Best Espresso Makers Of 2022
YozikKoshechkin/Shutterstock By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 1:57 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Espresso machines have come a long way since 1884, when the first espresso machine patent was submitted by inventor Angelo Moriondo from Torino, Italy (via SmithsonianMag). This was a piece of equipment that was, like most technology, born out of necessity. That being said, it was Luigi Bezzera’s single-serve espresso machine that really brought the concept of espresso — strong coffee made in a short time frame — to the masses.
According to the coffee blog CoffeeAffection, espresso machines come in at least 15 different varieties, but ultimately fall under one of three categories: manual (you’re in control), semi-automatic (you do some work), and full or super automatic (you do nothing). There is no one-size-fits-all, either. Some manual machines have quite the learning curve, while others are incredibly user-friendly. Home espresso machines also vary in price, with some reaching upwards of $18,000. (Don’t worry — those machines aren’t included on the list.) What you need to know is that all espresso machines will have the exact same parts, but in different configurations. So hopefully the only thing you’ll really have to worry about is if you want your espresso machine to pull one shot or two.
How we selected these espresso makers
YozikKoshechkin/Shutterstock
The following espresso machines we selected are based on not only trusted customer reviews from reputable online retailers (including reliable small businesses, the manufacturer’s website, and other mainstream shopping outlets), but also independent assessments by professionals in the coffee industry. Price point and affordability, size and weight, key functions and features, as well as how user-friendly each espresso machine actually is, were also taken into consideration.
The thought of being your own barista can be both exhilarating and frightening. There are a lot of tiny nuances that non-baristas (and even experienced espresso lovers) might not be aware of when it comes to picking the right machine for you. An espresso machine can be relatively inexpensive or incredibly pricey. Lucky for you, the following espresso makers cover all the bases, so there’s a little something for everyone with the following picks. Now bring on the caffeine.
Best Espresso Makers Of 2022
YozikKoshechkin/Shutterstock
By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 1:57 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Espresso machines have come a long way since 1884, when the first espresso machine patent was submitted by inventor Angelo Moriondo from Torino, Italy (via SmithsonianMag). This was a piece of equipment that was, like most technology, born out of necessity. That being said, it was Luigi Bezzera’s single-serve espresso machine that really brought the concept of espresso — strong coffee made in a short time frame — to the masses.
According to the coffee blog CoffeeAffection, espresso machines come in at least 15 different varieties, but ultimately fall under one of three categories: manual (you’re in control), semi-automatic (you do some work), and full or super automatic (you do nothing). There is no one-size-fits-all, either. Some manual machines have quite the learning curve, while others are incredibly user-friendly. Home espresso machines also vary in price, with some reaching upwards of $18,000. (Don’t worry — those machines aren’t included on the list.) What you need to know is that all espresso machines will have the exact same parts, but in different configurations. So hopefully the only thing you’ll really have to worry about is if you want your espresso machine to pull one shot or two.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
According to the coffee blog CoffeeAffection, espresso machines come in at least 15 different varieties, but ultimately fall under one of three categories: manual (you’re in control), semi-automatic (you do some work), and full or super automatic (you do nothing). There is no one-size-fits-all, either. Some manual machines have quite the learning curve, while others are incredibly user-friendly. Home espresso machines also vary in price, with some reaching upwards of $18,000. (Don’t worry — those machines aren’t included on the list.) What you need to know is that all espresso machines will have the exact same parts, but in different configurations. So hopefully the only thing you’ll really have to worry about is if you want your espresso machine to pull one shot or two.
How we selected these espresso makers
The following espresso machines we selected are based on not only trusted customer reviews from reputable online retailers (including reliable small businesses, the manufacturer’s website, and other mainstream shopping outlets), but also independent assessments by professionals in the coffee industry. Price point and affordability, size and weight, key functions and features, as well as how user-friendly each espresso machine actually is, were also taken into consideration.
The thought of being your own barista can be both exhilarating and frightening. There are a lot of tiny nuances that non-baristas (and even experienced espresso lovers) might not be aware of when it comes to picking the right machine for you. An espresso machine can be relatively inexpensive or incredibly pricey. Lucky for you, the following espresso makers cover all the bases, so there’s a little something for everyone with the following picks. Now bring on the caffeine.
The thought of being your own barista can be both exhilarating and frightening. There are a lot of tiny nuances that non-baristas (and even experienced espresso lovers) might not be aware of when it comes to picking the right machine for you. An espresso machine can be relatively inexpensive or incredibly pricey. Lucky for you, the following espresso makers cover all the bases, so there’s a little something for everyone with the following picks. Now bring on the caffeine.
