If you are looking for an espresso maker for your home or your coffee shop, this is the right place for you. Also, whether you’re a barista, or just testing out your barista skills, you need a good espresso machine. But how do you pick the right espresso machine? To help you find the right device, I’ve listed the best espresso machine, no pods followed by other customer reviews based on our research. You can use this list as your guide to finding the key factors are affecting the functionality and value of the machine.
In this roundup, I’ve covered a few different machines to help you determine which is the right fit for your style and budget.
Best Espresso Machine No Pods: Key Factors
Before going to coffee stores to buy your espresso machine, there are essential details you should know first. These critical factors will help you determine how to choose your device.
- Durability
- Quality of boilers
- User-friendly controls
- Built-in Grinders
- Easy to clean
- Capacity
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine | Rancilio Silvia has a single chrome plated boiler that can produce incredible steaming power that you only see in a high-end espresso machine. Due to the rapid heating system, the device can recover very quickly from the espresso shot. By far, it’s one of the powerful volume capacities I’ve seen in an espresso machine. | ||
| Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine | Breville Bambino Plus comes with stainless steel 64oz capacity water tank. The fact that the water reservoir is gigantic, you know that you don’t have to worry about water refills. Plus, at this water capacity, you can produce 10-12 cups of espresso quickly. | ||
| Cuisinart EM-100 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker | Cuisinart EM-100 comes with a stainless steel design and durable built. This espresso maker has a removable 53oz water tank and 15 bar pressure that produces great-tasting espresso with thick crema on top. Like most devices, you can create a single or a double espresso shot using fresh ground coffee or pods. | ||
| DELONGHI ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine | The DeLonghi ESAM330 is another heavy-duty espresso machine giving its user the all-around espresso making experience. First, you’d enjoy making cappuccino with the new ‘Cappuccino System’ frother. This integral feature inevitably finds its expertise into anyone looking for more than just espresso. It also has five brewing settings to bring the best espresso flavor. | ||
| Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine | This espresso machine produces the right water temperature needed for brewing. Gaggia Brera has an intense pump pressure that consistently extracts espresso. Plus, you can create a creamy latte using the manual steam wand to dispense perfect steamed milk texture and froth milk. |
A Detailed Review on the 5 Best Espresso Machines No Pods
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
Rancilio Silvia has a single chrome plated boiler that can produce incredible steaming power that you only see in a high-end espresso machine. Due to the rapid heating system, the device can recover very quickly from the espresso shot. By far, it’s one of the powerful volume capacities I’ve seen in an espresso machine.
Value
While we look for any flaws with Rancilio Silvia, we are pleased to see that the steam wand has a complete range of motion, thus, making it easy to use and deliver perfect milk foam. You have to watch out for overheating your milk when steaming, which can result in an unpleasant taste of your latte or cappuccino.
Functionality
The espresso extraction and the capacity is where the Rancilio Silvia tops the most compared to the other units in this list. Another best feature of this model is the patented basket filter. This basket filter ensures that the machine has powerful espresso extraction; follow the 30 seconds extraction, and you’re all done.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Despite not having a built-in thermostat gauge, this model is a robust machine that produces high-quality espresso. You can also find a removable drip tray helpful with cleaning the device, and it also features a cup warmer plate that you can stack four cups.
PROs
- Sturdy and durable
- Built-in steam wand
- Rustproof boiler
- Easy to clean
CONs
- Take some time to warm up the machine
- Machine is expensive
Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Breville Bambino Plus comes with stainless steel 64oz capacity water tank. The fact that the water reservoir is gigantic, you know that you don’t have to worry about water refills. Plus, at this water capacity, you can produce 10-12 cups of espresso quickly.
Value
One of the impressive features of Bambino is its adjustable milk texturizing function. You can try adjusting the temperature of the milk and texture by using the ‘Milk Temp’ or the ‘Milk Foam’ to find your flavor. You can dispense hot steamed or silky froth milk for your espresso and latte using an automatic steam wand.
Functionality
What caught the Earl’s attention is the Bambino’s fast heating system, which only takes about 3 seconds to warm up the machine, then you’re suitable to brew. This heavy-duty espresso machine has a 54mm portable coffee filter that can hold 19g of ground coffee. With one press button and the right temperature, you can extract a delicious espresso.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Bambino does not present itself with a built-in grinder, so be sure to check out our product review about the coffee grinder. The Earl listed Bambino in the best value because the device can carry out delicious espresso and create milky froth. The consistency in taste and texture of coffee is essential for cappuccino and latte.
