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Best Espresso Machine for 2021 | Buyer’s Guide
Every year, it seems advances in technology allows for companies to produce newer and better products and the coffee-brewing industry is no exception. There are so many good looking and full-featured espresso machines on the market that it can be hard to navigate which ones truly rise to the top and are the “creme de la creme.” That’s where we come in! We are happy to do the research and compile a list of the 6 best espresso machines for the year to help you select the one that best fits your needs, budget and preferences. Check out our list of favorites below:
Contents
Best Espresso Machines 2021
| Espresso Machines | Rating | Price | Machine Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker | 4.0 | $ | Semi-Automatic |
| Philips Saeco RI9366/47 Via Venezia Espresso Machine, Black | 3.5 | $$ | Semi-Automatic | |
| Philips Saeco RI9737/21 Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine, Graphite | 3.8 | $$$ | Super Automatic |
| Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Black | 3.7 | $ | Steam |
| Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine | 4.4 | $$$ | Semi-Automatic |
| Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine | 4.3 | $$$$ | Super Automatic |
Under $100 Choice – De’Longhi 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Coming in at 9 lbs and 8” x 11” x 10”, the De’Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is a great compact espresso and cappuccino maker that will fit snugly on your kitchen countertop, island or coffee bar, providing you with the joy of brewing espressos and cappuccinos anytime you want.
If you prefer espresso and you want it fast and with the utmost convenience, the De’Longhi allows you the option of brewing easy-serving espresso (ESE) pods with its patented dual-filter holder. If you prefer cappuccino, this espresso and cappuccino maker comes with an easy-to-use jet frother that swivels, enabling you to make cappuccino topped with deliciously foamy steamed milk every time.
If you dislike tongue-burning coffee, this espresso and cappuccino maker also allows you to brew using 2 separate thermostats, enabling you to enjoy espressos and cappuccinos at the temperature you’re most happy with.
The other features we like on this espresso and cappuccino maker include: self-priming operation, which makes start-up preparation easy; a durable, high-quality, stainless steel boiler with 15-bar pump pressure; a 35 oz. removable water tank with indicator light and a removable drip tray, both of which can be cleaned easily; and a cup warmer, which ensures that your cup of espresso or cappuccino stays warm even if you leave it on the tray for several minutes.
Despite all of its useful features, the espresso and cappuccino maker isn’t perfect. There are a few small downsides to it, as pointed out by some customers. They complained about the built-in tamper, the grounds basket, and the frothing wand.
This espresso and cappuccino maker received a stellar rating of 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon. This is also one of the best seller’s for semi-automatic espresso machines.
A great place to buy is on Amazon and here is why:
- All the reviews are like having hundreds of really good friends give you their personal experience with the espresso machine, then taking all of that personal experience and giving it a star rating. You’re buying quality when there are hundreds of fans of the machine.
- A friendly UPS driver will deliver it right to your door. No waiting in line, no hauling it in your car. No sore muscles or achy back the next day.
- Amazon has the best price 99% of the time. Amazon constantly watches competitor pricing and makes sure you get the best deal. They do a ton of business and take advantage of economies of scale, which means you get the savings!
- FREE shipping. Enough said.
- Returns are easy. Amazon recently shipped a car, and they ship a ton of large items, all day, every day. If they can ship a car, rest assured, you will get your espresso machine in perfect condition. BUT if for any reason it comes damaged, it is super easy to return. Just print out a UPS label, slap it on the box and a friendly UPS driver will pick it up, free of charge. This is way easier than waiting in a return line at Williams & Sonoma talking with a snoody sales clerk.