Best for beginners (aka best overall)
Breville
Best budget buy
The Bella Personal Espresso Maker has multiple safety functions which aren’t usually found in its competitors. It has a polarized plug for better electrical safety, as well as a built-in pressurized cap to prevent possible burns from escaping steam. That being said, the Bella Personal espresso maker is made of plastic, and CoffeeAffection writes that due to the extreme heat the machine emits, plastic has sometimes leached out onto kitchen countertops and left a stain. The manufacturer is transparent about this, and to prevent any damage, putting a heat-resistant silicone mat will save your counters. TrueCoffeeAddict highlights that the Bella Personal Espresso Maker is super easy to clean, which is always great to hear because no one wants to go scraping caked-on espresso.
Ultimately, it’s an affordable, middle-of-the-road option for a personal espresso machine that’s also easy to use, incredibly compact, and still creates a tasty espresso.
Best for baristas
Flair Espresso
TheCoffeeConcierge mentions that it has a lot of parts, which means they can easily get misplaced. The biggest concern that reviewers seemed to hone in on is the learning curve for using the Flair Pro 2. The folks at GoffeeGeek state that it’s hard to get used to the Flair Pro 2, and that there’s a potential that you could make a serious mess if things aren’t lined up properly. BakedBrewedBeautiful chimes in with the fact that the manual doesn’t help much, either.
Best with built-in grinder
The folks at CoffeeAffection give kudos to the Gaggia Accademia’s intuitive operating system, stating that it’s easy to operate and that anyone can learn how to use it in a matter of minutes. But they also note that it only has a one-year warranty, which isn’t what you’d expect with a pricier piece of kitchen equipment. This espresso machine grinds beans but can also use pre-ground coffee, writes Coffeeness. It has eight different grind settings, but is unable to grind greasy (oily) beans because it will mess up the grinder. (The grounds stick together and become like clay, according to CoffeeBeans101.)
Best super automatic
delonghi
Is this too good to be true? Nothing is perfect, after all. Some common complaint are that it’s too loud — which can be contributed to the grinder — and that, according to ArtofBarista, coffee enthusiasts can’t steam milk and pull a shot simultaneously, and that the steam wand uses a lot of the water in the large-capacity water reservoir.
Best all-in-one
Best for travel
Wacaco’s Picopresso is built tight and compact — BrewCoffeeHome reports that it’s only around 4 inches or so, and while it looks like it would be heavy, the Picopresso weighs in at just under a pound. Wacacao’s Picopresso also comes with a carrying case, which conveniently stores not only the espresso maker itself, but the multiple little goodies that come with it. It produces a double shot per use.
Some individuals have noted that compared to previous models, there is a bit of a learning curve. TaskandPurpose documents how someone who is lacking in coffee experience (or equipment) might find setting it up rather annoying (there are a lot of specifics involved). That’s where you need to immerse yourself in the process.
Best stovetop traditional
Baialetti’s Moka Pot is, in essence, just a super stripped-down coffee maker. It’s not technically an espresso maker, but because there are different capacity options, it can be used as such. The Bialetti La Mokina produces ½ a cup of morning fuel — that’s a little under three single shots of espresso. It takes time to brew, but that makes it perfect for a morning revolving around ritual (or good for camping). Reviewers think it’s cute and functional.
One minor critique is that the Bialetti La Mokina is small. Really small. And some reviewers were really surprised at its size, even though they knew it only had a ½ cup capacity. You’ll also have to purchase a coffee grinder. As with any stovetop cooking, you’ll need to keep an eye on it, or you might run the risk of burning your precious espresso. It doesn’t work with induction burners.
Best statement piece
Ascaso USA
The steam wand on the Ascaso Dream swings out of the way, which makes it relatively easy to clean (though you’ll need to remove and rinse the drip tray regularly, or else it gets a bit messy). Reviews on SeattleCoffeeGear give high marks for aesthetics and functionality, though some note that the fact it can’t froth milk and pull a shot at the same time is a bit annoying. If you don’t have too much knowledge or prior barista experience, then the Dream PID might have a bit of a learning curve, writes TheCoffeeMaven.
Best for small spaces
Nespresso
The one major pitfall for the Nespresso Essenza Mini is that it only uses Nespresso pods, which means the price of operating this little guy will increase over time as pods become scarce. That being said, one savvy commenter (who loves their Nespresso Essenza Mini) says that there are third-party coffee capsules available online. RoastyCoffee also adds that it doesn’t have much versatility (but it is, after all, a personal espresso maker).
Best splurge
Rocket Espresso
Not only can you steam milk and pull a shot at the same time, the Rocket Espresso’s Appartamento also comes with a whole slew of accessories — from portafilter heads to tampers to cleaning brushes. It’s all included (in the price, that is). TheCoffeeFolk mentions that even with experience, expect there to be a learning curve. However, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento is incredibly straightforward and easy to learn. This isn’t an espresso machine for the faint of heart, as CoffeeBeans101 states that everything about has a more industrial look, feel, and sound. (Read: Possibly quite loud.) There’s also mention of having to empty the drip tray more frequently than desired. It doesn’t come with a grinder.
That being said, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento is painstakingly crafted by hand in Milan. It’s built to last and is perfect for the professional or savvy at-home barista.
