10 Best Steam Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express Impress is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who want more control without the complexity of professional machines. It features a smart dosing system that automatically adjusts the coffee amount, taking the guesswork out of making espresso shots. The integrated conical burr grinder offers 25 grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune the coffee grind for different flavors. Its Thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control ensures stable water temperature for consistent taste, which is key to good espresso. The steam wand is manual but powerful, perfect for creating microfoam milk that enhances lattes and cappuccinos, including latte art. With a 2-liter water tank and a 250g bean hopper, it suits daily home use without frequent refilling.

Build quality feels solid with stainless steel parts, though it’s not the lightest machine at over 22 pounds, so it’s better suited for a fixed spot on your countertop. Cleaning is straightforward with included tools and cleaning tablets, but like most espresso machines, it requires regular maintenance to keep it performing well. The machine’s size balances well between home and small kitchen use—it’s reasonably compact but not tiny. This espresso maker is ideal for those who appreciate customization and learning the craft of espresso-making, thanks to features like assisted tamping and customizable shot volumes. For users seeking a fully automatic push-button machine with minimal user input, this might feel a bit hands-on. It delivers a well-rounded combination of user-friendly smart features and hands-on control, suited for enthusiasts wanting to elevate their at-home espresso experience.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress is designed to make espresso making approachable and precise, especially for those who want barista-level results at home without the usual complexity. Its standout feature is the ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds, so you don’t have to wait long to start brewing. The machine also offers excellent temperature control and pressure management, ensuring your espresso is extracted just right every time. The integrated grinder with 30 grind settings allows you to customize your coffee strength and flavor easily.

One of its biggest strengths is the assisted tamping system, which helps you press the coffee grounds evenly—a key step for good espresso. The touchscreen guides you step-by-step, making it simpler to use, even if you’re new to espresso machines. The automatic steam wand with the MilQ system can create silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, including settings for alternative milks, which is great if you don’t use dairy.

The machine’s size and capacity suit most home kitchens, and it includes helpful accessories like various filter baskets and cleaning tools. The brushed stainless steel build feels durable and looks modern, though the 24-pound weight means it’s quite substantial and not very portable. Cleaning is manageable thanks to included tools and programmable maintenance alerts, but like most machines with integrated grinders and milk frothers, it requires regular upkeep to perform its best. For coffee enthusiasts who want control over their brew without the steep learning curve, the Barista Touch Impress is a strong contender. It might be more than casual coffee drinkers need, and some users report a learning period to master all functions. It is a higher-priced option compared to basic machines, but the convenience and quality it offers justify this for many.

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a solid choice for anyone looking to make café-quality espresso at home. Its built-in conical burr grinder allows you to grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, which helps capture great flavor. The machine uses low-pressure pre-infusion to gradually build pressure, helping to extract balanced and flavorful espresso shots. Temperature control is precise thanks to its digital PID system, ensuring the water is just right for espresso extraction every time.

The steam wand is powerful and versatile, perfect for frothing milk to create microfoam, so you can make lattes and cappuccinos with good texture and even try latte art. The machine holds up well in build quality with stainless steel parts, though it weighs over 22 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to move around or store in tight spaces. The water tank and bean hopper have decent capacity for home use—about 67 ounces and half a pound respectively.

Cleaning requires some regular attention because of the integrated grinder and steam wand, but the included tools help manage this. The Barista Express also offers customization like grind size and shot volume, which is great if you like to experiment with your coffee. While it’s a semi-automatic machine and needs a bit of practice, it’s very user-friendly for beginners wanting to step up from basic espresso makers. This durable, all-in-one espresso machine balances convenience with quality, especially suited for coffee lovers who want to grind fresh beans and brew espresso without buying separate devices. Its size and cleaning needs might not suit everyone, but its performance and features make it a top pick in its category.