Looking for the best espresso machines 2024? After evaluating six top-rated models, we believe the De’Longhi Dedica Style offers the best value for money. It’s user-friendly, operates quietly, and delivers consistently good results, making it perfect for everyday coffee lovers.
For those with a larger budget and a passion for exceptional coffee, we highly recommend the Philips Barista Brew. This semi-automatic machine requires a bit of practice to master, but the rich, barista-quality espresso it produces is well worth the effort.
- A SIP OF ITALIAN DESIGN:At only 6inch wide, the uniquely designed Dedica is our slimmest espresso machine yet, effortlessly adding a touch of minimalist chic to your kitchen with its elegant…
This manual espresso machine is incredibly compact, taking up minimal counter space in the kitchen. Its 1-liter water tank is perfectly suited for daily use by a small household.
The removable drip tray accommodated taller cups up to 12 cm, something other models struggled with. This feature is especially handy for making lattes.
The machine also includes a steam wand for frothing milk or heating water. Since the process is manual, it takes a bit of practice to create the perfect foam.
You can prepare espresso in one or two cups, thanks to the three filters provided: one for a single shot, another for a double shot, and one compatible with ESE pods. Additionally, the included scoop, which doubles as a tamper, makes it easy to measure and prepare the coffee grounds correctly.
Operating the machine is straightforward, with just three buttons: one for a single shot, one for a double shot, and one for steam. Despite its simplicity, it offers programmable settings, including auto shut-off, water hardness, coffee temperature, and shot volume.
During our testing, the default factory settings produced perfectly sized espressos: 40 ml for a single shot and 81 ml for a double shot. Preparation time was impressively quick as well.
The coffee brewed at 88°C, resulting in a cup temperature of 75°C. For those who prefer their coffee to stay hot longer, the machine’s top doubles as a cup warmer.
To achieve the best espresso flavor, we found that using a very fine grind was essential. Coarser grinds resulted in a lighter taste.
Maintaining this model is less demanding than with most semi-automatic machines. However, the steam wand and brewing head require a quick rinse after each use to ensure optimal performance. When descaling is needed, an indicator light provides a timely reminder. Note that none of the components are dishwasher-safe.
Lastly, we appreciated how quiet the Dedica Style was during operation, generating only 49 to 53 dB. Even the steam wand was less noisy compared to many other models.
- BREW LIKE A BARISTA: The Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine empowers coffee enthusiasts to create barista-quality brews with tools like the 58mm portafilter and single & dual walled filter baskets.
We recommend this semi-automatic espresso machine to coffee lovers eager to explore the world of customization. With a 250-gram bean hopper and a 2.3-liter water tank, it’s capable of producing multiple cups of coffee in one go.
The machine allows you to quickly prepare espresso, double espresso, Americano, and hot water. Thanks to the steam wand, you can also create milk froth for a variety of milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and latte macchiatos.
During our testing, we found the built-in grinder, adjustable to 15 levels, relatively easy to understand. It took some trial and error to determine the right grind size and quantity for optimal results, though.
Adjusting the grind size and amount of coffee directly influences the pressure, which is indicated by the needle on the pressure gauge. Reducing the coffee amount lowers the pressure, while increasing it pushes the pressure higher. Mastering these adjustments is key to getting the best results.
When brewing, the espresso reached a maximum temperature of 77°C, which we found satisfactory. The natural crema layer was ample when the pressure was set correctly.
Once we mastered the machine’s settings, the espresso we prepared was rich and full of flavor, revealing subtle notes like hazelnut that we hadn’t noticed before.
Unfortunately, while the noise level during coffee preparation was acceptable (55–61 dB), the bean grinding process was noticeably loud at 77 dB. Frothing milk was even louder, reaching 78 dB.
Another downside is the high maintenance cost. Between degreasing tablets for the filters and portafilter, milk cleaning solution for the steam wand, and descaling products, maintenance costs can add up to around $180 per year. Unfortunately, this is common with semi-automatic machines.
Our Top Picks
How Did We Test?
To evaluate the manual and semi-automatic espresso machines, we started by assessing their design and build quality. We took note of their size, measured the length of their power cords, checked for included accessories, and examined their user-friendliness by testing the buttons, filter replacement, and adjustable settings.
