The Best Espresso Machines of 2026

Pros

• ✓Excellent shot consistency for the price
• ✓Built-in grinder with 15 settings
• ✓Compact footprint fits small counters

Cons

• ✗Steam wand takes practice to master
• ✗Small 34 oz water tank needs frequent refills

Pros

• ✓Espresso, drip coffee and cold brew in one machine
• ✓Guided weight-based dosing removes guesswork
• ✓Automatic hands-free milk frother

Cons

• ✗Large footprint dominates the counter
• ✗More plastic than similarly priced rivals

Pros

• ✓True one-touch lattes with the LatteGo system
• ✓Milk circuit rinses in seconds — easiest cleanup in class
• ✓Ceramic grinder stays quiet and consistent

Cons

• ✗Less crema than a semi-automatic with fresh grounds
• ✗Limited manual control for tinkerers

Pros

• ✓Real 20-bar pump at an entry-level price
• ✓Simple dial controls — nothing to configure
• ✓Compact and light enough to stow away

Cons

• ✗Plastic portafilter feels flimsy
• ✗Temperature stability drifts on back-to-back shots

Pros

• ✓Unmistakable retro design in seven colors
• ✓Heats up in around 40 seconds
• ✓Intuitive three-button operation

Cons

• ✗No built-in grinder at a premium price
• ✗Drip tray fills quickly

Pros

• ✓All-metal build matches KitchenAid stand-mixer durability
• ✓Dual thermoblock brews and steams simultaneously
• ✓Smart dosing cup simplifies prep

Cons

• ✗Heavier than most rivals
• ✗Accessories sold separately add up

Pros

• ✓Built-in conical burr grinder
• ✓Consistent shot temperature
• ✓Precise dose control
• ✓15-bar Italian pump

Cons

• ✗Large footprint
• ✗Grinder not upgradeable
• ✗Steep learning curve

Pros

• ✓3-second heat-up
• ✓Auto steam wand
• ✓54mm portafilter
• ✓Small footprint

Cons

• ✗No built-in grinder
• ✗64oz water tank
• ✗Limited manual steam

Pros

• ✓Cheapest real espresso machine
• ✓Compact
• ✓Manual steam wand
• ✓Dead simple to use

Cons

• ✗Pressurized basket limits quality
• ✗Mostly plastic build
• ✗Basic steam wand

Pros

• ✓One-touch espresso, bean to cup
• ✓Built-in grinder with 13 settings
• ✓Easy daily cleanup
• ✓Compact for a super-automatic

Cons

• ✗Less crema than semi-automatics
• ✗Plastic-heavy build
• ✗Milk frother is manual on base model

Pros

• ✓Built-in grinder with auto-purge
• ✓Makes espresso and drip coffee
• ✓Intuitive controls
• ✓Good value

Cons

• ✗Grinder less precise than standalone
• ✗Bulky
• ✗Newer brand, less track record

Pros

• ✓58mm commercial portafilter
• ✓Highly upgradeable
• ✓30-year proven design
• ✓Huge community support

Cons

• ✗Manual steaming takes practice
• ✗No stock PID
• ✗Dated aesthetics