Best Espresso Machines of 2026

“After using the Breville Barista Express for a while, I’ve found the built-in grinder incredibly convenient and the espresso quality rivals local cafés. While there was a bit of a learning curve at first, making coffee at home is now both enjoyable and reliable. Excellent value for coffee lovers like me.”

“I spent a lot of time researching espresso machines and settled on the Barista Express. From the start, it delivered delicious espresso and cappuccinos, even better than most coffee shops. Easy to use, quick to heat up, and simple to clean. I’d recommend picking up a few extra accessories for the best results. Truly an amazing machine for its price point.”

“My daily coffee routine has completely changed after getting this machine. The build quality is fantastic, and the espresso comes out rich and smooth every time. The steam wand creates perfect microfoam for lattes, and maintenance is a breeze. It’s saved me money and elevated my mornings beyond expectations.”

"As a longtime coffee enthusiast and former barista, I’m truly impressed with the Gaggia Classic Pro’s espresso quality and craftsmanship. After extensive research, I found it consistently recommended as the best in its class. The machine is more sophisticated than it looks, and with some practice, I can now pull delicious cappuccinos and espressos every morning. I especially appreciate that it’s easy to clean and maintain, and if you use bottled water and care for it, it should last for decades. Paired with a good burr grinder, the Gaggia Classic Pro has given me the best home coffee experience I've had outside my vintage La Pavoni."

"After using the Gaggia Classic Pro daily for over four years, I can say it’s a reliable and durable espresso machine at its price point. While there are newer machines with more features, nothing beats this for value. I’ve had to replace a couple of parts, but maintenance is straightforward and parts are easily available. The machine warms up quickly and works well with a little preparation. While it’s not commercial-grade, it’s perfect for home use and I still give it five stars for overall performance and value."

"I needed something that would fit in my small coffee area and offer more pod variety than Vertuo machines. With this, I can enjoy Illy and other favorite espresso roasters. Setup is a breeze and it feels solid. Pulls regular and lungo shots with lots of crema. The water tank could be bigger, but the convenience and taste outweigh that minor detail."

"As someone who used to grind my own beans and make pour-over coffee, I was shocked by how much I love the espresso and lungo shots from this machine. It's super convenient, fast, and makes some of the best-tasting espresso I've had. The small footprint fits perfectly on my counter, and clean-up is easy. The pod system is straightforward—just know that original and Vertuo pods aren't interchangeable."

"Being a coffee snob, I was skeptical, but this machine has won me over. It delivers a smooth, rich espresso with a great crema in minutes, and the convenience is unbeatable. I can have a double shot ready fast, and cleanup just means tossing capsules. Not quite hand-pulled quality, but better than most home machines. The capsules aren't cheap, but neither is going to a café every day."

"As someone passionate about espresso and home brewing, I found the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 to be a game-changer—both stunning in design and capable of world-class results. With the right technique and essential tools, it delivers exceptional value and quality that rivals high-end machines. The manual operation has deepened my connection to the craft, letting me experiment and perfect each shot. While there’s definitely a learning curve, it’s incredibly rewarding, and I now consider this machine an essential part of my espresso adventure."

"Coming from a professional cooking background but new to espresso machines, I picked the Flair PRO 2 for its hands-on approach and affordability. The build is solid, and if you’re already skilled with espresso, you’ll get consistent, top-notch shots. As a beginner, I struggled at first—especially with tamping—so I invested in a spring tamper and distributor, which instantly improved my results. For anyone starting out, I’d say budget for key accessories to get the most from this machine. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for enthusiasts and campers alike."

"I was drawn to the Flair PRO 2 because I love the idea of brewing great espresso anywhere—even while camping. The manual operation and control let me customize every cup, and the espresso quality is impressive for the price. It does take time and patience to master, but if you enjoy the process, this machine is absolutely worth it."

"As someone who works at a coffee shop, I appreciate how consistent and tasty the espresso is with this machine. The pressure gauge is super helpful, and I love that the milk frother actually heats and steams well. Setup was a breeze and it looks great in my kitchen. The only real downside is the tamper could be improved, but that's easily fixed."

"I bought this machine after getting tired of my daily coffee shop trips, and I'm thrilled! It's so versatile, making five different types of coffee, and the 20-bar pressure really brings out the coffee’s aroma and flavor. The design is sleek and compact, fitting perfectly in my small kitchen. The milk frother creates silky foam, and the value for the price is unbeatable."

"Trying espresso at home for the first time, I found this machine incredibly easy to use and clean. The espresso is rich and creamy with a nice foam, and it’s so much better than what I get from my Keurig. For the price, this is exactly what I needed—compact, efficient, and stylish."

"I gave this as an anniversary present, and it quickly became the centerpiece of our kitchen. My partner is obsessed with the pressure gauge and enjoys perfecting his grind for the ideal extraction. The cappuccino he made rivaled those from our favorite cafe, and the milk frother produces incredibly smooth foam. Refilling the water tank is hassle-free. The setup took a bit to learn, but the instructions were straightforward. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about their coffee."

"As a total beginner, I found this espresso maker extremely easy to use and clean, and the espresso quality was consistent right from my early attempts. Even the steamer works well, and the machine looks fantastic on my counter. The included tamp and portafilter aren't the best, but they do the job for a novice like me. Build quality is impressive for an entry-level model."

"After decades away from espresso machines, I picked up this unit and appreciated how fast it heats up and how simple it is for milk-based drinks. The adjustable pump-run time and good steam wand articulation are pluses. While I wish it had more metal and a standard 58mm group head, I like that there are many aftermarket accessories available. The plastic parts aren't my favorite, but overall, it's a solid starter machine for those wanting potential without overwhelming features."

"As someone who reviews kitchen gadgets, I've found the Nespresso Essenza Mini to be my everyday essential. It's incredibly simple to operate and maintain, always delivers coffee that's nearly indistinguishable from high-end espresso machines, and the compact frame makes it ideal for any kitchen. I also appreciate the wide variety of compatible pods, including some great, affordable options beyond Nespresso-branded capsules. For anyone considering a Nespresso, this is the one I recommend."

"The Breville Essenza Mini has totally changed my mornings. Despite its small footprint, it produces rich, smooth espresso with a luscious crema that rivals what I get at cafés. Operating it is a breeze—just one button, no hassle. The design is sleek and fits perfectly on my crowded counter. I love being able to choose between espresso and lungo with the programmable settings."

"After a long search for the right machine, I finally picked the Essenza Mini. It uses the original capsules, is super easy to use, and fits anywhere in my kitchen. Although the water reservoir is on the small side, overall, the quality and reliability make it absolutely worth the price."

"After several months of use, I can say this espresso machine has become my favorite kitchen purchase in years. There was a bit of a learning curve—figuring out tamp pressure, shot timing, and milk ratios—but it was absolutely worth it. Now, I make lattes at home almost daily, saving so much money and enjoying the process. I do wish the machine was automated, but it’s been fun to learn the craft. Highly recommended for anyone curious about espresso."

"As a beginner, this machine was perfect for me. I found tips online—like removing the pressurized portafilter component and getting a better tamper—that really improved my espresso. Freshly roasted beans and cleanliness have made a huge difference too. Now, I’m pulling shots as good as most local shops. If you want to experiment and learn, this is a great entry-level choice."

"My first impressions are very positive—the machine offers smooth operation, great coffee, and a stylish compact look. I upgraded from a much older model and found this one to be excellent value for the price. After only a couple of days, I’m already happy with the results. Would definitely recommend grabbing one if you see a good deal."