![Best Espresso Machine: 20 Top Models RANKED [2018 Update]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/12863/1286347-4197239872.jpg "Best Espresso Machine: 20 Top Models RANKED [2018 Update]")
Americans love coffee, so much that 34% of women and 14% of men name Espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes their coffee beverage of choice according to a 2015 Zagat survey.
But at an average price of $3.28 at the coffee shop, your daily coffee habit could be costing you $1,200 or more per year.
Yikes!
Just pull your own shot at home, right?
Yup!
No matter your budget, there’s a home espresso Machine that checks all of your boxes.
Really, it just comes down to what you’re looking for:
- Top notch shot
- Decadent foam
- Do-it-all super-automatic functionality
- Something a bit more budget friendly
Find the best model for you with this comprehensive guide as well evaluate 20 different models to help you find the best espresso machine for you.
To help keep things organized we’ll break these 20 machines up into 4 different tiers from super-automatic machines to bargain basement models.
Onto the rankings!
Tier 1: Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machines
These are the 5 best super-automatic espresso machines that won’t break your wallet. Click on each model to jump to its section.
- DeLonghi Magnifica XS ECAM22110B
- Saeco Incanto HD8911/47
- Gaggia Anima Prestige
- DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300
- Gaggia Brera
1. DeLonghi Magnifica XS ECAM22110B
The extra small (XS), compact version of the DeLonghi Magnifica espresso machine line, the ECAM2210B falls just behind the next-step-up ECAM2310B but packs a ton of value.
My favorite feature of the Magnifica XS ECAM22110B is how intuitive its user display is.
For the most part, all of these Tier 1 super-automatic espresso machines do the same stuff — that’s what classifies them as super-automatic espresso machines!
But the DeLonghi Magnifica’s rotating knob allows you to easily cycle through all of the programmable functions the ECAM22110B offers.
My least favorite feature about the Magnifica XS ECAM22110B?
You can’t adjust the water volume with each brew type (e.g. espresso or long coffee).
Key Features
- 15 bar pump
- 60 oz removable water reservoir
- 8.8 oz bean hopper
- Bypass doser for ground coffee
- Rotary and bush button control panel programmable for start time, auto-off, clock, temperature, coffee strength and cup size (2 settings)
- Hot water spout
- Adjustable height exit nozzle for varying cup sizes
- Compact, extractable brew group for easy cleaning
- Double boiler system
- Auto-off after 3 hours
- User Guide: Click here
- Warranty: 2 years
- Cup Clearance: 4.0″ – 5.5″
- Dimensions: 9.4″W x 13.8″D x 17.0″H
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Watts: 1250W
- Refurbished machine; 6 month warranty. Utilize de'longhi's specialized call center for help in setting up and maintaining your machine at 866-528-8323 (latte best)
- Compact size yet maintains all the features of our full-size automatic machines
- No waiting between making Espresso and frothing milk with the rapid cappuccino system
- Professional quality, stainless steel low pitcher conical burr grinder
- Removable 60 ounce water tank. Height adjustable Coffee spouts to accommodate different sizes of cups
Who is this model for?
If you’ve used (and loved) DeLonghi machines in the past and really value the extra year under warranty, go for the DeLonghi XS ECAM22110B. If you want the flexibility to program your brew size, you’ll want something else.
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2. Saeco Incanto HD8911/47 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Saeco is a great brand with high-quality products, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed owning one of their premium super-automatic models.
What do I love about this machine?
(Aside from the fact it’s a Saeco.)
The LCD screen is a great feature. You also get the water hardness setting unique to the Saecos on this list. The compact brew group is also removable for easy cleaning.
On the downside, this machine is not made with stainless steel. Instead it has a plastic exterior.
Aside from the couple other cons noted below, there aren’t many negatives I have to say about this machine.
I’m a big fan of Saeco — their extended brew group warranty is especially great — and I’d recommend almost any Saeco espresso machine.
