The 10 Best Espresso/Cappuccino Machines of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

The majority of espresso-cappuccino makers featured in this article were sent to our expert food writers. Our reviewers spent weeks testing the machines in their home kitchens to see how they performed during everyday use. They were able to provide insight into how easy the machines are to set-up, use, and clean, as well as how the coffee tastes. After testing, our writers submitted feedback about what they liked and disliked, and they rated each machine on the following features: usability, design, performance, and value.

Other Options We Tested

• Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine: The Breville Dual Boiler is a quality machine capable of brewing tasty espresso, but our testers found the cost too high for what the item offers. There are superior espresso-cappuccino machines in a similar, and even cheaper, price range. The Dual Boiler is also complicated to set-up, use, and clean, which makes it impractical for many users.

What to Look for When Buying an Espresso/Cappuccino Machine

Pods or Grounds

One of the first decisions to make when looking for an espresso-cappuccino machine is whether you want to brew with coffee pods or coffee grounds. Coffee pods (or capsules) are quicker, easier to use, and easier to clean. On the downside, they cost more per serving than coffee grounds and don’t offer the same amount of variety; many pods are also non-recyclable. The main advantage of coffee grounds is clear: nothing beats the taste of genuine, freshly ground beans. So what traits are most important to you in a machine? Speed and convenience? Or flavor, variety, and a true barista-like experience?

Size

No matter how big your kitchen is, counter space is always a key consideration when purchasing a new appliance. For comparison, espresso-cappuccino machines are usually longer and wider than drip coffee makers, while item height is often similar. Make sure to measure ahead of time, and don’t forget to measure the distance between your countertop and cupboards. If space is especially tight, it may be worth buying an espresso maker and milk frother separately. There are many affordable frothers that can be stored in a cupboard or pantry when unneeded. 

Milk Frothing

Espresso-cappuccino machines can be equipped with three kinds of milk frothers. Luckily, the differences are easy to spot just by looking at the device. The first is a steaming or frothing wand. This is what most people picture when thinking of an espresso machine because it’s the kind that coffeehouses use. Frothing wands are powerful and offer a great deal of control but can get loud and messy. Second, a more automated espresso-cappuccino machine may have a frothing tank. For these all you have to do is hit a button and the machine will froth milk for you, but they are more time consuming to clean. Finally, some models come with a separate milk frother (especially Nespresso-brand products). These save space but strength and effectiveness varies.

Ease of Use

Some espresso-cappuccino machines are hands-on, others do the majority of the work for you. The way to distinguish an item’s ease of use is by checking its level of automation. This topic is covered in more depth later on, but espresso-cappuccino machines are essentially sorted into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic. A semi-automatic machine is what you see in a coffee shop, where the barista does everything by hand. Fully automatic is a little less hands-on; the main upgrade here is that the machine stops brewing the espresso for you when it’s perfectly extracted. The final type, super-automatic, makes espresso and espresso-based drinks for you just by hitting a few buttons. It is, naturally, the most expensive of the three.

Speed

Many may hear the word “espresso” and think it comes from “express,” as in something done quickly. But espresso actually stems from a Latin word meaning “to press out.” All this is to say that, unfortunately, espresso isn’t always brewed fast. It only takes about 30 seconds to pull an espresso shot, but it can take a machine anywhere from a couple minutes to half an hour to heat up. Then you have to factor in the time it takes to steam milk for those interested in a cappuccino. If making drinks quickly is of the utmost important, an automatic machine may be the way to go. If you don’t mind waiting a little longer, the whole world of espresso-cappuccino machines is open to you.

Types of Espresso-Cappuccino Machines

Semi-automatic

Semi-automatic machines offer the full barista experience. Users pull espresso shots and steam milk all by hand. Despite the hassle, many prefer this type of machine because it provides a lot of control over the coffee—plus it’s usually the cheapest kind of espresso-cappuccino maker. For espresso newbies, don’t let the learning curve dissuade you, as there are many excellent semi-automatic machines out there.

Fully Automatic

Fully automatic machines are the middle-tier category. With these, you still have to do a lot of work yourself, from grinding the beans to pulling the espresso shot. The main difference is that fully automatic machines stop the flow of water by themselves when the coffee is ready. It’s only a slight upgrade over semi-automatic machines, but it does make the brewing process that much easier. These often come at a similar price to semi-automatic machines or are a little more expensive.

Super-Automatic

The ultimate luxury in the espresso game, super-automatic machines can brew a bevy of drinks without the user having to lift a finger. They usually have a built-in grinder as well, so every aspect of the coffee-making process is of the best quality from start to finish. Super-automatic machines also allow users to adjust a number of features like water temperature, coffee strength, and drink size. Such craftsmanship and convenience comes at a price, of course, as these are the most expensive type of espresso-cappuccino machine.

Brands/Manufacturers

Breville

Breville has long been a trustworthy source for appliances, from blenders to toaster ovens and more, but the brand is perhaps best known for its array of coffee products. Its espresso-cappuccino machines come in a range of prices, but expect the majority to be high-end. Breville’s most popular item in the category is the Barista Express—a well-rounded option for all kinds of coffee lovers. Those looking for the absolute best of the best should check out the Oracle and the Oracle Touch.