Hot features of the espresso machine are:
- Use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter holder
- Easily prepares latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother, for perfect drinks every time
- Eliminate annoying start-up preparation with the self-priming operation
- Always brew espresso at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats, which allow for water and steam pressure to be controlled separately
- Enjoy delicious espresso for years to come with the durable, high-quality stainless steel boiler and 15 bar pump pressure
- Coffee cups not included with the product
Under $300 Choice – Philips Saeco RI9366/47 Via Venezia Espresso Machine
The Philips is the one of our favorite options on this list and also made it on our list of the best espresso machines under $300. The Philips Saeco RI9366/47 Via Venezia Espresso Machine (Black) is a little powerhouse is fully equipped and a joy to use, justifying the slightly heftier price tag.
Let’s start by evaluating the weight and dimensions. It comes in at 20.2 lbs and 12” x 10” x 12.5” inches in size. You may notice that it’s heavier than several other espresso machines currently being sold. I believe this isn’t a drawback but rather an asset as the machine is clearly sturdy and doesn’t scrimp on space or quality materials.
If you drink nothing but straight espresso, rest assured that this espresso machine delivers. It comes with a pressurized portafilter that ensures the espresso machine can extract the maximum amount of flavor from each ground coffee granule. It also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that not only enables you to froth milk the way you want, but also provides you with hot water for your other favorite hot beverages, like tea and hot chocolate, allowing you to enjoy any hot beverage in the comfort of your home without having to spend more money on another device just to be able to do so.
If you’re worried that the espresso machine might be hard to clean, don’t be, because it comes equipped with features that make cleaning hassle-free, like its drip tray and water tank, which are both removable and thus easy to clean.
If you live a fast-paced life, the Philips espresso machine makes brewing easier than most other espresso machines being sold commercially by way of its ESE pod adapter with filter basket, which lets you use prepackaged, single-serve shots for a convenient fix.
The rest of this espresso machine’s features include: buttons that light up when the espresso is ready to brew or steam, ensuring that you’ll know, and a warming surface that can fit up to 6 cups of espresso, which not only enables you to leave your cup on it for several minutes without worrying that it might get cold, but also brew multiple cups of espresso at one time, which saves you from the hassle of prepping the espresso machine several times every time you want to brew more than one cup of espresso.
There are a few minor complaints from consumers, one says that the frothing wand’s fixed attachment is placed awkwardly on the espresso machine, making it a hassle to use. Another says the espresso machine can’t pour shots and steam milk simultaneously, a drawback when one is in a hurry.
Nevertheless, the Philips espresso machine received a solid rating of 3 and a half stars out of 5 on Amazon.
Hot features of the espresso machine are:
- Easy reading control lights show when the machine id “ready to brew” and “ready to steam”
- The patented filter holder ensures a great extraction of espresso by pressurizing the brewing chamber, thereby creating the perfect espresso-brewing element
- A pod adaptor and special filter basket fits into the portafilter, enabling it to handle single serve prepackaged shots (pods)
- Steam Wand with Pannarello Attachment: Used to manually froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes; Also produces hot water for tea
- Removable 68-ounce water tank for easy cleaning and refilling.
Under $500 Choice – Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine
The Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine – also on our lists for the best super automatic espresso machine in the market and the best espresso machines under 500 dollars.
Weighing in at 20 lbs and 25” x 13” x 12” in dimensions, you may notice that the Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine is heavier and larger than most of the other espresso machines currently available. We think this is an asset, that the machine’s weight and size makes it more stable and shows that it’s built of stronger materials than most, making it longer lasting and more durable.
If you’re finicky regarding how the espresso you enjoy is made, the Philips Saeco Vienna Plus Automatic Espresso Machine comes with several features that all together enable you to make nothing but delicious, perfectly-brewed espresso. Most notably, is the optional Aroma System pre-brewing cycle that injects hot water into the ground coffee beans to extract as much flavor from each granule as possible. Second is the Pannarello frothing device that enables you to froth milk exactly the way you like it. Third is the ‘Optidose’ technology, which allows you specify how much espresso coffee beans (between 6-9 grams) you would like to be in each cup.
