You work hard to make your home and kitchen successful, but sometimes you need a little boost! Espresso is a delicious way to give you a caffeine boost and can drastically change your coffee situation. Here at Home Kitchenary, we’re your go-to product review website, and for good reason: we’ve spent hours doing the research so you don’t have to. When it comes to kitchen appliance reviews, we have you covered. This week, we’re thrilled to let you know our 2022 picks for the best espresso machines.
Caffeine-addicted partner? Amateur at-home experimenter? Do you aspire to be a barista? You’re looking for the best espresso maker for a budget? You’re filling out a wedding registry? You’re shopping just for fun? For these and all other needs and budgets, we have you covered. The best espresso makers ~for you~ are just a few clicks away. Let us know what you end up deciding on in the comments, and check out other kitchen appliance reviews while you’re here!
Best Overall
Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker
One of the most commonly used espresso makers around the world, the Moka style espresso maker is the standard home tool for many coffee aficionados and enthusiasts. For hot espresso, cappuccinos, americanos, lattes and more, the Moka is one of the best coffee tools to have on hand. When it comes to making coffee, you are going to want a solid product that is going to last the heavy, daily use.
When we talk about the best espresso makers, there are several factors we analyze: durability, the quality of espresso, ease of use, and cleaning. Price, reviews, and talking to actual baristas is another step we take to really look at a product. The Moka Express does very well by these standards and wins our Best Overall category. If you’re tired of your same old coffee, then try out the Moka Express; it’s an excellent way to dive into espresso.
- 1, 3, 9, and 12 cup size options
- Traditional, Italian style to make espresso
- Consistent, quality, strong espresso
- Budget friendly
- A little slow, takes a bit of time to use
- Need to follow instructions, not intuitive
- Lid sometimes sticks
Best Overall Espresso Machine
DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Not everyone is ready to use a Moka Pot and that’s OK. If you’re looking for a solid automated option, then this is the espresso maker for you. While it may not be a barista, this machine can make quality espresso quickly for you at any time.
Some reviews online have mentioned inconsistency; our team has found scores of quality reviews mentioning a learning curve. With the proper beans, grind, and a bit of practice, you will find yourself sipping delicious espresso. If you’re looking for your espresso machine to start your coffee addiction, then this is a solid choice — and the price isn’t too bad either.
- Affordable, quality espresso machine
- Consistent espresso
- Easy to use
- Great temperature
- Small learning curve and practice required
- Still requires quality espresso beans
- Not a miracle worker! Take your time
Best Barista Quality Espresso Maker
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
For those espresso fanatics who need their own personal barista but don’t have the time to professionally practice, this is the machine. While automated and still easier to use, this machine can produce some of the highest quality espresso on the market. Another plus of this machine is that it has been on the market for several years and has withstood the test of thousands of users. It’s a No. 1 seller and for good reason.
When it comes to the best espresso machines, there are oftentimes practice and a learning curve. And that’s no different than with this barista replacement. This machine takes time to practice. Many reviews rave about the quality flavor and smoothness of this espresso, but the reviews constantly state this takes time. With this in mind, if you are ready to create barista-quality espresso and don’t mind taking the time to learn, this is the machine for you.
- High quality espresso
- Quality tools and gauges work to produce consistent espresso
- Best all-in-one machine on the market
- With practice, use and cleaning is quick and easy
- Expensive
- Takes large amount of counter space
- Learning curve, takes practice
Best Counter Friendly
Vertuo Next Espresso Machine by Breville + Nespresso
When it comes to good coffee, we will often go to great lengths to make quality flavor. However, we don’t always have giant kitchens and unlimited space to buy and use several different coffee machines. If you are space limited or space conscious, this is the best espresso machine if you need a smaller space. With the Vertuo Next, you get the best from Nespresso and Breville, two solid coffee companies. With its stylish black look and small narrow machine, you’ll be able to produce quality espresso while not having to take up your entire counter by a giant machine.
- Quality espresso every time
- Easier to use than other machines, smaller learning curve
- Easy-to-use capsules produce consistent espresso
- Good space saver
- Have to buy espresso capsules; bit more expensive
- Have to use espresso capsules; can’t change flavors
Best Espresso Press
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2
If you haven’t tried an espresso press before, then you are missing out. With a quality puck and pressure gauge, you are able to hand press some of the highest quality espresso on the mark. Stop struggling with difficult and complicated espresso machines and focus on the basics! This Flair Espresso Press has proven to thousands of customers just how easy it is to make a quality espresso.
The only thing to keep in mind is that this machine won’t turn crappy coffee into gold. You still need to make sure you are buying quality beans, grinding them properly for espresso, and using the right temperature of water. Certainly keep this in mind, but if you’re looking for one of the best presses on the market, this is the one.
- Large handle
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Consistent pressed espresso
- Quality pressure gauge
- Learning curve (most reviews mentioned trying it 3 times before finding consistent quality)
- Large handle (Yes! We listed this as a pro as well.)
Best Looking Espresso Maker
Bialetti Mini Express Magritte
When we look for the best looking espresso maker, we are not just looking for the best style. We’re serious about our kitchen appliance reviews, after all. We are still looking for a machine that produces quality espresso and is easy to use and clean, while still making a statement in your kitchen. With theses ideals in mind, we present the Bialette Mini Express. We have shown Bialette Moka Pots before as a quality and consistent espresso maker, which is why we have chosen their Mini Express as the most stylish. With three distinct and stylish espresso makers, you can produce two cups of espresso easily while not having to sacrifice style by using a bulky machine.
The only major downside we’ve seen so far is that they only have this in a two-cup espresso maker. This may make less espresso than you hoped, but it still produces the same consistent quality.
- Traditional Italian style to make espresso
- Produces consistent quality espresso
- Different color options depending on your style
- Good weight and durability
- Only makes 2 cups of espresso
- Small size not suited for all stove tops
- This Moka pot gets hot; be careful
Best Espresso Beans
| Product Image | Product Name | Pros | Cons | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Selling Lavazza Super Crema Medium Roast | •Smooth, velvetty taste and flavor •Fantastic for cappucinos and other mixed drinks •Strong flavor, works for espresso | •Some espressos fans prefer a darker, stronger roast | |
 | Popular Dark Roast Lavazza Espresso Beans - Gran Crema | •Strong, dark flavor •Great for mixed drinks if want a stronger espresso flavor •Popular reviews for its strength | •Too dark for some, burnt flavor | |
 | Popular Competitor Verena Street Espresso Beans | •Popular brand amongst espresso drinkers •Multiple flavors available •High reviews for medium roasted flavors •Small machine, fits on counters | •Some complaints of flavor inconsistency | |
 | Amazon's Choice Starbucks Dark Roast Espresso Bean | •Consistently popular •Strong, dark roast flavor •Similar to espresso you can get at Starbucks | •If you're not a Starbucks fan then this is not for you •Double check with seller that you receive fresh beans | |
 | Honorable Mention Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso | •Smooth, rich flavor •Consistent beans, no burnt flavor •Affordable option | •Some complaints that the roast is too light (medium roast=light roast) •Some complaints of old beans, double check with seller |
When it comes to making espresso, you have to start with quality espresso beans. Without the beans, there’s no way any machine or barista can make you a quality, tasty espresso.
Kitchen Appliance Reviews
Ultimately, the best espresso maker out there is really the one that’s the best for you: it fits your budget and meets your needs. We hope this buyer’s guide helped you compare some of the top rated espresso makers so that you can make an informed decision.
If you end up buying one of these item, let us know in the comments!
Check out some of these other kitchen appliance reviews and coffee bean reviews while you’re here:
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