10 Best Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

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.

The Ninja Espresso Machine, Luxe Café Premier Series (ES601), is a versatile all-in-one coffee maker that combines an espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and rapid cold brew maker. This multi-functionality is a strong point, as it allows users to explore different brewing styles, including double and quad espresso shots, classic drip coffee, and cold brew, making it suitable for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy variety.

One of the standout features is the integrated conical burr grinder with 25 settings, ensuring fresh grounds tailored to each drink type. The machine’s Barista Assist Technology simplifies the brewing process by recommending grind sizes and adjusting temperature and pressure based on your selections. This is especially helpful for beginners who might find traditional espresso machines intimidating.

The hands-free frothing system is another highlight, allowing users to create perfect microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes with ease. With multiple frothing presets, it takes the guesswork out of achieving the right texture, which is great for those who may struggle with manual frothing. However, the Ninja ES601 does have a few drawbacks. It is relatively large and weighs over 32 pounds, which may not be ideal for users with limited counter space or those who prefer a more compact machine. Additionally, while the integrated grinder is a convenience, the initial setup might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the variety of settings and options available.

Cleaning is manageable with several dishwasher-safe components, but it would benefit from a more intuitive design for removing and reassembling parts. With its range of features and quality construction, the Ninja Espresso Machine is a solid choice for those looking to elevate their coffee experience at home.

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.