Key Features
- 15 bar Italian-made pump
- 60 oz water reservoir
- 8.8 oz bean hopper
- Ceramic, flat/disc grinder
- Pannarello steam wand
- Removable brew group
- Easily programs shot volumes
- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee
- Comes with water hardness test strips to adjust for your water (4 different settings)
- Thermoblock boiler made of stainless steel-lined aluminum
- Capacity for 15 spent pucks
- User Guide: Click here
- Warranty: 1 year however Saeco offers an additional 4 years on the brew group if you register your machine and opt-in for email communications
- Cup Clearance: 4.5″ – 6.3″
- Dimensions: 8.8″W x 18.0″D x 13.3″H
- Weight: 21.0 lbs
- Watts: 1400W
- The espresso machine's ceramic grinders deliver premium espresso coffee from fresh beans for 20,000 cups guaranteed
- Creamy cappucino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button thanks to detachable, hygienic milk carafe
- Elegant design, best materials, and high quality workmanship
- Easy maintenance and cleaning thanks to removable brewing unit and autmoatic cleansing and descaling procedures
- Large capacities in compact design: 8.8oz Bean Container, 15x Waste Container; 60.9oz
Who is this model for?
This middle-of-the-road Saeco super-automatic espresso machine is intended for those looking for something better than a $500 machine. If you’re willing to extend your price range a little, you can get a superior machine in the Saeco Incanto.
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3. Gaggia Anima Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
The Anima Prestige is best of Gaggia’s three super-automatic espresso machine models:
- Gaggia Anima
- Gaggia Anima Deluxe
- Gaggia Anima Prestige
I’d suggest you read our full Gaggia Anima Prestige review. In this space we’ll give you the tl;dr.
I’m a big fan of Gaggia and really like their products. They aren’t as good as Saeco espresso machines, but they deliver good bang for your buck.
The Anima Prestige delivers compact performance with an incredibly easy-to-understand, intuitive user interface. You can program just about everything at the push of a button, including extraction temperature, and get a true one-touch espresso or specialty beverage.
Of course, trying to be a little budget conscious here means something’s gotta give, and with the Anima Prestige that something is it’s all-plastic exterior. I wouldn’t say this model feels cheap, but at 16 lbs it’s definitely the lightest Tier 1 model on our list of best super-automatic espresso machines.
And a minor annoyance: I love the Gaggia Anima Prestige’s automatic cleaning cycle, but you only have a 10 second window during which to initiate it. I don’t know about you, but I’m somewhat scatterbrained. Sometimes the smell of my perfectly extracted shot distracts me from activating the cleaning mode!
Overall, the Gaggia Anima Prestige packs a ton of functionality and a high-quality espresso into a compact and affordable machine.
Key Features
- 15 bar Italian-made pump
- 60 oz water reservoir
- 8.8 oz bean hopper
- Ceramic, flat disc grinder with 5 settings and bypass doser
- Thermoblock boiler
- Buttons for espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte
- Easily programs shot volumes
- Dose size selector from 6.5g-11.5g
- Tempeature control: 177.5°F, 182.9°F, 184.5°F
- Features pre-ground coffee bypass
- Removable, dishwasher safe brew group
- User Guide: Click here
- Warranty: 2 years
- Cup Clearance: Up to 6.0″
- Dimensions: 16.9″W x 8.7″D x 13.4″H
- Weight: 16.0 lbs
- Watts: 1400W
- ONE TOUCH BREWING AND FROTHING: Bean-to-cup feature with automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, macchiatos and lattes
- PROGRAMMABLE: Programmable brewing options for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and espresso
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: 3 different temperature settings. Min/177.5 °F, Med/182.9 °F, Max/184.5 °F
- EASY ACCESS TO WATER RESERVOIR AND BEAN HOPPER: Features a removable 60 oz water reservoir that can be accessed on the top left of the machine, and an 8.8 ounce capacity bean hopper with access from the top right of the machine
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY: Hassle free 2 year warranty handled by Gaggia USA directly. For Gaggia USA's call center, call 888-389-4123.
Who is this model for?
If you don’t mind the cheaper all-plastic feel, you’ll really enjoy the Anima Prestige’s awesome functionality.
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4. DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300
This is arguably DeLonghi’s low-end super-automatic espresso machine, but it could be a great value depending on your price range.
The Magnifica ESAM3300 does everything it should with great consistency. The resulting espresso was awesome for the price range, and I do like the larger water reservoir and adjustable exit nozzle.
My biggest problem is that these machines can be a little unreliable. While my few weeks of use didn’t turn up any significant flaws, some long-time users have reported issues with the grinder or spent puck drawer malfunctioning after 9-12 months of use.
You do get the benefit of DeLonghi’s 2 year warranty, but sending the machine in for repairs is an additional expense and takes time. That’s time you don’t have your espresso machine!
