Best Espresso Machines for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: March 1st, 2024

☕Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking to spice up your morning, the right espresso machine can be a game-changer. After diving deep into the top picks from trusted sources, we've curated a list of the best espresso machines for 2024. From budget-friendly options to high-end machines, there's something here for every coffee lover.

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Overall Best: Breville Barista Express

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Barista Express is our top pick, seamlessly blending sleek design with exceptional functionality. This machine features an integrated conical burr grinder, a 15-bar pressure pump, and a thermocoil heating system, providing precise control over the coarseness and quantity of your coffee grounds. These elements ensure you can brew a custom espresso that perfectly suits your taste. It consistently produces rich, creamy espresso topped with a thick layer of crema, making it a must-have for espresso lovers. Although its control panel might initially seem complex, the user-friendly interface makes it suitable for both beginners and seasoned baristas alike. The efficiency and high quality of the Breville Barista Express truly set it apart as the best overall choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$549.95 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel

The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is celebrated among home baristas for its robust performance and durability. Crafted with commercial-grade parts, it delivers café-quality espresso, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy the hands-on process of making espresso. While there's a learning curve, it's perfect for enthusiasts who relish having control over every step. According to our research, users praise its consistency and the powerful steam wand, which is excellent for frothing milk. The Rancilio Silvia's combination of quality and performance earns it the spot as our runner-up.

Lowest at Amazon
$900.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$638.54 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Rancilio Silvia good for beginners?
The Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is pretty popular among coffee enthusiasts. Whether it's good for beginners really depends on how comfortable you are with espresso machines. Let's break it down with what we found based on our research and feedback from people who use it regularly. ### Things to Think About **Manual Operation**: This machine is semi-automatic, so you'll need to grind your beans, tamp them, and control the brewing yourself. It's great if you want more control over your espresso shots, but it might be a bit challenging if you're completely new to this. **Build Quality**: One thing that stands out is its build quality. The Silvia is mostly made of stainless steel and brass, which means it's durable and should last you a long time. A lot of folks think of it as a solid long-term investment. **Steaming and Frothing**: The steam wand is quite powerful and can froth milk really well, which is something we noticed in our research. But it does come with a bit of a learning curve. If you're up for it, you could get some amazing results. **Temperature Control**: The machine does a good job of maintaining temperature, which is super important for making good espresso. However, it lacks a PID controller, so you might need some practice to get the temperature just right. **Automatic Shut-off**: According to the manufacturer, the machine has an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in after 30 minutes of inactivity. It's handy for saving energy and for those moments when you forget to turn it off. ### What Others Say From what we've gathered, most people find that the Rancilio Silvia offers a lot of learning opportunities. Many mention that starting with this machine helped them understand the intricacies of making espresso and appreciate the process more. ### So, Is It Good for Beginners? If you're willing to invest some time and effort to learn the ropes, then yes, the Rancilio Silvia could be a great fit for you. But if you're looking for something more straightforward that you can just plug in and use right away, this might feel a bit daunting at first. All in all, while it might not be the easiest machine for complete beginners, the Silvia is reliable and powerful, offering plenty of room to grow as you get better at making espresso. It's a solid pick if you're serious about diving into the world of espresso.
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What grinder works best with the Rancilio Silvia?