The rest of the espresso machines features include: built-in adjustable conical burr grinder, which makes grinding coffee beans hassle-free; removable ‘brew group’ for tamping, brewing, and dispensing all in one cycle, which make brewing a cinch; stainless-steel boiler with 15-bar pump pressure, which ensures nothing but proper espresso is made every time; and a 15-puck capacity dreg drawer and 57 oz removable water tank, both of which make cleaning the espresso machine easy.
The Philips Saeco Vienna Plus espresso machine has received a lot of praise from satisfied customers. Many of them really liked its simple operation, well-built feel, and low noise emission. Overall, this espresso machine received a rating of 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
Hot features of the espresso machine are:
- 1250-watt super-automatic espresso machine with built-in adjustable conical burr grinder
- 15-bar pump; removable brew group for tamping, brewing, and dispensing all in one cycle
- 12-ounce bean container; Opti-Dose adjustable doser; 15-puck-capacity dreg drawer
- Removable 57-ounce water tank; stainless-steel boiler; Pannarello frothing device
- Measures 14 by 15 by 15-1/2 inches
Best Steam Machine Choice – Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine (black)
The Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine (Black) is the cheapest espresso machine on this list, but it comes with a surprisingly wide array of features that are sure to make your every morning coffee routine a joy.
While it’s average in size and weight (10.2” x 12.5” x 13.2” and 17 lbs), the Mr. Coffee espresso machine is currently the best steam-driven espresso machine in the market. Indeed, the espresso machine is currently ranked as the best-selling steam-driven espresso machine being sold through Amazon.
If you drink a lot of espresso, the espresso machine can brew up to four 20 oz cups of espresso at one time, which saves you from the hassle of having to prep the espresso machine several times every time you want to drink more than one cup.
If you’re meticulous regarding froth, this espresso machine comes with a built-in, powerful, removable milk frother that gives you control over how the froth turns out.
The rest of the machine’s features include: a measuring scoop and a decanter with measuring marks, both of which enable you to brew and pour accurately; drip-free spout, removable drip tray, and cord storage, all of which make cleaning and storing the espresso machine hassle-free; a ‘stay-cool’ handle, which makes the espresso machine safer to use than most other commercially sold espresso machines; and recipes, which enable you to make proper espresso every time.
While the Mr. Coffee machine is currently among the best espresso machines being sold through Amazon, it isn’t perfect. Some customers have complained about a few of its features. One customer points out the espresso machine’s lack of a frothing pitcher makes brewing less than ideal. The same customer also says that depressurizing the espresso machine requires multiple shots, which makes doing so troublesome, and its tamper is just the flattened end of the coffee scooper, which makes scooping coffee a little awkward.
The espresso machine, however, received a solid rating of 3.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon and is currently one of the best sellers for steam espresso machines, which makes this one of the best espresso machines on our list of 2020 picks.
Hot features of the espresso machine are:
- Steam espresso machine brews 1 to 4 cups (20 ounces)
- Removable frothing aid; powerful milk frother for creamy cappuccinos
- Decanter with measuring marks, stay-cool handle, and drip-free pouring spout
- removable drip tray; cord storage; measuring scoop included
- Measures 8 by 6-1/2 by 10-1/2 inches
Best Semi-Automatic Machine Choice – Breville BES840XL the Infuser Espresso Machine
The Breville The Infuser Espresso Machine is a great deal in the semi-automatic category and comes equipped with an array of features that both serious espresso and cappuccino drinkers can appreciate and enjoy.
Coming in at 17 lbs and 10.2” x 12.5” x 13.2” inches in size, the said espresso machine is similar in weight and size to most of the other espresso makers being sold commercially, ensuring that it would fit comfortably on your kitchen countertop, island, or coffee bar.