We timed the preheating duration for each model, as well as the preparation time for brewing a single and double espresso, including their respective sizes. When applicable, we did the same for other beverages and measured the temperature at which the coffee was dispensed. While this aspect is more subjective, we also evaluated the taste of each espresso, highlighting specific characteristics such as boldness, acidity, bitterness, or a watery texture.
The steam wand was also tested for its ability to create milk froth. We measured the noise level at a distance of 50 cm during various operations: grinding (for semi-automatic models), coffee preparation, milk frothing, and hot water dispensing. Lastly, we assessed how easy each model was to maintain.
Our Test Results
1. De’Longhi Dedica Style (Manual Machine)
- Ease of Use: This machine scores a perfect 5/5, indicating it is very user-friendly.
- Ease of Maintenance: With a 4/5 rating, it is relatively simple to clean and maintain.
- Noise Levels: Rated 4/5, it operates quietly compared to other machines.
- Water Tank Capacity: The 1-liter tank is ideal for smaller households or moderate daily use.
- Number of Filters: Comes with three filters, providing flexibility for different brewing needs.
Conclusion: The De’Longhi Dedica Style stands out as an easy-to-use and quiet machine with good maintenance features, making it a top choice for those who value simplicity and convenience.
2. Krups Virtuoso+ (Manual Machine)
- Ease of Use: Slightly behind the De’Longhi, with a 4/5 score, indicating it might have a steeper learning curve.
- Ease of Maintenance: Matches the De’Longhi with a 4/5 rating for maintenance ease.
- Noise Levels: Like the De’Longhi, it scores 4/5, making it a quiet option.
- Water Tank Capacity: Shares the same 1-liter capacity, suitable for similar use cases.
- Number of Filters: Includes three filters, ensuring versatility.
Conclusion: The Krups Virtuoso+ is a close competitor to the De’Longhi but slightly less intuitive. It remains a strong choice for those looking for a quieter, manual machine.
3. Philips Barista Brew (Semi-Automatic Machine)
- Ease of Use: Scores 3/5, reflecting the complexity often associated with semi-automatic machines. It may take time to master.
- Ease of Maintenance: With a low 2/5 rating, maintaining this machine could be challenging and time-consuming.
- Noise Levels: Scores 3/5, indicating it is louder than the manual machines.
- Water Tank Capacity: Offers a significantly larger 2.3-liter tank, making it better suited for larger households or frequent use.
- Number of Filters: Comes with four filters, the highest among the three models, adding to its versatility.
Conclusion: The Philips Barista Brew is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize customization and capacity but are willing to invest more effort in learning and maintenance.
How to Choose Your Espresso Machine?
Here are the essential factors to consider before selecting your next espresso machine:
1. Type of Machine
- Manual Models: These are used with freshly ground coffee, ESE pods, or coffee pads.
- Semi-Automatic Models: Equipped with a hopper and grinder, these machines freshly grind coffee beans. Some include features to help measure the ideal amount of coffee grounds to achieve the right pressure for extraction, often monitored via a pressure gauge.
2. Design and Materials
- Espresso machines are typically made of plastic or stainless steel. While both are easy to maintain, stainless steel or aluminum models are more durable in the long run.
- The quality of materials and component arrangement can also influence the noise level during operation.
- Compact yet high-performing models are available, combining functionality with space-saving design.
3. Power and Pressure
- Pressure, measured in bars, determines the machine’s ability to extract aromatic molecules from the coffee. For espresso or highly aromatic coffee, the ideal pressure ranges from 15 to 19 bars.
- Some brands offer adjustable pressure settings to cater to different types of coffee.
- Heating speed also varies by model and can be a deciding factor for those who prioritize convenience.
4. Water Tank Capacity
- Water tank sizes typically range from 1 to 2 liters. Choose a capacity that matches your daily coffee consumption and household needs.
5. Steam Wand
- A standard feature on most espresso machines, the steam wand is essential for fans of milk-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. It allows you to heat or froth milk easily.
6. Accessories
- For manual machines, key accessories include filters, a portafilter, a measuring scoop, and a tamper.
