The best-of files.
The best espresso machines for each budget and use case — with a named top pick, the runners-up, and the reasons. No 17-item lists where everything is somehow "the best."
Best Espresso Machine Under $500
The best espresso machine under $500 is the Gaggia Classic Pro — a 58mm commercial portafilter and real 9-bar espresso for under $500. Plus 4 more picks that don't waste your money.
Top pick: Gaggia Classic Pro (Classic Evo Pro)
2 picksBest Espresso Machine with Grinder
The best espresso machine with grinder is the Breville Barista Express Impress. Here's why our list is only two machines long — and why most great machines skip the grinder on purpose.
Top pick: Breville Barista Express Impress (BES876)
4 picksBest Budget Espresso Machine
The best budget espresso machine is the DeLonghi Dedica Duo — real 9-bar espresso from a machine six inches wide. Plus three cheaper picks that actually work.
Top pick: De'Longhi Dedica Duo (EC885)
6 picksBest Espresso Machine
The best espresso machine for most people is the Breville Barista Express Impress — grinder, assisted tamping, and real 9-bar espresso in one box. Plus five more picks from $150 to $1,600.
Top pick: Gaggia Classic Pro (Classic Evo Pro)
5 picksBest Espresso Machine for Beginners
The best espresso machine for beginners is the Breville Bambino Plus — it steams milk for you and heats up in three seconds. Plus four more picks, and the one mistake every beginner makes.
Top pick: Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)
5 picksBest Espresso Machine Under $1,000
The best espresso machine under $1,000 is the Breville Barista Express Impress — grinder, assisted tamping, and PID temperature control in one box. Plus four more picks and what $1,000 does not buy you.
Top pick: Gaggia Classic Pro (Classic Evo Pro)
4 picksBest Compact Espresso Machine
The best compact espresso machine is the Breville Bambino Plus — about 7.7 in wide with automatic milk texturing. Plus the narrowest real espresso machine you can buy, and the measurement nobody publishes.
Top pick: Breville Bambino Plus (BES500)