus? We compare the differences that matter and tell you which one to buy.
Every product with its verdict. Buy picks first.
Breville · Espresso Machines
You want café-style lattes from a compact machine that heats up in seconds and froths milk automatically.
Pros
Cons
Breville · Espresso Machines
You want to learn real espresso at home with a built-in grinder and a proper steam wand.
Pros
Cons
Philips · Espresso Machines
You want one-touch espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato with almost no effort.
Pros
Cons
De'Longhi · Espresso Machines
You want to try espresso at home for around $100.
Pros
Cons
See more espresso machines on Amazon Paid link
ComparisonEspresso Machines
Barista Express or Bambino Plus? We compare the differences that matter and tell you which one to buy.
Best ListEspresso Machines
Home espresso machines chosen for drink quality, ease of use and total cost including a grinder.
Top pickBreville Barista Express BES870XL
Looking for the best espresso machines? VerdictFox compares 4 espresso machines you can buy on Amazon.com, including the Breville Barista Express BES870XL, Breville Bambino Plus BES500 and Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic, and gives each a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Typical prices run from $99 to $799, so there is a sensible pick for every budget.
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL ($549–$749) earns a Buy verdict and suits beginners who want it all: built-in grinder and steam wand in one. The Breville Bambino Plus BES500 ($399–$499) earns a Buy verdict and suits compact and fast: heats in seconds with auto milk frothing. The Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic usually sells for $599–$799. We rate it Buy for push-button lattes thanks to bean-to-cup drinks with an easy-clean milk system. For budget espresso, look at the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK Manual Espresso, typically $99–$129. Its standout is cheapest real espresso machine, and our verdict is Consider.
What should you look for in espresso machines? Budget for a burr grinder if the machine does not include one; it matters as much as the machine. Decide between manual control and push-button convenience. Check the steam wand if you drink lattes and cappuccinos. Look at cleaning and descaling needs, especially for automatic machines.
Knowing when to say no matters as much as knowing what to buy. Skip the Breville Barista Express BES870XL if you want push-button lattes with no learning curve. Skip the Breville Bambino Plus BES500 if you do not own a good grinder; budget for one. Skip the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic if you want to control every variable like a home barista. Skip the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK Manual Espresso if you want consistent café-quality shots; you will need a better grinder and machine.
Want a ranked shortlist? Our guide to the best espresso machines picks a winner for most people, a budget choice in the $99–$129 range and premium options, with pros, cons and key specs. If two models look alike, our head-to-head comparisons explain the differences that actually matter.
Budget for a burr grinder if the machine does not include one; it matters as much as the machine. Decide between manual control and push-button convenience. Check the steam wand if you drink lattes and cappuccinos.
If you buy two café drinks a week or more, a good machine usually pays for itself within a year. Manual machines make richer espresso and are fun to learn. Automatic machines make good drinks at the press of a button.