Read on for my top picks, and for more recommendations, check out Good Food’s broader guide to picking the best coffee machine for your home.
Best espresso machines at a glance
- Best espresso machine: De’Longhi La Specialista Arte, £389.99
- Best manual espresso machine: Gaggia Classic espresso machine, £490
- Best mid-range espresso machine: Sage the Bambino Plus, £399
- Best espresso machine for beginners: ProCook espresso machine, £199
- Best espresso machine with grinder: Smeg EGF03 espresso machine, £649.95
- Best espresso machine for coffee aficionados: Smeg ECF02 espresso machine, £399.95
- Best automatic espresso machine: Breville One-Touch Coffee House II, £169.97
- Best budget espresso machine: Dualit Espresso coffee machine, £89.95
- Best espresso machine under £500: KitchenAid Artisan espresso machine, £329
- Best portable espresso machine: Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker, £49.90
Jump to section:
How I tested espresso machines
Testing espresso machines usually means doing a lot of the same thing: making shot after shot of espresso. I spent a lot of time with each machine in this list, navigating the controls, dialling in the coffee beans to achieve the optimal extraction (25-30 seconds), and playing with any customisation settings that were on offer.
After putting each model through its paces, I then scored them out of five against the following core criteria, which determined their overall star rating:
- Espresso quality: I looked for espresso with rich flavour, smooth consistency, a hazelnut-coloured silky crema and bold aroma.
- Quality of materials: An espresso machine is usually an expensive purchase, so the quality of each component should be built for daily use and longevity.
- Ease of use: How helpful is the manual and how intuitive is the machine to use?
- Value for money: Does the machine offer good return of investment?
- Ease of assembly and packaging: The machines were scored on how easy they were to set up, the protective quality of its packaging, and amount of single-use plastic in its box.
Photography: Natalie Bass / Good Food
I also considered the following:
- Extra features: For example, a milk wand for steaming milk, accompanying stainless steel milk jug, single- and double-cup functions, and a scoop for measuring coffee grounds.
- Personalisation options: Adjustable water temperature, coffee brew time, hard or soft water settings.
- Water tank: Needs to be easily accessible or removable for refilling.
- Ease of cleaning: Descaling settings, self-cleaning functions, steam wand purge, dishwasher-safe portafilter and filter baskets, portafilter rinsing.
- Countertop footprint: Espresso machines can vary from slimline to big and boxy.
Some of these factors might matter more to you than others, and the coffee fanatics among you will care more about the quality of extraction and advanced features like temperature control and milk steaming.
Minimalists will be interested in the kitchen footprint and ease of cleaning, but if you’re new to making coffee and don’t mind your espressos on the weaker side, value for money and ease of use will probably be your top priorities.
Why you can trust Good Food reviews (and me, the reviewer)
I’ve been testing coffee machines for three years at Good Food, but before that I worked as a coffee shop barista for several years – so I know what makes a good coffee machine, and more importantly, what good espresso should taste like. I’ve also trained at the London School of Coffee and have a Specialty Coffee Association qualification under my belt, so it’s fair to say I’m a passionate coffee enthusiast.
Photography: Natalie Bass / Good Food
The team and I test every product using our trusted matrix format in the Good Food Test Kitchen, which is designed to replicate the average home kitchen rather than a specialist lab. Because of this, you can be confident that if a product performs well in our kitchen, it should perform well in yours, too.
No product reviews are shared with manufacturers or retailers before they’re published, and we never accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, either.
Best espresso machines to buy in 2025
De’Longhi La Specialista Arte manual espresso machine
Best espresso machine
Pros:
- Dual-height cup tray for long and short drinks
- Stainless-steel milk jug, heavy tamper and tamping mat all included
Cons:
- Water tank proved temperamental to load
- Crowded control panel
Star rating: 5/5
If you’re someone who likes to try different bean varieties and roasts but don’t want to buy a separate coffee grinder, the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte is an excellent choice.
It grinds beans freshly from its hopper when a coffee is selected, offering 11 grind settings to choose from. This technically makes it a bean-to-cup coffee machine, but I’ve included it here because of its price point, compact size and quality.
It’s the high-quality extras that not only make the experience of using this espresso a joy, but it’s relatively simple even for beginners. The manual is packed with diagrams and tips to guide you through everything from pre-infusion temperature profiles to the ratios of espresso-based coffees, and will even help you improve latte art skills.
For the money, this is an excellent value espresso machine.
Wattage: 1300W
Functions: Two drink options (espresso and americano), eight grind settings, milk steaming
Weight: 8.8KG
Capacity: 1.5L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: (based on 25.73p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Gaggia Classic espresso machine
Best manual espresso machine
Pros:
- Professional grade accessories and specifications
- Easy to use rocker switches
- Good tamper and coffee scoop included
- Efficient steam wand
Cons:
- Tall, so less ideal for lower cupboards
Star rating: 5/5
Designed and made in Italy, the Gaggia Classic is pitched as a state-of-the-art coffee machine for the home – a statement I don’t disagree with.