Hey! If you're wondering which grinder to pair with your Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, I’ve got a few solid recommendations. The Silvia itself doesn’t come with a grinder, so picking the right one is really important to get the best espresso shots. Here are some grinders people swear by for the Silvia based on our research: 1. **[Rancilio Rocky](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00HWFIKZO%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: This one’s by the same company that makes the Silvia, so it's like they’re made for each other. It’s got professional-grade burrs and a sturdy design, offering a really reliable grind. 2. **[Baratza Sette 270](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB01AXM4WV2%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: If you love having options, this grinder comes with a wide range of grind settings so you can get your espresso just right. Plus, it has a built-in timer, which is a nice touch for accurate dosing. 3. **[Eureka Mignon Specialita](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07YZQ6XBL%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: Looking for something both stylish and efficient? This grinder is known for its quiet operation and consistent grind, which really helps in making great espresso. 4. **[Mazzer Mini](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB000A7G5NA%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: This one's a favorite among coffee lovers. It offers commercial-quality grinding in a more compact size that suits home use. It's reliable and well-built, making it a great long-term investment. Choosing the right grinder can really up your espresso game, so it’s worth taking a look at these options. Just make sure to consider what fits your needs and budget best. Enjoy your coffee adventures!
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How do you clean and maintain the Rancilio Silvia?
Keeping your Rancilio Silvia clean and well-maintained is really important for making sure it runs smoothly and your espresso tastes awesome. Here’s a simple guide to help you look after your machine properly. ### Daily Cleaning: 1. **Rinse the Portafilter and Baskets**: After each use, take out the portafilter and baskets, and rinse them well under hot water. This stops coffee oils and grounds from building up. 2. **Wipe the Steam Wand**: Right after steaming milk, wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth and let out some steam for a few seconds. This helps keep milk residue from clogging the wand. 3. **Empty the Drip Tray and Water Reservoir**: Regularly empty the drip tray to avoid overflow and wash it with warm, soapy water. Refill the water reservoir daily to ensure you’re using fresh water for brewing. ### Weekly Cleaning: 1. **Backflush with Water**: Use a [blind filter basket](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dblind%2Bfilter%2Bbasket%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) (backflush disk) and run the pump for about 10 seconds in on-and-off cycles, around 5 times. This cleans the brew group and three-way valve. 2. **Clean the Shower Screen**: Remove the shower screen from the brew group and soak it in a solution of [espresso machine cleaner](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Despresso%2Bmachine%2Bcleaner%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and hot water. Scrub off any remaining coffee residue and rinse thoroughly before putting it back. ### Monthly Cleaning: 1. **Backflush with Cleaner**: Use an [espresso machine cleaning powder](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Despresso%2Bmachine%2Bcleaning%2Bpowder%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [tablet](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Despresso%2Bmachine%2Bcleaning%2Btablet%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) while backflushing. Follow the same steps as the weekly water backflush, but include the cleaner. This gets rid of deeper oil and residue buildup. 2. **Descale the Boiler**: Fill the water reservoir with a [descaling solution](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddescaling%2Bsolution%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and run it through the machine as if you’re brewing coffee, making sure to flush the steam wand too. Then, run fresh water through to remove any leftover descaling solution. ### Extra Tips: - **Use [Filtered Water](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DFiltered%2BWater%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: Filtered water can reduce scale buildup and make your machine last longer. - **Check Gaskets and O-Rings**: Regularly look at the gasket and O-rings for wear and tear, and replace them if needed to keep a proper seal. - **Lubricate the Grouphead**: Every now and then, lubricate the grouphead gasket with [food-safe lubricant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfood-safe%2Blubricant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to keep things running smoothly. Based on our research, keeping up with regular maintenance doesn’t just keep your machine in good shape—it also makes your espresso taste better. Stick to these cleaning routines, and your Rancilio Silvia should serve you well for years.
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Budget Pick: De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine

De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure + Milk Frother Steam Wand, Black / Stainless, EC260BK, 13.5 x 8.07 x 11.22 inches

For those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, the De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine is our top pick. This machine is particularly suited for beginners, offering decent espresso at an affordable price. It includes a dual-function filter holder and a steam wand, adding versatility for various coffee drinks. While our research noted that its build quality can feel a bit flimsy and it may struggle with producing high-quality foam, it's an excellent starting point. The De'Longhi Stilosa lets you dip your toes into the world of espresso without a hefty investment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$82.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What size portafilter does the De'Longhi Stilosa use?
The De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine uses a 51mm portafilter. From what we've found, this is a pretty common size for home espresso machines, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding aftermarket baskets and tamps that fit. The size can definitely influence how well your espresso turns out since it affects the extraction. So, having a 51mm portafilter should make it simpler to find the right accessories and could really improve your coffee game.
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Can the De'Longhi Stilosa make lattes and cappuccinos?
Yep, the De'Longhi Stilosa (model EC260BK) can definitely make lattes and cappuccinos. It's got a built-in milk frother that’s designed for creating the steamed milk you need for those drinks. From what we found, the frother works pretty well, but if you're new to home coffee-making, it might take a little practice to get the hang of it. Kinda like riding a bike, you know? 🤷‍♂️ Another thing to note is that it uses manual controls for the espresso. You turn a dial to start the water flow and turn it back to stop when you have the amount of espresso you want. This gives you a lot of control over how strong and how much coffee you make, but you'll need to watch it closely to avoid any spills or weak shots. Some folks really like this manual control because it lets them tweak their coffee just right. But if you're someone who prefers a machine with pre-set options, just know that this one requires a bit more involvement. Overall, the De'Longhi Stilosa is a solid choice for lattes and cappuccinos if you don't mind a bit of hands-on effort. The manufacturer and our data suggest it's well-loved for its price and the quality of espresso it produces. Just remember, a little practice with the frother and getting your shots just right will go a long way!
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How do you clean the De'Longhi Stilosa espresso machine?
Cleaning your De'Longhi Stilosa espresso machine regularly is key to keeping it working well and ensuring your coffee tastes great. Here's a simple guide to help you out: 1. **Daily Cleaning** - **Portafilter and Basket**: After each use, remove the portafilter, dump the coffee grounds, and rinse both the portafilter and basket with warm water. A quick brush can help get rid of any stuck coffee bits. - **Water Reservoir**: Make it a habit to empty and rinse the water reservoir every day. Fill it up with fresh water before you brew. - **Steam Wand**: After frothing milk, let the steam wand run for a bit to release any leftover steam and wipe it down with a damp cloth. This keeps milk residue from building up. 2. **Weekly Cleaning** - **Detachable Parts**: Once a week, take off parts like the portafilter, basket, and drip tray and soak them in warm, soapy water. Rinse them well and dry before reassembling. - **Exterior**: Give the machine's exterior a quick wipe with a damp cloth to clean off any coffee splashes or fingerprints. 3. **Descaling** - **Frequency**: The manufacturer says to descale every 2-3 months, but this can depend on your water hardness. Using filtered water might help you stretch this out. - **Descaling Solution**: Follow the manufacturer's instructions or use a store-bought descaler for espresso machines. Fill the water tank with the solution. - **Process**: Run the machine like you're making espresso, but without coffee grounds. Once the tank empties, rinse it, fill it with fresh water, and run it again to clear out any descaling solution. 4. **Other Tips** - **Filter Basket**: Sometimes, the tiny holes in the filter basket can get clogged. A pin can help you clear any stuck bits. - **Maintenance Kits**: Think about getting a [De'Longhi maintenance kit](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DDe%2527Longhi%2Bmaintenance%2Bkit%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It comes with tools and cleaners that make deep cleaning easier. By sticking to these cleaning habits, your De'Longhi Stilosa should keep making great coffee for a long time.
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Best for Beginners: Breville Bambino Plus

Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

New to the world of espresso? The Breville Bambino Plus is a fantastic choice for beginner baristas. It’s incredibly easy to use and maintain, making it ideal for those just getting started. Despite its compact size, it pulls delicious shots of espresso that rival those made by its more sophisticated counterpart, the Breville Barista Express. The automated steam wand is a standout feature, delivering perfect milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos. According to our findings, its user-friendly experience makes the Breville Bambino Plus a favorite among novices.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$494.38 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Can the Breville Bambino Plus make milk-based drinks automatically?
Yep, the Breville Bambino Plus can definitely make milk-based drinks automatically. It's got this automatic steam wand with three preset milk temperature settings and adjustable froth levels. So, you can tweak the milk texture and temperature just the way you like it. This makes whipping up lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso drinks a breeze, even if you're just starting out. According to our research, a lot of folks find the automatic steam wand really user-friendly and convenient since it makes the frothing process so much easier. It pretty much takes the guesswork out, which is great if you’re new to this. That said, some people mention you might get better results by frothing the milk manually, especially if you're a bit of a perfectionist about your milk texture. For more specialized drinks like cappuccinos, a bit of manual intervention might get you that perfect froth. All in all, the Breville Bambino Plus strikes a nice balance between convenience and customization for making a variety of milk-based espresso drinks at home.
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What is the warranty period for the Breville Bambino Plus?
Hey! The Breville Bambino Plus (model BES500BSS) comes with a one-year warranty starting from the day you buy it. This cover handles any defects in materials or workmanship under normal home use. Just make sure to keep your receipt and go over the warranty details to know what's included and what's not. If you ever run into any issues, Breville's customer service can help with any claims or troubleshooting. Also, you might want to register your Bambino Plus on Breville's website to make the warranty process smoother if you ever need it.
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Does the Breville Bambino Plus have a built-in grinder?
No, the Breville Bambino Plus (model BES500BSS) doesn't have a built-in grinder. The manufacturer focuses on making it great at pulling high-quality espresso shots with features like an automatic cleaning function for the steam wand. This auto-purge system helps prevent milk build-up, but it can cause the drip tray to fill up faster if you use the steam wand a lot. So, you'll need to empty the drip tray pretty often. It's a pretty user-friendly machine, good even if you're new to making espresso. According to our research, it creates excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, and it consistently performs well with both milk frothing and espresso shots. Sources like [Serious Eats](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dserious%2Beats%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [TechGearLab](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtechgearlab%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) also praise its steaming performance and overall reliability. Although the auto-cleaning feature means you'll need to be attentive to the drip tray, the benefit is a clean steam wand with minimal effort on your part. If you're okay with that small bit of maintenance, then the Breville Bambino Plus could be a solid choice for you, especially if you’re looking for high-quality espresso and milk frothing without needing a built-in grinder.
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Best Fully Automatic: Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine

