6 Best Espresso Machines for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Breville Bambino Plus	compact size with professional features
Best value	Breville Bambino	similar performance at a lower price point
Best for beginners	De'Longhi La Specialista Opera	guided brewing with cold extraction
Best high-end	Diletta Bello+ Espresso	commercial-grade control for serious enthusiasts
Best pod system	Nespresso Vertuo Pop+	fastest setup with consistent results
Also recommended	Gaggia Classic	legendary starter machine for home baristas

How we chose and tested

We looked at machines across different price ranges and user experience levels. Key factors included temperature stability, steam power, build quality, and how quickly you can make your first drink. We considered both manual machines for those who want control and automatic options for convenience seekers. Real-world usability matters more than technical specs alone.

The best espresso machine right now

Breville Bambino Plus - Best overall

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This compact machine punches above its weight with professional features like PID temperature control and automatic milk frothing in a footprint that fits small kitchens. It heats up in seconds, not minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.

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Key highlights

3-second heat-up time gets you brewing immediately
PID temperature controller maintains consistent brew temps
Automatic milk frothing with adjustable temperature settings
Compact design fits easily on countertops
Includes both single and double wall filter baskets

Pros

Surprisingly fast heat-up means no waiting
Consistent temperature control improves shot quality
Auto-purge feature cleans the steam wand automatically
Compact size works in apartments and small kitchens

Cons

Portafilter feels lighter than professional models
Limited programmability compared to higher-end machines
Requires separate grinder for best results

Who it is for: Anyone who wants cafe-quality espresso without a massive machine taking over their kitchen. It's especially good for apartment dwellers or those with limited counter space.

Skip if

You want extensive programmability or plan to make drinks for large groups regularly.

Breville Bambino - Best value

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The standard Bambino offers nearly identical performance to the Plus model at a more accessible price point, making it the smart choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers who still want quality.

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Key highlights

Same fast 3-second heat-up as the Plus model
Compact footprint identical to the more expensive version
Includes basic milk frothing capability
Uses same 54mm portafilter system
Lower price without sacrificing core performance

Pros

Excellent value for the performance
Same compact design as the Plus
Quick heat-up saves time every morning
Good entry point into espresso making

Cons

Manual milk frothing requires more skill
Fewer automated features than the Plus
Basic accessories included

Who it is for: First-time espresso machine buyers or anyone on a tighter budget who still wants quality results.

Skip if

You want automated milk frothing or plan to make multiple milk drinks daily.

De'Longhi La Specialista Opera - Best for beginners

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This machine guides you through the espresso-making process with built-in tutorials and automated features, while the cold extraction technology opens up new brewing possibilities beyond traditional espresso.

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Key highlights

Cold extraction technology for iced coffee drinks
Integrated tamper ensures consistent puck preparation
Intuitive touchscreen interface with guided brewing
Improved grinder over previous models
Can make both hot and cold specialty drinks

Pros

Excellent guidance for beginners learning the process
Cold brew capability expands drink options
Consistent tamping takes guesswork out of preparation
Good build quality for the price range

Cons

Larger footprint than compact machines
More complex interface has a learning curve
Higher price point than basic entry-level options

Who it is for: Beginners who want guidance through the espresso-making process or anyone interested in both hot and cold specialty coffee drinks.

Skip if

You prefer manual control or have limited counter space.

Diletta Bello+ Espresso - Best high-end

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For serious home baristas who want commercial-grade control without commercial space requirements, the Bianca offers pressure profiling, dual boilers, and build quality that approaches professional equipment.

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Key highlights

Pressure profiling lets you customize extraction curves
Dual boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming
Rotary pump provides quiet, consistent operation
PID temperature control on both boilers
Commercial-grade components throughout

Pros

Unmatched control over every aspect of extraction
Quiet operation compared to vibration pump machines
Excellent temperature stability for consistent shots
Professional build quality should last for years

Cons

Significant investment at over $2,000
Large footprint requires dedicated space
Steep learning curve for all the features
Requires serious commitment to the hobby

Who it is for: Serious espresso enthusiasts who want maximum control and are willing to invest both money and time into mastering their machine.

Skip if

You're new to espresso or want something simple for daily convenience.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ - Best pod system

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When convenience matters most, this pod system delivers consistent coffee with minimal effort. It automatically reads each pod to brew the right amount and creates a foamy crema layer without any skill required.

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Key highlights

Automatic pod recognition adjusts brewing parameters
Creates foamy crema layer automatically
Compact size fits easily in any kitchen
Fastest setup and cleanup among pod systems we tested
Wide variety of pod options available

Pros

Extremely consistent results every time
Virtually no learning curve or skill required
Fastest from unboxing to first drink
Easy cleanup with no coffee grounds to handle

Cons

Ongoing cost of pods adds up over time
Limited customization compared to traditional machines
Environmental concerns with single-use pods
Can't use freshly ground coffee

Who it is for: Busy people who want decent coffee with absolute minimal effort, or those who don't want to learn espresso-making techniques.

Skip if

You enjoy the process of making espresso or want to use freshly ground beans.

Also Good

Gaggia Classic - legendary starter machine for home baristas.

How to Choose

Consider these factors before buying your espresso machine:

Your budget determines your options more than anything else. Machines range from under $300 to over $3,000, with noticeable jumps in capability at each price tier. Remember to factor in the cost of a good grinder, which is equally important for quality espresso.

Available counter space matters more than you might think. Some machines are surprisingly compact while others need dedicated space. Measure your available area before falling in love with a machine that won't fit.

How many drinks you make affects which type of machine makes sense. Single boilers work fine for one or two drinks but struggle with back-to-back lattes. Dual boilers or heat exchangers handle volume better but cost more.

Your skill level and interest in learning matters. Some machines do most of the work for you while others require you to learn proper technique. Be honest about how much time you want to invest in the process.

Milk drink frequency should guide your choice. If you mostly drink straight espresso, milk frothing capability matters less. If you love lattes and cappuccinos, prioritize machines with good steam power and, potentially, automated frothing.

FAQ

Do I really need a separate grinder?

Yes, for traditional espresso machines. Pre-ground coffee loses freshness quickly and won't produce good crema. Even modestly priced grinders make a noticeable difference in shot quality compared to pre-ground coffee.

How important is PID temperature control?

Very important for consistency. Machines without PID can have temperature swings that affect extraction. PID maintains stable temperatures shot after shot, which is especially noticeable when making multiple drinks.

What's the difference between single boiler, heat exchanger, and dual boiler?

Single boilers heat water for both brewing and steaming, requiring a wait between functions. Heat exchangers use one boiler with a heat exchange system to provide steam and brew water simultaneously. Dual boilers have separate boilers for brewing and steaming, offering the best performance but at higher cost.

How often do espresso machines need maintenance?

Regular cleaning after each use (rinsing portafilter, wiping steam wand) is essential. Backflushing with cleaner should happen weekly if you use daily. Descaling frequency depends on your water hardness, but typically every 2-3 months for most users.

Are pod machines really espresso?

They produce a concentrated coffee with crema, but traditionalists argue it's not true espresso because it uses different pressure and extraction methods. For most people, the convenience and consistency outweigh the technical distinction.