The best espresso coffee maker brings café-style shots and milk drinks to your kitchen. Whether you want full control or step-by-step guidance, there is an espresso coffee maker that fits your routine.
We compared two popular machines. Our quick verdict: the Breville Barista Express BES870XL is the best for hands-on brewing, and the Ninja Luxe Café Premier is the best for convenience.
Best Espresso Coffee Maker: Top Picks Compared
Our top picks for espresso coffee makers are the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso 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
- 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 Espresso Coffee Maker Picks Reviewed
Among the espresso coffee makers we reviewed, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso stands out, and every pick is judged on performance, features, and value.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL
- A built-in conical burr grinder.
- PID temperature control for consistent shots.
- A manual steam wand for latte art.
- Best for people who enjoy learning espresso.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier
- Espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew in one machine.
- Barista Assist Technology guides each step.
- Hands-free frothing presets.
- Best for busy households and beginners.
Learning Curve
The Breville takes practice: you adjust grind size, dose, and tamp to dial in shots. The Ninja automates more of the process, so you get consistent drinks with less experimentation.
How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Maker
Choosing the right espresso coffee maker comes down to checking the grinder, looking at milk frothing, considering extra brew styles, and planning for maintenance.
- Decide How Involved You Want to Be: Choose manual control or guided brewing.
- Check the Grinder: Built-in grinders save money and space.
- Look at Milk Frothing: Choose a steam wand for control or automatic frothing for ease.
- Consider Extra Brew Styles: Drip and cold brew add versatility.
- Plan for Maintenance: Descale and clean regularly.
For more options, read our guides to the best coffee and espresso maker and the best super automatic espresso maker.
Comparing the Two Models
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express gives you hands-on control with a built-in grinder, pressure gauge, and steam wand. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier offers guided brewing and also makes drip coffee and cold brew, which suits beginners and mixed households.
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 expect perfect shots on day one. Avoid skipping descaling, and compare manual and guided features before choosing an espresso coffee maker.
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.
Space and Setup
Espresso machines need counter space for the machine, grinder, milk pitcher, and knock box. Measure the area under cabinets so you can fill the water tank easily.
Daily Workflow
Warm the machine, grind, dose, tamp, and pull the shot, then steam milk. With practice, a latte takes just a few minutes.
Final Verdict on the Best Espresso Coffee Maker
The best espresso coffee maker for home baristas is the Breville Barista Express. Choose the Ninja Luxe Café Premier if you want guided, all-in-one convenience.
Espresso Coffee Maker FAQs
Common questions about espresso coffee makers include “Do I need to buy a grinder?”, “Which is easier to clean?”, and “Can I make iced lattes?”.
Do I need to buy a grinder?
Not with these two machines.
Which is easier to clean?
Both need regular cleaning, and the Ninja guides you more.
Can I make iced lattes?
Yes, with either machine.
For more kitchen gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
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