You can buy the best Italian espresso machines right now and become a home barista! The overall best picks for espresso machines can produce rich and smooth espresso. This gives you the opportunity to make a latte, cappuccino, Americano, and so many other coffee recipes right at home.
These Italian espresso machines boast of excellent features that make coffee a joy to drink every day. So you don’t have to pay a huge sum for coffee in a Starbucks or any other “over-priced” coffee shop around you.
Are you confused about what to buy next? The De’Longhi EC680M is a reliable and modern Italian espresso machine. It makes coffee that’s just as delicious as your favorite coffee shop’s espresso.
So if you think you’re ready for espresso makers, look at these exciting options.
See also:
- Top 6 Best Jura Coffee Machines: Reviews And Buying Tips
- Top 6 Best Nespresso Machines: Reviews & Buying Guide
Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 6 Best Italian Espresso Machines Reviews
#1. De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Stainless Steel – Best Italian Espresso Machine For Home
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet, effortlessly adding a touch of minimalist chic to your kitchen with its elegant dimensions. Its sleek, compact design is complemented by an easy-to-use control panel with illuminated buttons.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE THERMOBLOCK: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- MILK FROTHER: A manual frother with powerful steam to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- BREW LIKE A PRO: authentic barista experience at home, you can control the whole process from tamping your ground coffee to the final quantity; you can brew up to 5in high into cups or mugs
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable water tank and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The charm of buying and using an Italian Espresso Machine is that it brews coffee like a pro. The De’Longhi is a beautiful and highly-functional espresso machine. At the touch of a button, you can brew a rich cup of cappuccino or latte.
You can make any espresso-based drink with a single or double shot of espresso. It is equipped with a manual frother that gives flat milk a creamy and smooth texture for coffee. It has a solid speed that works consistently each time.
The design and finishing of this espresso machine are stainless steel all over. But what really steals the show is the narrow design. This is not just good for tight spaces. But the tall design looks much sleeker and modern than some of the broad espresso makers out there.
You can make rich coffee in multiple sizes. It comes with an espresso holder for a single espresso shot. And it features a sturdy holder for two espresso shots at a time.
The machine is also compatible with easy-serve coffee pods and ground coffee. It has filters that can do both. If you’re looking for a more versatile espresso machine which is also at the top of most lists. Then you should definitely go for this one.
#2. GROSHCE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot – Best Italian Espresso Machine For Stovetop
- ⭐ [Moka Espresso Coffee] 9 cup Stovetop espresso maker & manual coffee percolator machine. Available in 3 cups, 6 cups, 9 cup espresso sizes. Stove top percolator coffee pot to make home espresso like a barista. Its easier to use than electric espresso coffee machines and makes a rich cup of moka Espresso coffee. 9 cup expresso size in Food grade anodized aluminium.
- ⭐ [Easy to use Moka Espresso coffee Maker & Cuban Coffee maker] will work on all gas and electric stove top and propane camping stoves as well. It will make moka coffee on glass top induction stoves but will heat very slowly since its not magnetic. It is a type of easy to use stovetop espresso maker, coffee perculator, or expresso coffee maker stovetop. Its also called a Moka pot, Moka coffe maker, or Cafetera Cubana.
- ⭐ [Highest quality stove top espresso at home] You can easily make a moka coffee, also called a low pressure stovetop espresso at home with the Milano Moka Stovetop Espresso maker. Add milk from a milk steamer or milk frother to make lattes or cappuccino at home with ease with this coffee percolator stovetop at home. With premium silicone moka pot gasket. Uses standard 9 cup stovetop espresso maker gasket size.
- ⭐ [Made in Italy Safety Valve for maximum safety] We studied all brands of moka expresso stovetop espresso makers and improved on them in many ways. We gave the Milano Stovetop Espresso maker a larger soft touch handle with a burn guard for your finger, addressing a common complaint of hot handles and burnt fingers! Also, the Italian Safety Valve in this stove top espresso coffee maker keeps you safe from high pressure buildup.
