The Best Espresso Machines in 2021 (Reviewed and Compared)

This Breville espresso machine allows you to make full-flavored espresso like a real barista. It comes with all the necessary accessories, so you only need to get some high-quality beans, and you’ll enjoy a rich espresso or creamy latte in no time. Therefore, it deserves to be rated as the best espresso machine in 2021.

User-friendliness: Although this machine might seem a bit complicated at first, you’ll quickly see this isn’t true. The user manual is very detailed, so after the first two to three times you’ve used it, you’ll master the entire process. However, you might need some time to learn how to use its steam wand perfectly. Based on numerous espresso machine reviews, watching a few Youtube videos may even help you create some latte art.

Built-in burr grinder: There’s no better way to make delicious coffee than using freshly ground beans. And this Breville model allows you to do exactly that. With a simple dial, you can easily adjust the grind size and amount, and it will grind coffee beans directly to the portafilter.

Precise temperature control: This feature is extremely convenient. The machine keeps the temperature of the water for extracting espresso at the optimal level, which is crucial for the best home espresso machine.

Professional steam wand: As we’ve already mentioned, the steam wand allows you to froth your milk. In addition to creating latte art, the silky texture of micro-foam milk boosts the coffee flavor. Last but not least, you’ll be happy to know that a frothing pitcher is also included.

Built-in grinder: Brewing espresso from freshly ground coffee gives the best results. And with an integrated grinder, that’s easy to achieve. You can choose one of the six settings, ranging from coarse to fine. Also, thanks to its Sensor Grinding Technology, you’ll get the right dose of coffee every time.

Smart tamping station: Once you grind your coffee beans, you can easily tamp coffee in the portafilter by pulling the lever. This way, you’ll avoid making a mess in the kitchen. This characteristic certainly helps make La Specialista one of the best espresso machines for home.

Three preset options: You can save some time by picking one of the three preset options—Espresso, Americano, or Coffee. However, if you’d like to craft your own coffee, you can use the my button and make a personalized beverage.

Steam wand: Depending on your preference, you can choose between hot milk and micro-foam. All you need to do is select one of the two options on the steam wand—flat or foam.

Easy to use: The Espressione Concierge is a fully automatic espresso machine which is incredibly easy to work. All you need to do is fill the tank with water, put coffee beans into the grinder, and select the type of coffee you want to make. The control panel with the LED display is very intuitive and simple to use. Its user-friendliness and the simplicity of the coffee-making process will make you happy you got this espresso machine for your home.

Saves kitchen space: Even if your kitchen isn’t spacious, you can enjoy a tasty espresso in the comfort of your home. Thanks to its slim design, this machine can easily fit on any countertop.

Integrated coffee grinder: The stainless steel grinder allows you to grind coffee beans right before extracting espresso. Another great detail is that you can choose one of the five fineness settings. As a result, you’ll get coffee with a rich flavor. What’s more, the grinder is pretty quiet, producing noise at a volume of only 70 dB. So if you’re looking for the best espresso machine with a grinder, you should definitely consider this model.

Versatile frothing nozzle: If your preferred coffee style is creamy latte or cappuccino, you can use the frothing nozzle to steam milk and create some delicious froth. In addition, the nozzle can provide you with hot water for your tea.

User-friendliness: Want a cup of rich espresso without much fuss? Then this machine is perfect for you. It’s very simple and easy to use. So if you don’t have aspirations to develop barista skills, you can get the Capresso Ultima Pro, one of the best espresso machines for under $200.

All you need to do is fill the water tank, fill the portafilter with a scoop of ground coffee, and press the one-cup button. If you want to brew two cups of espresso, the procedure is the same, just add two scoops of coffee and press the two-cup button.

Self-tamping portafilter: Although it’s a semi automatic espresso machine, you don’t have to tamp the coffee in the filter yourself. The Capresso Ultima Pro will do it for you.

Programmable cup buttons: Both buttons can be easily programmed to make up to 6 oz. of espresso.

Steam wand: For a creamy cappuccino or latte, use the steam wand to froth your milk. It’s great that it also has a hot water function, which comes in very handy if you’re craving Americanos or tea.

User-friendliness: Delicious, creamy coffee with a touch of a single button? Absolutely possible. The coffee-making process couldn’t be less demanding—just insert a pod and press the start button. The VertuoPlus will brew your coffee for you, automatically eject the capsule, and store it. So if you don’t want to become a true home barista, but need the best cheap espresso machine that makes excellent coffee, this is a fantastic pick.

Variety of choice: You can choose from four different cup sizes and opt for espresso, gran lungo, mug, or alto. What makes this machine truly special is its ability to recognize each coffee capsule type by reading its barcode, and adjust the brewing parameters accordingly.

