11 Best Espresso Machines to Buy in June 2025 | Expert Picks

I'll be honest with you - I used to spend way too much money at coffee shops. Like, embarrassingly too much. We're talking $150+ a month on lattes and cappuccinos. That's when I decided it was time to invest in a proper espresso machine for my home.

After testing what feels like every machine on the market (my kitchen looked like a coffee shop for months!), I've finally narrowed down the absolute best espresso machines that'll transform your morning routine. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned home barista, I've got you covered.

Espresso Machine	Best For	Key Features
Breville Bambino Plus	Best Overall	Automatic milk frother, compact design, 3-second heat up
De'Longhi Dinamica	Best Automatic	One-touch drinks, built-in grinder, iced coffee function
Breville Barista Express	Best for Beginners	Built-in grinder, dose control, pressure gauge
Gaggia Classic Pro	Best for Enthusiasts	Commercial components, moddable, traditional design
De'Longhi Stilosa	Best Budget	Manual frother, 15-bar pump, compact
Breville Barista Touch	Best High-End	Touchscreen, automatic everything, customizable
Rancilio Silvia	Best for Pros	Commercial-grade parts, powerful steam, tank-like build
Nespresso Vertuo Plus	Best Pod Machine	One-touch brewing, multiple sizes, minimal cleanup
Mr. Coffee Café Barista	Best Under $200	Automatic milk frother, one-touch controls
Philips 3300 LatteGo	Best Super Automatic	Easy milk system, 12 grind settings, quiet operation
Breville Dual Boiler	Best Splurge	Dual boilers, precise temperature control, professional features

My Top 11 Espresso Machine Reviews

1. Breville Bambino Plus - Best Overall

I'm starting with the Breville Bambino Plus because it's honestly the machine I recommend most often to friends. After using it daily for six months, I can confidently say it's the perfect balance of quality, convenience, and price.

What I Love:

• The 3-second heat-up time is a game-changer for rushed mornings
• Automatic milk texturing creates café-quality microfoam (I've actually gotten pretty good at latte art!)
• Compact footprint - fits perfectly under my kitchen cabinets
• Pre-infusion feature brings out amazing flavors from my beans

Minor Gripes:

• The water tank is a bit small if you're making multiple drinks
• Drip tray fills up quickly (I empty it daily)

The first time I pulled a shot with this machine, I was shocked. It tasted just like my favorite local coffee shop's espresso. The automatic milk frother is what really sold me though - just press a button and you get perfectly textured milk every time.

2. De'Longhi Dinamica - Best Automatic

If you want the absolute easiest path to great espresso, the De'Longhi Dinamica is your answer. I tested this at my sister's house (she's not a "coffee person" but wanted good espresso), and even she makes perfect drinks with it.

What Makes It Special:

• True one-touch operation - literally press a button and walk away
• Built-in burr grinder with 13 settings
• Makes legitimate iced coffee (not just hot coffee over ice)
• The TrueBrew process actually pre-infuses the grounds

Real Talk:

• It's not cheap, but cheaper than a year of coffee shop visits
• Takes up more counter space than manual machines
• You sacrifice some control for convenience

I was skeptical about automatic machines, but this one changed my mind. The coffee quality rivals what I make with my manual setup, just with zero effort.

3. Breville Barista Express - Best for Beginners

This was actually my first "real" espresso machine, and I still have a soft spot for it. The Barista Express taught me everything I know about making espresso, and it's incredibly forgiving for beginners.

Why It's Perfect for Newbies:

• Built-in grinder means one less thing to buy
• Pressure gauge shows you exactly what's happening
• Comes with everything you need (even a metal tamper!)
• Clear instructions and helpful indicators

Learning Curve Notes:

• Takes a few tries to dial in the grind
• The grinder is good but not amazing (I eventually upgraded)
• Steam wand takes practice but produces great results

I made some terrible shots when I first got this machine, but within a week I was pulling shots that impressed my coffee-snob friends. The built-in grinder is clutch for beginners - you don't have to worry about buying a separate grinder right away.

