Best Coffee Espresso Machines

You turn on a knob, press an icon, and a delicious beverage is waiting for you. It's not going to win any beauty contests, however it does provide a tasty cup espresso that our testers discovered to be more coffee-like than other machines.

It also requires more work to use than other models we reviewed. Still, it's worth the effort for the hands-off java lover.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the best Nespresso machine for you if you are an avid coffee drinker who is seeking efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is simple to use. Simply place a capsule in and press brew to enjoy your beverage. The machine automatically adjusts the brewing parameters to maximize extraction based on the barcode of the capsule. This is a big selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don't have to think about setting different pressures or temperatures for different drinks. It does restrict your options to Nespresso pods only and doesn't include a built-in milk frother.

The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso Centrifusion to create a smooth and rich crema. The machine spins at 7000rpm to remove all the aromas and flavors from each capsule. It also heats up and dispenses water at the same time, allowing you to make American drip espresso or coffee.

The Vertuo Plus is more affordable than Creatista Pro. This makes it a great upgrade option for those who are looking to improve their Nespresso experience. The Vertuo Plus comes with smaller water tanks, which are 40 ounces as compared to the that of the deluxe model, which is 60 ounces. If you intend to prepare large drinks or to share it with guests or entertain guests, then the deluxe model might be the better choice for you.

2. Barista Express Impress

Breville Bijou Espresso Machine: Premium Silver Brewer's Barista Express Impress is an attractive machine that has a stylish design and useful features. Its smart dosing system and assisted tamping helps beginners streamline the process by automating certain parts of it, making it easy for anyone to make a decent espresso. It also allows small adjustments to the temperature of water which experienced baristas will appreciate, as just a few degrees can alter the taste of the coffee.

The machine features a high-end conical burr grinder, which has 25 grind settings to accommodate any type of coffee. The machine also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug as well double- and single-wall filter baskets to fit one- and two cup sizes. You can also make use of the frothing arm to make micro-foams for cappuccinos and lattes.

We loved that the espresso machine's interface is simple to navigate and clearly walks you through every step. We also appreciated that it doesn't have many plastic parts and looks quite sturdy. It's not cheap, but it's a well-built machine with a lot of features that will last for years to come. It is also backed by a fantastic warranty that covers any mechanical issues for a year after the date of purchase. This is quite impressive for a machine of this price. If you're planning to make espresso frequently, it's worth the money.

3. Gaggia Classic

Gaggia's Classic was first introduced in 1991. It quickly gained a cult following thanks to its simplicity style and - of course - ability to create a delicious cup of espresso. Almost three decades later it's back better than ever thanks to the new Classic Pro. Although the Classic Pro isn't as advanced as other entry-level machines it is still capable of producing espresso that is cafe-quality with the high-end portafilter and group. As it's a single boiler, you won't be able to prepare and steam at the same time. It is necessary to wait a few minutes before you can pull the shot.

With a sleek industrial design that looks stylish and feels solid in your hands, the Classic Pro features simple switches for On/Off and brewing/steam with specific indicator lights, making it easy to work with. The frame and switches of the Classic Pro are more durable and give it an exceptional feel.

In terms of accessories the Classic Pro doesn't come with many options, but the commercial-standard portafilter of 58 millimeters and the tamper made from plastic are a nice addition. A 3-Tassimo My Way 2 - Enjoy 70+ Drinks! (www.coffeee.uk) solenoid is also a excellent addition. It stops water pressure fluctuations and helps to get rid of the sloppy espresso pucks that cheaper machines are unable to do. Gaggia has also added a professional-looking steam wand that does a great job of making milk frothy to create latte art.

4. De'Longhi COM532M

This De'Longhi espresso machine is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy barista-quality espresso at home. It is simple to use, and has many features. It has a stainless-steel boiler, brewhead, and portafilter, as well as a removable water tank. It is also small which means it can fit on most counters.