Whether you’re a seasoned barista or embarking on your coffee journey, comprehending the espresso machine is vital for perfecting your coffee cup and achieving that coveted morning shot. In our comprehensive 2023 guide to the finest espresso machines, we’ve uncovered top-notch models that excel in extraction, crema creation, and milk frothing while offering excellent value. These machines not only elevate your coffee game but also provide ample room for honing your barista skills.

The majority of these machines boast built-in grinders, earning them the moniker “bean-to-cup espresso machines.” As investing in an espresso machine is a significant decision, we’re committed to assisting you in making a well-informed investment choice.

 

 

Breville The Barista Express Impress

Securing its top spot as the best espresso coffee machine for 2023, the Breville The Barista Express Impress, also known as the Sage The Barista Express Impress in the UK, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the world of Breville espresso machines. Renowned for its consistently delectable coffee output, this Breville espresso machine boasts remarkable versatility. Its steam wand, designed for effortless control, expertly produces textured micro-foam, perfect for crafting creamy lattes. With the convenience of instantly grinding beans at the touch of a button, the Breville Barista Express empowers coffee enthusiasts to experiment with a diverse array of coffee flavors and strengths. The machine’s precision in grinding, water temperature regulation, pressure maintenance, and micro-foaming guarantees an unparalleled coffee experience. It’s essential to note, however, that this machine demands a substantial amount of countertop real estate and caters primarily to those who relish the artistry of barista-style coffee preparation over one-touch convenience.

What sets the Breville The Barista Express Impress apart is its pioneering integration of an automated tamping and dosing system. The streamlined tamping lever simplifies the coffee-making process, while the ingenious dosing system is truly revolutionary. Consistency in espresso hinges on the precise measurement of coffee, and this dosing system excels in delivering an accurate coffee weight down to half a gram. We also applaud the machine’s swift transition to the ideal steam temperature for crafting lattes and its versatile programming options. This espresso machine is an ideal choice for those seeking to streamline the shot-pulling process, prioritize user-friendliness, and maintain consistent espresso quality.

The Breville The Barista Express Impress boasts numerous advantages, including one-handed operation, a mess-free experience, a tamp-assist feature, and a built-in pressure gauge. While there are some downsides to consider, such as the time required for grind doser adjustments and occasional burr sticking in the built-in grinder, this machine stands out as the first to offer seamless one-handed operation from start to finish, eliminating the usual mess associated with espresso preparation. The assisted tamping and dosing system, coupled with Breville’s exclusive “Impress” Puck System, ensures a clean, uniform puck finish. This espresso machine encompasses a range of features and accessories typical of Breville machines, making it a top pick for those who prioritize user-friendliness and quality within an elegant stainless steel package. For an in-depth comparison, you can peruse our comprehensive review of the Breville Barista Pro espresso machine, where we evaluate it alongside the Express Impress model.

Type	Fully-automatic
Dimensions	14.9 x 12.9 x 16.1 inches
Weight	14.3 Pounds

De’Longhi La Specialista

In the realm of the latest espresso machines, the De’Longhi espresso machine known as “La Specialista Arte EC9155MB” emerges as a compelling choice, particularly appealing to those with a penchant for intense espresso complemented by a silky crema. One of its standout features lies in the integrated grinder, capable of accommodating a generous 0.55lb / 250g of coffee beans, ensuring a bountiful supply of fresh coffee grounds. Furthermore, it offers coffee aficionados the freedom to fine-tune the coarseness of their grind across eight distinct levels, guaranteeing a personalized coffee experience with each brew.

De’Longhi, a prominent player in global coffee machine manufacturing, has traditionally excelled in mainstream offerings, excelling in bean-to-cup machines and budget-friendly pressurized portafilter espresso makers. However, they are now venturing into the burgeoning home barista niche, with the La Specialista marking their debut in this specialized domain. It’s important to note that Sage, a competing brand, introduced the Barista Express in 2013, followed by other integrated grinder machines like the Barista Pro, Barista Touch, Oracle, and Oracle Touch up to 2019, whereas the La Specialista range made its debut in 2021. Although both machines feature a tamp lever, they differ significantly in design and functionality.

The De’Longhi La Specialista espresso machine initially offered 8 grind settings and pressurized baskets, which left early adopters in the home barista community somewhat unsatisfied. The subsequent transition to standard baskets raised concerns, as it appeared to shift pressurization from the basket to the portafilter, which was deemed less than ideal by enthusiasts. Despite its positioning as a specialty coffee machine, questions about its compatibility arise due to design choices, such as the grinder and portafilter. The enigmatic “Sensor Grinding Technology” and the somewhat cumbersome tamp lever further contribute to the machine’s intricacies. Additionally, the hopper’s inability to lock when detached from the machine may pose a convenience challenge for those seeking smoother coffee preparation.

