Best Coffee Maker with Espresso Machines| Ultimate 10
Finding a good coffee and espresso machines is no easy task for most, especially if it’s your first one. Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with this all inclusive guide to the best coffee maker with espresso functionality.
There are an incredible amount of combination coffee and espresso machines, that it can often leave you feeling more confused than you already were.
That’s why I wanted to go through the top 10 coffee makers with espresso combos, and in this review you’ll find out what you need to know about getting the best one for your needs.
The start of this post, you’ll find a summary of the top 10 espresso machines, my top pick, a brief summary of each of these and also an all inclusive guide on how to choose the best espresso machine.
So without holding you back from drinking the perfect espresso (or your bland black coffee), let’s jump straight into this article:
An Overview of Our Top 10 Picks for Combination Coffee/Espresso Machines
- Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine, One Size, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Stainless Steel, Programmable Coffee Maker with Automatic Milk Frother, 15-Bar Pump, Ideal for Home Baristas
- DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Black
- NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine, Esperta 2, Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte Pod Machine
- Espresso Machines 20 Bar Coffee Machine with Milk Frother Wand for Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte and Mocha, 1.5L large Removable Water Tank and Double Temperature Control System, Blcak, 1350W
- Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, 1000 Milliliters, Graphite Metal
- Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De'Longhi,24 oz, Black
- De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver
- PHILIPS 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Classic Milk Frother, 4 Coffee Varieties, Intuitive Touch Display, 100% Ceramic Grinder, AquaClean Filter, Aroma Seal, Black (EP3221/44)
- Saeco HD8924/47 PicoBaristo AMF Automatic Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 21
Top Pick: Best Coffee Maker with Espresso is the Breville Barister Express BES870XL
Editors Rating :
Create the best tasting espresso in less than a minute. This machine has a built in burr grinder, grinding your beans in such a way it retains the essential flavors.
Espresso will never be the same again with this machine.
This coffee maker and espresso combo is perfect for every home looking to add an espresso maker in their kitchen! Equipped with some serious functionality your espresso will be tasting like something out of a cafe.
The machine has a digital temperature control (PID) that delivers the optimum temperature and ensuring your espresso extraction is very accurate.
Machines like this have the capability of delivering the notes coffee beans claim to have compared to grinding them and using it in a french press coffee maker.
It has a built in steam wand, that enables you to create some serious latte art (or just the perfect latte).
#1 - Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
The best coffee maker with espresso and one of my favorite Breville machines, and also my first! It comes with a built in bean grinder that grinds whole fresh coffee beans to acute fines. There is a small control knob, that allows you to adjust the bean grind size making it either really fine or a bit coarse.
This feature will really help you improve the quality of your espresso shots, making them really good for the perfect latte or other milk based drink.
It has an incredibly large water tank, at 67 ounces, which is one of the features that makes this machine less prone to constant water refilling.
This is a semi-automatic coffee machine which means it has a boiler, portafilter and a switch to activate/deactivate the pump which perfoms the extraction.
The price can be a turnoff for some, but let me reassure you that something like this will help you save a lot of money on coffee, by making really good coffee at home
#2 - Mr. Coffee ECMP1000 Cafe Barista Espresso Machine
- 3-in-1 Functionality: Semi-automatic espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker
- High-Pressure Brewing: 15-bar pump system for richly-flavored espresso coffee
- Automated Perfection: Trouble-free automatic milk frother for perfect frothing
- Easy Operation: One-touch control panel for hassle-free drink selections
This semi automatic coffee and espresso combo machine is my next pick, purely because of the price and it's outstanding features.
It is a 3 in 1 machine, making really good espresso, cappuccino and even lattes which is really good if you're wanting a machine that can do it all, while keeping the cost low.
There is also a built in milk frother, that is removable and will hold milk in it. What I really liked about this is, if you have left over milk, you can simply remove it from the machine and store it into a fridge.
Simply hit single or double shot, espresso, cappuccino or latte and the machine will brew away.
The only downside I have with this machine is that, it does not have a built in grinder, so you will need to get a really good one to make decent espresso.
#3 - De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso Maker
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- EVERY CUP TO YOUR LIKING: 15-bar professional pressure assures quality results every time, and adjustable controls allow you to make modifications for your personal taste preferences.
- BREW LIKE A PRO: Whatever your preference – single or double espresso, cappuccino or latte – the machine brews authentic barista-quality beverages just like you enjoy at your favorite coffeehouse.Input power (W): 1050
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
The De'Longhi EC155 is one of the most inexpensive machines that will make decent espressso quite easily! Unlike a Keurig or Nespresso machine, where you put a pod in and hit "go", you have to ensure you have the right settings.
A water tank is neatly situated within the rear of the machine and holds about 33 ounces of water and is removable for easy cleaning.
