Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Pump
Water Capacity
Size
Color(s)
Our Top Choice
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville is a household name in the home products industry, famous for their sandwich maker. They also make coffee machines, juicers, cooking products and food prep products.
Built in grinder, frothing pot, steaming wand and adjustable brew temperatures. Large capacity water tank.
No double boiler so takes a while to steam milk. One of the more expensive models. Has a learning curve for novices.
Machine with burr grinder
15 bar Italian
67-ounces
12.5 x 13.25 x 15.75” / 23lbs
Stainless steel, black or red
Best Value
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Espresso Machine
De’Longhi was founded over 110 years ago, in 1902. They started manufacturing AC units and heaters but quickly grew to now include a range of small kitchen appliances.
Compact footprint. Lightweight and portable. 2 cup size settings. Powerful 19 bar high pressure pump. Fast heat up in 30 seconds. Eco-mode. Auto shut-off. Welcome set.
Some isolated issues with the water not reaching the optimum temperature.
Mini/compact
19 bar high pressure
20.3-ounces
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1” / 5.1lbs
Black, lime or red
Jura ENA Micro Espresso Machine
The Swiss company Jura was founded in 1931. They focus solely on manufacturing high-quality, reliable, innovative and functional automatic coffee makers.
Compact design. Available for 1 or 2-cups. 3 cup size settings. 2 aroma levels. Simple touch panel operation. Zero-Energy mode. Programmable switch off. Adjustable coffee spout.
Some issues with leaks.
Machine with conical grinder
15 bar high performance
36.8-ounces
9.1 x 12.7 x 17.5” / 19.4lbs
Black/stainless steel
Gaggia Carezza De Luxe Espresso Machine
Gaggia is one of Italy’s most iconic brands. It began with one man’s search for the ultimate espresso and now Gaggia manufactures professional, manual and automatic espresso makers.
Vintage, classic design. Temperature gauge. Pressure gauge. Compatible with ESE coffee pods. Descaling alarm. Filter for 1-2 cups of ground coffee. Double walled filter.
The rinse mode means you might have to refill the water tank often.
Vintage-style with frother
15 bar
47.3-ounces
21 x 30 x 28” / 8.8lbs
Black/stainless steel
Sowtech 4-Cup Espresso Machine
Sowtech is a very new company that was only founded in 2015. Since then though, they’ve already made a name for themselves as a leading electronics brand.
Small, compact design. 3.5 bar steam pressure system. Makes 2-4 cups of coffee. Built-in milk frother. Fast to use. Simple, one knob control. Removable drip tray.
Isolated complaint of the metal finish rubbing off and having a strange smell.
Mini/compact
3.5 bar steam pressure
8.1-ounces
7.17 x 13 x 12.9” / 5.25lbs
Black/stainless steel