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 Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home coffee lovers who want a hands-on experience with quality results. It features a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds fresh beans directly into the 54mm portafilter, giving you control over the grind size and dose, which is great for customizing flavor. The machine uses a single boiler with digital temperature control (PID) to keep water at the ideal temperature for espresso extraction, paired with a pressure system that starts with low pre-infusion to evenly pull flavors. Its 67-ounce water tank is a decent size for daily use without constant refilling.

The steam wand lets you manually texture milk to create microfoam, perfect for lattes or cappuccinos, though it requires some practice to master. With a weight of about 22 pounds and dimensions that fit most kitchen counters, it’s fairly compact but not lightweight. Cleaning involves tools included in the package, but regular maintenance is needed since it’s not dishwasher safe. This machine suits users who value control and quality and don’t mind spending a bit of time learning the craft.

If you prefer fully automatic operation or want a dual boiler for simultaneous steaming and brewing, this might feel limited. Its integrated grinder adds convenience but may not match the quality of a high-end separate grinder. This makes it a solid choice for aspiring home baristas seeking an all-in-one espresso maker with good customization and consistent results.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR is a high-end, fully automatic espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy café-quality coffee at home. One of its standout features is the integrated precision conical burr grinder, which ensures that you get the right amount of coffee every time for maximum flavor. The innovative ThermoJet heating system is another highlight, heating up in just 3 seconds for quick and efficient brewing. The digital temperature control (PID) helps maintain the optimal temperature for perfect espresso extraction, and the touch screen display makes it easy to navigate through the brewing process, customizing coffee strength, milk texture, and temperature to your liking.

The machine also allows you to save up to 8 personalized coffee settings, which is convenient for households with multiple coffee drinkers. Additionally, the automatic microfoam milk texturing feature is perfect for creating barista-quality milk foam and latte art. On the downside, the machine is relatively heavy at 21.8 pounds, and its size may not be ideal for smaller kitchens. The machine's cleaning process, while manageable with the included cleaning kit, could be seen as a bit labor-intensive for some users.

With a price tag that reflects its advanced features and capabilities, it might be a significant investment for those new to home espresso machines. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a high-quality, customizable, and quick-to-use espresso machine, the Breville Barista Touch is a strong contender.