A multitude of characteristics define a good espresso, but according to the Italian Espresso National Institute, these short and richly strong shots should be topped with a silky, 'hazelnut-coloured' layer of light crema, and have a full-bodied flavour with intense aroma. Whilst delicious on its own, espresso also forms the basis of classic coffee drinks, among which you'll find americanos, cappuccinos, milky lattes, chocolatey mochas and even espresso martini.

Approximately 95 million cups of coffee are consumed every day in the UK according to the British Coffee Association, and there's a host of home espresso machines designed to replicate the results of those used in commercial coffee houses; great news for budding baristas or anyone looking to save money on buying them while out-and-about.

These machines use pumps to drive near-boiling water through a layer of finely ground coffee and filter into your espresso cup quickly. The whole process, from loading to full extraction, should take under one minute (around 25-seconds of extraction to produce 25ml of espresso) and speed is one of the major advantages of this brewing method over traditional drip methods.

There's also more than one type of home espresso machine for making barista-style coffee so we've explained the different types below. Although some machines will grind the beans freshly for you (these are broadly known as bean to cup coffee machines) there are alternative ways to achieve this without splashing out. Our guide to the best coffee grinders is a great place to find some manual and electric options. With practice and a supply of freshly-ground coffee, there’s no reason why you can't achieve excellent espresso coffee in the classic Italian tradition at home.

These gadgets are investment purchases which is why our reviews experts have tested over 90 coffee machines and made over 200 coffees to find the best coffee machines on the market.

Looking for more advice and buyer's guides for kitting out your kitchen? Our reviews section is a great place to get inspired, packed with tried-and-tested favourite gadgets to help you make delicious recipes everyday.

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Best espresso machines at a glance

  • Most stylish home espresso machine: De'Longhi Dedica EC685.M manual espresso maker, £159
  • Best blowout espresso machine: KitchenAid Artisan espresso machine, £314.30
  • Best classic espresso machine: Gaggia Classic espresso machine, £429
  • Best affordable espresso machine for versatility: Salter 3-in-1 Barista Deluxe, £99.99
  • Best mid-range espresso machine for freshly ground coffee: De'Longhi La Specialista Arte, £450
  • Best home espresso machine for aficionados: SMEG ECF01 espresso machine, £309
  • Best portable espresso machine for single espresso: Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker, £46.90
  • Best semi-automatic espresso machine for beginners: Swan One Touch espresso machine SK22150, £145
  • Best affordable espresso machine for small kitchens: VonShef 15-bar espresso machine, £75
  • Best hand pump espresso maker: Flair Signature espresso maker, £248
  • Best mid-range espresso maker: Sage Bambino Plus espresso maker, £399.95
  • Best semi-automatic espresso machine for beginners: Swan SK22110 Retro Pump espresso machine, £93.50

Check out expert barista Celeste Wong's recommendations for the best moka pots, gooseneck kettles, coffee grinders and decaf coffee to buy on our sister brand, olive magazine:

Best espresso machines to buy in 2023

De'Longhi Dedica EC685.M manual espresso maker

Delonghi Dedica EC685 manual espresso machine in black

Most stylish espresso maker

Pros:

  • Good range of movement with the milk steam wand
  • A* energy rating

Cons:

  • Slightly unstable when locking portafilter
  • Easy to press a button accidentally

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1350W

De'Longhi's Dedica espresso machine is uber sleek, with a stainless steel exterior that gives it a true, modern-classic feel. At 1.1 litre capacity, its water tank is smaller than others but it packs in 15-bars of pressure to create deliciously smooth and crema-topped espresso with no hint of bitterness. It's also a practical size for fitting on smaller countertops, only 14.0cm in width and 33cm in depth. For an espresso machine that won't break the bank and looks great on your countertop, the De'Longhi Dedica EC685.M manual model should be at the top of your list. Read our full De'Longhi Dedica EC685.M review.