In essence, the De’Longhi espresso machine “La Specialista” presents a unique amalgamation of features for coffee connoisseurs. However, it is crucial to weigh these minor drawbacks against your specific brewing preferences and requirements. While it caters to the allure of intense espresso and customizable crema, its limitations concerning coffee pods and certain design idiosyncrasies may influence your overall coffee-making experience. As De’Longhi ventures into the home barista market, it’s evident that their approach diverges from that of specialized brands, underscoring the significance of aligning your espresso machine choice with your particular needs and expectations.

Type	Semi-automatic
Dimensions	14.37 x 11.22 x 15.87 inches
Capacity	3.5 Pounds

Gaggia Classic Pro

The Gaggia Classic, previously our top selection among espresso machines, has gracefully made way for newer models while retaining its commendable status. Despite its age relative to competitors, it still stands as one of the finest espresso machines available. Gaggia’s assertion that it can yield a rich, crema-topped coffee shot without the need for extensive grind size adjustments makes it an excellent entry point for those delving into the art of espresso crafting. Furthermore, it offers complete manual control over water dispensation, enabling you to tailor your coffee’s volume to your exact preference. Its consistent delivery of rich and intense coffee, crowned with a stable crema that withstands even the addition of sugar, is noteworthy. The built-in steam wand enhances its versatility, facilitating the creation of milk-based coffee beverages. However, it’s worth noting that this espresso machine falls on the higher end of the price spectrum.

The Gaggia Classic Pro, often celebrated as the gateway model for coffee enthusiasts, shares a price range with the Bambino Plus but distinguishes itself with its renowned durability, making it an appealing choice for those embarking on long-term espresso adventures. In the $400 range, it emerges as an excellent starting model for serious espresso connoisseurs. What sets the Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine apart is its capacity for customization, providing espresso enthusiasts with the opportunity to fine-tune its internal components for optimized performance. Through the integration of third-party hardware and creative modifications, this unassuming machine can compete with models priced significantly higher, provided you’re willing to delve into its inner workings. In the realm of espresso machines, it’s akin to a Honda Accord fixer-upper with substantial potential.

The Gaggia Classic Pro, while not the most visually striking option, consistently delivered exceptional espresso shots in our evaluation. This upgraded iteration of Gaggia’s popular Classic boasts an array of commercial-grade components, including a three-way solenoid and an over-pressure valve for effortless disposal of dry coffee pucks. Its chrome-brass 58-millimeter wide portafilter aligns with commercial-grade standards, delivering consistently superior texture and a full-bodied flavor profile. Notably, it produced crema adorned with distinctive leopard-like speckles, adding depth and character to each shot. The taste profile featured pleasing notes of caramel and cocoa, indicative of high-quality coffee. The commercial-grade steam wand expertly frothed velvety milk foam, ideal for crafting lattes. The inclusion of three filter baskets, encompassing a pressurized one for consistency, a single-walled variant for creative exploration, and a pod basket for ESE pods, underscores its versatility. It’s important to bear in mind that brewing a double shot took approximately five minutes, slightly longer than our top pick. Furthermore, the absence of a PID system for digital temperature control translated to a 30-second heating time, lagging behind Breville models in this aspect. While it may be less intuitive to operate than the Breville Barista Touch, the Gaggia Classic Pro’s consistent ability to produce cafe-quality shots positions it as an excellent value proposition for espresso aficionados.

Type	Semi-automatic
Dimensions	8 x 9.5 x 14.2 inches
Capacity	2.1 Liters

Jura E6 Fully Automatic

The JURA E6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers an impeccable solution for coffee enthusiasts in search of a hassle-free espresso experience. Its user-friendly setup, guided by a comprehensible step-by-step manual and an intuitive display screen, ensures effortless operation. Although the initial assembly might take approximately 25 to 30 minutes, it’s a minor investment considering the subsequent convenience. This machine presents a diverse range of beverage options, granting you the freedom to tailor your coffee’s strength, size, and temperature. The capacity to personalize your drinks, encompassing milk and foam adjustments and preset saving, transforms it into a versatile choice for experimenting with various coffee concoctions. Despite its robust performance, the machine’s efficiency ensures minimal disruption, albeit accompanied by a moderate noise level. While it might not cater to those seeking a straightforward cup of coffee, the JURA coffee machine “E6” proves to be a valuable investment for coffee aficionados eager to explore the realm of espresso and delve into diverse options.

