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Espresso Machine - Best Espresso Machines 2024
In the late 1980s, Americans en masse discovered the world of Espresso coffee and its offshoots including: Cappuccino, Caffè Macchiato, Caffè Latte and even Freddo Espresso, which is a cold form of the coffee drink. A basic Espresso drink – simply explained – is a rich and strong coffee drink that is served in a small demitasse cup that holds 2-3 ounces of fluid.
Several convergent influences brought Espresso drinks into mainstream America during the late 1980s and into the 1990s, including: The explosive growth of Starbuck's stores that serve these beverages; increased travel and exposure to European countries long-immersed in Espresso traditions; and, the advent of Espresso machines designed specifically for easy home use.
Until the commercial availability of electrical, pump-based Espresso machines, home-made Espresso was not popular in America. But since the American coffee explosion of the early 1990s, the increased variety and ready availability of automatic and pod-based Espresso systems has greatly increased the popularity of making Espresso at home.
WHAT STYLE ESPRESSO MACHINE SHOULD YOU BUY?
Opinions vary widely on the best style of Espresso equipment best suited for home use. Many consumers who dip their toes into the hot water of the Espresso world for the first time can become overwhelmed when looking through the abundance of information on this subject.
For use at home, several styles of Espresso machines are available. The basic categories are:
- Manual Espresso Makers
- Steam Espresso Makers
- Semi-Automatic Espresso Makers
- Super-Automatic Espresso Makers
When shopping for a home Espresso Maker, a few details should be kept in mind, since purchasing a high-level unit is an investment:
Water Storage Capability – Some Espresso machines make two or more cups simultaneously. Check water storage capacity.
Ease of Frothing Process – Check the pressure the unit provides. Higher pressure emulsifies the coffee, creating a foamy layer of crema.
Pump vs. Steam Based Units – Pump-based Espresso machines create pressure of between 9 and 15 bars that create the crema. The water in pump machines does not have to boil to make pressure for pushing the water through the grinds. Steam-based Espresso machines boil water to create hot water, steam and pressure to push water through the grinds.
Grinding Capabilities – Built-In grinders vs. using a separate grinder. An Espresso machine with a built-in grinder, such as all Super-Auto machines, are convenient and make a perfect grind for Espresso. One drawback is if the grinder breaks. It is best to have both a built-in grinder and a stand-alone grinder so you can grind beans for various uses.
We have a list of best espresso machines. Check out our top recommended Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines, Steam Espresso Machines, Super-Automatic Espresso Machines and Manual Espresso Machines.
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Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine, BES870XL
The barista express from bean to espresso in under a minute create great tasting espresso in less than a minute. The barista express allows you to grind the beans right before extraction, and its interchangeable filters and a choice of automatic or manual operation ensure authentic café style results in no time at all.
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DELONGHI ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine
Capable of preparing espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte drinks, and more, this super-automatic machine features a unique beans-to-brew system that grinds coffee beans right before brewing for exceptionally aromatic espresso. The appliance comes equipped with two stainless-steel boilers that provide excellent heat distribution, as well as an instant reheat function, which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature, no matter how long the interval between cups. In addition, its quiet burr grinder automatically grinds beans and can be set to a specific grinding level, but the unit can also be used with ground coffee if preferred.
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De'Longhi EC680BK Dedica 5-Bar Pump Espresso Machine, Black
The De'Longhi Dedicate pump espresso machine offers a traditional espresso and Cappuccino experience in a sleek ultra compact design Crafted with skill and passion. Save on precious counter space while still enjoying perfect espresso and Cappuccino with the slim 6" Design. Dedicate features a patented manual cappuccino system allowing you to achieve the richest, thickest, longest lasting foam for a superior beverage to be shared with friends and family or cherished alone. Customize your perfect Beverage with the unique flow stop feature, choosing between 1 or 2 shots of espresso, brewing the exact beverage you desire. The Dedicate pump espresso machine delivers the ultimate in performance featuring an easy to use control panel with illuminated buttons, 3 in 1 filter holder to accommodate single shots, double shots and easy serving espresso pods and thermos block technology, which heats up to the ideal brewing temperature in only 40 seconds, so you are never far from an authentic Italian Espresso!
