10 Best Stainless Steel Espresso Makers 2025 in the United States

The Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine stands out as a strong contender in the stainless-steel espresso maker category, particularly for those who want a hands-on experience to craft café-quality coffee at home. One of its significant strengths is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows you to grind fresh beans on demand, ensuring maximum flavor. The machine also features a low-pressure pre-infusion, which enhances the extraction process for a well-balanced espresso shot. Furthermore, the digital temperature control provides precise water temperature, which is crucial for optimal espresso brewing. For milk lovers, the steam wand offers manual microfoam texturing, ideal for creating lattes and cappuccinos with a professional touch. The design is sleek and modern, adding a stylish element to your kitchen.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the machine is packed with features, its manual operation may be intimidating for beginners who might prefer a more straightforward, automated process. Additionally, it can be a bit bulky, occupying a decent amount of counter space, which might be a concern in smaller kitchens. The cleaning can also require some effort, as multiple components need regular maintenance to keep it running optimally.

In terms of capacity, the BES870XL has a 67 oz water tank and a ½ lb bean hopper, making it suitable for daily use but perhaps less ideal for larger gatherings without frequent refills. For those who appreciate the art of espresso making and want quality performance, the Breville BES870XL offers a comprehensive package. It's particularly well-suited for home baristas looking to experiment with different beans and techniques.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier (ES601) is a versatile espresso machine combining three coffee styles—espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew—making it a great choice for those who want variety without multiple devices. Its stainless steel design gives it a sturdy and modern look that fits well in most kitchens. The machine features an integrated conical burr grinder with 25 settings and an assisted tamper, which simplifies making a quality espresso shot with consistent pressure and evenly packed grounds. It offers two espresso shot sizes and multiple brew temperature settings, catering to different coffee bean types and personal taste.

This fully automatic machine includes barista-assist technology, guiding you through grind size, dose weight, and brew adjustments to achieve balanced flavor—ideal for those seeking café-quality coffee without guesswork. The built-in milk frother is hands-free and offers four preset froth styles, making it easy to create lattes or cappuccinos with both dairy and plant-based milk. Cleaning is straightforward, with dishwasher-safe parts and included cleaning tools.

On the downside, the machine is on the heavier side (over 30 pounds), so it may not be ideal if you need something compact or portable. While it supports standard kitchen electric power, it does not specify pressure levels typical for commercial espresso machines, though the assisted tamper suggests it maintains adequate pressure for a good shot. Some users may find the many features overwhelming at first, but the assisted technology helps bridge that gap. This Ninja espresso maker is an excellent choice for home users seeking an all-in-one, easy-to-use machine that handles various coffee styles with quality and convenience, especially those who value stainless steel durability and built-in storage for accessories.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine is a standout choice in the realm of stainless-steel espresso makers, particularly for those who appreciate high-quality coffee with a user-friendly experience. One of its main strengths is the integrated grinder and assisted tamping feature, which simplifies the coffee-making process by helping you achieve the perfect puck. This machine offers step-by-step guidance and real-time feedback, making it ideal for beginners, as well as seasoned coffee enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. The unique Auto MilQ feature allows customization for various milk types, enhancing your ability to create delicious cappuccinos and lattes with silky microfoam, which can elevate your at-home coffee experience.

The ThermoJet heating system is another highlight, reaching optimal brewing temperature in just three seconds, minimizing wait time for a fresh cup. The touchscreen interface, with easy navigation and customizable presets, adds to the modern feel of the machine, making it attractive for design-conscious users.

If you're looking for a stainless-steel espresso maker that combines advanced features with ease of use, the Breville Barista Touch Impress could be a great fit, especially if you enjoy crafting café-quality drinks at home.