The best coffee and espresso machine lets you make shots, milk drinks, and sometimes regular coffee from one appliance. Choosing a coffee and espresso machine comes down to whether you want hands-on control or guided convenience.
We compared three machines. Our quick verdict: the Ninja Luxe Café Premier is the best for drip and espresso in one, and the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the best for espresso enthusiasts.
Best Coffee and Espresso Machine: 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
Our Best Coffee and Espresso Machine Picks Reviewed
Among the models we reviewed, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 stands out, and every pick is judged on performance, features, and value.
- Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1: Espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew in one machine, with Barista Assist guidance and hands-free frothing presets.
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL: A built-in conical burr grinder, PID temperature control, and a manual steam wand for café-style drinks.
- Breville Barista Express BES870BTR: The same semi-automatic design in a different finish.
Which Coffee and Espresso Machine Should You Buy?
The right choice comes down to choosing the Ninja and choosing the Breville.
- Choose the Ninja if your household drinks both drip coffee and espresso drinks.
- Choose the Breville if you mainly drink espresso and enjoy learning the craft.
How to Choose a Coffee and Espresso Machine
The right choice comes down to list the drinks you make, deciding on manual or guided, checking for a grinder, and looking at milk frothing.
- List the Drinks You Make: Drip, espresso, lattes, and cold brew each need different features.
- Decide on Manual or Guided: Manual machines offer control, while guided ones are easier.
- Check for a Grinder: Built-in grinders save space and money.
- Look at Milk Frothing: Steam wands give control, while automatic frothers are simpler.
- Consider Cleaning: Regular descaling keeps performance steady.
For more options, read our guides to the best coffee and espresso maker and the best espresso and coffee machine.
Comparing the Picks
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder. The BES870BTR is the same machine in a different finish. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier makes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew in one machine, which suits households with mixed preferences.
Espresso Only or Espresso Plus Drip?
If you mainly drink lattes and cappuccinos, an espresso machine is enough. If some people in your home prefer regular coffee, a combo machine saves counter space.
Semi-Automatic Basics
Semi-automatic machines like the Breville Barista Express let you grind, dose, tamp, and pull shots yourself. Expect a learning curve: adjust grind size first, then dose, until shots taste balanced.
Choosing Beans
Use fresh whole beans roasted within the past few weeks, and grind just before brewing. Medium and medium-dark roasts are forgiving for beginners.
Milk Frothing
Purge the steam wand before and after each use, start with cold milk in a stainless pitcher, and wipe the wand immediately so milk does not dry on.
Cleaning and Descaling
Rinse the portafilter after each shot, backflush if the manual allows, clean the grinder regularly, and descale every one to three months depending on water hardness.
Warranty
Check coverage length and whether authorized service is available near you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip cleaning the steam wand. Avoid stale beans, and consider everyone’s coffee habits when choosing a coffee and espresso machine.
Grind Size Troubleshooting
If shots run too fast and taste sour, grind finer. If they run too slow and taste bitter, grind coarser. Change one variable at a time.
Useful Accessories
A milk pitcher, a tamping mat, a knock box for used grounds, and a small scale help you make consistent drinks and keep the counter tidy.
Drink Ideas
Try lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and Americanos. Iced lattes work well with a double shot poured over ice and cold milk.
Final Verdict on the Best Coffee and Espresso Machine
The best coffee and espresso machine for mixed households is the Ninja Luxe Café Premier. Espresso lovers who want control should choose the Breville Barista Express.
Coffee and Espresso Machine FAQs
Common questions from buyers include “Can one machine make good drip and espresso?”, “Is the Breville good for beginners?”, and “Do I need a separate grinder?”.
Can one machine make good drip and espresso?
Yes. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier does both.
Is the Breville good for beginners?
It has a learning curve, but many beginners enjoy it.
Do I need a separate grinder?
Not with these machines, because both have grinders.
For more kitchen gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
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