If you’re finicky regarding how your espresso is brewed, the espresso machine comes with several features that together enable it to provide you with proper espresso every time. To be specific, it comes with: a preinfusion function, which applies low water pressure at the beginning of extraction, to expand the ground coffee beans gently, ensuring even, complete extraction; a 1600W thermocoil heating system with an integrated stainless-steel water coil, which controls the water temperature accurately; an auto-purge function, which automatically adjusts water temperature after steaming, ensuring that the espresso is extracted at the optimal temperature; an Italian pump with 15-bar pressure, which helps with full flavor extraction; and volumetric control with preset, manual override or re-programmable volumes.
These features are great for coffee drinkers with a little extra know-how who prefer to have a little more control over the process. This machine can be simplified through it’s automated processes, but if you want to brew espresso using a more hands-on experience, this is definitely the machine for you on this list.
The rest of the espresso machine’s features include: a 61 fl. oz. (1.8 L) water tank and a drip tray that are both removable, making cleaning the espresso machine a cinch; PID technology, which regulate water temperature; a 54 mm stainless-steel portafilter with commercial-style spouts and a 54 mm tamper stored magnetically on the espresso machine itself that all enable you to brew with precision; a dry puck feature that removes excess water from the ground coffee beans in the filter basket for easy disposal of the puck; a pressure gauge, which enables you to monitor the pressure generated during flavor extraction and know whether the espresso is being over or under-extracted; a dedicated hot water outlet, which enables you to enjoy your other favorite hot beverages, like tea and hot chocolate; a steam wand that swivels 360, which enables you to froth milk easily and can accommodate frothing jugs of varying sizes.
Despite all of its useful features, there are still a few features that customers have found that it lacks including: a built-in grinder and a larger water tank.
The Breville received a stellar rating of 4 and a half stars out of 5 on Amazon, making it a consumer top-pick.
Hot features of the espresso machine are:
- Pre-infusion function applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction
- 1600w thermocoil heating system with integrated stainless steel water coil accurately controls water temperature
- Auto purge function automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature
- 15 bar Italian pump provides complete volumetric control – preset, manual over-ride or re-programmable volumes
- Accessories: single & dual wall filter baskets, coffee scoop, stainless steel jug, cleaning disc & tablets, cleaning tool, water filter with holder.
Best Super Automatic Choice – Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine
Coming in at 34 lbs and 9.2” x 11.4” x 13.3” inches in size, the Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine is the heaviest espresso machine on this list, making it possible that this espresso machine is the most durable and well-constructed espresso machine we are featuring. The Rancilio’s housing is made of an iron frame and stainless-steel side panels, solid construction that is unparalleled by any other option on this list.
If you drink nothing but full-flavored espresso, the Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine comes with features that enable it to fully extract the flavor of every coffee granule. First is a commercial-grade group head, which not only ensures that the heat generated during the coffee making process remains stable, but also that full extraction is achieved. Second, is Rancilio’s 58 mm patented, ergonomic portafilter, which also helps with achieving full extraction.
If you’re picky regarding the quality of the milk added to your coffee, the said espresso machine comes with an articulating, stainless-steel steam wand, which you can use to steam milk perfectly, to your particular taste level.
The rest of the Rancilio HSD-SILVIA Silvia Espresso Machine features include: a plastic tamper, single and double-filter baskets, and a 7g coffee scoop, all of which enable you to brew with ease and precision.
The espresso machine received a stellar rating of almost 4 and a half stars out of 5 on Amazon. We also consider it one of the best espresso machines under 1000 dollars.
Hot features of the espresso machine:
- Ergonomic porta filter handle same as the proven design of Rancilio commercial machines
- Commercial grade group head for superb heat stability and extraction quality
- Articulating steam wand offers complete range of motion and professional steaming knob precisely controls steaming pressure
- Classic linear design fits most decors
- Optional pod and capsule adaptor kit available
Judging whether an espresso machine can be considered one of the best espresso machines of the year is easier said than done. There are so many different criteria on which to base your judgment that it takes some serious time and research to separate the best from the mediocre. Given our top 6 best espresso machines 2020, we hope to help make your choice easier and your espresso brewing experience as enjoyable as possible.
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About the Author Michael York
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!