Much of this is due to the impressive functionality hidden behind its stainless-steel body, such as the solenoid valve, which is responsible for controlling water temperature inside the filter holder, but you can also feel it in the parts for manually making coffee.
The chromed brass group and filter holder are the same size, weight and style of those used with professional commercial machines, designed to control the heat during brewing for optimal extraction.
The three filters (single, double and ESE pods) require a solid clip, which there’s no annoying rattling. There’s space to store and warm five espresso cups on the top. Even with its state-of-the art style, this is still one easy-to-use machine.
Wattage: 1425W
Functions: Single and double espresso, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 8.1KG
Capacity: 2.L
Warranty: 5-year parts warranty
Cost to run: (based on 25.73p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Sage the Bambino Plus espresso maker
Best mid-range espresso machine
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Efficient milk frother
- Quality espresso
Cons:
- A little bulky
- Rickety drip tray
Star rating: 4.5/5
Sleek and intuitive, the Bambino Plus packs a lot of power into a mid-range package. It comes loaded with bonus features, including a steaming wand and a robust plastic water tank. The only minor flaw is the drip tray, which is a little rickety compared to the rest of the machine.
Like any good espresso machine, this model takes a little time to master. Simple tasks such as One Cup, Two Cup and Steam Milk are well accommodated by its minimalist controls, but more in-depth commands, like setting the amount of coffee to the cup, might require some practice or quick glance at the manual.
As for the coffee, it produced barista-quality, thick espresso that struck a good balance between rich flavour and drinkability, complete with glossy crema. A great value machine in all.
Wattage: 1600W
Functions: 3 drink options, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 6.7KG
Capacity: 1.9L
Warranty: 2 years
ProCook espresso machine
Available from ProCook (£199)
Best espresso machine for beginners
Pros:
- Lower price point
- Attractive design
- Easy to use
- Fully recyclable packaging
- Brightly lit screen with timer
Cons:
- Some accessories are a bit flimsy
- No water filter included
Star rating: 4.5/5
If you’ve long coveted a Sage coffee machine but your budget doesn’t stretch that far, this ProCook model might be the one for you – it closely resembles Sage’s Duo-Temp Pro and Dual Boiler (below) in looks but is much cheaper.
Where some espresso machines can seem complex, it’s perfectly suited to beginners. The manual is packed with tips and diagrams, and I found the set-up straightforward – just a quick rinse of the components is all that’s needed before you switch the machine on.
In test I thought it showed good robustness, but the flimsiness of the portafilter (where the coffee grounds go) was a bit of a giveaway as to how inexpensive this machine is versus other models. I also would have liked the steam wand to have more manoeuvrability, but could still achieve a decent microfoam when making lattes and cappuccinos.
Brewing the perfect espresso shot was a breeze, especially as there’s a timer on the screen to help you monitor the extraction (you’ll want to aim for 25-30 seconds per shot). This is rare for a budget-friendly coffee machine, but will no doubt prove invaluable to beginner baristas.
Wattage: 1250-1450W
Functions: Single and double espresso, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 6.3KG
Capacity: 2.2L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 7.2p (based on 24.86p/kWh – one coffee each day p/week)
Smeg ECF02 espresso machine
Best espresso machine for coffee aficionados
Pros:
- Available in a range of colours
- Produced rich, dark espresso with silky crema
- Good selection of customisation options
Cons:
Star rating: 4.5/5
An upgrade of the Smeg ECF01 espresso machine, the Italian brand has channelled its iconic 1950s design into this slimline espresso machine. It’s simple on the surface, but packed with advanced personalisation features. It comes with four drink options and a scoop for loading coffee grounds into the portafilter, and I found the set-up impressively straightforward.
For those who like lattes and cappuccinos, it also benefits from an integrated steam wand for frothing milk – though it is a little slow to heat up and you’ll need to buy the milk jug separately. I did, however, award this espresso machine extra points for sustainability, as all the packaging it arrived in could be recycled.
Wattage: 1350W
Functions: 4 drink options, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 4.7KG
Capacity: 1.1L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 5.1p (based on 28.62p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
Smeg EGF03 espresso machine
Best espresso machine with grinder
Pros:
- Bright, colourful exterior
- High-quality accessories
- User-friendly features
- Built-in adjustable grinder
Cons:
- Expensive
- Chunky footprint
- No adjustable height tray
Star rating: 4.5/5
The EGF03 is a sleek statement gadget that perfectly aligns with Smeg’s 50s aesthetic. On the countertop, it looks like a shiny new toy: bright and glossy with accessories to match, including a robust 58mm portafilter and a stainless steel milk jug.
