6 Best Espresso Machines for Commercial and Home Use
Are you among the majority that believes that the best espresso machines are a reserve of cafes and restaurants?
Well, let me surprise you:
You can get your ideal espresso machine regardless of your budget! These exceptional machines range from under $100 to over $2000! The choice is all yours.
An espresso machine is just what you need to make irresistible shots of espresso that’ll go a long way in rejuvenating your day! They come in different sizes and shapes to make sure that you get the best for your kitchen.
We’ve undertaken extensive research just to ensure that you get the best espresso machines in the market. Even better, we’ve incorporated several espresso machines under $200!
Yes! You don’t have to break your bank to own an effective espresso machine. Read on to get a reliable buying guide.
Best Espresso Machines – Comparison
| Image | Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine (Cafe’ Barista) | -Material Stainless Steel-Wattage 1040 watts-Item Weight 10.4 Pounds | |
| KRUPS EA8250 Espresso | -Fully automatic 1450-watt espresso/coffee machine-Water tank capacity 1.8 L- intuitive LCD screen-Steam nozzle; 60-ounce removable water tank | |
| Breville BES870XL Barista | -Material Steel-Capacity 1 cups-Voltage 120-Wattage 1600 watts | |
| DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker | -Model Name 15 bar Pump-Material Stainless Steel-Voltage 120 volts-Wattage 1100 watts-Item Weight 11.5 Pounds | |
| Klarstein Passionata 20 Espresso Maker | -Easy Foam-removable water tank holds a volume of 1.3 qt. - enough water for 6 cups of coffee- | |
| Nespresso pixie Espresso Maker | -Material Aluminum-Item Weight 7.7 Pounds-Voice command Buttons-Model C60-US-TI-NE-Item Dimensions L x W x H 12.83 x 4.33 x 9.25 inches |
Why You Should Have the Best Espresso Machine in Your Kitchen
If you’re a coffee-lover, you’ll agree that nothing beats the flavour and the aroma of freshly-made espresso. The cream on top of your cup coupled with its great taste makes it a must-have beverage.
But there’s a problem!
To get a perfectly made espresso, you’ll need to queue for several minutes before you’re served. If you’re lucky enough, you may get the beverage in record time—but at a higher cost!
If you simply cannot live without espresso but you’re pissed off by long waiting times, then it’s time you get your espresso machine.
You’ll not only enjoy the flexibility of making the beverage whenever you want, but you’ll also save a few bucks.
Yes! It’s economical to make espresso at home.
You’ll be surprised at how much you save monthly after you stop taking espresso from your favorite coffee shop and start making it at home.
Benefits of Owning the Best Espresso Machine
- Convenience. Do you need a quick morning fix? Well, don’t waste your time queuing for your favorite espresso drink! Just buy the espresso machine and fix it at your convenience
- Saves you Money! Buying an espresso machine could be all you need to revolutionize your finances! If you’ve been worried about your ballooning bills, then it’s time you start fixing your beverages at home.
- Flexibility. You’ll have all the chance to try new things with your espresso machine. In the coffee world, there are new changes each day—whether on seasonality, different roasting methods, and country of origin. Try different coffee types at home and you’ll love the outcome!
- It’s Easy to Operate. Are you worried that buying an espresso machine will give an operational nightmare? Worry no more! This machine is easy to use even for your children
Looking at these benefits, you can be certain that buying an espresso machine will better your life significantly.
Even better, you can see (as detailed herein) that there are several espresso machines under $200! Here is a well-thought-out comparison table that will help buy just what you need.
Top 6 Best Espresso Machines
1. Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine (Cafe’ Barista)
If you’re looking for a machine that will serve multiple functions, then Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino is your best bet.
This is a 3 in 1 semi-automatic machine that will transform how you enjoy your beverages in the house—for the better! It can make espresso, cappuccino, and latte! Yes, all these 3 from the same machine is incredible, isn’t it?
Even better, Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine has an automated milk frother. If you love steamed and frothed milk, then you can be certain that this machine will serve you well. You’ll get creamy milk in just a few minutes!
It has a 15 bar pump system which ensures that you get the best tasting espresso coffee.
Features of Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine (Café Barista)
One-touch control panel which guarantees ease of use. You’ll select the drink that you want using a touch button!
Automated milk frother. This feature eliminates guesswork thus allowing you to get the best quality frothed milk
Tri-function. You can use to prepare cappuccino, latte, and espresso using this machine
Has an incredibly easy to fill milk and water reservoirs
Pros
- Highly automated
- A unique 15 bar pump system for high output over a short time
- Easy-to-use since it has an automatic display
- The ultimate espresso maker!
Cons
- Relatively large especially if you have limited kitchen space
- Cleaning can be a hassle
2. KRUPS EA8250 Espresso
This KRUPS EA8250 is a great and a super-automatic espresso machine packed with convenience. It’s one of the trusted units from KRUPS in the coffee-making field and has taken the lead in function, innovative features and melding style
With an inbuilt conical burr grinder, you’ll get the sweetest flavor ever!
It features a unique and patented technology with a thermoblock that helps in proper preheat compared to other machines. But that doesn’t mean your unit will overheat. It’s guaranteed to properly tamper.
