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10 Best Barista Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,204
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
25999 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder saves a lot of time and effort, making it super handy.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is easy to use and perfect for creating microfoam for latte art.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean up is a snap, thanks to the removable parts and easy maintenance.
Build Quality and Materials
It is easy to use and looks great on the counter.

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a versatile and high-quality option for those wanting to craft specialty coffee at home. It features a built-in conical burr grinder that allows for precise dose control, ensuring you get fresh ground coffee directly into the portafilter. The machine uses optimal water pressure and digital temperature control (PID) to extract balanced flavors, making it easier for users to achieve a consistent and high-quality espresso.

The included steam wand lets you manually texture milk to create microfoam, perfect for latte art. The 67-ounce water reservoir and half-pound bean hopper offer ample capacity for multiple servings without frequent refills. Additionally, the machine is relatively easy to clean, thanks to its stainless-steel build and included cleaning tools.

One potential drawback is that it requires some learning curve due to its manual features, which might be daunting for beginners. Also, it is relatively heavy and occupies considerable counter space, which might be a concern for users with limited kitchen space. Nonetheless, with its comprehensive features and robust build, it's a great option for coffee enthusiasts who are willing to invest time in mastering their espresso-making skills.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,204
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
25999 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder saves a lot of time and effort, making it super handy.
Milk Frothing
The steam wand is easy to use and perfect for creating microfoam for latte art.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean up is a snap, thanks to the removable parts and easy maintenance.
Build Quality and Materials
It is easy to use and looks great on the counter.
#3

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR, Black Truffle

Rating
9.6
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
3852 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder eliminates the need for separate tools, providing a cleaner and more efficient workflow.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
Build Quality and Materials
Despite its high price, the machine's convenience, quality, and versatility make it worth every penny for serious coffee lovers.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine (BES880BTR) in Black Truffle is designed for those who want to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home. One of its standout features is the integrated grinder, which ensures you get freshly ground coffee with each use. The machine also heats up quickly, thanks to its ThermoJet heating system, reaching the optimal temperature in just 3 seconds. This allows you to make coffee efficiently without long waits. The touch screen interface is user-friendly, guiding you through the process of grinding, brewing, and milk frothing with ease.

Additionally, it lets you customize and save up to 8 different coffee settings, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee preferences. The automatic milk frother is another great feature, allowing you to create perfectly textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and even practice latte art if you wish. However, the machine is on the heavier side at 21.8 pounds, which might make it less portable. Cleaning, while relatively straightforward, does require regular maintenance to keep the machine in optimal condition. The build quality, featuring stainless steel, ensures durability but also means you'll need to be diligent about keeping it clean to maintain its appearance.

With a 67 oz water reservoir, it can serve multiple cups before needing a refill, making it convenient for daily use. The initial cost might be a consideration, but the 2-year warranty provides some peace of mind. This machine is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the art of making espresso and want a reliable, all-in-one solution at home.

Rating
9.6
Grinder
Milk Frothing
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
3852 reviews

Grinder
The built-in grinder eliminates the need for separate tools, providing a cleaner and more efficient workflow.
Milk Frothing
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
Build Quality and Materials
Despite its high price, the machine's convenience, quality, and versatility make it worth every penny for serious coffee lovers.

Buying Guide for the Best Barista Espresso Machines

Choosing the right barista espresso machine can be a delightful yet challenging task. The perfect machine for you will depend on your personal preferences, how often you plan to use it, and the type of coffee drinks you enjoy. Understanding the key specifications and features will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Type of MachineEspresso machines come in various types, including manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. Manual machines require the most skill and control, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of the brewing process. Semi-automatic machines offer a balance between control and convenience, as you control the extraction time but the machine handles the water pressure. Automatic machines take care of the extraction time for you, making them easier to use. Super-automatic machines do everything from grinding the beans to frothing the milk, providing the utmost convenience. Choose a type based on your skill level and how much control you want over the brewing process.
Boiler TypeThe boiler is a crucial component as it heats the water for brewing. There are three main types: single boiler, dual boiler, and heat exchanger. Single boiler machines are more affordable but require time to switch between brewing and steaming. Dual boiler machines have separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing simultaneous operation and better temperature stability. Heat exchanger machines use a single boiler but can brew and steam at the same time, offering a good balance. If you frequently make milk-based drinks, a dual boiler or heat exchanger machine is ideal.
Pump PressurePump pressure is measured in bars and affects the extraction of espresso. Most machines operate at 9 bars, which is considered the optimal pressure for extracting rich and flavorful espresso. Some machines may advertise higher pressures, but 9 bars is generally sufficient. Ensure the machine you choose can consistently maintain this pressure for the best results.
GrinderSome espresso machines come with built-in grinders, while others require a separate grinder. A good grinder is essential for achieving the right grind size, which is crucial for proper extraction. Built-in grinders offer convenience and save counter space, but separate grinders often provide better performance and more grind settings. If you prefer convenience, a machine with a built-in grinder is a good choice. If you want more control over the grind size, consider investing in a high-quality separate grinder.
Milk FrothingIf you enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the milk frothing capability is important. Machines come with different frothing options, such as steam wands or automatic frothers. Steam wands give you more control over the texture of the milk but require some skill to use. Automatic frothers are easier to use and provide consistent results. Choose based on your preference for manual control or convenience.
Water Reservoir CapacityThe water reservoir capacity determines how often you need to refill the machine. Larger reservoirs are convenient for frequent use or for making multiple drinks in a row, while smaller reservoirs are suitable for occasional use or limited counter space. Consider your usage patterns and choose a machine with a reservoir size that matches your needs.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe build quality and materials of the machine affect its durability and longevity. Machines made with high-quality materials like stainless steel are more durable and often provide better temperature stability. Plastic components may be less durable but can make the machine lighter and more affordable. Consider how often you will use the machine and choose one with a build quality that will withstand regular use.
Ease of CleaningRegular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. Some machines have features that make cleaning easier, such as removable drip trays, automatic cleaning cycles, and easily accessible components. If you prefer low-maintenance options, look for machines with these convenient cleaning features.

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