Where it differs from the ECF01 and ECF02 is the built-in grinder, which means you can enjoy freshly ground beans in every cup. The hopper slots in easily and rotates depending on the grind size you want, from super-fine to medium.
I also thought the grinder was quiet and speedy, filling the portafilter basket in seconds. The espresso was sweet, strong, and topped with silky crema, and I loved the manoeuvrability of the steam wand. It comes with a steep price tag, but is simple enough for beginners and fully delivers on quality.
Wattage: 1650W
Functions: Single and double espresso, 6 grind settings, milk steaming
Weight: 12.7KG
Capacity: 2.4L
Warranty: 2 years
Cost to run: 3.9p (based on 24.5p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
Breville One-Touch Coffee House II
Available from Currys (£169.97)
Best automatic espresso machine
Pros:
- Quality espresso
- Grounds and pod-compatible
- Sleek, slimline design
- Portafilter baskets release easily
Cons:
- Noisy
- No americano preset
- Limited guidance on how much coffee to use
- Have to twist the portafilter very firmly to lock it in
Star rating: 4.5/5
If you’re a regular drinker of lattes or cappuccinos, this Breville model comes with an automated milk frother that delivers deliciously creamy results. It’s a sleek, compact machine with clearly marked icons and an intuitive display, and has a progress bar along the top so you can see how quickly it’s heating up.
It uses ESE pods or coffee grounds, which slot inside the portafilter basket with ease. There’s a scoop included with a tamper on the end, though the guidance on how much coffee to use was a bit vague – Breville advises filling the basket 3mm from the top, though most other machines simply say one scoop of grounds for a single shot.
I also found locking the portafilter into the grouphead quite tricky, and needed two hands to stop the machine from slipping on the worktop as I did it. The effort was worth it, however: the Coffee House II produced excellent espresso with thick, glossy crema.
Wattage: 1470W
Functions: 3 drink options, milk steaming
Weight: 5.8KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 1 year
Cost to run: 1.2p (based on 24.5p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
Available from:
Dualit Espresso coffee machine
Best budget espresso machine
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Small footprint
- Easy to insert grounds
- Adjustable speeds for steam wand
- Auto-shut off
Cons:
- Steam wand can be tricky to manoeuvre
- Manual stop for espresso
Star rating: 4.5/5
This Dualit model is a solid choice for anyone making the jump from instant coffee to brewing fresh espresso. It’s intuitive and fuss-free, with a simple dial and slimline body that’s ideal for small countertops.
Manoeuvring the milk frother into position was more awkward (making it difficult to achieve the perfect microfoam), but I liked that I could adjust the speed of steaming using the dial on the side. The espressos flowed steadily and were pleasant with thick, hazelnutty crema.
You have to manually stop the flow of espresso, so it could be worth purchasing a separate small measuring cup if you want to ensure consistency (or set a timer – you’ll want to aim for between 25-30 seconds). That aside, this is a machine that produces solid results, and with a price tag of below £100, it offers great value too.
Functions: Espresso, milk steaming
Weight: 3.2KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 1 year
Cost to run: 0.9p (based on 24.5p/kWh– one coffee each day p/week)
KitchenAid Artisan espresso machine
Best espresso machine under £500
Pros:
- Five-year warranty
- Proper stainless steel tamper included in the box
- Anti-slip mat for tamping
- Single- and double-wall filter baskets included
Cons:
- Small icons denoting its functions
- More expensive than most
Star rating: 4.5/5
KitchenAid products have a brand legacy to live up to, so when new models are released, expectations are high. The Artisan edition of the espresso machine has a low, slimline footprint but a hefty metal body that gives it good stability on its grippy base.
I thought this model was a classy, pricey unit that fully delivers in terms of coffee quality, steam wand efficiency and the accessories included (which is where many machines fall).
There’s a weighty stainless steel tamper and an accurate coffee scoop that decants 12g of coffee into a single-shot filter basket (just the right amount). After brewing, the used coffee puck was almost dry, making it mess-free to tap out. All I missed was a second cup tray for lifting espresso cups higher to the stream to stop splashing.
Wattage: 1300W
Functions: Single and double espresso, milk steaming, hot water
Weight: 5.5KG
Capacity: 1.4L
Warranty: 5 years
Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker
Best portable espresso maker
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy to transport
- Integrated coffee scoop and cup
Cons:
- Water needs to be preheated
Star rating: 4.5/5
The Wacaco Minipresso GR features five main parts that screw together into one portable, robust package. Its integrated manual pump generates eight bars of pressure (116 PSI) to produce a full-bodied single espresso, complete with a thick crema.