KitchenAid Artisan espresso machine

KitchenAid Artisan espresso machin

Best blowout espresso machine

Pros:

  • Five-year warranty
  • Proper stainless steel tamper included in the box
  • Anti-slip mat for tamping
  • Single and double wall filter baskets included

Cons:

  • Small icons denoting its functions
  • Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage:

KitchenAid products have a brand legacy to live up to, so when new models are released, expectations are high. The Artisan edition of the espresso machine has a low, slimline footprint but a hefty metal body that gives it good stability on its grippy base. It's a classy, pricey unit that fully delivers in terms of coffee quality, steam wand efficiency and the accessories included (which is where many machines fall).

There's a weighty stainless steel tamper and an accurate coffee scoop that decants 12g of coffee into a single-shot filter basket (just the right amount). After brewing, the used coffee puck was almost dry, making it mess-free to tap out. All we missed was a second cup tray for lifting espresso cups higher to the stream to stop splashing.

Gaggia Classic espresso machine

Gaggia Classic espresso machine

Best classic espresso machine

Pros:

  • Professional grade accessories and specifications
  • Easy to use rocker switches
  • Good tamper and coffee scoop included
  • Efficient steam wand

Cons:

  • Tall. Not suitable for storing under countertops with spotlights.

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 1425W

Designed and made in Italy, the Gaggia Classic is pitched as a state-of-the-art coffee machine for the home – a statement we don't disagree with. Much of this is due to the impressive functionality hidden behind its stainless steel body, such as the solenoid valve, which is responsible for controlling water temperature inside the filter holder, but you can also feel it in the parts for manually making coffee.

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The chromed brass group and filter holder are the same size, weight and style of those used with professional commercial machines, designed to control the heat during brewing for optimal extraction. The three filters (single, double and ESE pods) require a solid clip meaning there's no annoying rattling. There's space to store and warm five espresso cups on the top. Even with its state-of-the art style, this is still one easy-to-use machine.

Salter 3-in-1 Barista Deluxe espresso machine

Salter 3-in-1 Barista espresso machine

Best affordable espresso machine for versatility

Pros:

  • 19-bar pump
  • Compatible with Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsules as well as ground coffee
  • Efficient milk steaming wand

Cons:

  • Drips after brewing
  • Not much room for mugs

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1050W

For the price, this espresso machine is a bargain. It's small so suitable for less roomy kitchens. The water tank pulls out at the side, which means you don't have to remove it from the back for filling. Its 19-bar pressure pump is packed with power for pulling espresso. But what really makes it stand out is the ability to accommodate two types of coffee pod in addition to ground coffee; versatility you don't often see. Of course, not everyone will need this, and it does mean you have to store an extra portafilter. If this is you, don't worry – this machine does the basics really well. We'd recommend brewing the espresso into short cups and then pouring into to your favourite mug after.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte manual espresso machine

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte

Best mid-range espresso machine for freshly ground coffee

Pros:

  • Dual-height cup tray for long and short drinks
  • Stainless steel milk jug, heavy tamper and tamping mat all included

Cons:

  • Water tank proved temperamental to load
  • Crowded control panel

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 1300W

If you're someone who likes to try different bean varieties and roasts but you don't want to buy a separate coffee grinder, the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte is an excellent choice. It will grind beans freshly from its hopper when a coffee is selected, offering 11 grind settings to choose from. This technically makes it a bean-to-cup coffee machine but we've included this here because of its price point, compact size and quality. The coffee dosing is automatic (but adjustable), then you do the hands-on part of compressing the grinds with the help of a silicone tamping mat and heavy tamper.

It's the high-quality extras that not only make the experience of using this espresso a joy, but it's relatively simple even for beginners, such as the dosing hat that sits on the portafilter to minimise mess. The comprehensive instruction manual packed with diagrams and tips guide you through everything from pre-infusion temperature profiles to the ratios of espresso-based coffees, and will even help you improve latte art skills. For the money, this is an excellent value espresso machine.

SMEG ECF01 espresso machine

SMEG ECF01CRUK espresso machine

Best home espresso machine for aficionados

Pros:

  • Richly dark espresso with silky crema
  • Good selection of customisation options

Cons:

  • No accompanying stainless steel milk jug despite the high price

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1350W

Smeg has channelled its iconic 1950s designs into this slimline espresso machine that’s simple on the surface, but packed with advanced personalisation features. If you have the budget to invest, the ECF01 upper-mid range machine is a sleek and stylised addition to a kitchen countertop that creates rocket-fuel espresso. Just read the instructions thoroughly before use. Read our full SMEG ECF01 espresso machine review.

Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker

Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker

Best portable espresso maker for single espresso

Pros:

  • Compact and portable
  • Integrated coffee scoop and cup

Cons:

  • Water needs to be preheated

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: N/A

The Wacaco Minipresso GR features five main parts that screw together into one portable, robust package. Its integrated manual pump generates eight bars of pressure (116 PSI) to produce a full-bodied single espresso, complete with a thick crema. The build-quality combined with the hands-on process means it's not only fun to use but a genuinely functional bit of kit for making espresso on the go. Read our full Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker review.

Swan One Touch espresso machine SK22150

Swan Retro One Touch Espresso machine, best espresso machines

Best semi-automatic espresso machine for beginners

Pros:

  • 20 bars of pressure
  • ESE pod compatible

Cons:

  • Large-cup latte setting produces too much coffee for the largest mug in your cupboard

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 1250W

This Swan is the new iteration of the fully manual Swan Retro Pump SK22110 espresso machine. It’s arguably a step-down model for personalisation, but a step up in automation and ease-of use.

The preset buttons make it more user friendly. There’s a steam wand that's intuitive. You’re left with the ‘fun bits’ of filling, tamping and loading the portafilter. Just choose the filter, press the button and it’s 20-bar pressure pump does the work. Just remember to manoeuvre the milk steam wand into the mug beforehand. Read our full Swan One Touch espresso machine review.

VonShef 15-bar espresso machine

VonShef 15- bar espresso machine

Best affordable espresso machine for small kitchens

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe portafilter basket
  • Wand for steaming milk

Cons:

  • Slow to warm up
  • No accompanying milk steaming jug

Star rating: 3.5/5

Wattage: 850W

If you don't have much space in your kitchen, this 15-bar pressure espresso machine by VonShef is an easy-to-use model that isn't too large, and gives you freedom to personalise your coffee without the heavy price tag. Three buttons control its simple features; power on, steam and espresso. Once the machine is fully heated and the function selected, you control when and how much water is pulled through the portafilter. The filter itself is double-shot in capacity so can be half filled for a single. The steamer wand is also intuitive to use. Read our full VonShef 15 bar espresso machine review.

Flair Signature espresso maker (bundle)

flair-signature-espresso-hero-52cae83

Best hand pump espresso maker

Pros:

  • Sustainable option for making espresso
  • Great build-quality

Cons:

  • Takes practice to master

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: N/A

This espresso maker stands out for one obvious reason – it's operated by hand rather than electric, meaning it has environmental benefits. It also produces a high standard of coffee to rival any traditional machine. Once you've got used to the functionality, making coffee is simple. It's easy to clean, superbly small and well-engineered. Read our full Flair Signature espresso maker review.

Sage Bambino Plus espresso maker

sage-bambino-hero-adb48a4

Best mid-range espresso maker

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Efficient milk frother

Cons:

  • Bulky
  • Rickety drip tray

Star rating: 4.5/5

Wattage: 1600W

Simple, intuitive and capable of brewing thick, rich espresso, the Bambino Plus packs a lot of power into a mid-range package. It comes loaded with bonus features, including a very good steaming wand and a clever water tank. Despite its name, it does take up a fair amount of room, so this should be considered before investing. Read our full Sage Bambino Plus review for all specifications.

Swan SK22110 Retro Pump espresso coffee machine

swan-espresso-machine-hero-8ca7d18

Best espresso machine for beginners

Pros:

  • Good value for money
  • Dial-controlled milk steamer

Cons:

  • Large footprint

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 1100W

Our favourite espresso machine under £100, this vintage-looking Swan machine produces good results for its reasonable price tag, although we recommend packing the filter with ground coffee if you like a strong brew. It ticks a lot of boxes – easy to use and clean, plus it comes with a milk frother and temperature gauge. The aesthetic might not be everyone's taste, but it does come in different colours. Read our full Swan Retro Pump espresso machine review.

