Buying Guide
Espresso Machines
Find the right espresso machine for your favorite drinks, your counter and your morning routine.
The Short Answer
Choose an espresso machine by how much of the brewing process you want to handle. Semiautomatic machines offer hands-on preparation, fully automatic models grind beans and brew with one-touch controls, and capsule machines simplify portioning. Then compare milk-frothing options, built-in grinders and dimensions to find a fit for your routine and budget.
- Start with hands-on brewing, one-touch convenience or capsules.
- For lattes, compare steam wands with automatic milk systems.
- Check whether a grinder is built in before planning your setup.
Top Picks
Our curated selection of the best espresso machines—customer favorites and top-rated classics.
For Lattes & Cappuccinos
Find machines with steam wands, automatic milk systems or included frothers for your favorite milk-based drinks.
Breville Espresso Machines
Explore compact machines, integrated grinders and models with assisted dosing or automatic milk texturing.
De’Longhi Espresso Machines
Choose from hands-on espresso preparation and fully automatic models with customizable drinks.
$500 & Under
Explore capsule, manual-frothing and select fully automatic options within your budget.
$500 & Up
Compare machines with features such as assisted tamping, personalized drinks and advanced temperature controls.
How to Choose
Choose Your Level of Involvement
Start with the part of making coffee you enjoy most. If you want to prepare the grounds and practice steaming milk, look at semiautomatic machines. Some models offer assisted dosing and tamping, so you can keep a hands-on routine with a little help. Prefer to pick a drink and let the machine do more? Fully automatic models combine a grinder with programmed brewing. Capsule machines take another approach: insert a compatible capsule and choose your cup size. Compare the actual preparation steps rather than relying on the word automatic alone.
Match the Milk System to Your Drinks
If lattes and cappuccinos are your everyday order, make the milk system a priority. A manual steam wand lets you take part in heating and frothing. Some machines offer automatic milk texturing, while fully automatic models may prepare milk drinks through an integrated frothing system. If you use plant-based milk, check that the machine’s milk system supports it. Before choosing, compare how the milk components come apart for cleaning as well as how they prepare your drink.
Plan Your Counter & Budget Together
Think about your whole coffee setup, not just the machine. An integrated grinder combines grinding and brewing in one appliance; a machine without one leaves that choice separate. Compare dimensions with the space you have available and consider how you will reach the controls and refill the machine. Then set a budget that covers any grinder, frother or accessories the machine doesn’t include, and decide which conveniences matter most. A longer feature list is useful only when those features suit the drinks you actually make.
Compare Espresso Machine Types
| Feature | Semiautomatic | Fully automatic | Capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee preparation | Prepare grounds in a portafilter; some models assist with dosing and tamping. | An integrated grinder prepares beans for programmed brewing. | Insert a compatible capsule and select a cup size. |
| Grinder setup | Built into some models; separate on others. | Built-in grinding with adjustable settings on featured models. | Capsules replace the need to grind and portion beans. |
| Milk preparation | Steam wands with manual or automatic texturing, depending on the model. | Manual frothers or automatic milk systems, depending on the model. | Check for a milk-frother bundle or plan for a separate frother. |
| Choose for | A hands-on routine with options for guided preparation. | Freshly ground beans and convenient drink selection. | Simple portioning without handling loose grounds. |
Care for Your Espresso Machine
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Empty and Rinse Daily
Empty the drip tray and used grounds or capsules after each session, and rinse removable parts as your model directs.
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Clean Milk Components
Purge and wipe a steam wand right after frothing; clean frothers and automatic milk systems as your model directs.
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Refresh the Water
Change the water in the tank regularly, and replace the water filter if your machine uses one.
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Follow Descaling Directions
Follow your machine’s instructions for descaling timing, solution and rinsing rather than applying one schedule to every model.
Espresso Machine FAQs
Choose based on what you want to learn: a capsule or fully automatic machine simplifies preparation, while a semiautomatic model lets you practice preparing grounds and steaming milk. Assisted dosing and tamping can offer a middle ground.
Not if you choose a machine with an integrated grinder or a capsule system. For a machine without built-in grinding, plan how you will supply the ground coffee it requires.
Yes, models with a steam wand or suitable automatic milk system can prepare the milk for these drinks. For capsule machines, check whether a frother is included or needed separately.
Some systems support it. The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema supports oat, soy and rice milk, while Philips LatteGo models also support non-dairy alternatives; check the specific machine’s details before choosing.
No. Some machines automate selected steps, while others combine grinding and brewing with one-touch drink controls. Check dosing, tamping and milk preparation separately so you know what you will handle yourself.