The build-quality combined with the hands-on process means it’s not only fun to use but a genuinely functional bit of kit for making espresso on the go.
Read our full Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso maker review.
Wattage: N/A
Functions: Espresso
Weight: 360g
Capacity: 70ml
Warranty: 1 year
Other espresso machines tried and tested
How to choose the best espresso machine
While there are many types on the market, I’d advise any espresso lover to buy a traditional pump-action machine, which combines mechanisms for maintaining water temperature and applying pressure.
These machines use pumps to drive near-boiling water through a layer of finely ground coffee and filter into your espresso cup quickly. The whole process, from loading to full extraction, should take under one minute (25 to 30 seconds is the optimum extraction time for 25ml of espresso) and speed is one of the major advantages of this brewing method over traditional drip methods.
The best coffee pod machines require you to buy pods, which can be less cost-effective while also posing a greater sustainability issue as they’re difficult to recycle or biodegrade. In contrast, espresso machines just require ground coffee, and there are a couple of types to choose from.
Automatic espresso machines
These will heat the water, brew and extract espresso into your coffee cup. You’ll likely need to do the dosing and tamping of the grinds, then load and unload the portafilter. Certain elements will be adjustable to help you personalise your coffee, like the brew time, quantity and water temperature.
Manual espresso machines
This type of machine doesn’t plug into the mains, so are generally more portable and sustainable espresso makers compared to plug-in automatic types. The water does need to be pre-heated, but they offer a very hands-on process of making the coffee that’s incredibly gratifying.
If speed and convenience are the biggest decision drivers for you, a bean-to-cup coffee machine may be an interesting alternative. Some espresso machines – including most of the ones reviewed in this guide – have extra features in addition to coffee extraction.
- Milk steamer wands: These are a popular add-on, used to heat and froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos and other creamy concoctions. If you like your coffee with milk, I recommend either buying a machine with a steamer, or if not, getting a standalone steaming/frothing appliance.
- Single- and double-cup capabilities: Some espresso machines will be able to make two cups of coffee at the same time.
- ESE pod compatibility: Biodegradable pouches containing ground coffee that can be placed into the portafilter and minimise the mess of wayward grinds.
- Coffee dosing spoon and tamper: Filling your portafilter with coffee and compressing them down into an even layer is an essential part of the espresso-making process, particularly if splitting espresso between two cups.
In the interest of meeting lots of different needs, I’ve featured a variety of espresso machines in this guide, with styles ranging from retro to contemporary for different budgets.
Before you choose one and place an order, think carefully about the types of coffee you’d like to make and the characteristics you’d like your coffee machine to have.
Top tips for making the best espresso at home
Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refresh your barista skills, there are a few simple steps to making the best espresso from the comfort of your kitchen.
- Invest in good coffee beans: A good cup of espresso starts with high-quality coffee beans. When browsing, think about which aromas and flavour profiles you like – medium-to-dark roasts are usually better for making espresso. You can find inspiration in our guide to the best coffee beans.
- Grind just before brewing: Where possible, try to use fresh, very finely ground coffee when making espresso. Our team has also tested the best coffee grinders to bring you our picks of the most efficient, value for money and well-designed models on the market.
- Use a tamper: This will help you to evenly distribute and pack the coffee grounds into the portafilter, resulting in better quality coffee. When using the tamper, apply pressure and gently twist so the grounds are uniformly spread. Most espresso machines come with a tamper included, but you can buy them separately as well.
- Preheat your cup: If you want to keep your coffee at the optimum temperature for longer (and preserve all those delicious espresso flavours), warm your mug beforehand. Simply fill it with hot water, leave it for few minutes, then throw the water away.
- Clean your machine regularly: Keeping on top of cleaning will help to increase its lifespan. Look at the instruction manual of your gadget to find cleaning and descaling advice.
Coffee recipes and tips
How to make cold brew coffee
Best reusable coffee cups
How to make iced coffee
Coffee types explained
Best moka pots to buy
Best gooseneck kettles to buy
Best coffee grinders to buy
Best decaf coffee to buy
More gadget reviews
Best coffee machines
Best filter coffee machines
Best cafetières
Best kettles
Best coffee grinders
Best coffee gadgets
Best toasters
Best bullet blenders
Best bread makers
Best food processors
Best ice cream makers
Best mini choppers
Best doughnut makers
Visit our reviews section
Best Nespresso machines
Best coffee scales
Best De’Longhi coffee machines
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser review
More deals
Air fryer deals
Coffee machine deals
Microwave deals
Fridge freezer deals
Dishwasher deals
Stand mixer deals
Pizza oven deals
Breadmaker deals
Sage coffee machine deals
All cost-to-run calculations were measured against the standard variable tariff at the time of testing – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