- ⭐ [Super espresso cafeteras with style - Also use as a Greek Greca coffee maker] With a silicone gasket, and colors and styles to boot, the Milano coffee pot is the home espresso machine coffee maker and moka pot every one should have. Try it with your favorite coffee and double walled glass espresso cups. This is the coffee cup every coffee lover should enjoy.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What most people don’t know is that you can make delicious espresso in your stovetop coffee maker. You can buy a Moka pot like the GROSCHE for plenty of reasons. Affordable price, easy functionality, and long-lasting design.
Seriously, a Moka pot will last for a super-long time. And another upshot about all this is that you can use it on your stovetop. And store it right next to all your other cooking utensils or a shelf easily. It hardly takes up any room. And it works so wonderfully.
You can save a lot more money using a stovetop Moka pot for your Italian espresso needs. It brews rich and delicious espresso shots for cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee drinks. If you are used to spending at Starbucks or any other coffee shop, you’ll see a giant drop in how much you spend per cup once you buy this pot.
The fit and feel of this espresso maker are outstanding. It has a sturdy handle with a top lid that stays cool even during brewing. You can easily lift the lid to see the rich crema forming on top of the espresso. The finishing of the Moka Pot is smooth and durable.
You can make coffee in this best Italian espresso machine multiple times each day. It delivers barista-like coffee every time. It’s handmade coffee for coffee enthusiasts at its best.
#3. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine – Best Compact Italian Espresso Machine
- Ergonomic porta filter handle same as the proven design of Rancilio commercial machines
- Commercial grade group head for superb heat stability and extraction quality
- Articulating steam wand offers complete range of motion and professional steaming knob precisely controls steaming pressure
- Classic linear design fits most decors
- Optional pod and capsule adaptor kit available
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine makes great coffee for an authentic brewing experience. The price you pay for this espresso maker is nothing compared to the money you spend per visit at a coffee shop. So in the long run, buying this best Italian espresso machine pays off.
Having said that, the Rancilio Silvia demands that you know a little bit about coffee makers. How to brew the perfect cup of coffee without making it too bitter? The buttons on this machine are helpful and straightforward. There’s one for hot water, steam, and espresso.
Couple that with the amazing steam frother and you have an outstanding coffee station at your disposal. The microfoam steamer wand is one of the best. It all happens simultaneously. You pull the espresso shot in 20 to 30 seconds. Steam and froth the milk to the perfect texture. And give the drip tray a clean wipe after you’re done.
Speaking of cleaning, regular maintenance of this machine is essential. It is what keeps the coffee machine working in perfect order. Backflush, de-scale, and cleaning the portafilter.
In addition to ground coffee, it also features a pod and capsule adaptor kit. This means you can add any coffee flavor of your choice. And make as many espresso-based drinks out of the Rancilio Silvia because it never gives up.
#4. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine – Best Professional Italian Espresso Machine
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This thing is a beast packed in a strong and sturdy stainless steel housing. One of the top picks for a home espresso machine, it has a classic and authentic design. There are several features that make it unique and functional.
Such as the commercial three-way solenoid valve and the chrome-plated brass brew chamber. Both features are barista-grade but without the intimidating design. For a home brewer, it delivers delicious and the richest espresso. And that’s all you need to know.
Making coffee in this coffee is quite straightforward and quick. The top has all the buttons that do their respective jobs beautifully. Such as the power, espresso, and steam button.
The steam wand sits at a perfect angle for quick and impressive texturing. It’s a rotating steam wand that performs just like commercial-grade espresso machines. Quick, powerful, and effective for smooth lattes and cappuccinos.
The Gaggia Classic Pro lives up to its expectations. Once you practice how to dial it in to make strong espressos, you’ll forget drinking from coffee shops. It’s super reliable, professional, and easy to use.
