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Caffeine – it may be our office’s religion. We kid (but not really). We have multiple espresso machines, and after testing these models – we are replacing one with a model from this list. But there are an overwhelming amount of choices out there for the best espresso machine, and the last thing you want to do is waste your money.
So we did all the (caffeinated) research, tested a variety of espresso machines, and aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews. After extensive tasting (and testing) – we were able to find the best espresso machine. Here are our top picks – enjoy the extra caffeine (and buzz).
Our Top Pick
Breville The Barista Express
With over 2,000 glowing reviews (and a near-perfect score) – this is our pick for best espresso machine. With dose-control grinding, and micro-foam milk texturing – this is the perfect balance between perfect espresso, and perfect price. Highly recommended.
Other Great Picks
Keurig K-Cafe
The K-Cafe is a great budget pick, and with over 1,300 glowing reviews online – consumers agree on the quality of the machine. While it lacks the high-end features of more expensive models, it still makes what can be called ‘espresso’ – and it also easily makes lattes and cappuccinos. Highly recommended, for the budget-minded.
Mueller Espresso Machine
With over 1,000 positive online reviews – this machine from Mueller is a great choice. It should be noted that this budget pick needs Nespresso pods to make espresso – which makes clean-up much easier, actually. Great for those who like minimal effort, love a great espresso – and also want to save money.
EspressoWorks Espresso Machine
We highly recommend this great machine from EspressoWorks – it has a good price point, every feature imaginable – and most importantly, it makes a mean cup of espresso. With 400 positive reviews, it also has stood the test of time, providing a durable and easy-to-clean machine, perfect for any espresso lover.
AICOK Espresso Machine
Simple to use, great price point – and delicious espressos and lattes. We really liked the simplicity of this machine, and while it doesn’t have some of the higher-end features of more advanced machines – it kept our office well-caffeinated and happy, for hours on end. Recommended.
STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine
We absolutely love this genius product – it makes traveling easy, as we can always get a quick fix of caffeine in any hotel room we find ourselves in. It also has a great price point, and over 400 glowing reviews. We loved the crema, and found the taste to be surprisingly amazing, for a model this inexpensive. Definitely recommend.
Gaggia Anima
This luxury machine does anything you can imagine – but pay your bills. We loved the exquisite taste of the espresso this deluxe model makes, and the only caveat would be that it is certainly not a budget-minded pick. But if you are a true espresso lover – this machine is definitely worth your hard-earned money. It will last a lifetime, and it doesn’t ever make a bad cup. Highly recommended.
AICOOK Espresso Maker
With over 280 shining customer reviews, and an amazing price point – this espresso maker is a great budget pick. While we did miss some of the more luxurious features we found on other, more expensive machines – this definitely gets the job done for a well-caffeinated cup of espresso. Perfect budget option.
Granbaristo Avanti
The Rolls Royce of espresso machines – we’ve never had a better cup of creamy caffeine, in our lives. To say our office was excited about this machine arriving – would be a huge understatement. A perfect gift for your wife, parents, or any loved ones. If they love caffeine – they will love you more, after you get them this. Highly recommended.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Machine
With a 15 bar Italian pump, easy setup, and a great price point – this espresso maker from Hamilton Beach is a great, low-cost option. With over 300 glowing online reviews, good crema, and fast brewing – it’s a great value. Recommended, for the budget-minded.
What Is Espresso?
You are likely familiar with coffee – nearly all of us drink it on a regular basis. But you may be less familiar with espresso.
This Italian method of coffee-making simply involves taking very hot water, and putting it (under great pressure) through coffee beans. It is also important that these beans are finely ground, during the process.
Espresso is more concentrated with caffeine, and is thus also more bitter (since caffeine is a bitter substance). A good espresso machine can get you a rich cup of caffeine-packed coffee in just 30 seconds.
What Is An Espresso Machine?
While there are ways to make espresso without a machine – we don’t really recommend them. Just like making coffee is far easier with a Keurig or coffee maker – the same can be said for espresso.
The best espresso machine will have many extra features, great quality control, and will make brewing espresso a breeze. While oftentimes it makes sense to save a few dollars, and go with a cheaper kitchen appliance – we don’t recommend this when it comes to an espresso machine.
Put simply – you are likely to use an espresso machine almost every day. A cheap espresso machine will break quickly, have issues with quality control, and won’t be brewing great shots of espresso for you on a regular basis.
It’s important to invest a little more upfront, for quality. A high-quality espresso machine will pay for itself, after just a month of daily use.
There is nothing quite like starting your day with your favorite kind of espresso – and having that nice, frothy jolt of caffeine hit your bloodstream. This is doubly important if you have children – as they will require you to have almost superhuman levels of energy – all day, every day.
How To Use An Espresso Machine
Using an espresso machine could not be easier. Simply fill the reservoir with water, then fill the filter with espresso or coffee grounds. Next, simply push the grounds down, and start brewing.