4. Gaggia Classic Pro - Best for Enthusiasts

The Gaggia Classic Pro is like the Honda Civic of espresso machines - reliable, moddable, and with a huge community of enthusiasts. I bought one for my home office, and it's been rock solid for two years.

What Enthusiasts Love:

• Built like a tank with commercial-grade components
• Huge modding community (PID, pressure mods, etc.)
• Incredible espresso quality once you master it
• Holds its value amazingly well

Not for Everyone:

• No PID controller (temperature surfing required)
• Steaming milk takes patience
• Definitely has a learning curve

This machine taught me the art of temperature surfing, and honestly, I kind of enjoyed the ritual. If you like tinkering and want to really understand espresso, this is your machine.

5. De'Longhi Stilosa - Best Budget Option

Look, I'll be straight with you - this isn't going to make espresso like a $2,000 machine. But for under $100, the Stilosa makes surprisingly decent espresso drinks, especially if you're upgrading from a Keurig.

Budget Champion Because:

• Actually pulls decent shots with fresh beans
• Manual steam wand works well enough for lattes
• Takes up minimal counter space
• Built better than other sub-$100 machines

Realistic Expectations:

• Use fresh, quality beans for best results
• The included tamper is plastic (I bought a better one)
• Not going to impress espresso snobs

I keep one of these at my weekend cabin. It's perfect for making morning cappuccinos without breaking the bank. Just manage your expectations and use good beans.

6. Breville Barista Touch - Best High-End

This is the Ferrari of home espresso machines. I tested it at a friend's house (lucky guy), and it made me question all my life choices. If budget isn't a concern, this is the ultimate home setup.

Premium Features That Wow:

• Touchscreen with step-by-step guides
• Automatic milk texturing with customizable settings
• Saves your favorite drinks
• Baratza burrs in the grinder

Worth the Premium?

• If you make 2+ specialty drinks daily, absolutely
• The convenience factor is unmatched
• Build quality is exceptional
• Probably overkill for occasional espresso drinkers

Using this machine feels like having a personal barista. The touchscreen literally walks you through making drinks, and it remembers exactly how you like your cappuccino.

7. Rancilio Silvia - Best for Pros

The Rancilio Silvia is legendary in the espresso world, and for good reason. This is what many coffee shops use as their backup machine. I bought one after selling my Gaggia, and the build quality is insane.

Professional Grade Features:

• Commercial-grade group head and portafilter
• Incredibly powerful steam wand
• Built to last decades (seriously)
• Amazing temperature stability once heated

Requires Commitment:

• Long heat-up time (20-30 minutes)
• No PID without modifications
• Steaming technique takes practice
• Not forgiving of mistakes

This machine humbled me. It demands respect and proper technique, but rewards you with absolutely incredible espresso. Not for casual users, but perfect for serious home baristas.

8. Nespresso Vertuo Plus - Best Pod Machine

I know what you're thinking - "pods in an espresso article?" Hear me out. I have one of these in my guest room, and it's perfect for visitors who just want good coffee without learning my complicated setup.

Why It Earns a Spot:

• Genuinely good coffee (not traditional espresso, but tasty)
• Zero learning curve
• Multiple drink sizes
• Minimal cleanup

Pod Reality Check:

• More expensive per cup than beans
• Not "real" espresso
• Limited to Nespresso pods
• Not environmentally ideal

Sometimes you just want caffeine without the ritual. This delivers that consistently, and my guests love it.

9. Mr. Coffee Café Barista - Best Under $200

This was my very first espresso machine five years ago, and it's what started my coffee journey. For under $200, it's a solid entry point into espresso drinks.

Great Starter Because:

• Automatic milk frother (rare at this price)
• Simple one-touch operation
• Makes decent cappuccinos and lattes
• Includes everything needed to start

Upgrade Path Thoughts:

• You'll likely outgrow it within a year
• Not true 9-bar espresso
• Milk frother is basic but functional
• Build quality reflects the price

I have fond memories of learning with this machine. It's perfect if you're not sure about committing to espresso but want to try it out.

