10 Best Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home users who want to craft high-quality espresso with some barista-level control. It features a single boiler with digital temperature control (PID) that helps maintain stable brewing temperatures, crucial for consistent espresso extraction. The machine includes a 15-bar pump for optimal pressure, and a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, which is a standard size that supports good extraction.

One of its standout strengths is the integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter. This feature combined with adjustable grind size and dose control lets you customize the flavor to your preference—a big plus for those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee beans. The 67-ounce water tank is reasonably sized for daily use without frequent refills. The steam wand is powerful enough for manual microfoam milk texturing, which is great if you like lattes or cappuccinos and want to practice latte art. While this requires some skill, it gives you more control over milk texture compared to automatic steamers.

Cleaning is manageable but not entirely hands-off; the machine includes cleaning tools and a water filter, but regular maintenance like descaling and cleaning the grinder and portafilter is needed to keep performance at its best. The build is solid with stainless steel accents and a compact footprint suitable for most kitchen counters. This machine is ideal for espresso lovers who appreciate fresh grinding and hands-on brewing yet want a device that simplifies the process compared to fully manual setups. It offers great value with its integrated grinder and temperature control but requires some learning and upkeep for the best results.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso & Coffee Machine is a versatile option for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a variety of beverages at home. It is a fully automatic machine with a built-in grinder, which saves time and ensures freshly ground coffee for every cup. The 13 grind settings allow you to fine-tune the grind to your liking, making it suitable for different coffee beans and preferences.

The machine excels in ease of use, with five one-touch recipes for drinks like latte macchiato, cappuccino, and espresso. The automatic milk frother, supported by De'Longhi's LatteCrema system, produces creamy and frothy milk, enhancing your lattes and cappuccinos. The milk carafe can be stored in the fridge, which is convenient for keeping milk fresh.

The machine's design is compact, with dimensions of 17"D x 9.25"W x 14"H, making it fit well on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the removable and dishwasher-safe parts. However, potential buyers should consider its weight of 19.62 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users.

The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is a versatile espresso machine designed to cater to both hot and cold coffee beverage lovers with over 50 one-touch recipes. Its built-in grinder with 13 settings ensures a precise grind for optimal coffee extraction, which is a big plus for coffee aficionados. The dual LatteCrema Systems for hot and cold milk frothing are great for crafting a range of beverages from lattes to cold brews, making it suitable for households with diverse preferences. The cold extraction technology is impressive, producing cold brew in under 3 minutes, which is quite fast compared to traditional methods.

The intuitive 3.5” TFT display makes navigation and customization of recipes simple, even for users who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, the machine offers personalized experiences through its app, which can customize and save recipes. This is ideal for those who like to experiment with different beans and brewing methods. The removable and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning hassle-free, which is a significant convenience for busy users. However, the machine's larger size (17.5”D x 10.25”W x 15.13”H) might be a drawback for small kitchens or limited counter space.

Despite this, the inclusion of a travel mug and the ability to brew up to 16oz make it a practical choice for those on the go. In summary, the De'Longhi Eletta Explore stands out for its versatility, ease of use, and extensive range of customizable features, though its bulky size may be a consideration for some users.