How To Clean An Espresso Machine
Cleaning an espresso machine is a little bit more complex than brewing espresso. On a daily basis, you should use water to wash out the most frequently used parts of your espresso machine.
But once a week (if you are using your espresso machine on a daily basis) – you should proceed with a deep cleaning. This involves a few steps, but helps ensure that your espresso machine will stay gleaming.
Start by taking some espresso machine cleaner, and diluting it with water, to make a solution. After this, use a small brush to clean the basket, filter, and gasket with your pre-made cleaning solution.
Any removable items should be scrubbed and rinsed with hot water. Remove the screen (using a screwdriver), and scrub it thoroughly (as well as the inside of the group).
If your unit’s manual suggests it, backflush the espresso machine, using the cleaning solution you’ve prepared. After this, rinse the basket thoroughly with hot water.
From here, sanitize your steam arm, by using hot water and wiping it down. You will also want to remove and wipe down the drip tray.
How Much Caffeine Is In A Shot Of Espresso?
Espresso shots contain more caffeine (per ounce) than coffee. This makes sense, once you understand that espresso is really just a more concentrated form of normal coffee.
While the exact caffeine content will vary, depending on which type of espresso you are making – on average, 1.5 ounces of espresso will contain about 75 mg of caffeine.
Compare this to coffee, which has an average of 160 mg of caffeine in an entire 8 ounce cup. If you were to drink this same amount of espresso, you’d be consuming 400 mg of caffeine – or double the amount found in the same amount of coffee.
If you need to quickly explain the amount of caffeine in espresso to someone – just say “it is double the amount of caffeine found in coffee”. This helps explain why espresso is such a popular study aid (and pre-workout drink).
Difference Between Coffee And Espresso
While coffee is a great morning beverage, it is decidedly different than espresso. In the simplest terms, coffee is essentially a more diluted form of espresso.
Both beverages are made from coffee beans, but coffee is much more watered down. Espresso is almost like mainlining caffeine – it is bitter, requires drinking only 2 ounces to get a buzz – and it’s delicious.
If you are in a rush and need some caffeine – or you just love the many flavor varieties available – espresso is a spectacular choice. Espresso is also seen as classier and more sophisticated than coffee, in many circles.
What Is An Espresso Shot And A Double Shot?
These are technically two different terms, but the only real difference is in the volume of espresso referred to. For your espresso machine, you will usually be able to choose between a filter basket meant for either a single shot, or a double shot.
If you want more caffeine and more espresso – we highly recommend the double shot option.
What Is An Espresso Drip Tray?
A drip tray is simply the removable part of an espresso machine, where you rest your cup while waiting for the espresso to brew. Drip trays are important because they help catch any stray espresso, and help keep your countertop clean.
Do I Need A Coffee Grinder For My Espresso Machine?
While not required, getting your own coffee grinder can help you make even more delicious espresso. This is because grinding your own coffee allows for greater control over the consistency and quality of your coffee grounds.
Do I Need An Espresso Tamper?
An espresso tamper is simply the tool used to compress the espresso grinds into the basket of your espresso machine. A tamper may already be included with your machine (depending on the model) – but there are also spring-loaded tampers that apply just the right amount of pressure, to make the perfect shot of espresso.
Do I Need A Milk Frother For My Espresso Machine?
If you want to make cappuccinos or lattes, you will definitely need a milk frother for your espresso machine. Some of the automatic (or super-automatic) espresso machines already come with a milk frother, but if yours doesn’t – it is a great accessory to buy.
Do I Need A Steaming Pitcher?
If your espresso machine has a steam wand, you’ll also want a steaming pitcher. This accessory will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes with ease, will control any splashes as you steam, and will also froth the milk as your make your desired drink.
What Coffee Beans Work Best In An Espresso Machine?
Dark roasted beans are typically best for espresso, as they are the least acidic. Dark roasted beans also contain the largest amount of natural oils.
The thick crema associated with espresso is largely due to using dark roasted beans, though you can certainly experiment with other types of beans, if you desire.
What Is The Best Espresso Machine For Me?
Determining your individual needs for an espresso machine is the first step on choosing a model. Will you need to brew espresso for just yourself, or are you buying a machine for your office?
Will you want the ability to make fancier brews, or will you just be making normal espresso? How often will you use the machine? What is your budget?
All of these considerations must be factored in, when choosing the best espresso machine for you.
What Temperature And Pressure Should I Use When Making Espresso?
9 BAR is the ideal pressure for making espresso, and 200 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature. However, reaching these levels requires choosing an espresso machine that can create 15 BAR of pressure, due to the slight variations that can occur with grind sizes.
The Best Espresso Machine
There you have it – our picks for the best espresso machine. If you love caffeine as much as our staff does – you’ll love any of the machines profiled here.
Espresso has a robust taste, will have you buzzing in no time, and takes only thirty seconds to brew. Whether you want a bare bones espresso maker, or the most deluxe model on the market – there is an espresso machine out there for you.
There are a ton of great kitchen appliances besides espresso machines though – so be sure and take a look at our other reviews in the kitchen and home categories.