10 Best Espresso Machines 2020

Not only the best overall espresso machine we have reviewed, but also one of the most space-saving for anyone who isn’t sure how a coffee machine will fit into their kitchen.

The 15 bar pressure is the perfect amount for producing coffee-shop style espressos, and a slight crema is formed to add to the taste. If you occasionally fancy something other than espresso from time to time, there is a dedicated milk frother for the production of cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. You don’t have to be a barista to be able to work it either, with it only taking less than a minute to froth and warm the milk.

Sometimes, design is just as important as the coffee produced, and the design of this model is sleek, modern and looks a lot more professional than the price would suggest. Available in four colours – Black, White, Red and Silver – it can either blend in with the rest of your appliances or opt for something which will add a bit of a pop.

The only slight gripes we have with it are both to do with the milk frother. It is shorter than some other models, which could be problematic if you like to use a deep jug, and it is also limited to use time-wise. In the manual, it states only to use it for a minute or so, and when we attempted to go over this, it shut itself down. This is a great safety feature to stop it overheating and isn’t unique, but could still be time-consuming if you regularly have guests over.

Other than this tiny little issue, it is otherwise a fabulous little machine from one of the leading names in the coffee world. We had high expectations, and they set the bar high.

Sage constantly bring out some of the best home gadgets around. Their other coffee machines always feature in our Top 10’s, and this one is no different. It sold out within days of being brought onto the market and still remains in incredibly high demand.

One of the newest from them, it is for those who love proper coffee from baristas but want to be able to indulge in that luxury at home from time to time. A new digital interface gives you all of the data you need, from the grind size chosen to how many shots are being poured.

That’s right – the grind size. Because this espresso machine actually has a built-in grinder so you can freshly prepare beans for your espresso, rather than using ground coffee which is already losing its freshness. The beans are ground right into the tamper, so you are good to press it and go.

It takes just three seconds to heat up too, so when your brain is screaming for coffee, you don’t have to put up with it.

This product blew our mind a little bit when we first saw it, and trying to categorise it after we got our heads around it was a challenge in itself.

It is an espresso machine, able to make two cups at once. But it is also a filter machine with a 10-cup capacity carafe, and it has a built-in milk frother for those luxurious milky drinks. You can also use over 40 varieties of Dolce Gusto capsules in it if you don’t want to bother cleaning out the grounds, so there is absolutely no way you’ll be stuck for choice.

The 15 bar pump gives good crema as well as a quality espresso. It auto-detects the appropriate fittings for the coffee you are making, displaying only the appropriate options on the touch screen. So, it isn’t as complicated as it sounds on paper at all. The cup stand can be raised so there is little splashing when using smaller cups, and it can also accommodate travel cups or carafes if you’re off on a day out.

Many people have commented that it gives the same flavours as a bean to cup machine, and due to the higher pressure compared to a pod machine, it makes capsule coffee taste miles better than pod machines too. You would expect this all to come at a price, but it is fab value, which makes it all the better.

If you like your coffee hot and your past coffee machines have disappointed you, then this Sage model has put optimum temperature control right at the front of its list of priorities.

Electronic PID control optimises the temperature for the perfect cup each time and ensures the heat is always balanced throughout the mug as well as consistent, from the first espresso to the last.

Most people have problems with milk-based coffees, as the temperature of the milk brings down the heat in the coffee resulting in a brew which gets cold within minutes. Sage realise that 93 degrees is the perfect temperature for coffee, but 130 degrees is the best for hot milk. The coffee grounds would get burnt at this temperature meaning a bitter taste, so the Duo Temp Pro flushes itself with cold water to eliminate this problem.

Want your coffee always to last that bit longer? The cup warmer function will help the coffee stay at the right temperature and make sure it doesn’t start to cool as soon as it is poured.

Water pressure builds up to expand the grounds, rather than ejecting it at full barista-level force immediately.

The temperature, although optimum for taste, was still a little bit cold for those of us who like our coffee tipping boiling point. And it was quite noisy as well. But the look, care and consideration which has gone into creating the product is top-level, and the feel is really high-end.

This machine is classically Italian in appearance, which is perfect for an espresso machine.

It is primarily for ground coffee, but it will also take ESE pods if you want something a bit less messy. You can also steam milk with it, but it is best when primarily used as just for espressos – perfect for anyone who likes to avoid milk.

Taking just 35 seconds to heat from cold, it will be quick to serve you in the mornings, and it isn’t too loud either.

For that classic 1950’s retro design, you can’t beat anything by Smeg.

