The best coffee and espresso maker lets you brew a full pot of drip coffee in the morning and pull a rich espresso shot in the afternoon, all from one appliance. A combination coffee and espresso maker saves counter space and money compared with buying two separate machines. It is a great fit for households where some people want regular coffee and others prefer lattes or cappuccinos.
To help you choose, we compared four popular machines from Ninja and Breville. We judged each one on espresso quality, drip coffee performance, ease of use, and versatility. Our quick verdict: the Ninja Luxe Café Premier is the best all-in-one machine, the Ninja CFN601 is the best pod-and-drip combo, and the Breville Barista Express is the best espresso-focused choice.
Best Coffee and Espresso Maker: Top Picks Compared
Our top picks are the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso, the Breville Barista Express BES870BTR Semi-Automatic, and the Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso Machine.
Pros
- Integrated grinder ensures maximum freshness and convenience.
- PID temperature control provides consistent, professional-grade extraction.
- Manual steam wand offers excellent control for microfoam and latte art.
- Durable brushed stainless steel build feels premium and lasts.
- Highly rated by thousands of users, with 4.4 stars from over 27,000 reviews.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners; manual operation requires practice to master.
- Water tank is relatively small (67 oz), requiring frequent refills for heavy use.
- Some users report the grinder can be inconsistent with very light or very dark roasts.
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home baristas who value fresh, cafe-quality coffee. It combines a built-in conical burr grinder with precise digital temperature control (PID), allowing you to go from whole beans to a perfectly extracted espresso in under a minute. This machine is best suited for those who enjoy the hands-on process of making espresso and are willing to invest time in learning the craft.
Standout features include the integrated grinder that grinds directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness. The low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure during extraction, drawing out balanced flavors. The powerful steam wand delivers manual microfoam for latte art, making it a favorite for milk-based drinks. Real-world performance is consistently praised for producing rich, aromatic espresso with a thick crema.
Design and build quality are excellent with a brushed stainless steel finish that looks professional on any countertop. The machine includes a grind size dial, adjustable dose control, and a Razor dose trimming tool for precision. It also comes with a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, dual-wall filter baskets, a tamper, a milk jug, and cleaning accessories. The 67 oz water tank and half-pound bean hopper are adequate for daily use.
Potential drawbacks include a learning curve for beginners, as manual operation requires practice to achieve consistent shots. The water tank is relatively small for frequent entertaining, and some users note slight grinder inconsistency with certain beans. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall value and performance.
Verdict: The Breville Barista Express is a top choice for home baristas seeking a complete, quality espresso setup without a separate grinder. Its combination of fresh grinding, PID temperature control, and manual steam wand offers exceptional value for the price. Recommended for anyone ready to elevate their home coffee experience.
Pros
- Rich, balanced espresso with thick crema, rivaling coffee shop quality.
- Integrated grinder simplifies workflow and keeps coffee fresh.
- Powerful steam wand allows for professional microfoam and latte art.
- Solid build quality and proven durability, with many users reporting years of daily use.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners; requires practice to dial in grind and dose.
- Grinder can be noisy, and regular cleaning and descaling are essential for longevity.
The Breville Barista Express BES870BTR is a semi-automatic espresso machine that combines a built-in conical burr grinder with precise temperature control. It is designed for home baristas who want to replicate third-wave coffee shop quality without the complexity of separate equipment. With a 4.4-star rating from over 27,000 reviews, it is one of the most popular entry-level machines on the market.
Standout features include the integrated grinder that doses fresh grounds directly into the portafilter, the PID digital temperature control for consistent extraction, and a low-pressure pre-infusion that gradually increases pressure to draw out balanced flavors. The powerful steam wand allows manual microfoam texturing for latte art. Users report rich, flavorful espresso with thick crema, and many say the machine pays for itself within months compared to buying coffee out.
Design-wise, the Black Truffle finish is sleek and modern. The machine feels solid with a stainless steel portafilter and tamper. The 67 oz water tank and half-pound bean hopper are adequate for daily use. However, the grinder can be noisy, and the learning curve is steep for those new to espresso. Regular maintenance like cleaning the steam wand and descaling is essential for longevity.
