Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines of 2026

"As a first-time espresso machine owner, I found the learning curve well worth it—now I consistently enjoy rich, flavorful espresso with great crema at home. The built-in grinder is super convenient and once I dialed it in, it delivered perfectly even grounds. Making my daily coffee has become a reliable and enjoyable routine, and for the price, it's an amazing value for anyone who loves coffee."

"After comparing many options, I chose the Barista Express and couldn't be happier. Delicious espresso and cappuccino right out of the box, and with a few tweaks guided by YouTube and the manual, my wife and I both agree the coffee rivals or even beats our local shops. The machine is easy to use, fast to heat up, and simple to clean. For the best results, I’d recommend picking up a few accessories like a scale and a bottomless portafilter. All in all, this machine is outstanding at this price point."

"For anyone who wants to upgrade their home coffee experience, the Breville Barista Express is a fantastic choice. The build is sturdy and stylish, and it fits well on my counter. I learned how to use it quickly, and the intuitive controls make dialing in shots easy. The espresso is always rich and topped with beautiful crema, and the steam wand creates perfect microfoam for lattes. Maintenance is straightforward, and I love that it reminds me when to clean. This machine has truly elevated my daily coffee ritual."

"As a beginner, I found this espresso maker extraordinarily easy to operate. By my fourth shot, I was already making decent, consistent espresso. The machine is simple to clean and the steamer works very well. I appreciate the high build quality and attractive design. Although the included tamp and portafilter are pretty basic, they’re still usable for beginners like me."

"After not owning an espresso machine for decades, I decided to try this one. It’s great for beginners, offering quick heating and easy pump-run time adjustment. While it has a lot of plastic parts and feels a bit less robust than some alternatives, I like that there are plenty of accessories available. The machine’s semi-automatic features let me experiment more as I get back into making espresso."

"This espresso machine is ideal for anyone looking to make milk-based coffee drinks at home. It heats up in seconds and the steam wand has good articulation. There are some limitations, like the non-adjustable temperature and the portafilter being a bit tight, but overall, it’s a solid starter machine that allows for upgrades as your skills grow."

"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."

"As someone who reviews kitchen gadgets, I can say the Nespresso Essenza Mini is by far my most-used appliance. It delivers nearly all the quality of my old high-maintenance espresso machine with none of the fuss. Its compact size makes it perfect for daily use and easy storage. The range of compatible capsules, including affordable options beyond Nespresso, means I get variety without overspending. Compared to Keurig or even the Vertuo line, the flavor here is outstanding, and making a big cup is as simple as brewing twice. For lattes and cappuccinos, I recommend getting a separate frother like the Miroco for better value. This machine is a real winner for espresso lovers who value both quality and convenience."

"I was looking for a machine that used the original Nespresso pods, and the Essenza Mini exceeded my expectations. It’s surprisingly sturdy yet compact, and makes excellent espresso with the classic pressure system. I appreciate being able to adjust cup sizes and temperature. The variety of available pods is a big plus for me. If I had to nitpick, the water reservoir is on the smaller side and there’s no low-water alert, but overall it’s a reliable, worthwhile investment."

"The Breville Essenza Mini has transformed my mornings. Rich, smooth espresso with thick crema comes fast and fuss-free. Its slim design fits perfectly on my counter and adds a modern touch. The programmable buttons make it simple to switch between espresso and lungo. While it may seem a bit pricey, the quality and ease of use more than make up for it. I highly recommend it for anyone after great coffee in a sleek package."

"I’ve been using this espresso machine every morning and it’s been absolutely flawless. The built-in grinder is fantastic—my coffee always tastes incredibly fresh and rich. I love how easy it is to operate, even as someone new to espresso, and it looks beautiful on my countertop. The steam wand froths milk perfectly for lattes or cappuccinos. Plus, cleaning is a breeze. Honestly, this is one of my best purchases ever!"

"I wanted a compact espresso machine for my office, and this one is stylish, powerful, and easy to use. The setup was very straightforward, and the instructions were thorough with helpful recipes and tips. I really appreciate the reusable filter and the customizable coffee volume. The 360° adjustable steam wand is a great feature. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike—highly recommend."