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Breville BES870BSXL The Barista Express Coffee Machine, Black Sesame
The Breville Barista Express is built from high-quality materials so the resulting machine is as sturdy as possible. No-slip feet keep the machine from sliding across the counter when the burr grinder is activated. The Barista Express is housed in a sleek stainless steel casing, making it an attractive and timeless addition to any kitchen. The entire unit is easy to clean and comes with a hideaway storage compartment for the included cleaning tools, in addition to an easily removable drip tray.
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De'Longhi America, Inc. EN750MB Lattissima Pro Original Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
It's never been easier to create authentic Italian espresso beverages than with the Nespresso Lattissima Pro by De'Longhi. Nespresso capsules are designed to take the effort and chance out of traditional espresso brewing and provide easy clean up. The Nespresso capsule system combined with De'Longhi' s Automatic Cappuccino System means you are only ever one touch away from delicious barista-style beverages. De'Longhi' s Automatic Cappuccino System allows you to design your espresso experience at home, producing the richest, thickest, longest-lasting foam with the touch of a button. It includes a detachable milk container with auto clean function that produces steamed milk for lattes and frothed milk for cappuccinos and Italian macchiatos. The milk container can be placed in the refrigerator in between uses, so no milk is wasted. Additionally, the Lattissima Pro features an intuitive sensor touch display with 6 pre-programmed drinks for simple, one touch beverage brewing -- ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, and steamed milk (plus hot water). The sleek, premium brushed stainless steel die-cast body will surely be an eye-catching statement piece on your counter, so show off your one touch barista technique for your friends and family.
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DeLonghi ECAM22110SB Compact Automatic Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso Machine
Be your own barista with the magnificent as by De'Longhi. This compact automatic espresso machine includes all of the features of our full-size machines, but in a smaller, more convenient size. You and your guests can enjoy delicious cappuccinos and lattes anytime. It's never been easier to create authentic Italian drinks with our patented cappuccino system frother. Simply place a container with milk under the nozzle to create a rich, creamy froth. The magnificent as does all the work for you! It not only makes incredible espresso drinks, but also saves you money while doing it, with the energy-saving switch and single boiler system. Select either whole beans or ground Coffee, The machine does both. For the freshest results, The patented direct-to-brew system grinds beans instantly before brewing. With five coffee-strength settings from extra-mild to extra-strong, everyone gets their ideal flavor. The choices don't end there, select from four cup-size options to suit your preferred taste. Other highlights include easy-to-use manual controls, convenient water filtration, as well as a cup warmer and a removable drip tray. Enjoy Coffee for years to come with the magnificent as!
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Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Gaggia classic Pro improves on one of the best entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines available. The commercial steam wand lets you Texture milk for a velvety microfoam, perfect for making Latte art like you might find at a coffee house. The heavy duty chrome plated brass commercial-style 58 mm portability Includes a commercial single and double shot filter basket for pulling expert espresso, and a pressurized basket for use with pre-ground Coffee or ESE pods. The updated design offers a more modern look, with improved pump mounts for quieter brewing. With the Gaggia classic Pro, you'll get a versatile machine packed with commercial features, built to last for years. Updated frame for a more accessible reservoir.
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Breville BES840BSXL The Infuser Espresso Machine, Black Sesame, 2.3
For espresso with a well-balanced flavor, flavor needs to be drawn evenly from all the coffee grinds. What is the best way to prepare the grinds for an even extraction? Rather than starting with bursts of high pressure, the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine in Black Sesame starts with steady, low pressure to gently expand the grinds. This helps fills in any cracks, gaps, or irregularities in the coffee puck before full pressure is applied, so even pressure is applied to all parts of the coffee puck and optimal flavor is extracted.
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Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Black. Pannarello Wand Frothing for Latte and Cappuccino Drinks. Espresso from Pre-Ground or Whole Bean Coffee.
The new face of traditional Italian espresso, the Gaggia Brera features an elegant brushed stainless steel front panel and a compact design that is much more space efficient than most machines in its class. But don't let its size fool you; this super automatic takes full advantage of advanced technology-allowing it to go toe-to-toe with the industry's heavyweights.
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Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine, X-Small, Black
Whatever blend of espresso coffee you wish to try next, the Xsmall will grind the beans fresh on the spot at the touch of a button. It also comes equipped with a manual frother to add a touch of velvety pleasure to all your fresh coffee drinks. Voltage - 120 V
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