The days of having to go out to a cafe or coffee shop just to get a proper espresso or latte have passed. Now you can get a quality espresso maker right in your kitchen, letting you brew up the perfect cup whenever you're in the mood. Today, the best espresso machines turn out delicious, full-bodied espresso that will compete with your favorite coffeehouse. It's never been easier or cheaper to get your caffeine fix at home.
Breville Barista Express expresso machine
A top-of-the-line espresso machine that wows
The handsome Breville Barista Express grinds beans and uses optimal water pressure to deliver the perfect cup of espresso.
Pros:
- Digital temperature control
- Optimal water pressure
- Precise extraction
- Grinds beans
- Beautiful
Cons:
- Expensive
The Breville Barista Express does one thing, and it does it well: it makes espresso. This is a large, stainless steel professional-level espresso machine that gives you optimal water pressure, dose-control bean grinding, precise espresso extraction, and digital temperature control. The end result is velvety smooth espresso. If you want a machine that will serve you well for years to come, Breville makes one of the best espresso machines on the market.
Sboly espresso machine with milk frother
Single-knob operation
Sboly's espresso machine uses a single knob to do everything. It's simple to use and delivers rich-tasting espresso and creamy cappuccino.
Pros:
- Simple to operate
- Includes milk frother
- Takes up minimal counter space
- Makes espresso, lattes, and cappuccino
- Comes with a carafe
Cons:
- Directions could be better
Sboly's espresso machine with milk frother is a countertop-friendly model that makes one to four cups of espresso, lattes, or cappuccino. It comes with a carafe so you can play barista at home for friends and family. A single knob controls all operations on the Sboly, and it extracts four shots of smooth, hot espresso in less than two minutes.
Calphalon Temp IQ expresso machine
Makes two cups at a time
Calphalon's Temp IQ espresso machine comes with a steam wand, turns out two drinks at once, and has an easy-to-operate dial interface.
Pros:
- Simple to learn
- Makes two cups at a time
- Steam wand
- Removable reservoir
Cons:
- Foaming milk is a finicky process
You can serve up to two fresh cups of espresso at a time with the Calphalon Temp IQ. The internal 15-bar Italian pump delivers just the right amount of pressure for maximum flavor extraction. You control this model with a dial interface that lets you select steam, hot water, or pre-programmed single and double shots. If you're making espresso for two, you can't beat the Calphalon Temp IQ.
Nespresso Vertuo espresso machine
The high-tech espresso machine
Nespresso Vertuo uses capsules instead of freshly ground beans and connects over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Pros:
- Brews espresso and coffee
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Requires coffee pods
High tech comes to espresso machines with the Nespresso Vertuo. Connect the machine to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and you can update the programming on this espresso machine to brew new and unique coffees. So cool! The Nespresso Vertuo uses Nespresso Pods, not ground beans, and lets you choose the flavor intensity. If you're after a no-mess machine, the Nespresso Vertuo checks off all the right boxes.
Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino maker
A 3-in-1 machine for espresso, cappuccino, and lattes
It's easier than ever to be your own barista with the 3-in-1 Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino maker.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Froths milk
- One-touch control panel
- Cleans up quickly
Cons:
- Can't make coffee
Mr. Coffee has been making quality coffee pots for years, and they've also stepped foot in the espresso arena. This Mr. Coffee espresso and cappuccino maker does rich espresso and creamy cappuccino. Oh, and it even froths milk. The Mr. Coffee operates with a touch panel. You choose the strength, and it does the rest. It couldn't be simpler.
Bottom line
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The coffeeshop experience is fun but costly. Making a delicious espresso at home is easier than you imagine. The best espresso machine today is the Breville Barista Express. It's a top-shelf model that grinds beans, gives you advanced controls, and pushes out a memorable espresso.
If what you want is a good cup of espresso without the hassle of making it or the mess left behind, grab the Nespresso Vertuo. It uses Nespresso Pods in place of grinding beans and works with the touch of a button.
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