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10 Best Steam Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR, Black Truffle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,278
Steam Wand
Ease of Cleaning
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
4216 reviews

Steam Wand
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, enhancing the quality of coffee beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
The Barista Touch is well-made, with a drip tray that is easy to empty and clean, and a froth wand that makes perfect frothed milk without any hassle.
Build Quality and Durability
The reliability of the machine is impressive, with users reporting no issues even after several years of daily use.

The Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine BES880BTR in Black Truffle offers a comprehensive solution for making espresso at home. One standout feature is its integrated precision conical burr grinder, which ensures you get the right amount of coffee for maximum flavor. The machine uses low pressure pre-infusion followed by optimal water pressure, which helps in extracting balanced flavors for your espresso. The ThermoJet heating system is another strong point, heating up within 3 seconds to reach the ideal extraction temperature quickly.

With digital temperature control (PID), it maintains precise water temperature for consistent espresso quality. The automatic steam wand allows you to control milk temperature and texture, which is great for creating barista-quality microfoam and latte art. The touch screen simplifies operation, letting you grind, brew, and texture milk in three easy steps, and it allows for customization with saved settings for up to 8 personalized coffees.

Included accessories like the stainless steel portafilter, dose trimming tool, and cleaning kit enhance the experience. However, the size might be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens, and weighing 21.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep it functioning optimally. The machine's durability is supported by a 2-year limited warranty. It is a well-rounded choice for those seeking an all-in-one solution for home espresso, especially for users who value customization and convenience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,278
Steam Wand
Ease of Cleaning
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
4216 reviews

Steam Wand
The automatic milk frother produces consistently excellent microfoam, enhancing the quality of coffee beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of Cleaning
The Barista Touch is well-made, with a drip tray that is easy to empty and clean, and a froth wand that makes perfect frothed milk without any hassle.
Build Quality and Durability
The reliability of the machine is impressive, with users reporting no issues even after several years of daily use.
#2

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Espresso Maker with Milk Frother Steam Wand, Compact Cappuccino Machine for Home, Espresso Coffee Machine with Removable Water Tank, Black

Rating
9.7
Pressure
Boiler Type
Steam Wand

Most important from
6960 reviews

Pressure
The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature, allowing for optimal extraction monitoring, and the steam wand works efficiently to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Boiler Type
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly in the kitchen without taking up much space, and the 20-bar Italian pump combined with a 1350W boiler provides exceptional espresso quality.
Steam Wand
The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature, allowing for optimal extraction monitoring, and the steam wand works efficiently to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Size and Capacity
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly in the kitchen without taking up much space, and the 20-bar Italian pump combined with a 1350W boiler provides exceptional espresso quality.
Build Quality and Durability
The machine's stainless steel body and BPA-free plastic components ensure high-quality and safe materials, standing out in performance and build quality compared to similarly-priced machines.

The CASABREWS Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish option for home or office use, designed to fit in any kitchen space. With a robust 20 bar pressure system, it promises high-quality espresso extraction, leading to rich and aromatic coffee. The semi-automatic operation and included accessories, such as filters and a portafilter, make it easy to use for both single and double shots.

A key feature is its powerful steam wand, which allows users to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based coffee drinks, perfect for those who enjoy creamy beverages and experimenting with milk foam art. The machine's removable 34 oz water tank makes refilling and cleaning straightforward, adding to its practicality.

However, users should note that the machine requires a cooling period after milk frothing to avoid overheating, which some might find inconvenient. Additionally, the machine's build quality appears durable with its stainless steel construction, but its lightweight at just under 10 pounds may raise questions about its long-term sturdiness. Despite these minor drawbacks, the CASABREWS Espresso Machine offers a blend of professional features and user-friendly design, making it a good choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to brew café-quality drinks at home.

Rating
9.7
Pressure
Boiler Type
Steam Wand

Most important from
6960 reviews

Pressure
The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature, allowing for optimal extraction monitoring, and the steam wand works efficiently to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Boiler Type
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly in the kitchen without taking up much space, and the 20-bar Italian pump combined with a 1350W boiler provides exceptional espresso quality.
Steam Wand
The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful feature, allowing for optimal extraction monitoring, and the steam wand works efficiently to create creamy microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
Size and Capacity
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly in the kitchen without taking up much space, and the 20-bar Italian pump combined with a 1350W boiler provides exceptional espresso quality.
Build Quality and Durability
The machine's stainless steel body and BPA-free plastic components ensure high-quality and safe materials, standing out in performance and build quality compared to similarly-priced machines.
#3

Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine BES881DBL, Damson Blue

Rating
9.7
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
669 reviews

Build Quality and Durability
While the concept and features are excellent, build quality and grind/dose consistency issues cause some users to question long-term reliability.

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.

Rating
9.7
Build Quality and Durability

Most important from
669 reviews

Build Quality and Durability
While the concept and features are excellent, build quality and grind/dose consistency issues cause some users to question long-term reliability.

Buying Guide for the Best Steam Espresso Machines

Choosing the right steam espresso machine can greatly enhance your coffee experience. The key is to understand the various features and specifications that differentiate one model from another. By focusing on these aspects, you can find a machine that suits your needs and preferences, ensuring you enjoy the perfect cup of espresso every time.
PressurePressure is crucial in an espresso machine because it forces hot water through the coffee grounds to extract the flavors and create the crema on top of your espresso. Most machines operate at 9 bars of pressure, which is considered ideal for a good espresso. Machines with higher pressure can produce a stronger, more intense flavor, while lower pressure might result in a weaker brew. If you prefer a rich, robust espresso, look for a machine with at least 9 bars of pressure.
Boiler TypeThe boiler heats the water to the right temperature for brewing espresso. There are three main types: single boiler, dual boiler, and heat exchanger. Single boilers are more affordable and suitable for those who don't need to make multiple drinks quickly. Dual boilers allow you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, making them ideal for those who frequently make lattes or cappuccinos. Heat exchangers offer a balance, allowing you to brew and steam with some delay. Choose based on how often you make milk-based drinks and your need for speed.
Temperature ControlTemperature control ensures that the water is at the optimal temperature for brewing espresso, which is typically around 195-205°F. Machines with precise temperature control can produce more consistent and flavorful espresso. Basic models may have a simple thermostat, while advanced ones offer PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers for more accuracy. If you are particular about the taste and consistency of your espresso, opt for a machine with advanced temperature control features.
Steam WandThe steam wand is used to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. A good steam wand should be easy to maneuver and capable of producing fine microfoam. Some machines come with automatic frothing systems, which are convenient for beginners, while manual wands offer more control for experienced users. If you enjoy milk-based drinks, consider how important frothing quality and ease of use are to you when choosing a machine.
Size and CapacityThe size and capacity of the machine determine how much space it will take up on your counter and how many drinks you can make before needing to refill the water tank or empty the grounds container. Smaller machines are more compact and suitable for limited counter space, while larger machines are better for frequent use and entertaining guests. Consider your kitchen space and how often you make espresso when deciding on the size and capacity.
Ease of CleaningRegular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your espresso machine. Some machines have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, while others require manual cleaning. Look for features like a removable drip tray, easy-to-access water tank, and descaling alerts. If you prefer low-maintenance appliances, choose a machine with features that simplify the cleaning process.
Build Quality and DurabilityThe build quality and durability of an espresso machine affect its longevity and performance. Machines made with high-quality materials like stainless steel are more durable and often perform better than those made with plastic components. Consider how often you will use the machine and whether you need a robust model that can withstand frequent use. Investing in a well-built machine can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

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