PROs
- Sleek and compact built
- 64oz water reservoir
- Adjustable milk texturizing
- Removable drip catcher
CONs
- No built-in grinder
- Uses only pressurized coffee basket
Cuisinart EM-100 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
Cuisinart EM-100 comes with a stainless steel design and durable built. This espresso maker has a removable 53oz water tank and 15 bar pressure that produces great-tasting espresso with thick crema on top. Like most devices, you can create a single or a double espresso shot using fresh ground coffee or pods.
Value
This inexpensive espresso machine has an extended steam nozzle meaning you can easily position the wand to dispense steamed milk. While other reviewers complain about the steam wand, but extra length adds a little more heat to your froth milk. Plus, the unit comes with a coffee scoop and a pitcher upon buying the machine.
Functionality
The first thing you’ll notice with the Cuisinart EM-100 are the three settings on the dial knob. Each option represents the function to steam your milk, brew coffee, and pour hot water. The warm water function allows the user to pour hot water for instant noodles or use for tea, and you can have more than just an espresso drink.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
This affordable espresso machine takes about two minutes to preheat. Though the device does not have a pressure gauge and makes a bit of noise when brewing, the money you spent on this unit is worth it. You’d be most happy covering all the functions the coffee maker will deliver to your espresso-making experience.
PROs
- Affordable price
- Compact and lightweight
- Uses ground coffee or pods
CONs
- Manual extraction
- A bit noisy when brewing
DELONGHI ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
The DeLonghi ESAM330 is another heavy-duty espresso machine giving its user the all-around espresso-making experience. First, you’d enjoy making a cappuccino with the new ‘Cappuccino System’ frother. This integral feature inevitably finds its expertise in anyone looking for more than just espresso. It also has five brewing settings to bring the best espresso flavor.
Value
The brewing process makes it all easy to extract espresso compared to other competitors in the market. Another benefit from the machine is the Dual Boiler system that comes with a fast-heating function, which minimizes the waiting time to brew your next cup of espresso. One more thing you will notice is the large 60oz water reservoir in front located like the ‘shelf’ inside the machine.
Functionality
The DeLonghi ESAM3300 coffee grinder can sometimes be loud. The bean hopper can hold 7oz of coffee beans. Additionally, you don’t have to make much effort to grind your beans because the device offers a coarseness and fineness ground setting. With push-button controls, you can easily prepare your espresso and latte.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
ESAM 3300 could be the next device you’re looking for; however, I’d have to warn you, this machine tends to overheat sometimes. You should check out large built and weight against the power of this device. This espresso machine is super cool to have on your kitchen top.
PROs
- Elegant and sturdy
- Dual boiler with fast-heating system
- Comes with simple push-button operation
- 60oz water tank
CONs
- Tends to overheat sometimes
- Noisy grinder
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
This espresso machine produces the right water temperature needed for brewing. Gaggia Brera has an intense pump pressure that consistently extracts espresso. Plus, you can create a creamy latte using the manual steam wand to dispense perfect steamed milk texture and froth milk.
Value
The Gaggia Brera can serve espresso with excellent crema, and bitter-sweet coffee despite being a bit pricey of this unit. The automatic cleaning setting makes a lot more sense for users who don’t like bothering to clean the device. Additionally, the adjustable spout can slide up and down to accommodate tall cups and mugs.
Functionality
You’d be surprised this machine has a conical burr grinder, which makes the brewing easy and the preparation fast. Additionally, the burr grinder has five grinding settings, so finding your preferred grind size is more comfortable. The bean hopper can hold 8.8oz of coffee beans together with the water tank’s capacity of 41oz.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Gaggia Brera is comfortable to use, stylish, and has robust functions that it only needs 9 seconds to preheat the machine for another round of espresso. We like the dual boiler system to make the operation hassle-free, sadly this device has only one. Overall, this espresso machine offers much functionality compared to its bumps and bruises.
PROs
- Adjustable coffee spout
- Fast heating system
- 15 bar pressure
- Equipped with a conical burr grinder
CONs
- Smaller water tank compared to other models
- Manual steam wand
Parting Shots
There you have it, the Earl’s extensive list of the best espresso machine, no pods. Once you have chosen the right espresso machine, all you need to do is brew your authentic espresso. After you have learned the capabilities of each espresso machine, you’re totally in the new zone, and on your way to being a barista. Learn more about espresso machines.