De’Longhi

This century-old Italian manufacturer offers an incredibly wide array of espresso-cappuccino machines. Customers can find affordable semi-automatic options all the way up to super-automatic machines that cost a few thousand dollars. A blend of craftsmanship and variety is where the brand shines. As a side note, De’Longhi is also partners with Nespresso and helps distribute the Swiss company’s famous pod-based espresso makers.

Mr. Coffee

As the name suggests, Mr. Coffee manufactures drip coffee makers first and foremost. However, the American brand also produces a few affordable espresso-cappuccino makers worth consideration. This is a name to remember for those on a budget, as well as those who are new to espresso and looking for a simple starter machine.

Nespresso

Nespresso is certainly one of the first brands people associate with espresso makers. The Swiss company revolutionized coffee in the mid-20th century when its pod-based espresso machines, renowned for speed and convenience, took off. Just keep in mind that not all Nespresso products can make cappuccinos. The ones that can will either be equipped with a built-in frother or come in a bundle deal with a separate milk frother.

Maintenance

There are several small tasks you will have to do (some after each use) to properly maintain an espresso-cappuccino machine. Once finished with your coffee, dump the used grounds into the trash or compost, then scrub the portafilter and grouphead with a brush to remove any remaining grounds. If you used the milk frother as well, wipe the end off with a towel to prevent milk build-up. Every so often you will also want to rinse the frother with hot water and wipe inside the arm with a small brush or even a paperclip.

Another essential maintenance task is backflushing the portafilter. To do this, simply lock the portafilter into the grouphead and run the brew cycle several times until it’s completely rinsed and the water is clear. Coffeehouses perform this task at the end of every work day, but home users only have to backflush every few days—you can also backflush with detergent every few weeks for a deeper clean.

Finally, we get to the most rigorous part of maintaining an espresso-cappuccino maker: descaling. This is the process of removing mineral residue that builds up inside the machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling once a month, though you can likely get away with doing it every three months. The easiest way to descale is by wiping all parts of the machine with a combination of vinegar and warm soapy water. But check your product manual beforehand, as some manufacturers advise against vinegar. If you don’t regularly descale, your machine will likely face a number of issues like clogging, altered coffee taste, not getting hot enough, or not running altogether. 

Accessories

Among all of the wonderful tools and accessories to pair with an espresso-cappuccino maker, one of the most useful is a coffee grinder. Some machines, particularly super-automatic ones, have built-in grinders, but the majority do not. Purchasing a separate grinder ensures the freshest possible roast and, as a result, the tastiest cup of joe. There are two varieties of grinders out there: burr grinders and blade grinders. Burr is the superior option, offering the utmost consistency, though it’s also much more expensive. Grinders can also be manual (often relying on a hand crank) or electric. Hario is a go-to brand for a reliable manual grinder, while Breville and Bodum make top-grade electric grinders.

FAQs

What is a cappuccino?

Even die-hard coffee lovers may not know what exactly is in a cappuccino. Fortunately, the recipe is simple. Start by picturing the timeless Italian drink in three equal layers. The bottom layer is a shot of espresso, the middle is steamed milk, and the top is milk foam. That’s it. A surprisingly simple beverage that can be made at home with an espresso-cappuccino machine. For a more personalized cappuccino, you can add flavored syrups like vanilla and caramel, or sprinkle the top with cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Are espresso beans actually different than coffee beans?

Nope, not really. Espresso beans are often brewed at higher temperatures and for a longer time than regular coffee beans, but there is no true difference between the two. That being said, it's still worth paying attention to how coffee beans are labeled. If you see a bag of beans in the grocery store labeled one way or the other, it indicates what brewing method the brand thinks will bring out the best flavor. Beans marked for espresso likely pair well with the high pressure and small cup size of espresso, but that doesn’t mean they can only be used to make espresso. Conversely, some beans labeled for drip coffee may actually brew delicious espresso. It all comes down to personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment. 

What is a portafilter?

You will quickly come across this term when searching for espresso-cappuccino machines, and it may very well be unfamiliar, especially for those who have only owned drip machines before. A portafilter is the handheld basket that you attach to the machine in order to brew. Also referred to as a group handle, portafilters are commonly seen in coffee shops and typically have a stainless steel basket attached to a black plastic handle. The quality of a portafilter will certainly affect the quality of espresso. Portafilters can be purchased in two varieties: pressurized, which is great for beginners, and non-pressurized, which is ideal for those who want more hands-on control over their espresso. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He tested the Philips EP3221 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine firsthand and highly recommends it to anyone looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use espresso maker.

Sources

Patrick Cotter, the Content Marketing Specialist for Seattle Coffee Gear, gave his insight into pods versus whole bean coffee. He manages the company's blog, social media, and content pages. Founded in 2005, Seattle Coffee Gear is a retailer that focuses on coffee education.

Selina Ullrich, the Director of Coffee at East One Coffee Roasters, was interviewed for this piece. She has worked in the coffee industry for more than 10 years. East One was founded in 2017 and has a café in Brooklyn, New York.