10 Best Coffee Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a versatile and high-quality machine designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to make specialty coffee at home. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that allows you to grind beans directly before brewing, ensuring the freshest taste. The machine also has a low pressure pre-infusion system, which helps extract balanced flavors from the coffee grounds, and a digital temperature control (PID) for precise water temperature management, resulting in optimal espresso extraction.

The powerful steam wand allows for manual microfoam milk texturing, enabling the creation of latte art and enhancing the flavor of your drinks. This machine is equipped with a 67 oz water reservoir and a 1/2 lb bean hopper, and offers programmable settings for single or double shots, grind size, and grind amount, providing a high level of customization. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, with included cleaning tools and accessories.

However, the machine is manual, which means it may require a learning curve for beginners, and it has a large footprint, which might be challenging for smaller kitchens. Additionally, while the brushed stainless steel finish is sleek, it can show fingerprints and smudges. The machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is a super-automatic espresso machine designed for home users who want convenience without sacrificing quality. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings, which is great for customizing the coffee strength and flavor. The one-touch system offers five popular drinks like espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, coffee, and hot water, making it easy to prepare a variety of beverages with minimal effort. Its LatteCrema system is effective for frothing milk and milk alternatives, so it’s a solid choice if you enjoy creamy lattes or cappuccinos.

The water reservoir is removable, which helps with refilling and cleaning, and several parts are dishwasher-safe, making maintenance simpler for everyday use. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly, and the machine includes programmable settings to tailor drinks to your liking. At around 19.6 pounds, it’s relatively compact, fitting well in most kitchen spaces.

While it offers good pressure for espresso extraction, the machine may not have some advanced customization options found in higher-end models. Being fully automatic, it may not satisfy users who prefer more hands-on control over their coffee-making process. Cleaning requires regular attention to keep the machine performing well over time due to maintenance needs. This model suits those seeking a straightforward, versatile espresso machine with integrated grinding and frothing that works well for everyday coffee drinks, especially for users who value ease of use and quick drink preparation without expert barista skills.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine is designed for home baristas who want to enjoy third wave specialty coffee with ease. It features a built-in conical burr grinder that ensures fresh beans are ground to the perfect consistency for maximum flavor. The integrated grinder with dose control is a major strength, as it delivers the right amount of coffee on demand. The machine also impresses with its rapid 3-second heat-up time, thanks to the ThermoJet heating system, making it suitable for those who value quick setup in the mornings.

The digital temperature control (PID) ensures precise espresso extraction, providing consistent and optimal flavor. For milk-based drinks, the automatic microfoam milk texturing allows for adjustable milk temperature and texture, enabling users to create barista-quality microfoam and latte art at home. The touch screen interface is user-friendly and allows for easy customization of coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature, with the ability to save up to 8 personalized coffee settings. Included accessories such as the stainless steel portafilter, milk jug, and cleaning kit add value and convenience.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The machine's weight (21.8 pounds) might be a concern for those with limited kitchen space or who need to move the machine frequently. Additionally, while the machine offers a range of programmable settings, the complexity might be overwhelming for beginners. The price point is on the higher end, which could be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. In summary, the Breville Barista Touch is a feature-packed, high-quality espresso machine ideal for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate customization and convenience but may not be the best choice for beginners or those with limited space and budget.