It's definitely a good espresso machine that is well worth it for the cost, but it does lack a built in grinder. So that means you'll either have to get a decent burr grinder or just purchase ground coffee.
Besides making espresso, it can also make cappuccino and lattes as it does have a built in steam wand, for steaming milk.
#4 - NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Espresso Coffee Machine
- The NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Esperta 2 is an automatic capsule coffee machine, designed to perfectly fit your single cup, black and specialty coffee brewing needs with a small footprint
- COFFEE HOUSE INSPIRED DRINKS - Explore the wide variety of decadent flavors and coffee house inspired drinks offered by the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto capsule-based coffee machine - choose from authentic Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, and more
- EASY INTERFACE - Boasting an easy-to-use wheel interface with a 7-level LED display, the Esperta 2 allows you to control the size and intensity of your coffee, giving you a truly customized coffee experience - simply match the LED bars to the bars on your Dolce Gusto capsule and brew
- PRESSURE BASED SYSTEM - The Esperta 2’s 15 bars of pressure allows high level extraction for optimal flavor, aroma, and body delivered consistently in every cup
Docle Gusto machines are pretty good for making espresso, and before I got heavy into coffee I purchased my own one in a black friday sale for dirt cheap.
This is a pod machine that can make single or double shot of espresso drinks, but requires you to purchase the right pods to make the drink.
Dolce gusto pods come in all sorts of varieties and flavors, and if you drink lattes or other specialty caffeinated drinks then this could be for you.
It is considered a good entry machine into the world of espresso, and once you develop a serious caffeine pallet then you definitely need to upgrade from it.
The only downside I have with Dolce Gusto espresso pods is that the espresso can sometimes come out watery and not as strong as you like.
This machine is very easy to use, it literally requires you to pop a coffee pod into it and then hit start after it has warmed up. Perfect for those always in a rush, but can't leave home without a morning coffee.
#5 - Gevi Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- ☕ 【45S FAST HEATING WITHOUT WAITING】: Semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Machine, you can enjoy making espresso in the instant heating system, rapid heating in 45 seconds but low noise. 15 bar professional imported Italian pump ensure the max extraction and rich-tasting espresso.
- ☕ 【PROFESSIONAL MILK FROTHING WAND】: Frothing milk for cappuccino and latte by hot steam want. The professional frothing wand mixes steam and milk to create a rich, dense and creamy froth for every drinks.
- ☕ 【DOUBLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL】: With an accurate dual temperature control system, the temperature can be adjusted to achieve the ideal state. Make sure to extract coffee at 198℉ and steam at 212℉. The double-volume boiler can produce more hot water and steam.
- ☕ 【SAFE PROTECTION SYSTEM】 : The machine will automatically power off after 25 minutes, automatic pressure relief protection to avoid water leakage. Overheat protection to prevent dry burning. （Operating tips: 2 cups of 60ml, about 14g/ 2 spoons, the powder should be finely ground.)
Gevi espresso machine not only makes decent espresso's but also cappuccino, latte and mocha beverages. The machine is a semi-automatic coffee and espresso maker with a built in steam wand, perfect for making additional drinks.
It is quite similar to the EC155 bar pump espresso machine, but equally as good, with a built in 20-bar standard pressure pump capable of delivering some of the best flavors.
It does cost slightly more than the delongi coffee maker, but the only thing it has extra on it has to be the design (which looks a little more sleek).
The machine is very easy to clean and to operate, and considered good for any home kitchen or as a good upgrade from traditional black coffee.
#6- Nespresso by Delonghi Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy saving automatic shut off.
Nespresso is a good brand, actually much better than Dolce Gusto machines! They can cost a bit more, but generally deliver much better tasting espresso, less watery than its competitor.
This machine can brew different single serve coffee cup sizes at the touch of a button and depending on your espresso needs.
If you don't know, Nespresso is a leading brand in Pod coffee and I only discovered that when working at my previous place of employment. The coffee it produced was unbelievable for a pod machine.
The only downside in my opinion is the milk frother it comes with, it is a magnetic frother instead of a steam wand. The froth or steam it induces into the milk often doesn't taste the same compared to a machine with a built in steam wand.
That can lead to having some different tasting lattes or cappuccino's that you're most likely use to. Nevertheless, they make great espressos perfect for your home kitchen.
#7- Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by Delonghi
- Compact machine offers 2 programmable cup sizes; Espresso Lungo
- 19 bar high-pressure pump for barista-style flavor and aroma
- Fast heat-up system reaches ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Automatic shut-off feature 9 minutes after last use
The Inissa Nespresso machine is a more cost effective option if you're just looking for a pod machine that only makes espresso's.
It is quite a versatile and smart coffee and espresso machine, that has two programmable settings for making espresso or lungo coffee.