Besides that, never be worried about replacing and cleaning the inner parts of the unit. It comes with extra accessories to boost your experience. It comes with a movable tray to do straightforward cleaning.
If you want to grind more beans at a time, then this machine has got you covered. It has a large capacity to hold more beans. In addition to that, it comes with an extended hopper to keep your beans fresh until its ground or crushed.
KRUPS comes with a 1.8-liter water tank capacity located on the back part that will not allow you to pour water on the tank later. With an LCD monitor, you will view everything you are instructing and the grinding progress.
The perfect time arrangement and temperature level deliver a 100% quality coffee throughout. Also, it’s backed up with a 2-year warranty, you are guaranteed of 100% money refund. The hydraulic automated tamping mechanism is essential for expert effect.
Pros
- Comes with a unique cleaning system
- It has numerous programs
- Burr grinders for even grind
- Easy and simple to control
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Features a noisy grinding
- The bean hopper is small in size
- Has a less capacity as compared to other models
3. Breville BES870XL Barista
What are you still waiting for? This Breville Barista came along to knock away your tension. This is a machine that’s born with a brewer. In other words, it’s a dual coffee maker that works out everything great as per the expectations.
If you want to produce the best espresso in your kitchen without any fuss, then consider Breville that comes with a purge function to help in the extraction process, thus making it an easy-to-use machine.
Additionally, this feature helps in water temperature regulation immediately after steaming happens, thus drawing out maximum coffee flavor. It contains a 1600 watts thermal heating system that makes water attain its optimal temperature within a short period.
The 67-ounce tank is removable and has an attached handle to make it easy to carry.
It features a Dose control grinding with integrated circuit conical burr grinds that delivers the correct quantity of freshly ground coffee. The grounded coffee is then delivered in the portafilter for your desired taste with any bean roast.
Breville features a precise espresso extraction as it comes with digital temperature control that delivers water at the required temperature leading to an optimal Espresso extraction. And many people love it as it features a micro-foam milk feel that improves flavor and creates latte art.
The grand size dial that’s intuitive and simple gives you authority over the grind size. It doesn’t matter the type and size of the bean you are grinding. It comes with a hands-free operation with an innovative cradle.
The fact that it targets to do greater things– probably too much –makes it one of the best coffee makers with a grinder globally.
Pros
- It has a commercially working power
- Has mighty construction to offer durability
- The best unit for coffee brewing
- Has a classic look and feel
- Built with a powerful boiler
- It’s easy to use
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Needs enough storage space
- Comes with a large footprint
4. DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker
Looking for the best espresso machine under $200 has been simplified by the invention of this dynamic coffee maker by DeLonghi. It’s one of the few espresso machines under $200 that has a stainless steel frame!
Additionally, the espresso machine has a 15-bar pump that self-primes automatically to produce several shots of the best espresso. Even better, the espresso machine under $100 gives you the chance to choose whether to use pods or capsules. This flexibility is golden for many coffee lovers.
If you want to froth your espresso, then you can turn on the machine’s manual frother. This helps you to achieve a creamy froth on your espresso that’s simply irresistible. Additionally, the espresso machine under $200 is pretty easy-to-use. Most of its functions are automated which cuts the prep.
The DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker comes with a superb 44-ounce capacity supplemented by a 1.3 Liter removable water tank. As such, you can be sure that this espresso under $200 is ideal for any family size.
When using the DeLonghi EC702 Espresso Maker, avoid temperatures that go below the freezing point (0 degree Celsius). The extreme temperatures can destroy it.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Uses both pods and capsules
- Self-primes
- Comes with a frother
Cons
- Relatively heavy and takes up large space
5. Klarstein Passionata 20 Espresso Maker
This espresso machine under $200 boasts of high-quality construction and superb efficacy. It is easy to use and provides guaranteed value for your money.
The durable espresso machine is the epitome of style! It features stainless steel, coupled with unique elements of colorful accents. Incorporating it in your kitchen will undoubtedly add a great sense of style to your kitchen aesthetics.
It weighs 8 lbs and measures 15.4 by 14.6 by 10.6 inches. This gives it a sturdy base that guarantees more room for making your espresso with minimal distractions. Even more impressive is its 1.3 quarts volume with the capacity to hold approximately 6 cups at ago.
Additionally, it features a steam nozzle and an ESE filter, which enables you to get creamy espressos, lattes, and cappuccino. This is just the best espresso machine under $200 if you don’t mind large-sized machines in your kitchen. The 20-bar pump pressure guarantees flawless coffee brewing in record time.
The espresso machine under $200 is semi-automatic. It has an in-built grinder to ease your brewing or frothing exercise. Even better, it allows you to fine-tune your portafilter, thus regulating the coarseness of your bean grind. This customization option ensures that you get just what you need!
If you thought that you’ve heard it all about this espresso machine under $200, then you’re wrong! The machine has self-priming operations! It is pod-compatible and you can easily select to use the double or single sizes dispensation options.