"This machine has been a great addition to my kitchen. The 20-bar pressure ensures strong, rich shots with a lovely crema, and the built-in grinder means I get fresh coffee every time. It didn’t take long to figure out the settings, and now making café-quality coffee at home is part of my daily routine. Minimal effort, maximum taste!"

"I was looking for a small espresso machine that wouldn't take up much space, and this one is perfect for my kitchen. The compact size and modern design fit beautifully on my counter. It's also incredibly easy to use and assemble, and I get rich, flavorful coffee with every brew. The included milk frother is a fantastic addition, letting me make lattes and cappuccinos at home with ease. Overall, the quality is excellent for the price—highly recommended for anyone who loves coffee!"

"I bought this as a gift for my mom, and she absolutely loves it. The machine heats up quickly and is simple to operate, even for someone new to espresso makers. She enjoys the delicious espresso and the milk frother, which works great for cappuccinos and lattes. Its compact size is ideal for her limited kitchen space."

"This espresso maker exceeded my expectations. It delivers coffee shop-quality espresso with a creamy crema, and the built-in milk frother creates velvety foam for lattes and cappuccinos. The controls are straightforward, making it beginner-friendly, and cleaning is hassle-free. It’s a great value for those wanting café-style drinks at home without the complexity."

"I've been using the Casabrews CM5418 almost daily for a couple of months, and I'm really impressed by how affordable and reliable it is. The espresso it makes is consistently tasty with a nice crema on top, and the machine's slim profile fits perfectly on my limited counter space. As a novice, I found the instructions very clear, and I've even started making lattes and other drinks with the steam wand, which works great. For anyone wanting quality espresso on a budget, I highly recommend this machine."

"After my old espresso maker broke, I decided to try this one and I’m glad I did—setup was simple and the instructions were easy to follow. The machine heats up quickly and the large portafilter delivers rich, flavorful shots. The milk frother does a solid job, though the machine does make some noise. Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable, compact espresso machine at a good price."

"I didn’t want to spend a fortune on an espresso maker, so I picked this model and I’m pleased with how straightforward and effective it is. The espresso tastes great, and the compact design doesn’t overcrowd my kitchen. The only minor downside is the water tank is a bit small, but for the price, the performance and build quality are outstanding."

"As a first-time espresso machine owner, I was amazed at how easy it was to learn and operate this machine. I quickly mastered the milk frother and can now make delicious cappuccinos with no hassle. The espresso tastes great, the temperature is spot on, and it's the perfect size for my coffee station. I couldn't be happier and would absolutely recommend it to anyone!"

"I upgraded to this De'Longhi after having a disappointing experience with a no-name brand, and it's been a night-and-day difference. The user interface is simple and intuitive, and the leak-free water tank gives me peace of mind. I love that the steam wand is easy to clean, and the portafilter fits all my accessories perfectly. This is a reliable, beginner-friendly espresso maker that truly stands out among entry-level options."

"I recently picked up the De'Longhi espresso machine as a complete novice, and it's exceeded my expectations. The machine looks fantastic on my countertop and doesn't take up much space. After a bit of research and watching tutorials, I was able to make impressive espresso right from the start. The steamer performed well, and the espresso quality rivals my local coffee shop. I'm excited to keep learning and highly recommend this for anyone starting their espresso journey!"

"I’m very pleased with my purchase—the espresso it makes is smooth and has a creamy top every time. The machine fits perfectly on my counter because of its slim and compact design. I also enjoy the customizable temperature and strength options, which are simple to program."

"Using this espresso machine has been a game-changer for me. The touch screen is intuitive, and it’s easy to clean and operate. I replaced a similar model, but this one is better in every way. For the price, especially with a coupon, it’s an outstanding value."

"I love how quickly this machine heats up and how quietly it operates. The build quality feels solid, and the suction feet keep it stable. While I wish the tamper was sturdier and there was a pressure gauge, I’m still impressed with the delicious espresso it brews."