Jura E8 Automatic Espresso Machine

For those who value convenience without compromising on quality, the Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine is a standout option. This Swiss-made machine comes with 17 pre-programmed drinks, six grind settings, and a 2.8-inch color display, offering a café-style experience at home with minimal effort. It's perfect for users who want a variety of coffee options at their fingertips. While it comes with a higher price tag and requires substantial counter space, the Jura E8's features and ease of use justify the investment for dedicated coffee enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$2,399.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Jura E8 Espresso Machine? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How easy is it to clean the Jura E8?
Cleaning the Jura E8 is pretty straightforward. The manufacturer includes integrated rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programs that really simplify the whole process. It takes most of the guesswork out of upkeep, so you can keep your machine in good shape without much hassle. From what we've found, most people find the cleaning process to be pretty user-friendly. The automatic cleaning cycles for the coffee, milk, and water systems are a big plus. The machine even prompts you when it's time to run these cycles, so you don't have to remember on your own. One person mentioned that the automatic rinse for the milk frother works really well, which saves them time. But, a few things to keep in mind: The cleaning tablets and other Jura-specific products can be a bit pricey, and those costs can add up. Plus, the milk system, despite the automatic cleaning, might need some extra manual cleaning every now and then, especially if you're using non-dairy milk. A nice feature is the [CLEARYL Smart](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCLEARYL%2BSmart%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) water filter, which the manufacturer says helps keep limescale at bay. This not only makes maintenance easier but also improves the coffee quality. The machine will let you know when the filter needs replacing, so it's easy to stay on top of that. So, while you do need to clean the Jura E8 regularly, its automated features and user-friendly prompts make it pretty manageable. Just be ready for the occasional manual touch-up and the extra cost of Jura's cleaning products.
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What is the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) on the Jura E8?
The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) on the Jura E8 is a pretty cool feature that really bumps up the coffee quality. Basically, it works by using short pulses of water instead of a continuous stream during brewing. This helps to get the most flavor out of the coffee grounds, especially when making espresso, where timing is crucial to get that perfect shot. Our research backs this up, showing that the machine consistently produces rich and robust flavors that can rival café-quality coffee. This makes the Jura E8 stand out among home espresso machines. One thing that's really nice about the Jura E8 is that it can brew 17 different types of coffee, like espresso, coffee, cappuccino, and more. You control it through a bright, easy-to-use 2.8-inch color display, so even if you’re not a barista, you can easily make your favorite drink. According to the manufacturer's description, it also has a [Professional Aroma Grinder](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DProfessional%2BAroma%2BGrinder%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which they say boosts aroma by 12.2%, making your coffee even more flavorful. From our research, it seems like most people are really happy with the flavor quality. They often highlight how the P.E.P. system makes the coffee rich and bold. One person even mentioned that it consistently delivers coffee just as good as what you'd get at a café, which they felt made it totally worth the investment. That said, we did find a few reports of issues, like the coffee not being hot enough or the occasional defect. However, these complaints aren't very common. Most people seem to agree that the Jura E8 is excellent for making high-quality coffee at home, combining convenience with great taste. So, in a nutshell, the P.E.P. on the Jura E8 really enhances the flavor extraction, giving you rich, robust coffee in every cup. With its range of coffee types and advanced grinder, it's well-loved for delivering a premium coffee experience right in your kitchen.
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Does the Jura E8 have a milk frother?
Yep, the Jura E8 has a milk frother. It's got this cool [fine foam frother G2](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfine%2Bfoam%2Bfrother%2BG2%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which makes it super easy to whip up your favorite milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The frother is designed to give you that light, creamy foam you'd expect from a café. According to the manufacturer's description, it's built to be both precise and efficient, delivering great foam every time you use it. From our research, people really like the frother on this machine. They say it's easy to use and clean, which is a big plus if you're new to making these kinds of drinks. Plus, it works well even if you're making several cups one after another. Another nice touch is that the milk frother is integrated right into the machine. So you don’t need extra gadgets cluttering up your kitchen. It also has an automatic cleaning function for the milk system, which keeps things hygienic and low-maintenance—another thing folks seem to love. So yeah, if you're into milk-based coffee drinks, the Jura E8 is a solid choice with its reliable frothing system. If you have more questions about it or other machines, just let me know!
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