- Additional items like a milk frothing pitcher and cleaning tools are also beneficial for ease of use and maintenance.
7. Ease of Use
- Some machines feature just one or two buttons to control cup size, while others come with touch controls, automatic shut-off, or advanced options to customize your coffee experience.
8. Maintenance
- Machines with removable water tanks and drip trays are easier to clean.
- Regular rinsing of the brew head (or heating group, depending on the brand) and steam wand after each use is recommended.
- Descaling is another crucial maintenance step, especially for semi-automatic models, which may also require periodic grinder cleaning as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another Recommended Espresso Machine
The best espresso machines 2024 include manual and semi-automatic options.
- 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.
This compact manual espresso machine focuses on simplicity, free from unnecessary features. It’s easy to use, with just a few intuitive controls.
The steam wand allows you to froth or heat milk, making it perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. However, the frothing process is quite noisy, reaching up to 85 dB. Fortunately, during coffee preparation, the noise level was much quieter, peaking at around 58 dB.
Using the default settings, the espresso and double espresso sizes were slightly smaller than expected at 29 ml and 55 ml, respectively. However, we were able to adjust the settings to achieve more standard volumes.
Once customized, the brewing time was on par with similar machines. The only downside was that the machine tended to drip for an extended period after brewing.
We were impressed by the espresso’s taste, which was well-balanced and not overly acidic—often a challenge with budget-friendly machines.
In terms of accessories, the machine includes three filters for single and double shots or ESE pods, as well as a portafilter and a measuring scoop with a tamper at the other end. The top of the machine also doubles as a cup warmer.
Another feature we appreciated is the automatic sleep mode, which can be set for 5, 15, or 30 minutes. It activated reliably after the selected time.
In summary, this manual espresso machine is a great choice for small kitchens. Despite its budget-friendly price, it offers customization options for espresso length and sleep mode. While its steam wand is functional for milk frothing, it’s noticeably loud.
Other Espresso Machines We Tested
Philips Baristina (€299.99 at the time of review):
- BREW LIKE A BARISTA: The Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine empowers coffee enthusiasts to create barista-quality brews with tools like the 58mm portafilter and single & dual walled filter baskets.
This innovative machine is straightforward and convenient to use. It grinds the coffee beans, dispenses the grounds into the filter, moves the portafilter under the water spout, and brews your coffee—all automatically. However, the use of basic plastic for its construction and very thin packaging is disappointing. In fact, our first unit arrived broken, and we had to test a replacement, raising concerns about its durability.
Sage The Barista Express Impress (€829.99 at the time of review):
- The Barista Express Impress espresso machine The Barista Express Impress espresso machine delivers third wave specialty coffee at home, featuring the Impress puck system for manual espresso making made easy
This semi-automatic espresso machine is challenging to use and master. The biggest drawback is how the filters often get stuck in the portafilter, requiring a sharp, thin knife to remove them—a frustrating and unsafe process that must be repeated after every use. Additionally, the pressure gauge lacks precision, the overall maintenance is cumbersome, and the instruction manual is unclear.
Sage The Barista Touch Impress (€1250.00 at the time of review):
- Enjoy step-by-step barista guidance at your fingertips. With real time feedback, the Barista Touch Impress navigates you through the Impress Puck System, precise extraction and hands-free silky smooth microfoam
Like its predecessor, this machine is difficult to master. Sage attempted to simplify its operation by replacing buttons with a colorful touchscreen. While this appears convenient at first, the screen icons are not intuitive. At this price, we expected more automation, such as automatic filter detection, but it falls short. During setup, it took over an hour to brew a satisfactory espresso. Other shortcomings include the flimsy plastic water tank lid, filters that get stuck in the portafilter, and an automatic tamper that doesn’t evenly distribute the grounds.
This guide to the best espresso machines 2024 will help you make an informed choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the best espresso machines 2024 depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a compact manual espresso machine like the De’Longhi Dedica Style or a feature-rich semi-automatic espresso machine like the Philips Barista Brew, each offers unique benefits. From affordability to high-end performance, our guide ensures you find the perfect model. With the right machine, you can enjoy barista-quality coffee at home effortlessly. Explore your options and elevate your coffee game today!