10 Best Steam Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

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 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 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.