10 Best Steam Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

The De'Longhi Magnifica Plus is a fully automatic espresso machine that shines with its ease of use and customization. It offers 18 one-touch drink recipes, including espresso, cappuccino, and iced coffee, with options to adjust size and coffee strength, making it great for households with multiple users thanks to 4 user profiles. Its built-in conical burr grinder with 13 grind settings ensures fresh, evenly ground coffee, which helps bring out rich flavors. The machine’s LatteCrema system automatically steams and froths milk with three texture options, producing creamy milk foam without manual effort.

The 3.5-inch touchscreen display is intuitive, guiding users through drink customization smoothly. In terms of cleaning, many parts are removable and dishwasher-safe, reducing maintenance hassle. The machine’s size is moderate (about 17.5" deep and 9.5" wide), which fits well on most kitchen counters but might be bulky for very small spaces. Its build quality is solid, reflecting De'Longhi’s reputation for durability.

Although the machine offers many features and a touchscreen interface that might feel overwhelming to those looking for a simple device, it provides a versatile, mostly hands-off espresso experience with strong customization and easy cleaning. It is less ideal if you prefer manual control or need a compact, minimalist machine. The price could be higher compared to more basic models.

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.

The De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is a versatile choice for anyone who enjoys both drip coffee and espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. It features a strong 15 BAR Italian pressure pump, which is ideal for extracting rich espresso flavors. The dual heating system is a big plus, allowing you to brew coffee and espresso at the same time without waiting, which saves time during busy mornings. The advanced steam wand is adjustable with specific settings for micro-foam or classic cappuccinos, giving you control over milk texture—a key feature if you like milk-based drinks.

Size-wise, it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters and includes a 10-cup glass carafe, which is handy for making multiple cups of drip coffee. The spill-proof carafe design helps avoid messes when pouring. Temperature control is smart with a 24-hour programmable timer and a digital touchscreen, allowing you to wake up to fresh coffee and customize flavor strength with the bold setting.

On the downside, cleaning might require some effort since the machine isn’t dishwasher safe, meaning you’ll need to hand wash components carefully. The build quality is solid, typical of De'Longhi products, but it weighs nearly 14 pounds, making it a bit less portable if you need to move it frequently. This machine suits home or office use where you want the convenience of both espresso and drip coffee in one device, without needing separate machines. It offers great flexibility and quality for coffee lovers who enjoy a variety of coffee styles, especially if you appreciate espresso with well-textured milk. Just be prepared for regular cleaning and a moderately large footprint on your counter.