#5. Lavazza 041953000648 Blue Classy Mini Single-Serve Espresso Coffee Machine – Best Italian Espresso Machine For Pods
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
After years of using this single-serve espresso coffee maker, users find it just as irresistible and functional. Lavazza is a popular brand name among coffee enthusiasts. It’s one of the fastest and easiest coffee machines to use. With a simple yet efficient espresso setting that makes all the difference.
The settings I’m talking about are Lavazza’s Lungo and Espresso buttons. So it offers portion control for people who drink more than one cup of coffee daily. You can control the quantity of espresso that goes in every cup.
On top of that, it also features a programmable free dose and pre-set settings. With a visual indicator that lets you in on everything, you need to know about what’s going on inside the coffee maker.
It features a capsule drawer that discards used capsules 5 times. And removable cup support for pouring espresso in without dripping or spilling on the drip tray. There is enough room for mugs and espresso cups under the spout.
The beauty of using this charming single-serve espresso machine is that it hardly takes up any room. And it offers the richest and smoothest espresso. The cleaning process is simple. It heats the water quickly. And the water reservoir is easy to refill.
Overall, the small size, brewing speed, and ease of use and maintenance make this the best Italian espresso machine for most homes.
#6. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker – Best Single-serve Italian Espresso Machine
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine! Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
- VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz & 8oz coffee, single & double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
- AEROCCINO MILK FROTHER INCLUDED: The Nespresso Aeroccino3 provides smooth hot or cold milk froth for your coffee recipes in a few seconds with one touch.
- COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules (capsule assortment may vary from picture).
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the best Italian espresso maker brands, Nespresso is hard to resist. It elevates your coffee brewing and drinking experience at once. It’s definitely an upgrade if you’re used to drinking black coffee only.
Nespresso VertuoPlus gives you the flexibility to have any coffee drink you want. With these beautiful coffee capsules, you can brew all coffee flavors. It’s a completely automatic espresso maker with various espresso settings. The Aeroccino 3 milk frother is functional and impressive.
Since this is a single-serve coffee machine, it works faster than a lot of espresso machines. And since it’s automatic, that’s even faster! At the touch of a single button, you can pull a single espresso shot, double espresso, lungo, or alto.
You can even pour over ice, ice cream, or frothed milk directly. There are many coffee recipes to explore once you have an outstanding espresso maker at home. Flat white, mocha, macchiato, latte, cappuccino, and ristretto. Clearly, the choice is all yours!
Choosing the Best Italian Espresso Machine
Here’s what you absolutely need to know before buying an espresso machine.
When you’re a coffee aficionado, everything about your coffee maker needs to be just right. And these factors determine how well your coffee maker performs for daily brewing.
Espresso Quality
The first thing you want to know is the temperature, crema, and flavor of the espresso. Standard drip coffee makers cannot produce rich and delicious espresso. That is why espresso machines are authentic and classy.
A fast and high-quality espresso maker must match three important criteria. First is the texture of espresso which is not too bitter and not too light. Espresso is added to steam milk, milk foam, black coffee, and plain hot water. So it must have a smooth texture that not gritty or powdery.
If an espresso maker can offer that consistently, then it’s a huge advantage.
Next, a shot of espresso should be of the right temperature. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is 190-degrees once it’s inside the cup. This means the espresso maker should have high water-heating settings to extract hot and steamy espresso.
This also affects another important aspect of espresso quality. And that is crema. If your espresso maker cannot produce a good layer of crema on top of the espresso. Then look for something that does. A thick crema flavor adds a good body to your espresso shot.
Steam Wand
The steam wand is an important feature in any espresso machine. You will find a steam wand in a low-cost espresso machine and in a high-end one. What you need to look for is a steam wand heats and froths milk perfectly.
Steamed milk goes into many espresso-based drinks. Such as lattes, cappuccinos, flat white, ristretto, macchiato, and mocha.