How to choose the best espresso machine

While there are many types on the market, we'd advise any espresso lover to buy a traditional pump-action machine, which combines mechanisms for both maintaining water temperature and applying pressure.

The best coffee pod machines require you to buy pods, which can be less cost-effective while also posing a greater sustainability issue as they're difficult to recycle or biodegrade. In contrast, espresso machines just require ground coffee, and there are a couple of types to choose from.

Automatic espresso machines

These will heat the water, brew and extract espresso into your coffee cup. You'll likely need to do the dosing and tamping of the grinds, then load and unload the portafilter. Certain elements will be adjustable to help you personalise your coffee, like the brew time, quantity and water temperature.

Manual espresso machines

This type of machine doesn't plug into the mains, so are generally more portable and sustainable espresso makers compared to plug-in automatic types. The water does need to be pre-heated, but they do offer a very hands-on process of making the coffee that's incredibly gratifying.

If speed and convenience are the biggest decision drivers for you, a bean-to-cup coffee machine may be an interesting alternative. Some espresso machines – including most of the ones reviewed in this guide – have extra features in addition to coffee extraction.

  • Milk steamer wands: These are a popular add-on, used to heat and froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos and other creamy concoctions. If you like your coffee with milk, we recommend you either buy a machine with a steamer, or get a standalone steaming/frothing appliance to go with a machine that doesn’t have the feature.
  • Single and double cup capabilities: Some espresso machines will be able to make two cups of coffee at the same time.
  • ESE pod compatibility: Biodegradable pouches containing ground coffee that can be placed into the portafilter and minimise the mess of wayward grinds.
  • Coffee dosing spoon and tamper: Filling your portafilter with coffee and compressing them down into an even layer is an essential part of the espresso-making process, particularly if splitting espresso between two cups.

In the interest of meeting lots of different needs, we’ve featured a variety of espresso machines, with styles ranging from retro to contemporary, for different budgets.

Before you choose one and place an order, think carefully about the types of coffee you’d like to make and the characteristics you’d like your coffee machine to have.

To make good espresso, you'll also need to use fresh, finely ground coffee. We've also tested 20 of the best coffee grinders to bring you our picks of the most efficient, value for money and well-designed models on the market for grinding the best coffee beans available. For example, the Bodum Bistro electric burr grinder or the Porlex tall manual grinder were top picks for releasing flavours.

How we tested espresso machines

The espresso machines featured in this review were chosen from a carefully curated longlist of over 20 machines and tested against strict test criteria using the same, finely ground coffee. Each machine was scored out of five against the following core criteria:

  • Espresso quality:

We looked for espresso with rich flavour, smooth consistency, a hazelnut-coloured silky crema and bold aroma.

  • Quality of materials

The are investment appliances and therefore the quality of each component needs to be built for daily use and longevity.

  • Ease of use

How helpful is the manual and how intuitive is the machine to use?

  • Value for money

Does the machine offer good return of investment?

  • Ease of assembly and packaging

The machines were scored on how easy they were to set up, the protective quality of its packaging and quantity of single-use plastic in its box.

The following criteria also played into our decision-making:

  • Extra features

For example, a milk wand for steaming milk, accompanying stainless steel milk jug, single and double-cup functions.

  • Personalisation options

Adjustable water temperature, coffee brew-time, hard or soft-water settings.

  • Water tank

Needs to be easily accessible or removable for refilling.

  • Ease of cleaning

Descaling settings, self-cleaning functions, milk steam wand purge, dishwasher-safe portafilter and filter baskets, portafilter rinsing.

  • Kitchen footprint

Espresso machines van vary from the slimline to the big and boxy.

  • Design

Would we buy this for keeping out on our kitchen countertops? If not, they weren't included.

Some of these factors may matter more to you than others. The coffee fanatics among you will care deeply about the quality of extraction, and advanced features such as temperature control and milk frothing.

Minimalists will be interested in the kitchen footprint and ease of cleaning. If you’re new to making coffee and don’t mind your espressos on the weaker side, value for money and ease of use may be your top priorities.

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