8 Best Double Boiler Espresso Machine 2025 in the United States

The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine is designed with user-friendly features that make it suitable for home use, even for those who may not be professional baristas. One of its standout features is the ThermoJet heating system, which achieves the optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds, significantly reducing waiting time. Additionally, the machine comes with a precision conical burr grinder that offers 30 grind settings, ensuring you can customize your coffee to your taste preferences.

The integrated touchscreen provides step-by-step guidance, making the process of brewing coffee straightforward and user-friendly. This machine also includes an assisted tamping system to ensure consistency and precision in your coffee puck, along with automatic milk frothing capabilities that cater to various milk types and textures, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.

However, the machine's size (13.62 inches deep, 14.09 inches wide, and 16.42 inches high) and weight (24.2 pounds) might be a drawback for those with limited counter space. Maintenance could also be a concern, as the unit includes several components like the portafilter, milk jug, and various cleaning tools that require regular attention. Priced relatively high, it might not be the best option for those on a budget or those who make coffee infrequently. Despite this, its modern design and comprehensive features make it a solid investment for serious coffee enthusiasts who value convenience and quality.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Plus Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who value convenience and variety. With 18 one-touch customizable recipes, it caters to a wide range of coffee preferences including espresso, latte macchiato, cappuccino, and iced coffees. The built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings ensures freshly ground coffee for each brew, which is a great plus for flavor.

The automatic milk frother, known as the LatteCrema Hot System, delivers creamy and rich foam, which is ideal for milk-based drinks. The 3.5” TFT full-touch color display is user-friendly, allowing quick access and personalization of drink recipes with 4 user profiles. This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple coffee drinkers, each with their own preferences. Maintenance is made easier with removable and dishwasher-safe parts, which is convenient for regular cleaning.

However, the machine is relatively large with dimensions of 17.5”D x 9.5”W x 14”H and weighs 21.2 pounds, so it requires a decent amount of counter space. It operates at 120 volts, making it suitable for standard home use. Despite its excellent features and convenience, it lacks specific details on boiler material and pump type, which are crucial for consistent temperature control and pressure management. Additionally, the price point might be high for some users. This machine is best suited for those who want a versatile, easy-to-use espresso machine with multiple beverage options and are willing to invest in a premium product.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine stands out as a top choice in its category, especially noted for its affordability and performance by CNN Underscored. It features a robust built-in grinder with 15 precise settings, ensuring you get the perfect grind size and dose for your espresso. The 19 bar Italian pump offers exceptional pressure control, crucial for achieving a perfect espresso shot, from pre-infusion to high-pressure extraction stages.

Temperature control is another strong suit, with three infusion temperatures and Active Temperature Control, allowing precise customization for optimal extraction based on the beans used. This ensures consistency and quality in every cup. The commercial-style steam wand is powerful and quick to heat up, ideal for creating smooth, micro-foam for latte art, making it a great choice for those who enjoy milk-based espresso drinks.

With its Smart Tamping Technology, the machine simplifies the tamping process, reducing the guesswork and mess often associated with making espresso. In terms of size, it has a relatively compact footprint (14 x 15 x 17.5 inches), which is manageable for most kitchen countertops. The stainless steel design not only looks sleek but also promises durability. However, while the machine offers excellent control and customization, some users might find the learning curve steep if they are new to espresso making. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grinder and steam wand, is necessary to keep the machine in top condition. Nevertheless, the La Specialista Opera is an excellent choice for both espresso enthusiasts and those new to making espresso at home, providing a balance of ease of use and advanced features.