Espresso machines have transformed home coffee culture, allowing anyone to craft café-quality drinks without leaving the kitchen. In 2025, the market offers options for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned baristas, with machines ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. This guide compiles insights from rigorous testing and expert reviews to highlight the eight best espresso machines of 2025, complete with their strengths, weaknesses, and a buying guide to help you choose.
1. Breville Barista Express Impress
After rigorous testing, the Breville Barista Express Impress emerged as the top choice, hands down. Its impressive performance and user-friendly features make it a standout option for any beginner espresso enthusiast or frequent coffee-at-home consumer. Setup took only 15 minutes from start to finish. Filling the water tank, soaking the filter, attaching the hopper, and adding the beans were straightforward tasks; the instruction manual and quick-setup sheet were well written and user-friendly. The control panel is intuitive, with light-up 1-cup and 2-cup buttons. It only took a minute to heat the boiler, with the power button doubling as a blinking progress indicator. The machine’s most outstanding features during testing were its intelligent dosing system and assisted tamping mechanism.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder ensures consistent grounds.
- Intelligent dosing and assisted tamping simplify the process for beginners.
- Fast setup and intuitive controls.
- Stainless steel construction for durability.
Cons:
- At around $900, it’s a significant investment.
- The 54mm portafilter is smaller than professional-grade 58mm options.
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain grinder performance.
Price: ~$900
Best For: Beginners and intermediate users seeking a balance of automation and control.
2. Profitec Go
Sleek and powerful, the Profitec Go is a heavy, impressive machine. It pulls shots with a full range of flavor and depth, and it can be dialed in to highlight particular characteristics of your beans. It combines the capability of higher-priced machines with a basic interface. It’s simple for beginners to learn but has a build and power that will appeal to home espresso pros. The machine can pull deep, flavorful, and consistent shots, making it ideal for those who value quality espresso without overly complex controls.
Pros:
- Exceptional shot quality with rich crema.
- Compact yet robust stainless steel build.
- Quick heat-up time for a single-boiler machine.
- PID temperature control for precision.
Cons:
- No built-in grinder, requiring a separate purchase.
- Milk frothing can be tricky for beginners.
- Higher price point (~$1,000) for a single-boiler machine.
Price: ~$1,000
Best For: Espresso enthusiasts who prioritize shot quality and are willing to invest in a grinder.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus is a long-time favorite. In fact, it recently earned the “Best Overall” title in a guide to the best small espresso machines. The Bambino Plus isn’t just defined by its compact size, though. In reality, this is a powerful espresso machine with a 54mm portafilter and an automatic pre-infusion function. Costing $399.95, the Bambino Plus isn’t exactly cheap. However, the machine’s solid stainless steel construction and ease of operation make it more than worth the investment. It’s ideal for novice baristas looking for something more authentic than an automatic espresso machine.
Pros:
- Compact design fits small kitchens.
- Automatic milk frothing with customizable settings.
- Fast ThermoJet heating system.
- Affordable for its feature set.
Cons:
- Small drip tray fills quickly.
- Lightweight build may shift during use.
- No integrated grinder.
Price: ~$400
Best For: Small-space dwellers and beginners who want café-quality espresso.
4. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
For its price, it doesn’t get much better than the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro. This compact machine is a straightforward way to learn the ins and outs of espresso. Don’t let its straightforward interface and simple design fool you: this is the best at-home espresso machine that can pull a full-bodied, flavorful shot. It’s closer to the machine in your local café than the one in your best friend’s house. The Pro isn’t quite as easy for beginners to master as Breville picks, but it was able to produce shots with greater nuance.
Pros:
- Affordable for a semi-automatic machine (~$500).
- Professional-grade 58mm portafilter.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Produces nuanced, barista-worthy shots.
Cons:
- Comes with a flimsy plastic tamper; a quality one is recommended.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- No built-in grinder.
Price: ~$500
Best For: Budget-conscious enthusiasts willing to learn espresso techniques.
5. KitchenAid KF8 Automatic Espresso Machine
Whereas many other fully automatic models come with 10 or so pre-programmed recipes, the KF8 is equipped with 40-plus recipes, plus it’s possible to add your own. “You can also experiment and create fancier beverages, saving the recipe to your personalized menu for future use—a handy feature, especially if you’re picky like me about your coffee but also too lazy to measure and time the steps every morning,” home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala writes. The KF8 has essentially proven to be a stand-in for a barista on my countertop.
Pros:
- 40+ pre-programmed recipes for versatility.
- Self-cleaning between cycles.
- Built-in grinder and automatic dosing.
- User-friendly touchscreen interface.
Cons:
- Expensive (~$1,500).
- Large footprint may not suit small kitchens.
- Less control for those who prefer manual tinkering.
Price: ~$1,500
Best For: Busy coffee lovers who want a hands-off, customizable experience.
6. Lelit Mara X
The Lelit Mara X is a beautiful machine with the look and feel of a commercial espresso machine. We’d think of it as the sports car of single-boiler espresso machines. The tamper fits well in your hand, and it has a good weight to it—it was one of the best included tampers of the machines tested. With a lever mechanism to pull the shot and a curved, double-spouted portafilter where you can watch your espresso slide down, every part of the experience with this machine is sumptuous. We pulled balanced, sweet, nutty shots with a hint of smokiness, as well as lighter shots with florals and notes of honey.
