10 Best Coffee Espresso Machines 2025 in the United States

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a versatile and high-quality machine designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to make specialty coffee at home. It features an integrated conical burr grinder that allows you to grind beans directly before brewing, ensuring the freshest taste. The machine also has a low pressure pre-infusion system, which helps extract balanced flavors from the coffee grounds, and a digital temperature control (PID) for precise water temperature management, resulting in optimal espresso extraction.

The powerful steam wand allows for manual microfoam milk texturing, enabling the creation of latte art and enhancing the flavor of your drinks. This machine is equipped with a 67 oz water reservoir and a 1/2 lb bean hopper, and offers programmable settings for single or double shots, grind size, and grind amount, providing a high level of customization. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, with included cleaning tools and accessories.

However, the machine is manual, which means it may require a learning curve for beginners, and it has a large footprint, which might be challenging for smaller kitchens. Additionally, while the brushed stainless steel finish is sleek, it can show fingerprints and smudges. The machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is designed for those who want a quick and convenient single-serve coffee or espresso experience. It uses Nespresso capsules, so there's no built-in grinder, but this makes operation simple and fast, with just a button press needed. It offers versatility in cup sizes, allowing you to brew 5oz and 8oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos. The machine heats up quickly in about 25 seconds and has an energy-saving automatic shut-off, which is handy for daily use.

A big plus is the included Aeroccino3 milk frother, which can make both hot and cold milk froth easily, perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, or iced drinks. This adds a nice touch for those who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks without needing a complicated setup. The water reservoir size is average and should be sufficient for several cups before refilling, but it’s not very large, so frequent top-ups might be necessary if you brew many drinks back-to-back.

Programmable settings are somewhat limited since the machine mainly operates through preset capsule options rather than full manual control, which suits users who prefer simplicity over customization. Cleaning is straightforward because of the capsule system and removable parts, though the frother needs separate cleaning and can require more attention to avoid residue. Because it relies on proprietary capsules, you’re tied to Nespresso’s pods, which can be pricier over time compared to ground coffee options. This machine is ideal for coffee lovers looking for speed, ease of use, and variety in coffee styles with minimal fuss, especially those who appreciate milk frothing, but it may be less suited for users wanting a traditional espresso machine with manual grinding or pressure adjustments.