Pricing guide
- $ = under $200
- $$ = $200–$500
- $$$ = over $500
Best overall espresso machine
Calphalon TempiQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand
- Price: $$
- Type: semi-automatic
- Size: 12 x 10 x 13 inches (in.)
- Color options: stainless
- Refund policy: 60-day money back guarantee
This classy-looking little espresso machine from Calphalon is our best overall pick for a few reasons. It can make 2 cups of espresso at once (for you and your boo… or just for you), it comes with a steam wand for frothing milk and a warming tray for warm and toasty cups, and it pre-infuses the ground coffee with hot water prior to brewing for the most excellent espresso.
These features make it intuitive enough for beginners to use easily but still allow for plenty of creativity and experimentation for espresso aficionados.
Most reviewers are really impressed with this moderately priced espresso machine, but some say that it stopped working within just a few months.
- can make 2 shots at once
- comes with cup warming tray and steam and
- large filter
- some reviewers say their machine stopped working within months
Best capsule espresso machine
Nespresso Vertuo
- Price: $$
- Type: capsule
- Size: 8 x 12 x 12 in.
- Color options: titanium, chrome, red, black, matte black
- Refund policy: 30-day money back guarantee
Nespresso makes some of the most well-known automatic espresso machines in the U.S. The company uses disposable coffee pods to create a consistent experience with each and every cup.
The Vertuo can make regular coffee and espresso, so it’s great for people who want both but don’t have the counter space for two separate machines.
Our editors adore this machine, saying it makes a super smooth cup of espresso (and regular coffee!). The entire experience feels luxurious — even though it’s a convenient capsule machine. It would be even better if it had a built-in frother (though you can buy Nespresso’s frother separately) and if the pods weren’t so pricey $$$.
- makes luxuriously smooth coffee and espresso
- convenient AF pods
- no milk frother
- pods can be expensive