Pros
- Low noise levels
- Easy to use/ semi-automatic
- Removable stainless steel mesh drip tray for ease of cleaning
- Pod-compatible
- Guaranteed Durability
Cons
- Takes a lot of space and it is relatively heavy
6. Nespresso pixie Espresso Maker
This espresso machine under $200 has a backlit LED control panel that helps you to detect the water levels without a strain. It has a unique thermoblock heating element that accelerates the preheating – you require a maximum of 30 seconds to achieve the ideal temperature!
Additionally, this espresso machine under $200 uses the Compact Brewing Unit Technology to ease the insertion and ejection of capsules. As such, you don’t need any prior experience to use the machine competently.
The machine has a 24-ounce removable water tank and can hold up to 10 capsules. Even better, this lightweight machine measures 12.83 by 4.33 by 9.25 inches, which makes it ideal regardless of your kitchen size.
Other exceptional features of the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker include:
- Easy to program. You can choose between espresso and lungo using a button!
- Fast brewing. You’ll require 30 seconds to brew your coffee
- Folding drip tree to allow the use of larger cups
- Auto power-off feature
Additionally, this espresso machine under $200 has unique back light indicators and water level detection measures. These features allow you the freedom to undertake other kitchen chores without the worry of spillage.
Pros
- Auto-off feature
- LED control panel
- Highly portable
Cons
- Not ideal if you have a large family
Best Espresso Machines – Buying Guide
Buying the best espresso machine is a step in the right direction. This is especially important if you don’t have a coffee machine with a grinder! It will revolutionize your coffee brewing experience and save you time!
However, selecting the best espresso machines can be hectic. This is worse when you do not have the slightest idea of what you should consider when shopping.
If you’ve found yourself in such shopping difficulties, then you shouldn’t worry! This article will outline the factors you should consider before settling for your best espresso machine.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Espresso Machines
- Ease of Use
How easy is it to use your best espresso machine? Well, when purchasing your espresso machine, you should always consider your previous brewing experience.
If you have never been a barista or operated an espresso machine, then you should settle for the super-automatic models.
Both automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines have some functions automated. That way, you’ll have an easy time brewing your espresso.
- Material Used in Construction
The materials used in the construction of your best espresso machine will determine its durability and appearance.
While they may be a bit pricey, stainless steel espresso machines are relatively durable. However, you can also choose an espresso machine that combines both metal and plastic.
Additionally, you should always consider your taste and preferences. If you’d love your best espresso machine to match the aesthetics of your kitchen, then you should choose one with your favorite colors.
- Size
The size of your best espresso machine will determine how easy it is to carry it around. If you love outdoors, you may require a small-sized and portable espresso machine.
Also, the size affects your storage ability. Always consider the size of your kitchen storage space before settling for your best espresso machine.
- Capacity
What is the size of your best espresso machine storage container? If you have a big family, you may want to consider an espresso machine that can hold up to 6 cups at one moment.
On the contrary, it wouldn’t be necessary to have an overly big espresso machine if you have a family of two!
- Ease of Cleaning
How easy is it to clean your best espresso machine? These machines require constant and vigorous cleaning exercises. As such, getting an espresso machine with an easy cleaning procedure will be a plus for you.
- Pressure Levels
Pressurized hot water will produce foam and froth, which is a crucial element of an espresso drink. When the water passes through grounded coffee beans, you can be sure that you’ll get an irresistible espresso.
To achieve the best results, we recommend that your best espresso machine should have 15-17 bars. However, you can choose one with as low as 9 bars depending on your preferences.
- Automatic Milk Frother
Do you want your best espresso machine to have an automatic frother? If yes, then you should be ready to clean the machine with hot water after every use.
However, the automatic milk frother will guarantee a quick milk froth and it eliminates the need to preheat the milk.
Best Espresso Machines – Coffee Beans vs. Pods
When buying the best espresso machine, you should always consider whether it allows the use of pods.
All espresso machines will require fine coffee. While many people prefer freshly ground dark roast coffee beans, others detest the work associated with the grinding process.
If you don’t want to grind the coffee beans at home, you should always buy a pod compatible espresso machine. While they are likely to be more expensive, they’ll offer diversity and allow you to make irresistible espresso even when you don’t have coffee beans.
Best Espresso Machines -The Bottom Line
Do you want to transform your coffee making process for the better? Well, there is no better way to achieve that than buying the best espresso machine.
These machines are tailor-made to ensure that you achieve the best taste latte, espresso, and cappuccino. It comes in different variations including manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic.
As such, you can always choose that which suits you best depending on your experience level. If you’ve ever been a barista, you’ll not have a problem operating the manual espresso machine.
However, starters should only consider the semi-automatic and super-automatic options unless they are willing to learn the basics of operating the manual machine.
This article details other factors that you should consider when buying the best espresso. Even better, it has a comprehensive list of the 6 best espresso machines for your consideration.
Boniface Muriuki
Chef Boniface is a graduate in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education, New York. He has worked in several restaurants and is currently the Head Chef at Cavali Restaurant. He has excelled in developing unique recipes and influencing the menu at the restaurant. He prides himself in sharing his knowledge at thekitchenpot.com where he writes about the best cookware for various recipes..