Some drawbacks mentioned in reviews include the automatic shot volume failing after several years, and the need for earplugs due to grinder noise. Also, the machine is heavy at 22 pounds and takes up counter space. But overall, the Barista Express offers excellent value and performance for its price range.
Verdict: If you are serious about making espresso at home and willing to invest time in learning and maintenance, the Breville Barista Express is a fantastic choice. It delivers café-quality results consistently and has proven durability over many years of daily use.
Dimensions: 13.8" D x 12.5" W x 15.9" H
Weight: 22.1 pounds
Wattage: 1600 Watts
Voltage: 120 Volts
Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
Portafilter Size: 54mm
Included Accessories: Razor Dose Trimming Tool, Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Disc, Tablets, Brush Tool, Allen Key, Water Filter & Filter Holder
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
Pros
- Versatile: makes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew in one machine.
- Guided brewing with Barista Assist Technology reduces learning curve.
- Hands-free frothing with multiple preset programs.
- Built-in grinder with 25 settings for fresh coffee.
- Removable water reservoir and easy-clean steam wand.
Cons
- High price point compared to single-function machines.
- Large footprint may not suit small countertops.
- Some users report occasional inconsistency in espresso extraction.
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is a 3-in-1 machine that combines espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew into one sleek appliance. It is designed for home baristas who want café quality without the steep learning curve. Beginners and busy professionals will appreciate the Barista Assist Technology that guides every step.
Standout features include the built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings and weight-based dosing for precise grinding. The Dual Froth System with a magnetic whisk and automatic steamer creates silky microfoam hands-free. The cold pressed espresso function extracts smoother, more flavorful shots for iced drinks.
Design is thoughtful with a 70 oz removable water reservoir, built-in accessory storage, and a self-cleaning steam wand. The stainless steel finish looks premium on any counter. However, the machine is large and may require dedicated space.
Some drawbacks include the high price and occasional reports of inconsistent extraction. The learning curve is minimal but still requires reading the manual for optimal results. Cleaning the grinder and drip tray can be a bit involved.
Overall, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier offers exceptional versatility and guided brewing for those willing to invest. It is a top choice for espresso beginners and coffee enthusiasts who want one machine to do it all.
Dimensions: 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 inches
Weight: 4.4 pounds
Wattage: 1650 watts
Voltage: 120V
Water Reservoir: 70 oz
Grinder: Conical burr, 25 settings
Drink Styles: Espresso (double/quad), Drip (classic/rich/over ice), Cold Brew (cold pressed espresso/rapid cold brew)
Frothing: Dual Froth system with 4 presets
Pros
- Versatile: espresso and drip coffee from a single appliance
- Easy to use with touchscreen controls and preset brew sizes
- Quality espresso with thick crema thanks to 19-bar pump
- Frother creates rich foam for coffeehouse-style drinks
- Large 12-cup carafe perfect for entertaining
Cons
- Only compatible with Nespresso Original capsules, not Vertuo
- Plastic exterior may feel less premium than all-metal machines
- Frother is adequate but not as powerful as dedicated steam wands
The Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Maker is a dual-function machine that combines a single-serve espresso brewer (compatible with Nespresso Original capsules) with a full-size drip coffee maker. It is designed for households that want the flexibility of quick espresso shots and the convenience of a 12-cup carafe, all in one countertop appliance.
Standout features include the 19-bar pressure system that produces espresso with a silky crema, and the built-in fold-away frother that steams milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Real-world performance is strong: espresso shots come out rich and hot, and the drip coffee brews evenly with three strength options (Classic, Rich, Over Ice). The adjustable cup tray fits tall mugs, and the used capsule bin holds up to 20 capsules for easy disposal.
Design and build quality are typical for Ninja: a mix of black plastic and stainless steel accents. The machine feels sturdy, though the plastic housing may not match the heft of all-metal espresso machines. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the water reservoir is removable for easy filling. Most parts are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.
Potential drawbacks include that it only accepts Nespresso Original capsules (not the larger Vertuo line), and the frother, while convenient, does not produce the microfoam of a dedicated steam wand. Some users note that the drip coffee carafe could be better insulated. The price point is mid-range, offering good value for the versatility.
