Let’s face it: getting a cup of espresso every day isn’t cheap. But as a coffee lover, you probably can’t function properly without a fresh cup of rich espresso. So to get your money’s worth, you’ve likely looked into the best espresso machine brands to find a coffee maker that will give you the best bang for your buck.
Let’s check out which brand names stand out above the competition, and whether their espresso machines are worth the hype.
Super Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic – Which One is For Me?
Generally, most espresso machines on the market fall under one of two types: super automatic or semi-automatic. While there is technically a third type of machine – manual machines -, this type is not recommended because it requires practice to master. If you’re a regular coffee drinker who doesn’t have the time or patience to master barista skills, a manual machine will be a waste of your money.
Super automatic machines take out most, if not all, of the work from your hands. You simply need to load your beans or pod, choose a brew style, and press start. The machine will measure the serving, brew the coffee, and even froth the milk for you!
Semi-automatic machines, on the other hand, allow you to customize your coffee’s size, strength, and temperature. If you want to create a fully-customized cup of coffee, and you’ve got a bit of know-how in operating your coffee maker, a semi-automatic machine is the right choice.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine | The Gaggia Brera Super Automatic is a one-touch machine that allows you to brew espresso quickly and easily. Its pre-infusion feature allows you to extract maximum flavor and aroma, and it comes with programmable brew strength and size. | ||
| De’Longhi ESAM04110S Magnifica | Whether for the home or a café, the De’Longhi Magnifica will not disappoint. It was quick-brewing technology and an automatic milk frother that makes delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the press of a button. | ||
| De’ Longhi EC155 | For a small machine, the EC155 does not disappoint when brewing espresso shots! It is capable of producing precise heat and temperature, resulting in a rich espresso every time. | ||
| Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza | If you’ve got an inner barista that wants to come out and play, the Gaggia Carezza is the perfect playground. With precise temperature control and a Pannarello frothing wand, you can make everything from espresso shots to lattes! | ||
| Breville BES 840XL | The Breville BES 840XL is perfect for the coffee drinker who wants the most control over their coffee-making process. It has fully-customizable settings for heat, pressure, grind size, and cup size to allow you to craft the perfect cup of coffee. |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Espresso Machine Brands
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Brera Super Automatic is a one-touch machine that allows you to brew espresso quickly and easily. Its pre-infusion feature allows you to extract maximum flavor and aroma, and it comes with programmable brew strength and size.
Value
You can use it right out of the box due to the user-friendly interface.
Functionality
It has a great range of brewing options and fast brewing too, although the water pump leaks water onto the countertop.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
We chose the Gaggia Brera as our top pick because of its balance of price, features, and functionality. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and great customer support service.
PROs
- User-friendly interface
- Rapid steam technology
- Easy access for water reservoir and portafilter
- Includes Pannarello steam wand for easy milk frothing
CONs
- Leaky water pump
- Large and bulky design
- Difficult to clean
De’Longhi ESAM04110S Magnifica
Whether for the home or a café, the De’Longhi Magnifica will not disappoint. It was quick-brewing technology and an automatic milk frother that makes delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the press of a button.
Value
The customizable feature makes a wide range of brews, but the price tag is a bit high for the quality of the machine.
Functionality
The Magnifica has a learning curve and can be difficult to operate at the start.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
If you’ve ever wanted to have your own café at home, the Magnifica performs like a mini coffee shop! However, the machine does not work well with oily beans, as it can be difficult to clean.
PROs
- Professional and clean design
- Customizable programming
- Quick brewing time
CONs
- Espresso pulls not consistent
- Grounds catcher does not capture all grounds
- Difficult to clean
De’ Longhi EC155
For a small machine, the EC155 does not disappoint when brewing espresso shots! It is capable of producing precise heat and temperature, resulting in a rich espresso every time.
Value
At its the price point, the EC155 makes a mean espresso, but the machine build feels cheap because of the plastic parts.
Functionality
Easy to use, but noisy when brewing.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Simple and straightforward, the EC155 proves that making espresso does not need to be difficult or expensive. However, we placed it lower on this list compared to the Magnifica because of the limited choices of brew types.
PROs
- It is affordable
- Easy to use
- Can be used for both pods and grounds
- Easy to clean
CONs
- Limited cup space does not accommodate larger cups
- Noisy when brewing
- Durability issues
Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza
If you’ve got an inner barista that wants to come out and play, the Gaggia Carezza is the perfect playground. With precise temperature control and a Pannarello frothing wand, you can make everything from espresso shots to lattes!
Value
Produces consistent espresso pulls, but difficult to use for first-time users.
Functionality
The Carezza’s interface is not as friendly as we would like it.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Gaggia’s Carezza is not for beginners, although if you’ve got the patience and skills, you can make barista-level coffee in the comfort of your kitchen.
PROs
- Front-loaded water reservoir for easy access
- Professional design
- 1-year extendable warranty
- Automatic power down
- 1-year warranty
CONs
- Difficult to use
- Water pump needs to be primed manually
- Difficult to clean
Breville BES 840XL
The Breville BES 840XL is perfect for the coffee drinker who wants the most control over their coffee-making process. It has fully-customizable settings for heat, pressure, grind size, and cup size to allow you to craft the perfect cup of coffee.
Value
The Breville feels and looks like a professional machine, but the price point isn’t friendly.
Functionality
You can’t use this right out of the box. It takes much practice to master.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
If you’ve got a discerning palate when it comes to your coffee, the Breville BES 840XL will allow you to customize your cup exactly to your taste. However, you’ve got to invest time and money with this machine.
PROs
- Precise heat, temperature, and grind
- Adjustable brew size
- Precise milk heating and frothing
CONs
- Difficult to operate
- Lots of small parts
- Difficult to clean
Parting Shots
There you have it, our picks for the best espresso machine brands available. Don’t get blinded by the brand name alone; always look for the best value for your money that a certain model can offer. Whether you want to splurge on the De’ Longhi Magnifica One-Touch or you want to learn the ropes with the Breville BES 840XL, the important thing is that you’ve got a machine that you’re happy with and can produce a great cup of espresso. Find out more about espresso machines.