Pros:
- Premium build with commercial-grade components.
- Excellent included tamper.
- Adjustable PID and shot timer for precision.
- Produces complex, flavorful shots.
Cons:
- Expensive (~$1,500).
- Single boiler means delays when switching between brewing and steaming.
- No built-in grinder.
Price: ~$1,500
Best For: Serious hobbyists who want a luxurious espresso experience.
7. De’Longhi Stilosa
There is such a thing as a budget espresso maker that gets the job done right. The De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine is the one for you. It only costs around $100, yet it has a built-in frother, filters for single and double shots, and a tamper. All you need to get is a coffee grinder (unless you plan on buying your beans pre-ground) and a frothing pitcher to use with the wand. If you’re worried about the low cost, even professionals think inexpensive machines are good options. “Do not automatically think the more expensive, the better,” Patterson says. This machine allows you to make any drink that expensive models do and is likely more straightforward to get the hang of.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable (~$100).
- Includes frother and filters for versatility.
- Simple operation for beginners.
- Compact design.
Cons:
- Manual shut-off for shots can be inconsistent.
- Plastic components feel less durable.
- No grinder, and frothing wand is basic.
Price: ~$100
Best For: Budget buyers new to espresso.
8. Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
For people who prefer espresso-based drinks, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is versatile and easy to use. In our tests, every cup of espresso and coffee came out hot and well-rounded with a luxurious crema. Plus, the position of the water tank can be moved to fit your counter space. Another noteworthy perk is that Nespresso recycles used pods if you send them back to the company, and the brand’s newest Vertuo machine is made with 54% recycled plastic. Finally, you can’t beat the price, and it requires barely any cleanup.
Pros:
- Pod-based for minimal effort and cleanup.
- Produces consistent espresso with crema.
- Compact and eco-friendly design.
- Affordable (~$400 with milk frother).
Cons:
- Limited to Nespresso pods, reducing bean variety.
- Less control over shot customization.
- Milk frother is separate, adding counter clutter.
Price: ~$400
Best For: Those prioritizing convenience and consistency.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine
When shopping for an espresso machine, consider the following factors to ensure you pick the right one for your needs:
- Type of Machine:
- Manual: Offers full control but requires skill (e.g., Flair Espresso).
- Semi-Automatic: Balances control and automation (e.g., Gaggia Classic Evo Pro).
- Automatic: Simplifies dosing and timing (e.g., Breville Barista Express).
- Super-Automatic: Fully automated for ease (e.g., KitchenAid KF8).
- Pod-Based: Fast and mess-free but less customizable (e.g., Nespresso Vertuo).
- Skill Level: Beginners should opt for automatic or super-automatic machines with guided features, while enthusiasts may prefer semi-automatic or manual models for tinkering.
- Budget: Prices range from $100 (De’Longhi Stilosa) to over $1,500 (Lelit Mara X). Factor in accessories like grinders, tampers, and frothing pitchers.
- Counter Space: Compact models like the Bambino Plus suit small kitchens, while larger machines like the KitchenAid KF8 need more room.
- Features: Look for 9–15 bars of pressure, PID temperature control, a quality steam wand, and a durable portafilter. Built-in grinders save space but may limit upgradeability.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and descaling are crucial. Super-automatic and pod machines are low-maintenance, while semi-automatic models require more upkeep.
FAQs
Q: How much should I spend on an espresso machine?
A: It depends on your needs. Budget models ($100–$200) like the De’Longhi Stilosa are great for beginners but may lack durability. Mid-range machines ($400–$900) like the Breville Bambino Plus or Barista Express offer a balance of features and quality. High-end models (~$1,000+) like the Profitec Go or Lelit Mara X are for enthusiasts who want professional-grade results.
Q: Do I need a separate grinder?
A: If your machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder (e.g., Profitec Go, Gaggia Classic), you’ll need one for freshly ground beans, which significantly improve flavor. Machines like the Breville Barista Express include grinders, saving space and cost.
Q: What’s the difference between single and dual-boiler machines?
A: Single-boiler machines (e.g., Profitec Go) handle brewing and steaming sequentially, causing delays. Dual-boiler machines (e.g., Breville Dual Boiler) allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, ideal for making multiple milk-based drinks quickly.
Q: Are pod machines worth it?
A: Pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima are convenient, consistent, and low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy users. However, they limit you to specific pods, which can be costly and less customizable than using fresh beans.
Q: How do I maintain my espresso machine?
A: Daily cleaning includes wiping the steam wand, rinsing the portafilter, and emptying the drip tray. Backflush semi-automatic machines weekly to remove coffee oils. Descale every 1–3 months with a descaling agent, depending on water hardness.
Conclusion
The best espresso machine for you in 2025 depends on your budget, skill level, and preferences. The Breville Barista Express Impress shines for its user-friendly automation, while the Profitec Go and Lelit Mara X cater to enthusiasts craving café-quality shots. Budget options like the De’Longhi Stilosa and convenient pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima ensure there’s something for everyone. Pair your machine with quality beans and regular maintenance to enjoy barista-worthy coffee at home.
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