10 Best Espressos 2025 in the United States

The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo Double Espresso Scuro offers a convenient way to enjoy a bold and intense dark roast espresso with a rich, smoky character and cocoa and vanilla notes. This product uses capsules, making it easy to brew a consistent 2.7 fl. oz. serving of espresso without the need for a grinder. It is designed for use with Nespresso Vertuo machines, which are known for their high-pressure extraction, ensuring a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.

The capsules are fully recyclable, aligning with Nespresso's commitment to sustainability. However, it is important to note that these pods are not compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines, limiting their use to Vertuo models only. Since these are pre-packaged capsules, there is no built-in grinder or boiler type to consider, which may be a drawback for those seeking a more hands-on espresso-making experience.

The size and design of the capsules are compact and easy to store, and the ease of cleaning is enhanced by the recyclability of the pods. This product is ideal for those who prioritize convenience, consistency, and sustainability in their coffee routine.

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is designed for at-home baristas looking to enjoy high-quality espresso. Its standout feature is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows you to grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness. The machine's dose control grinding feature helps you get the right amount of coffee for a balanced taste. With its precise digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, it extracts rich flavors from the coffee beans, offering a well-rounded espresso experience.

The manual steam wand is powerful and enables you to create microfoam milk, perfect for latte art and enhancing the flavor of your drinks. This feature can be a bit challenging for beginners but offers great customization for experienced users. The machine's brushed stainless steel design is both sleek and durable, adding a modern touch to your kitchen. However, it's relatively large and might take up considerable counter space.

Cleaning is made easier with the included tools, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity. While it comes with a variety of useful accessories, the one-year limited warranty might be seen as a downside compared to other models offering longer warranty periods. The Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice for those who are serious about their espresso and enjoy having control over the brewing process, despite requiring some space and regular upkeep.

The Breville Barista Touch is a high-quality espresso machine designed for home use, featuring a brushed stainless steel finish. It is equipped with several advanced features that make it stand out, such as an integrated conical burr grinder for dose control grinding, a ThermoJet heating system for quick heat-up time, and a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure balanced flavor extraction.

The machine also boasts precise digital temperature control to achieve optimal espresso extraction and an automatic steam wand for microfoam milk texturing, which is ideal for creating latte art and enhancing coffee flavors. The touch screen display simplifies the process of making café-style beverages, allowing users to customize and save up to 8 personalized coffee settings.

Included accessories, like the stainless steel portafilter and milk jug, add value to the package. The large water tank and bean hopper capacity ensure convenience for regular use. However, the machine's weight (21.8 pounds) and relatively high power consumption (1680 watts) may be drawbacks for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Breville Barista Touch is a versatile and user-friendly espresso machine that caters well to coffee enthusiasts looking to make high-quality espresso-based beverages at home.