There is a built in water tank that can reaches the ideal drinking temperature in only 25 seconds, making espresso's a little faster than the former machine.
For a pod espresso maker, it really isn't a bad one because you'll be using it everyday and I highly recommend it.
#8- De’Longhi ESAM3300 SuperAutomatic Espresso and Coffee Machine
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber. Your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And you can customize the settings to ensure its always just the way you like it.
The De'Longhi ESAM3300 is a really good alternative espresso and coffee machine compared to the Breville machine. Fresh whole beans can be added to the machine as it has a built in stainless steel burr grinder. Which will grind your beans for your espresso.
What I really liked about this machine is that it also had an option to add pre-ground coffee into the machine, which is good because you can have decaffeinated coffee in one holder and a bean of your choice in the other.
Unfornately, the biggest downfall of this machine was that it didn't have a built in steam wand but it did have a milk frother which was a bonus.
It can make espresso, cappuccino, lattes, also pour hot water and make americano's as well. Since the machine holds the grounds, and doesn't use a portafilter, the extraction process is slightly different.
I have heard of friends that say if you're trying to enjoy different specialty beans, the flavors are not well extracted. I guess that is the downside of a machine doing everything for you.
#9- Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Coffee Maker
- With Philips 3200 Series easily make up to 5 black and milk-based coffee varieties at the touch of a button! Enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature
- Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam, allowing you to easily prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccino
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction
On Par with the De'Longhi ESAM3300 is this sleek philips 3200 fully automatic espresso and coffee maker. To be honest, I was shocked when I saw this by Philips, because I never new they made coffee makers.
I had to add it into this best coffee machine review as it had some pretty cool features. Boasting the ability to enjoy 4 types of drinks at the push of a button you can't go wrong.
Making espresso, hot water, regular coffee, Americano and even Espresso Lungo, it isn't bad for the same price as the previous machine.
This machine also holds the beans within the inside of the machine, and there is also an additional slot for placing grounds which is good. The other added benefit of this machine is that it had a digital display panel.
Having a digital display panel is really a good idea, because it allows you to select grind size, volume and also temperature besides the drink selection.
The downside of this machine is it uses ceramic flat grinders, which can heat really quickly and dissipate some of those essential oils in the coffee bean.
#10- Saeco HD8924/47 PicoBaristo AMF Automatic Espresso Machine
- The espresso machine's ceramic grinders deliver premium espresso coffee from fresh beans for 20,000 cups guaranteed
- Enjoy 7 beverages at your fingertips, from espresso to cappuccinos and lattes; Boiler Design :Thermoblock
- 5,000 cups of coffee without descaling your espresso maker thanks to the AquaClean water filter
- Velvety froth at one touch with the automatic milk frothier
The Saeco HD8924/47 automatic espresso machine allows you to enjoy 7 different beverages with the touch of a button, including some really good tasting espresso.
The final best coffee maker with espresso allows you to enjoy up to 20,000 cups of high quality premium espresso. If you're worried about cleaning a machine like this, don't because you can have up to 5000 cups of coffee without descaling it.
They achieve this by using an Aquaclean water filter, which tells you when you have to replace. Pretty cool feature right?
Although it's a pricey machine that claims to make decent espresso, I myself haven't heard of this brand. A quick review of the past customer reviews, shows a mixed response.
Some customers absolutely love the machine, while others are questioning the quality of it. So pick this machine with this in mind!
Ultimate Buyers Guide to the Best Coffee Maker with Espresso
So there you have our selection at the best dual coffee and espresso makers! Now you may have realized a bunch of random coffee connoisseur terms used throughout that review.
Phewwwww! I know right, it’s alot to take in more than 6 cups of coffee in a single day (don’t try that, it can lead to some serious coffee jitters)
Let’s dive right into this all inclusive buyers guide!
Is an espresso machine worth it?
You might be wondering if the purchase of an espresso machine for your home will be worth it!
Espresso machines are definitely worth buying, as they can save you a lot of money in the long run. I’ve owned my espresso machine for about a year now, and although the initial upfront cost was a bit, it has definitely paid for itself.
The one I own is a Breville Barista Touch BES990XL and honestly speaking I have reduced my cafe visits by 90%, so espresso machines are definitely worth having for the home.
Related Article: 7 Easy Ways to Save Money on Cafe Coffee
Can you make lattes with an espresso machine?
Not all espresso machines can make a latte right away, most of them need a steam wand so that you can froth milk to make a latte. However, if you have a separate milk frother then you can definitely make the perfect latte.
Here are some espresso machines that can make lattes: Best Latte Machines.
- Ground some coffee beans with your espresso machine or grinder;
- Prepare the grounds in the portafilter, lock into your machine, and brew away.
- Once the brew is complete, you’ll have either a single or double shot of espresso.