With a milk frothing wand, you aren’t limited to just espressos, with cappuccinos and lattes also being within easy reach. It is super quick and simple to use and only requires a quick wipe after use to keep it clean.

The ability to be able to use both grounds and paper-type pods will appeal to a lot of people and is also great for anyone who loves having great tasting coffee but sometimes needs a bit of convenience and a mess-free brew.

For anyone who likes large mugs too, the drip tray stand is removable to accommodate these. Thermoblock technology allows the appliance to warm up really quick, so it is always ready to go when you need it the most, and to make your coffee even hotter, just preheat the cup on the flat surface at the top of the machine.

It was one of the most comfortable water tanks to remove and refill, with a nice wide opening and a compact shape. Even when full, it is simple enough to slot back into place and keep secure. The capacity will make about 8 espressos before needing to be refilled, which is generous for an espresso machine.

The frother can only be used for about a minute before shutting down, which stops it overheating, so this needs to be taken into consideration when preparing your milk-based drinks. Despite this, it is a really effective frother, which seems to hold itself well even when added to drinks.

With a patented dual function filter holder, this espresso machine can take both ESE pods and grounds, meaning you can make your coffee just how you like it. And it very much looks the part, too.

The cappuccino system means it mixes steam, air and milk to producing a rich creamy froth and crema, which is just the way most people like their espressos. It also means it is great to use as a base if you want to make a taller coffee.

There are two separate thermostats so you can control the temperatures of both the water and steam, which gives you a great option to make your coffee just how you want it. Self-priming technology means it is always ready to use without you lifting a finger too.

Other special features include a cup warmer base so the coffee stays hotter for longer, a removable drip tray and water tank for easier cleaning and upkeep, and a water tank capacity indicator so you can see when it needs topping up. Two espressos can be made at any one time, so it is ideal if you have a full household as well.

Is your home one filled with both coffee and tea lovers? Maybe you simply like both drinks when the mood takes you?

This machine is a pretty clever gadget to have to hand. It is 4-in-1, taking Dualit Coffee & Tea Capsules, ESE Pods, and ground coffee. You can use NX (Nespresso compatible) pods as there is a tool included which will modify them so they work perfectly. The plate will warm your cup before it is ready to pour, and it will turn off automatically after 30 minutes on idle.

Just press a button, and the exact amount of water is extracted for your chosen drink. The flexibility to use grounds and pods means you aren’t limited with just standard flavours, and temperature variation will allow you to adapt between them.

You might have to do some searching to find some compatible pods and pads, but there is always ground coffee available.

Perhaps not the first brand or name you would go for when choosing a new coffee machine. But AmazonBasics is a range of items which are affordable, simple and actually get great reviews.

Well under £100 with enough left over to completely kit out your coffee station if needed, this espresso machine may be basic but still does a good job. The 15 bar pressure is just perfect, and as a bonus, it is also compatible with pods if you want something a bit less messy.

You get high-pressure steam for the perfect frothy cream, and it is reliable against protection from overheating and over pressurising.

It is quite compact so good for smaller kitchens which may not be able to fit larger machines. The lack of bells and whistles when it comes to controlling will also please some. The milk wand is a little short and it does feel and look a bit reflective of the price but knocks out a good cuppa which is the main thing.

For anyone looking for a non-electrical method of coffee preparation in their home or something for a caravan/holiday apartment which won’t add to the bills, we have included this as a bonus pick.

Not only is it completely manual, but it also looks the part. Made from high-quality aluminium and polished for shine, all you need to do is pre-boil the water for your espresso. Pop the grounds in the coffee filter and pour the water into the dedicated chamber, then raise the lever arms to let the water pour down and filter through, then push down the arms again to create the pressure to brew your espresso.

That is it. No pressing buttons or changing settings, just a simple operation to make quality espresso. Want more than an espresso on the odd occasion to treat yourself? There is a milk frother included so you can open up your coffee world to lattes and cappuccinos with ease.

It is the perfect item if you really enjoy the traditional ritual of coffee making and like to put a bit of effort into your cup and treat yourself.

With the fun and manual operation comes a bit of mess and temperamental results. Grinds occasionally go a bit astray, and it does take a lot more precision than automatic machinery, but it is to be expected. You need to sort out your favourite bean/grinding method or pre-ground variety, as well as to tamp the coffee correctly and using the right speed to press, which can take a lot of experimentation and dud results at first.

But for a product which will no doubt give you a lifetime of results, a few weeks of getting to grips with the ROK Espresso Maker will surely seem worth it in the end.