Coffee with smooth crema: Thanks to Nespresso’s patented technology, Centrifusion, the VertuoPlus makes coffee with a lovely silky crema.

User-friendliness: Coffee capsule machines are generally quite easy to use, and this one is not an exception. After inserting a pod, just select the cup size, and you’ll be able to enjoy tasty coffee in no time.

Integrated frother: According to more than one review of the best espresso machines, the Keurig coffee maker can’t brew coffee with a smooth crema. However, there’s a handy built-in milk frother, which allows you to effortlessly make a delicious latte or cappuccino. You can also switch it to a cold setting, which is perfect for iced coffee drinks. Finally, the frother is dishwasher-safe, so the cleanup is fairly quick and effortless.

Variety of choice: You can choose from a variety of Keurig coffee pods and find the flavor that suits you most. Moreover, if you prefer a more intense taste, you can press the button for a stronger brew. Another useful feature is the coffee shot button, which allows you to prepare specialty coffee. Doubtlessly, this is one of the best inexpensive espresso machines on the market if you’re looking for coffee pod machines.

Easy to use: With this home espresso machine, you’ll always be just a few pushes of a button away from a cup of freshly brewed, delicious coffee. It features an intuitive control panel and a digital display, which makes the entire process very simple.

A variety of drink options: You can choose one of the fifteen preset options, including espresso, cappuccino, Americano, ristretto, and latte. If you prefer stronger coffee, just opt for the Dark function, or you can use the Extra shot button for a more intense flavor. In addition, you can make green, black, or herbal tea. It’s no wonder this Krups machine is often dubbed the best rated espresso machine, considering how many choices it provides.

Built-in grinder: What’s great about this coffee maker is that it has a built-in grinder, which allows you to brew freshly ground coffee. Thanks to a dial on the bean hopper, you can easily adjust the grind size, and after grinding, the machine will automatically tamp coffee.

Integrated frother: The Krups espresso machine comes with an integrated milk container, which is ideal for frothing milk. Its maintenance is also very convenient because it’s removable and therefore cleaned a lot more quickly.

Easy to use: The model’s simple control panel features only a few buttons, so it’s pretty intuitive. Also, the coffee machine automatically detects which attachment you want to use. Therefore, you don’t have to bother with any complicated settings.

Versatile: The most impressive advantage of this specific Mr. Coffee model is its versatility, which makes it one of the best espresso machines under $500. You’d like a cup of traditional drip coffee? Simply use a 10-cup thermal carafe and brew some fresh coffee. Do you prefer a single-serve coffee? No problem—Mr. Coffee is compatible with K-Cup pods, so you can enjoy your preferred flavor whenever you like. And that’s not all. This coffee machine can even craft fully flavored espresso.

Built-in frother wand: In addition to making three types of coffee beverages, this coffee machine features an integrated frother. Therefore, you can easily make a latte or cappuccino, if that’s your thing.

Designed and made in Italy: Looking for a high-quality commercial-like espresso machine? Then you have to consider Gaggia. It’s a perfect choice for all at-home baristas.

User-friendliness: A simple user interface leaves no room for confusion. The three rocker buttons and corresponding indicator lights are very intuitive. Therefore, for a full-flavored espresso, you just need to add some ground coffee to the portafilter and tamp it. Then attach the portafilter to its place and press the brew button. It’s great that this Italian espresso machine comes with a ground coffee doser and a tamper.

Professional steam wand: The integrated steam wand allows you to froth milk for your cappuccino or latte. However, many reviews suggest that this feature could be a bit better since it can only make fluffy milk foam. Therefore, if you like your cappuccino with creamy micro-foam, you may want to look for another espresso machine with a better frother. Regardless of this detail, this coffee machine brews terrific espresso.

Ease of use: Once you get the hang of it, this lever espresso machine is really simple to use. However, you’ll need some practice before you make a full-flavored espresso. Several factors, —such as lever-lowering speed, fineness of grind, and tamping pressure—will affect the taste of your beverages. And nothing is automated. Therefore, if you want to have a perfect espresso in your cup at the mere push of a few buttons, this model isn’t the right choice for you. Instead, you should look for the best semi-automatic espresso machine or an automatic one.

A variety of accessories: La Pavoni’s espresso machine comes with all the necessary accessories. Besides a tamper, screen, and screen holder, you’ll also get a measuring ladle and cappuccino attachment.

Durable: This sturdy coffee machine is made of steel with very few plastic parts. No wonder that numerous reviews confirm it will stand the test of time and allow you to brew flavorful espresso for years to come.