Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines of 2025

"I absolutely love this espresso machine! It's stunning and built well, making a strong and great espresso. I appreciate how easy it is to use and that it brews coffee in literally seconds. I'm thoroughly satisfied!"

"After owning multiple machines, I found this one to be a game changer. The setup instructions were clear, allowing me to make great espresso quickly. I was impressed with the customer service when my old machine wore down—they replaced it at no cost!"

"Searching for a budget-friendly espresso machine, I discovered this one, and it has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. It heats up fast and consistently produces rich, velvety crema. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to enjoy cafe-quality espresso at home!"

"I bought this on Prime Day at a great price. As a Breville brand fan, I have several of their appliances and nearly no complaints. After replacing my Nespresso machine, I spent the day reading manuals and watching videos. Initially, I struggled with the dosage, but now it’s perfect on the first try. The extraction time improved from 20 to 30 seconds, and the taste is far better than Nespresso. I’m now saving costs on coffee and enjoying a more flavorful latte. I rate my Breville 8.5/10 stars!"

"This machine is truly amazing and consistent! As beginners, we are still learning about the grind adjustments, and it feels like a fun science project. After some experimentation, we’re now enjoying foamy, delicious drinks! A tip for new users: buy a large bag of beans and be prepared for some trial and error. The extraction timing is crucial, and this machine is definitely worth it!"

"I absolutely love this espresso machine! It's easy to use yet looks fancy! The price is great for what you get, especially with the included grinder and milk frother. It’s very simple to clean and has saved me countless trips to the coffee shop!"

"We were thrilled with the machine at first, but after just a few weeks, the steam pump for frothing milk stopped working. Despite our troubleshooting efforts, it never returned to normal. It feels like the appliance gods are guiding us back to simpler coffee choices."

"Initially, I had two coffee machines for variety, but this one has replaced them both. It does take some time to figure out the grind settings and brewing process, but it offers great control over the coffee-making experience. If you enjoy crafting your espresso, this machine is perfect for you!"

"I appreciate the convenience of using this machine. It makes great coffee and operates quietly, which is perfect for my mornings. The large water reservoir lasts us all day, and I love being able to customize the grind settings to my preference."

"When I opened the box, I noticed a bit of a coffee smell. The grinder had some coffee powder stuck in it, which was disappointing. Despite that, I found the machine easy to use and capable of producing a decent espresso."

"We purchased this machine a few months ago, and we liked it so much that we bought a second one for our trailer. It's easy to use and consistently brews great coffee. I'm really pleased with our decision!"

"I swore by drip filter coffee for years, but after ordering the Breville Bambino, I realized what I had been missing. The setup was incredibly straightforward thanks to the 3D interactive guide on the Tilt app. The quick heat-up time is a game changer, and the compact design fits perfectly in my small kitchen. I also love how it creates that barista-quality microfoam for lattes. However, I had to buy a separate grinder, which was an added expense."

"After decades of enjoying espresso from professional machines, I decided to try the Bambino. I’m satisfied with its performance after a month of use. While it may not match the high-pressure machines, it’s surprisingly close. The steamed milk wand works great, and I appreciate the automated cleaning feature. My only minor complaint is that the hot water feature is a bit slow for my liking."

"The Breville Bambino has transformed my chaotic mornings! It's adorable and surprisingly powerful for its size. Once I got the hang of it, the espresso shots turned out strong and smooth. The steam wand is mighty, making me feel like a real barista. The only downside is that it’s a bit demanding with the coffee preparation, but that just adds to the fun!"

"I did a lot of research before choosing this brand and model, and I’ve been impressed from the start. As a complete novice, I had my frustrations, but the machine is incredibly intuitive. With helpful videos available, I quickly learned how to use it. The grinder is excellent, and it comes with good quality accessories. It's a perfect home espresso maker, especially for occasional use. After 16 months, I encountered some intermittent issues, but I reached out to Breville, and to my surprise, they provided repair service at no cost, even after the warranty. Kudos to Breville for standing by their product!"

"This espresso machine is fantastic because it's easy to use and looks great in my kitchen. I’m impressed by the quick heat-up time and the superb espresso flavor it produces. The milk frother works perfectly, and I love the precise grind settings that allow me to customize my coffee just the way I like it. In short, it's a worthwhile investment!"

"After using the Breville Barista Express daily for a month, I can say it’s worth every penny. The build quality is premium and stunning. It’s compact yet substantial, and I appreciate the thoughtful design. As someone new to espresso making, I quickly got the hang of it. The espresso is rich and smooth, consistently topped with a nice layer of crema. The steam wand creates perfect microfoam for latte art. Maintenance is easy, and it even reminds me when to clean it. Overall, this machine has elevated my coffee experience and saved me money on café visits!"

"I purchased the Cafe Espresso Maker in December, but five months later, everything failed. I've tried reaching out to the warranty departments in both the US and Canada, but they haven't returned my calls or emails. Initially, it started leaking from underneath, which I managed to address by removing some compartments in the drip tray. Recently, all systems failed, even after attempting to clean and descale it. The grinder no longer grinds properly, and the steamer works only intermittently. I expected better quality, especially considering the investment I made. It's disappointing that the manufacturer hasn't supported the warranty."

"We’ve tried several coffee makers before, but this one is truly worth the investment. It grinds beans perfectly and delivers a great cup every time. We’ve ditched our other machines and exclusively use this one now."

"I was excited to grab this espresso machine on sale. Unfortunately, just two weeks in, the grinder stopped working despite following all cleaning protocols. After contacting GE support, they suggested I return it. While it made a fantastic espresso when it worked, I can’t justify keeping it if it’s faulty. I’m really let down because it's a beautiful machine."

"I tested this unit against two other brands and found that this KitchenAid machine makes perfect espresso! There was zero mess and no grind static. The grinding is very consistent and the machine operates quite quietly. However, I did find the directions lacking and had to search online for some solutions. Additionally, it started leaking water out the back, which I suspect is due to a bad seal between the tank and the machine. Too bad!"

"As a former Nespresso user, I decided to switch back to making coffee myself, and this machine is solidly built with most parts made of metal. I chose the stainless steel version, which looks like a much pricier piece of equipment. Using it is pretty straightforward: grind the coffee, load it, and you’re set. It even comes with three extra filter baskets. The only downside is that you can't adjust the temperature of the milk steamer for non-dairy milk, but I found a workaround with a separate frother."

"I chose this machine due to its counter footprint and stainless construction. I have a small kitchen, and many other models were just too large. The frother is significantly better than my previous model, and I enjoy how quiet the grinder is. However, I wish the portafilter were made entirely of stainless steel instead of plastic, as that was one of my reasons for upgrading. Despite some minor issues, it makes excellent espresso and looks great next to my other KitchenAid appliances."

"This machine is a serious espresso machine. I appreciate the manual features that allow me to craft espresso to my liking, but it also has automated functions that simplify the process. I recommend watching the manufacturer’s YouTube video for setup guidance, as the printed instructions can be a bit unclear. Despite some minor documentation frustrations, I pulled off a perfect double espresso on my first try!"

"I ordered the Philips Barista Brew and found it to be a solid choice. The stainless steel construction is durable, and the 15-bar pump delivers rich espresso. However, it lacks a built-in grinder, so I need to buy one separately, which adds to the cost. Overall, this machine is user-friendly and perfect for enthusiasts!"

"This espresso machine is simply awesome! I conducted a taste test against high-rated instant products, and my friends noted the clean flavor of the fresh ground espresso. They could appreciate the distinct flavor notes compared to others. I’m impressed with the quality and am giving it a 5-star rating!"