Too many espresso machines? Here's how to choose the right one

Typical price i
1000.– to 2300.–

Features two separate boilers: one for brewing espresso and one for steaming milk, allowing simultaneous operation.

Ideal for frequent users or entertaining guests, this type offers maximum temperature stability and efficiency, reducing wait times between drinks.

Typical price i
1200.– to 2000.–

Uses a single boiler with two water circuits, enabling espresso brewing and milk steaming at the same time.

Offers a good balance between performance and cost, making it suitable for users who want café-style drinks at home without the higher price of dual boilers.

Typical price i
410.– to 1100.–

Has one boiler that alternates between brewing and steaming functions, requiring a short wait when switching between the two.

Best for occasional espresso drinkers who mainly prepare one beverage at a time, as it is more affordable but less convenient for back-to-back drinks.

Typical price i
210.– to 860.–

Heats water on demand using a compact heating element, allowing quick start-up and energy efficiency.

Great for those with limited space or who want fast single servings, though it may offer less temperature consistency compared to boiler systems.

Typical price i
620.– to 1900.–

Offers moderate pressure, typically found in entry-level or manual espresso machines.

Suitable for beginners, producing milder espresso with less crema; ideal for those who prefer lighter coffee or are new to espresso preparation.

Typical price i
180.– to 920.–

Delivers standard pump pressure used by most home espresso machines, balancing extraction and crema.

Recommended for most users, providing rich flavor and consistent results; great for daily espresso drinkers seeking café-style quality at home.

Typical price i
180.– to 690.–

Provides high pressure, often found in advanced or commercial machines for maximum extraction.

Ideal for enthusiasts or professionals, resulting in robust espresso with thick crema; best for those who enjoy strong, full-bodied coffee and want premium performance.

Automatically froths and dispenses milk directly into your cup with minimal effort.

Ideal for those who want quick, consistent results and café-style drinks without manual work.

Uses a steam wand to manually froth milk, allowing for more control over texture and temperature.

Recommended for users who enjoy customizing their drinks and practicing latte art, but requires more skill and cleaning.

The machine does not include any milk frothing capability.

Best for those who prefer black coffee or already own a separate milk frother.

Typical price i
130.– to 430.–

Compact tank size is suitable for small households or occasional use.

Requires frequent refilling but takes up less space, making it ideal for kitchens with limited countertop area.

Typical price i
470.– to 1100.–

Medium tank size balances convenience and space, allowing for several drinks before refilling.

Works well for daily use in most homes, reducing interruptions for refills during gatherings or busy mornings.

Typical price i
520.– to 1800.–

Large tank size is designed for high-volume use, such as offices or frequent entertaining.

Minimizes the need for refilling, saving time and effort when making multiple espresso drinks in succession.

Recognized for versatile and accessible machines that suit beginners and casual users.

Offers reliable performance, easy maintenance, and good value for everyday coffee making.

Known for precise temperature control and integrated grinders, appealing to enthusiasts seeking convenience and consistency.

Ideal for those wanting café-style drinks at home with intuitive interfaces and high-end features.

Specializes in semi-professional machines with robust build and manual controls.

Favored by experienced users who want to fine-tune every aspect of their espresso extraction.

Offers iconic retro designs with simple, stylish operation.

Great for design-conscious users who value aesthetics as much as a straightforward coffee routine.

Focuses on durable, compact machines crafted with quality materials.

Suited for those seeking long-lasting performance and a smaller footprint in kitchens with limited space.