- Add fresh milk to the stainless steel milk container, and froth away.
Some milk frothers already have the setting pre-programmed for steaming and frothing the milk to the right temperature and correct amount of froth.
Different types of espresso machines
There are so many different espresso machines on the market and I’ll try to cover some of the most important ones that are in the list above.
So let's break down the different types of espresso machines that you’ll most likely come across in your life (seriously there’s far more than this).
semi-automatic espresso machines
Semi automatic espresso machines often have customization behind them, which is great if you want to make various types of drinks.
Most have built in bean hoppers, that can hold your beans but does require you to have a grind setting for making specific drinks.
There is a little bit of experience needed, but most machines come with instructions to help you set them up.
super automatic espresso machines
The tip of the iceberg has to be super automatic espresso machines, which can grind coffee beans for you.
All of these machines are electric, have push buttons to make drinks and the only real part is some of them still need you to froth the milk.
In a business environment, I’ve seen ones that have a milk fridge and the milk actually gets frothed and poured into the drink. Making it super easy to have coffee.
Some of these machines can be really expensive in my opinion. So if you have the budget, then go for it.
pod espresso machines
There are a lot of pod espresso machines, and I’m sure you’ve heard of some of them like Nespresso or Delonghi.
The pods come in a variety of types, small black or long, flavored or not and these pods get inserted into the machine.
All machines have their own mechanisms to brewing the coffee, which is rather technical, but all you need to know is they have their own water filters.
Simply pop the pod into the machine, hit the brew button and out comes your single or double shot of espresso.
What I like about these machines is that they are really simple to use, and often leads to a great upgrade from traditional black coffee.
Good for those who don’t want to think about coffee and also, is often more cleaner than semi-automatic coffee machines.
portable/compact espresso machines
Portable espresso makers are small and they look like a tiny kettle almost. These crafty little espresso makers, go really well on gas top stoves or over a fireplace.
They are also very commonly found in every apartment or Airbnb in Italy (surprisingly found this out on my travels to Italy).
Water is placed in the water tank, with espresso coffee compacted into the filter basket. Place them on a stove top or open flame, with medium heat and as the water boils it rises through the filter basket.
Once the water has enough heat, it pushes through the upper valve and into the upper chamber, where the espresso will be.
Do an espresso machine need a dual boiler?
Dual boilers are great, but not really necessary for an espresso machine. Having a dual boiler has its benefits though:
- Can Make More Espresso: Dual boilers allow you to brew two espressos at the same time. It can be helpful when you need to make two coffees in a much faster time.
- Specialty Drinks: A dual boiler will allow you to brew espresso and also steam your milk at the same time which is quite handy.
However, I don’t have a dual boiler on my espresso machine and since there are only two of us in the house it hasn’t led to much of a problem.
From brewing your shot of espresso, to getting the milk steamed for a latte, there is not much time between the two steps. So the latte still comes out nice and warm after it all.
How to Clean an espresso machine at home
Cleaning your espresso machine at home is really easy! A lot of these machines have specific instructions on how to clean them.
For example, my coffee machine is programmed to tell me when I should clean the steam wand. Also giving me step by step instruction on the display panel, which is a really handy feature.
If you need to clean the drip tray, all you need to do is remove it from the machine. Dispose of the watery coffee and milk mixture, give it a scrub with some dish-washing liquid, dry it and then replace it.
How often to descale espresso machine
Descaling an espresso machine should be done every month or so, as hard water minerals can build up. This often leads to some average tasting espresso.
A good espresso machine will remind you when it is time to descale the machine and also change out the water filter.
Descaling is a simple process, most machines have a built in function with on screen instructions to help you descale it. If not, then the descaling solution has instructions on how to do this.
Is a good grinder important for quality espresso?
If you have purchased an espresso machine that doesn’t have all the bits and bobs, like a grinder. Then having a high quality burr grinder will do wonders for your espresso.
Burr grinders are designed in such a way that they can crush beans to grounds with consistency and uniformity, much better than a typical blade coffee grinder.
This will lead to having some decent tasting espresso that actually releases some wonderful notes and tones.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, I’ve gone over what I believe are some of the best coffee maker with espresso combos.
Now, it’s time to ditch the traditional black coffee and jump on the espresso bandwagon because espresso is quality coffee.
To summarize, the top pick is Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL which will make some quality espresso in less than a minute.
Machines that have the ability to grind beans into a portafilter like this can lead to some quality tasting espresso. Because you have more control over every step of the process.
I recommend something like this or something similar, because it will suit most homes and produces some of the best espresso I’ve ever tasted.
If you're on a budget and controlling every step of the espresso making process doesn't interest you, then I recommend getting a Pod espresso maker. The runner up has to be the Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by Delonghi it sleek, makes espresso really quick and is perfect for those who want a one touch solution.