Overall, the Ninja CFN601 is an excellent choice for home baristas who want a single machine that can handle both quick espresso drinks and full pots of coffee. It is especially suited for households with varying coffee preferences and for those who entertain guests. With solid performance and thoughtful features, it earns a strong recommendation.
Model: Ninja CFN601
Type: Espresso & Coffee Maker
Compatibility: Nespresso Original capsules and ground coffee
Pressure: 19 bar
Brew Sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz), Over Ice (1 oz) for capsules; up to 12 cups for grounds
Brew Styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice for grounds; Espresso, Lungo, Over Ice for capsules
Frother: Built-in fold-away
Water Reservoir: Removable
Carafe: 12-cup glass with warming plate
Used Capsule Storage: Holds up to 20
Adjustable Cup Tray: Yes
Dimensions: 11.89 x 14.84 x 17.4 inches
Weight: 13.6 pounds
Wattage: 1550 watts
Voltage: 120 volts
Interface: Touchscreen
Special Features: Dishwasher safe parts, Delay Brew, Keep Warm, Clean function
Included: 20 capsule bin, reservoir, scoop, warming plate, paper filter kit, glass carafe
Our Best Coffee and Espresso Maker Picks Reviewed
Among the models we reviewed, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso stands out, and every pick is judged on performance, features, and value.
- True 3-in-1 machines: the Ninja Luxe Café Premier makes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew with Barista Assist Technology that guides you through each step.
- Capsule espresso plus drip: the Ninja CFN601 makes single-serve espresso from Nespresso Original-compatible capsules and brews up to 12 cups of drip coffee. It uses a 19-bar pressure system.
- Espresso machines that make Americanos: the Breville Barista Express focuses on espresso. You can make a coffee-like Americano by adding hot water to a shot.
How to Choose the Best Coffee and Espresso Maker
The right choice comes down to grinder, milk frothing, ease of use, and capacity.
- Which Drink Do You Make Most?: If you mostly drink drip coffee but want espresso sometimes, the Ninja CFN601 is convenient and easy. If you want the most balanced performance for both, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier is a strong choice. If espresso is your priority, choose the Breville.
- Grinder: In a coffee and espresso maker, a built-in grinder gives fresher flavor. The Breville Barista Express includes a conical burr grinder. Capsule machines do not need a grinder.
- Milk Frothing: Lattes and cappuccinos require milk frothing. Look for a steam wand or built-in frother. The Breville’s manual steam wand offers the most control.
- Ease of Use: Guided features, such as Ninja’s Barista Assist Technology, help beginners pull good shots. Semi-automatic machines like the Breville take practice but reward experience.
- Capacity: If you brew for a household, check the carafe size of any coffee and espresso maker you consider. The Ninja CFN601 brews up to 12 cups of drip coffee.
Tips for Using a Combo Machine
- Use fresh beans for espresso and medium-ground coffee for drip.
- Clean the steam wand right after each use.
- Descale your coffee and espresso maker regularly, because combo machines have more water paths.
- Keep spare capsules or filters nearby so you can switch drinks easily.
For more options, read our guides to the best buy espresso machine and the best mocha maker.
Final Verdict on the Best Coffee and Espresso Maker
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is our best coffee and espresso maker for most households because it makes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew with helpful guidance. If you prefer the convenience of capsules plus a full drip carafe, the Ninja CFN601 is an excellent choice. If espresso quality is your top priority, the Breville Barista Express delivers café-style shots and steamed milk.
Coffee and Espresso Maker FAQs
Common questions from buyers include “Can one machine make coffee and espresso?”, “Is a combo machine as good as separate machines?”, and “Does the Ninja CFN601 use Nespresso capsules?”.
Can one machine make coffee and espresso?
Yes. Combo machines like the Ninja Luxe Café Premier and Ninja CFN601 brew both drip coffee and espresso.
Is a combo machine as good as separate machines?
Good combo machines perform very well. Dedicated machines may offer more control, but combos save space and money.
Does the Ninja CFN601 use Nespresso capsules?
Yes. It is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules for espresso.
Can I make lattes with these machines?
Yes, if the machine has a steam wand or frother, or with a separate milk frother.
How often should I descale a combo machine?
Every one to three months, depending on use and water hardness.
For more coffee gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
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