But in the end, a super-automatic espresso machine is very much a “you get what you pay for” item. If you want to watch your wallet a little, I think you’d be better served buying the 2nd-ranked Gaggia Anima.
Key Features
- 60 oz removable water reservoir
- 7.1 oz removable bean hopper
- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee
- Rotary and bush button control panel programmable for start time, auto-off, clock, temperature, coffee strength (5 settings) and cup size (4 settings)
- Pannarello wand has 180 degrees of rotation
- Double boiler design
- Adjustable exit nozzle for espresso and long coffee
- User Guide: Click here
- Warranty: 2 years
- Cup Clearance: 4.0″ – 5.5″
- Dimensions: 11.0″W x 15.3″D x 14.5″H
- Weight: 24.0 lbs
- Watts: 1150W
- Patented "Cappuccino System" frother that mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth
- Easy-to-use rotary and push button control panel with programmable menu settings and beans container capacity is 8.8 ounces
- Grinds beans instantly with the patented, compact and easy-to-clean "Direct-to-Brew" system. Use your favorite coffee beans to create your perfect espresso. Beans with less visible oil, usually a medium roast, are recommended for best grinder performance
- Professional-quality, conical low-pitch burr grinder with adjustable grind fineness.Maximum cup height: 4.25 inches
- Utilize De'Longhi's specialized call center for help in setting up and maintaining your machine at 866-528-8323 (LatteBest)
Who is this model for?
If you love DeLonghi but aren’t looking to spend towards to top-end of your potential price range, take a look at the Magnifica ESAM3300.
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5. Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Matched up head-to-head with most of the other machines on this list, the Gaggia Brera comes up short.
But the Gaggia Brera has one major advantage: its price tag.
Everything else in Tier 1 tends to stretch your wallet a little further. The Gaggia Brera is alittle kinder.
Essentially, there are two trade-offs you make by settling for the Brera:
- A lot of plastic components
- Smaller reservoir, drip tray, and bean hopper capacities
In my use the Brera was a very capable machine, but swapping out stainless steel for plastic is a concern. Still, a lot of Brera users report their machines lasting several years.
Ultimately the Brera has everything you’d expect a super-automatic espresso machine to have, including a very intuitive user interface that allows you to easily refine your espresso to your tastes.
But objectively it isn’t the best super-automatic espresso machine listed.
Key Features
- 15 bar Italian-made pump
- 34 oz water reservoir
- 8.0 oz bean hopper capacity
- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee
- Ceramic, conical grinder
- Pannarello frothing wand, which doubles as hot water dispenser
- Separate espresso and steam boilers allows you to switch quickly between the two modes
- Pre- and post-brew rinse is automatic
- Auto-off after 1 hour of inactivity
- Spent capsule drawer with 8 capsule capacity
- User Guide: Click here
- Warranty: 1 year
- Cup Clearance: 4.0″
- Dimensions: 10.0″W x 15.5″D x 11.5″H
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Watts: 1400W
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for americanos & tea.
- EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are all within reach and accessible from the front of the machine for quick and easy cleaning and maintenance.
- USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons make for an easy and intuitive experience.
- RAPID STEAM TECHNOLOGY: Quick heat up times and robust brewing and steaming operations. Coffee bean capacity : 250 gr
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: Hassle free 1 year warranty handled by Gaggia directly
Who is this model for?
If your price range can stretch further I’d be inclined to go with one of the other machines on this list. But if you’re intrigued by the prospect of living with something more budget friendly, the Gaggia Brera is your best bet.
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Tier 2: Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Maybe you don’t want a super-automatic espresso machine. Maybe they’re too rich for your blood, or maybe you like a little bit more involvement with your daily shot — I know I do.
If that’s the case, these semi-automatic espresso machines are great,especially for intermediate level home baristas who have a little extra cash to spend.
Click on the models below to jump to the respective section:
- Rancilio Silvia
- DeLonghi EC702
- Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma
- Capresso Ultima PRO 124.01
- DeLonghi EC680M DEDICA
1. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia may the best espresso machine on this list, regardless of tier!
I know it’s certainly my favorite. It just falls out of Tier 1 because it isn’t a super-automatic model.
But super-automatic isn’t always better.
You’ll still need a good dedicated grinder to grind your own fresh coffee beans in order to make the most of a machine like the Rancilio Silvia, but in my opinion a good grinder is just the cost of admission when making espresso at home.
