10 Best Coffee Makers 2026 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who want to make high-quality espresso at home without needing professional skills. It features a built-in conical burr grinder, which grinds fresh coffee beans on demand, saving time and ensuring your espresso tastes fresh. With a 1/2-pound bean hopper and 67-ounce water tank, it can handle multiple cups before needing a refill, making it suitable for small households or occasional entertaining.

One of its strong points is the precise water temperature control and pressure system, which helps pull balanced, flavorful shots of espresso. The machine also has a manual steam wand, allowing you to froth milk for lattes or cappuccinos, which adds to its versatility if you enjoy milk-based drinks. The grind size and amount are adjustable through simple dials, giving you a good level of control over the coffee strength and flavor. Brewing time is quite efficient, with the machine capable of going from beans to espresso in under a minute, catering well to busy mornings. Cleaning is straightforward but requires regular maintenance, especially because of the grinder and steam wand, which might need some attention to keep the machine performing well over time.

Priced in the higher mid-range segment, the machine includes many features that typically cost extra in other machines, such as the built-in grinder and precise temperature control. Its size and weight are somewhat bulky, so it requires a dedicated spot on your countertop. This espresso maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to learn and enjoy the art of espresso without barista training, offering a good balance of control and convenience. However, if you prefer fully automatic machines or have limited counter space, you might find it a bit complex or large for your needs.

The Breville Barista Express BES870BTR is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who want to bring the café experience home. It stands out with its built-in precision burr grinder that grinds beans fresh for each espresso shot, allowing you to control grind size and dose for a personalized taste. Its 67-ounce water tank offers a good capacity for several drinks before needing a refill. The machine uses a low-pressure pre-infusion system and digital temperature control to deliver balanced espresso shots with consistent flavor. Brewing happens quickly, with the entire bean-to-espresso process taking under a minute, which is convenient for daily use.

This model also features a powerful steam wand for manual milk frothing, enabling users to make lattes or cappuccinos with microfoam and even latte art. The machine includes useful accessories like a tamper, milk jug, and cleaning tools, supporting maintenance though it is not dishwasher safe. While it lacks smart connectivity or extensive programmable options, it allows manual adjustments of grind size, grind amount, and shot volume. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy hands-on espresso making rather than fully automatic operation.

We find the Breville Barista Express to be fairly compact at around 22 pounds with moderate dimensions, requiring some countertop space. The price is higher than basic drip coffee makers but reasonable for a quality semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated grinder. It suits home baristas who want control over their espresso-making process and appreciate fresh grinding without the complexity of commercial machines. However, beginners unfamiliar with manual milk texturing or dosing might face a learning curve. Also, cleaning requires some regular upkeep to maintain performance. This espresso machine fits well for coffee enthusiasts seeking a reliable, versatile option with an integrated grinder and quality features that bridge convenience and craft, but it is less suitable for those wanting a simple push-button coffee maker or fully automatic espresso machine.

The Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is designed for coffee lovers who want a convenient way to enjoy a variety of drinks at home. It offers 20 different coffee options, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and even iced coffee, all accessible through an easy-to-use touch display. With a 1.8-liter water tank, it has a decent capacity to serve several cups before needing a refill. One standout feature is the LatteGo milk system, which creates smooth milk froth quickly and cleans easily since it only has two parts and no tubes.

The brewing process is fast thanks to the QuickStart function, meaning you don’t have to wait for the machine to warm up. It also runs quietly compared to older models, making your coffee experience more pleasant. Customization is simple, letting you adjust coffee strength, length, and milk volume, and save preferences for two users. Cleaning is made easier with the AquaClean filter that reduces the need for descaling, but the machine’s size and complexity may require some patience to maintain.

Being a renewed model, it comes at a more affordable price but includes only a 90-day warranty, which may concern some buyers. This espresso machine suits those who want a versatile, user-friendly coffee maker that handles everything automatically, though it might be less ideal if you prefer quick cleaning or longer warranties.