Top 5 Best Espresso Machines of 2025

The best espresso machines add significant value to any home. It’s undeniable that they look amazing, and they can also recreate some of the most popular coffee-based drinks at home, and (if you choose the appropriate one) better than your local coffee shop. However, determining the best machine for you will be influenced by a variety of circumstances. For starters, these devices are pricey, so stick to a budget that works for you. We’ve tried espresso machines for less than that performed admirably, but you can easily spend more than if you want the best.

I have been testing the best coffee makers for five years, and I recently completed a Specialty Coffee Association qualification on barista skills. My friend, who tested a lot of the espresso machines in this guide, has three years of experience making drinks in specialty coffee shops, so between us, we’ve got some major espresso credentials, and we’ve combined them to create this ultimate guide to the best espresso machines.

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Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Espresso Machines of 2025

1.Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series

Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series is one of the most anticipated recent espresso machine introductions, and it comes up to the expectations. Our reviewer noted that it struck the appropriate combination between beginner-friendly design and technical efficiency, with grinding instructions, tools for assisted tamping, and a steam wand that can be used automatically or manually, depending on how advanced you want to get.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series includes a conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings available. The machine makes everything from cold brew to drip coffee, and it’s difficult to find a fantastic grinder that can accommodate all of those brews, but the Ninja comes close. The noise level is roughly typical, however a little whiny compared to the likes of premium machines like Jura. The grinder works on a weight-based system and features an integrated scale, which is a pretty smart feature for a machine. Interestingly though, it doesn’t do single shots.

This machine, as previously stated, can only brew double espressos. Personally, I can’t recall the last time I used my single-shot baskets, so perhaps this isn’t a significant loss for most people. The machine has an aided tamper for compressing grounds and pre-infuses your shot to ensure equal extraction.

There are various advantages and disadvantages to milk steaming with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series. When utilizing the automated steaming mode, the milk jug includes an in-built spinner that creates a vortex in the jug, but you may also steam by hand using the wand. Pre-set milk steaming allows you to switch between plant and dairy milk.

Espresso-based beverages are delightful, but even the greatest espresso machines can be scary to newcomers. High-end coffee makers are not only expensive, but they frequently need trial and error to achieve the perfect espresso shot. If you prefer something easier to use, the new Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine was designed with novices in mind.

Ninja is recognized for its well-designed kitchen gadgets, and the brand’s first espresso machine is no exception. The Luxe Café Premier is intended to eliminate the guesswork associated with creating espresso and espresso-based drinks, with “Barista Assist Technology” providing grind size suggestions, automated brew adjustments, and more. It is also more adaptable than other espresso machines, making various sorts of hot and cold beverages.

2.Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418

Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Given the low price, it’s impressive that the Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418 boasts a solid metal construction. The front has four buttons (power, one cup, two cups, and steam), a pressure gauge, and a button on the side to control the steam wand or hot water dispenser. The portafilter was the biggest letdown in terms of quality, as it felt fragile. However, given the price, it’s difficult to grumble. Especially because this is something you can readily enhance on platforms like Amazon.

Our espresso was full of body and flavor. Of course, given there is no built-in grinder, you’ll want to invest in a coffee grinder if you desire really brilliant brew, as packaged coffee grounds don’t dazzle the way a freshly ground bean will. Still, we were able to get a rich crema with good staying power after a few tries and with the help of the Casabrews pressure gauge.

The steam wand lacked the bells and whistles of a more expensive equipment, but it was more than capable of getting the job done. It took a little longer to pre-heat than most machines, and once in full flow, it produced a lot of noise, but once it started, we were able to get decent quality foam.

One of the challenges in my kitchen is that there isn’t much counter space, so many of the greatest espresso machines would take up far too much room. The Breville Bambino Plus, now at the top of our list, has a much smaller footprint, but it costs $400.

So, I was curious in seeing how well the Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418 would perform, despite its less-than-caffeinated name.For a budget espresso machine, the Casabrews has a very nice, classic design. You’re not getting an all-metal build — the side panels are made of plastic — but it’s attractive for the price. On the front are four buttons (power, one cup, two cups, and steam), as well as a pressure gauge. On the right side is a knob to steam and hot water. The tray at the bottom of the machine is removable, so you can empty and clean it out if it becomes filled with water and coffee grounds. At the rear is a removable tank, which holds 34 ounces of water. That’s about half the size of the Bambino’s tank, so you’ll be refilling it more often. 

3.KitchenAid KF8 Automatic Coffee Machine

Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

If you don’t enjoy preparing coffee, the KF8 is a fantastic machine. The Ninja Luxe is a better option, though, if you like the act of heating milk and pulling shots.It’s incredibly easy to make a great cup of coffee with the integrated burr grinder’s automatic extraction, tamping, and dosing. When compared to other machines like the Breville Barista Express, the grinder’s even settings aren’t that outstanding. But it’s a conical steel burr of excellent quality.