The Silvia’s massive 67 oz water reservoir feeds a 12 oz chrome-plated boiler, which is used for both pulling the shot and steaming your milk. The small boiler size offers extremely fast recovery from shot to shot, meaning you can pound out an entire dinner party’s worth of espresso in just a few minutes.
And take a look at the Key Features section below. Look at this things size and weight. It’s packing a ton of heft into a smal package. That’s because the Silvia is durable and made to last. Its brew group is commercial quality, so you’ll be pulling professional shots. With practice, you’ll probably be better than your local coffee shop!
Maybe you could charge for your espresso to offset the price?
I dunno, just thinking out loud.
Key Features
- Type: Semi-automatic pump espresso machine
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 67 oz removable
- Portafilters: Pressurized, single and double shot
- E.S.E. Pod Compatible: Yes
- Auto-Off: 30 minutes
- Unit Size: 9.2″W x 11.4″D x 13.3″H
- Unit Weight: 31 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- User Manual: Click here
- Ergonomic porta filter handle same as the proven design of Rancilio commercial machines
- Commercial grade group head for superb heat stability and extraction quality
- Articulating steam wand offers complete range of motion and professional steaming knob precisely controls steaming pressure
- Classic linear design fits most decors
- Optional pod and capsule adaptor kit available
Who is this model for?
Someone looking for the best espresso machine available (for a reasonable price, that is) and doesn’t want one of the super-automatic models in Tier 1.
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2. DeLonghi EC702
DeLonghi is a quality brand that makes seemingly millions of different models of espresso machines.
This one comes with a simple, 3-button control panel:
- On/off
- Espresso
- Steam
That’s it.
While the DeLonghi EC702’s espresso falls short of the aforementioned Rancilio Silvia, this model is a little more foolproof — especially with its Pannarello steam wand. Just pour in your milk and press the “Steam” button. Done.
The foam’s quality is B+ — sometimes you get some larger bubbles — but that’s to be expected with a fully-automatic frothing system. If you want more control over your foam, remove the black tip on the steam wand and manually froth yourself.
Related: Full DeLonghi EC702 Review
Like all models on this list, the EC702 only comes with pressurized portafilters, and it’s E.S.E. soft pod compatible.
What I really love about this machine is its strong, sturdy build. It’s not 100% stainless steel — that would jack the price tag up — but DeLonghi does work a good amount of stainless steel paneling into their design. That makes this model both easy to clean and visually appealing.
Key Features
- Type: Pump espresso machine
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 44 oz removable
- Portafilters: Pressurized, single and double shots
- E.S.E. Pod Compatible: Yes
- Auto-Off: No
- Unit Size: 11.0″W x 9.1″D x 11.6″H
- Unit Weight: 11.0 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- User Manual: Click here
- Pump driven and 15 bars
- Automatically self primes
- Use pods or ground coffee with the convenient patented filter holder
- Craft cappuccinos or lattes with the patented easy to use frothier
- 44 oz. and 1.3 litter removable water tank.Never install the appliance in environments where the temperature may reach 0°C (32°F) or lower (the appliance may be damaged if the water freeze
Who is this model for?
I’d still go with the Rancilio Silvia, but that model has much more of a learning curve. The DeLonghi EC702 is much easier to use and affords the one-button frothing feature, which will definitely appeal to some users.
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3. Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma
The best quality of the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma espresso machine is its durability.
If you read reviews for this model on Amazon, you’ll see a lot of users who report this machine lasting 3+ years. That’s pretty great! This model has a lot of stainless steel components, even on the inside of the machine, to keep it functioning well for years.
Though almost all of the machines on this list are stripped down to the essential features — that’s how they keep their price tag low — the Breville ESP8XL really takes that to heart. This unit is smaller and more compact than many pump espresso machines.
The downside of this machine, though, is the 40 oz water reservoir, which pales in comparison to Tier 2’s top-ranked Rancilio Silvia’s 67 oz tank.
Key Features
- Type: Pump espresso machine
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 40.6 oz removable
- Portafilters: Pressurized, single and double shot
- E.S.E. Pod Compatible: Yes
- Auto-Off: No
- Unit Size: 9.0″W x 9.0″D x 12.0″H
- Unit Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- User Manual: Click here
- Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar thermoblock pump
- Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer, cup-warming plate
- Accesories: Stainless steel frothing pitcher Tamping tool/measuring spoon/cleaning tool
- Removable drip tray and grid; Frothing jug included
- Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