Recognized for its exceptional performance and user-friendly design, the Jura E6 Espresso Machine excels in the world of coffee appliances. Its intuitive touchscreen interface accommodates both novices and seasoned coffee connoisseurs, delivering a seamless coffee-making journey. The E6 boasts an array of impressive features, including a top-tier conical burr grinder for precise and consistent grinding and groundbreaking Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) technology, optimizing extraction time for richer espresso. Furthermore, its milk frothing system produces luscious and velvety microfoam, ideal for crafting lattes and cappuccinos. The machine’s elegant and compact design seamlessly integrates into any kitchen, harmoniously merging cutting-edge technology with the artistry of coffee craftsmanship. The Jura E6 coffee machine assures an extraordinary coffee experience with every cup, making it an enticing choice for those who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality in their coffee equipment.

Type	Fully Automatic
Dimensions	11 x 17.3 x 13.8 inches
Weight	22 Pounds

Diletta Mio 

The Diletta Mio espresso machine masterfully blends the richness of Italian coffee culture with a dash of innovation, promising an authentic café experience right within your kitchen. This compact yet robust espresso machine serves as a testament to Italian craftsmanship, boasting an intuitive user interface and user-friendly controls suitable for both coffee novices and seasoned baristas. With its high-performance heating system, the Diletta Mio ensures a consistently rapid brew at the perfect temperature, guaranteeing a flawless cup of espresso on every occasion.

What truly distinguishes the Diletta Mio is its exceptional versatility, providing you with the power to finely tailor your espresso to your exact preferences, whether you favor a bold and robust shot or a smoother, gentler flavor profile. The machine’s customizable settings invite experimentation with diverse coffee beans and grind sizes, unlocking a world of coffee exploration. With each delightful sip, you can relish the artistry of espresso creation, indulging in the rich aromas and flavors that only freshly brewed coffee can deliver. Beyond its impressive functionality, the Diletta Mio espresso machine serves as a work of art, boasting a sleek and modern design accentuated by meticulous attention to detail. It seamlessly harmonizes aesthetics and functionality, transforming it into a captivating focal point in any kitchen and sparking engaging conversations among coffee aficionados.

In summary, the Diletta Mio espresso machine epitomizes the unwavering Italian commitment to crafting exceptional coffee experiences. It masterfully blends tradition with innovation, enabling you to craft the perfect espresso while adding an elegant touch to your home. Whether you are embarking on a coffee journey or aiming to elevate your espresso skills, the Diletta Mio is an indispensable companion for those who hold a deep appreciation for the art and science of coffee brewing.

The term “prosumer” is often used to describe high-end home espresso machines, and the Diletta Mio exemplifies this category by offering a scaled-down version of sought-after commercial machines. What truly sets it apart is its thoughtful design, featuring buttons for all functions for a sleek appearance and an enhanced user experience with the steam wand. The dedicated heating circuit for the steam wand ensures quick usability, and the digital PID controller allows precise control of water temperature during brewing. The adjustable eco mode conserves energy without turning off the machine, significantly reducing heat-up times. The Diletta consistently maintains brewing pressure between 8-10 bars, and its 58-mm portafilter adds to its premium feel. All in all, the Diletta Mio espresso machine expertly combines style and user-friendliness, making it an enticing choice for those in pursuit of high-quality espresso with a touch of sophistication.

Type	Fully Automatic
Dimensions	10.75 x 17 x 15 inches
Weight	2 liters

Conclusion

In summary, when you embark on the quest for the ideal espresso machine in 2023, you’ll encounter a plethora of excellent options. Our exploration has encompassed a wide array of choices, spanning from straightforward and budget-friendly models to sophisticated machines brimming with features. Our evaluation criteria encompassed factors such as ease of use, maintenance requirements, learning curve, cost, setup simplicity, brewing capacity, and brewing performance.

The pivotal step is selecting a machine that aligns with your specific needs, and this begins with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse types of espresso machines, enabling you to pinpoint the one that resonates most with your preferences. Keep in mind that there’s a coffee machine tailored for every individual, whether you’re embarking on your coffee journey or you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur who relishes all the added functionalities. So, whether you’re crafting your morning brew or treating guests to delectable cappuccinos, rest assured that 2023 offers a splendid array of espresso machines to elevate your coffee moments. Take your time, deliberate on what holds the utmost significance for you, and cherish the delightful expedition of brewing exceptional coffee. Here’s to a year brimming with exquisite espresso moments!