It’s incredibly easy to make a great cup of coffee with the integrated burr grinder’s automatic extraction, tamping, and dosing. When compared to other machines like the Breville Barista Express, the grinder’s even settings aren’t that outstanding.

The detachable milk frother automatically steams your milk, although I found this to be the machine’s weakest link. If you want a machine that pulls its weight, the KF8 is a hard-working, talented option. Just be warned — it’s not quite at barista-level yet.

4.Really expensive

Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

We suggest the Breville Barista Express if you’re an aspiring coffee expert and personalization is important. With its obvious pressure gauge and stainless steel finish, this machine looks amazing when displayed. Furthermore, it also delivers.

We adore how customizable this machine is. Two different dials allow you to precisely adjust both the quantity and the coarseness of the grounds. Through this, you can adjust gradually until you find your perfect settings. It’s a nice touch that the tamper is held in place via a magnet on the underside of the control panel. This keeps things tidy.

Four portafilter baskets lets you switch between single and double shots, with single and double-walled options — should you use pre-ground coffee. On test, we found this espresso machine performed consistently, delivering a high-quality flavor and texture of espresso complete with a thick layer of crema. It’s quick to work too, although it will need 1-2 minutes to warm up at first.

The integrated steam wand on the Breville Barista Express may also be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. After steaming, we discovered that the milk had a good amount of froth and was creamy and frothy. It can also dispense hot water straight from here if you prefer tea.

Remember that this is a large machine that will require a fair amount of counter space. It’s unfortunate, but not a deal breaker, that there isn’t a low-water warning. In the end, this is the espresso machine to get if you’re willing to shell out the cash and want one that looks as nice as it works.The fact that every coffee fanatic in the Tom’s Guide offices refused to let me take it away after we completed testing it may have been the best indicator of the Breville Barista Express’s performance. It’s no surprise that the Barista Express consistently delivered flawless shots of espresso and excelled at heating milk. This $749 machine also has a built-in conical burr grinder and filter baskets with one or two walls, all of which are housed in a traditional stainless steel design.

However, the Barista Express is not a low-cost espresso maker, and it requires some skill to produce the perfect latte or cappuccino. To determine whether this is the case, you should read the remainder of our Breville Barista Express review.Given that you’re spending more than $500 on an espresso machine, it’s understandable that it’s difficult to find an ugly one. The Barista Express has a timeless and traditional appearance because it is entirely made of stainless steel, just like the rest of Breville’s countertop equipment. Although a black finish is an option, I really like the brushed steel appearance. But it immediately took up fingerprints, and soon there were coffee grounds everywhere, so you could find yourself striving to maintain it as clean as the day you unpacked it.

5.Breville Bambino Plus

Last update on 2024-11-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

In our tests, the Breville Bambino Plus pleased us by continuously making outstanding espresso and providing a great automatic milk frother for that additional polished touch. With a quick three-second heat-up time, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously made shot in no time at all. It’s hard to make a terrible cup of coffee with this specific espresso machine.

Many coffee lovers prefer to purchase this separately and pair their preferred grinder with the Bambino Plus, which creates incredibly high-quality espresso without taking up a lot of counter space, even if some people would prefer to have an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.

You can change the espresso settings for a shorter or longer shot, exactly like with many of the greatest machines.The MilQ Plus setting was what truly wowed us, although we had no trouble manually creating a uniform micro-foam with this steam wand. With this, you may select from three preset temperatures and textures, then let your milk steam on its own. The finest part? After that, you’ll get the opportunity to pour it yourself and hone your latte art skills.

Although the Breville Bambino Plus (called the Sage Bambino Plus in the UK) is more expensive, it’s a must-have if you’re looking for a dependable espresso maker with premium parts and a hassle-free operation. It has a number of features that are uncommon among the top coffee makers in this price range, such as single and double walled baskets, automatic milk frothing, and programmable pre-infusion. The Bambino Plus certainly packs excellent value for money – if you’re willing to stretch your budget a little further.

prior to infusion. If you’re prepared to go a bit farther with your budget, the Bambino Plus offers great value for the money. The milk frothing technology in the Breville Bambino Plus is arguably its most intriguing feature. In order to achieve a silky texture and even much thicker micro-foam on top, the machine will automatically steam your milk to the ideal temperature. The automatic cleaning feature was especially useful to me because it eliminates the need to wash the steam wand itself, however a little wipe around the tip is still required to maintain its gleam. Additionally, steaming the milk by hand is always an option.

How we tested the best espresso machines

We put each espresso maker to the test on our own, accounting for various models and styles to accommodate various situations. Taking into account the process’s speed and efficiency as well as the final product’s flavor, we brewed a variety of drinks. We also noted the model’s advantages and disadvantages, such as how well the milk frother worked and how simple it was to load and empty the grounds. Consequently, we can be certain that this list truly depicts each machine’s performance. You won’t find better espresso makers than these.