It takes some time to master the art of milk texturing with a steam wand. But once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the best things you can to improve the taste of the coffee.
1. Some of the common features of a steam wand are as follows. You can control how much steam passes through the wand for manual frothing.
2. The steam wand should have several small holes for proper steaming. Do not buy a steam wand with only one hole at the end of the wand.
3. A rotating or swivel design for a steam wand improves the quality of the milk.
Water Reservoir
Commercial espresso machines have a built-in plumbing setup to uninterrupted water access. You don’t have to keep refilling the water tank that way. It saves time when you have lots of espresso drinks to make. And it also saves water costs in the long run.
For home use, installing plumbing for an espresso machine is a waste of resources. Unless you’re going to make back-to-back coffees for hours, you simply need an espresso machine with a water reservoir.
A high-quality and sturdy water reservoir should do the trick. It should be easy to fill and refill. And it doesn’t take up too much space on the counter. Most water tanks sit behind the espresso machine. This makes the espresso maker convenient and user-friendly.
Brewing Size
How many ounces of the espresso is in a single shot? A single shot of espresso is about 30ml of coffee. A double shot of espresso is 60ml. This constitutes a single fluid ounce in one espresso shot.
Having said that, different coffee makers do not have the exact measurements. But on average, that is the ideal brewing size that you should be looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the difference between espresso machines vs. drip?
When you use a drip coffee machine, it makes coffee in large batches. Start from 3 cups up to 12 cups in a single batch. And the average size of each cup of coffee is 8x more than a single shot of espresso.
That is because espresso is more concentrated and thick. Some people like to drink espresso as it is. But the majority of coffee drinkers add espresso to milk or hot water or soda to create a coffee drink.
Espresso machines also differ in brewing techniques from drip coffee machines. Drip coffee makers use filters that separate the coffee from the coffee grounds to extract rich and smooth coffee.
Espresso makers, on the other hand, use high-pressure and near-boiling water to extract the espresso shots. That is why espresso packs more caffeine in under 30 seconds.
Drip coffee is less intense than espresso. And it uses coarser grounds than espresso machines to make the coffee full-bodied and flavorful.
2. How much caffeine does espresso contain?
If you’re using Nespresso capsules, like in the Nespresso VertuoPlus, you have multiple options. You can choose from different intensities. Nespresso’s Original capsules contain 50 to 120mg caffeine per capsule. You can use these capsules to brew espresso for standard cups.
Vertuo capsules 70 to 150mg caffeine per capsule. Most coffee enthusiasts brew Vertuo coffee capsules for double and Lungo sizes.
For bigger espresso sizes, such as a standard mug serving or Alto, you can also buy high-caffeine capsules. They contain from 170 to 200mg caffeine per cup.
3. How long do espresso machines last?
Espresso machines are generally made up of heavy metal like stainless steel. They certainly last longer than plastic or glass coffee makers. And are also very effective at distributing heat for proper coffee extraction.
Having said that, most espresso machines need regular care and maintenance. This includes descaling and flushing out deposits from the coffee machine. Keeping various parts such as the filter, portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand clean.
You can clean an espresso machine with a vinegar solution or hot water. If you clean your espresso machine regularly, hot water should be fine. But for really dirty and grimy espresso makers, vinegar gives a thorough and intensely clean.
With weekly cleaning of the important parts of the espresso machine, it can last for up to 15 years without any major hassle. This depends on various factors such as brand, brewing capacity, and brewing technology.
But on average, espresso makers work for 5 to 15 years.
Final Thoughts
If you love coffee, then you don’t want to miss out on these picks. I’ve tested out espresso coffee machines that you’ll actually love to use. And most of them are top-selling items on the list.
So if you have to buy something that produces the smoothest and richest espresso. It has got to be any one of these excellent Italian espresso machines. It’s capable of working consistently without occupying a lot of space on your kitchen counter. A must-have for every coffee enthusiast and soon-to-become home barista!
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.