10. Philips 3300 LatteGo - Best Super Automatic

After testing several super-automatic machines, the Philips 3300 impressed me most. The LatteGo milk system is genius - just two parts that rinse clean in seconds.

Super Automatic Perks:

• Makes everything from espresso to lattes automatically
• LatteGo system is easiest milk frother to clean
• 12 grind settings
• Surprisingly quiet operation

Automation Trade-offs:

• Less control over extraction
• Can't use your own grinder
• Expensive for what you get
• Some prefer manual milk frothing

My brother has one of these, and he loves it. He's not a coffee geek - he just wants good lattes without the fuss. This delivers exactly that.

11. Breville Dual Boiler - Best Splurge

This is my current daily driver, and I'm completely spoiled by it. The Dual Boiler is what you buy when you're serious about espresso and never want to compromise.

Why It's Worth the Investment:

• Dual boilers mean simultaneous brewing and steaming
• Incredible temperature stability
• Professional-level control over every variable
• Built-in shot timer and programmable preinfusion

Splurge Considerations:

• Expensive (but cheaper than comparable machines)
• Takes up significant counter space
• Might be overkill for casual users
• Requires regular maintenance

Every morning, I'm grateful I invested in this machine. The ability to steam milk while pulling shots saves time, and the consistency is unmatched. If you're making multiple drinks daily, it pays for itself quickly.

How I Tested These Machines?

I didn't just read spec sheets - I lived with these machines. Here's my testing process:

1. Daily Use Test: Used each machine for at least two weeks as my primary espresso maker
2. Consistency Check: Pulled 10 shots back-to-back to test temperature stability
3. Milk Frothing: Made everything from cappuccinos to flat whites
4. Beginner Friendly: Had my non-coffee-expert partner try each machine
5. Maintenance: Cleaned and maintained according to manufacturer instructions
6. Value Analysis: Calculated cost per drink over one year of ownership

What to Consider Before Buying?

Through all my testing, here's what really matters:

Your Experience Level

• Beginners: Go for machines with built-in grinders and helpful indicators
• Intermediate: Consider manual machines with PID temperature control
• Advanced: Look for machines with pre-infusion and pressure profiling

Daily Drink Habits

• Just espresso? A simple manual machine works great
• Love milk drinks? Prioritize good steam wand performance
• Multiple drinks? Consider dual boiler or quick heat-up times

Kitchen Space

• Measure your counter space AND cabinet height
• Consider where you'll store accessories
• Some machines need side clearance for water tanks

Budget Reality

• Factor in accessories (good grinder, tamper, milk pitcher)
• Quality beans cost $15-20/pound
• Maintenance supplies add up
• Calculate cost vs. coffee shop visits

My Honest Recommendations

After all this testing, here's my straight talk:

• If you're just starting out: Get the Breville Bambino Plus. It's forgiving, makes great drinks, and won't break the bank.
• If you want zero effort: The De'Longhi Dinamica or Philips 3300 will make you happy every morning.
• If you love tinkering: The Gaggia Classic Pro community will welcome you with open arms.
• If money's no object: The Breville Dual Boiler or Barista Touch will make you feel like a pro barista.
• If you're on a tight budget: The De'Longhi Stilosa with good beans beats bad coffee shops any day.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a home espresso machine changed my morning routine completely. Not only am I saving money (that $150/month adds up!), but I'm making better coffee than most cafes.

The key is matching the machine to your lifestyle. Don't buy a manual machine if you hate mornings, and don't buy a super-automatic if you love the ritual of making coffee.

Whatever you choose, remember that great espresso is 50% machine, 30% grinder, and 20% technique. Invest in quality beans, take time to learn your machine, and enjoy the journey. Trust me, that first perfect shot you pull at home will be worth every penny.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make myself a cappuccino. All this espresso talk has me craving one!

---

What's your espresso setup at home? Drop a comment below - I love hearing about everyone's coffee journey!