The Best Italian Espresso Machine: Top Picks & Buying Guides 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Italian Espresso Machine
Best Italian Espresso Machine

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine

De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM3300 is a compact espresso machine with all the features of a full-size automatic machine. With its streamlined, compact design, this stylish appliance fits beautifully on your kitchen countertop. Capable of producing up to 15 bars of pressure and up to 1.2L/h, it can make up to 2 perfect espressos or cappuccinos in seconds. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid

The Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro espresso machine features a rugged brushed stainless steel housing, making it ideal for commercial applications. The easy-to-use rocker switch controls provide effortless operation and fully automate the brewing process. Read Review

3. Best Adjustable: Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine

Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine is the perfect choice for your office break room, home or anywhere you need a quick shot of espresso. With its 2 coffee selections and pre-set, this machine is easy to use and convenient to keep around. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso

Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine is the first espresso and coffee brewer machine to provide you with an all in one solution. With its easy to use single serve pods you can enjoy a rich, delicious espresso or perfect cup of coffee anytime, anywhere. The machine features a user friendly interface to make it simple for even novice baristas to get started. It also has a fully automatic cleaning cycle that takes care of routine maintenance and offers Read Review

If you’re in the market for an espresso machine, you have plenty of options. There are a lot of manufacturers and models of espresso machines on the market, which can make choosing one quite challenging. However, it becomes a little easier if you know what to look for and what features to check for when shopping for an espresso machine.

In this article, we will talk about some of the best Italian espresso machines available today. These brands are considered among the best in their category because they produce high-quality espresso with unique features that set them apart from other brands. Let’s examine why these are considered some of the best Italian espresso machines.

With De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've developed a purchasing guide and shown other great options for you to consider.

Before finalizing your selection, our staff advises that you look into these essential additional resources. They may help narrow down your selection and clarify things to locate the right fit. Look no further than Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid since you're seeking the budget-friendly option. Our top models are equipped with features to meet every requirement. 

Our Top Picks

  • EASY-TO-USE CONTROL PANEL: Simply adjust the menu settings for temperature, coffee strength and cup size according to your preferences. The machine takes care of the rest.
  • COMPACT DESIGN: Each model has the features of a full-size automatic machine but in a streamlined, compact design that fits beautifully on your kitchen countertop.
  • CUSTOMIZED ESPRESSO DRINKS: Design your ideal espresso and cappuccino experience by programming in your preferences. The machine “remembers” the details, from the strength of your espresso to your preferred size beverage and much more.
  • 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.
  • DELICIOUS CAPPUCCINO AND LATTE: The adjustable manual Cappuccino System mixes steam and milk to create the thickest, longest-lasting foam for your cappuccino. And it’s easy to adjust the levels to prepare a creamy latte, macchiato or flat white.
  • EASY TO CLEAN AND HANDLE: The compact, extractable brew unit is not only easy to clean, it self-adjusts for one or two shots of espresso.
  • 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.
  • NO WAITING BETWEEN CUPS: The Rapid Cappuccino System maintains the optimal temperature so you can brew cup after cup instantly.
  • 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.
TOP Choice #2 Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, Solid
Our Score:
9.6
Gaggia
  • Rugged Brushed Stainless Steel housing
  • Easy-to-use rocker switch controls
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portability and brew group
  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve. Capacity water tank - 2,1 liter
  • Commercial steam wand. Rotating steam want movement type
  • 2 Coffee selections: simple touch controls, 1 programmable free dose and 1 pre-set.
  • Transparent water tank capacity: 0. 2Gl
  • Power supply: 110V; Machine start-up time: 28 sec.
  • Works with Lavazza Blue capsules
  • Visual alerts: fitted with a visual indicator to show when the water tank is empty or the capsules drawer is full.
  • Weight: 7. 7 lb
  • Capsule drawer: maximum capacity of 5 exhausted capsules.Frequency: 5060 Hz
  • Sizes: 5. 3" x 13" x 10. 2"
  • Removable cup support: can be adapted perfectly for any type of cup, from espresso cups to mugs.
  • Single Serve ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine
  • First ALL-IN-ONE Espresso & Coffee Brewer Machine
  • 1 Lavazza Classy Plus All‑In‑One Machine LB 400 Includes a Vessel (Vessel / Milk Frother)
  • Lavazza Expert Classy Plus Machine
  • Works only with Lavazza Expert Capsules
  • Able to brew six selections of beverages: Espresso, Lungo, 8 oz. Coffee, Macchiato, Cappuccino and Latte
5 Silvia Version 3 Espresso Machine
Our Score:
9.1
Rancilio
  • Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
  • The first and only fully automatic coffee machine with De’Longhi TrueBrew Over Ice Coffee technology.
  • The True Brew Process Delivers Smooth, Full-Bodied Iced Coffee: Dinamica with De’Longhi TrueBrew Over Ice feature is the first and only Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine with iced coffee recipe. By brewing at a lower temperature, pre-infusing and infusing the coffee and offering the ability to customize to extra strong, De’Longhi TrueBrew Over Ice brews smooth, full-bodied coffee over ice that is never watered down.
  • Heat-up time in less than 40 seconds: With Italian 15 bar high performance pump and a brew unit that takes only 40 seconds to heat up, you can have coffee shop quality coffee beverages with the push of a button.
  • Premium Adjustable Frother: Choose Cappuccino settings on the frother and enjoy Italian classic cappuccino with a dryer texture milk-foam or select Hot Milk setting for your latte.
  • The Simplest Machine To Clean: With a removable brew unit and dishwasher-safe drip tray, this machine takes half the time and cost to clean compared vs. competitor models and without the use of chemicals.
  • Adjustable steel burr grinder with 13 settings: Dinamica features an adjustable steel burr grinder for total control of the grind and beverage strength. While the Dinamica comes with a recommended grind setting, you have the option to customize according to your coffee roast, origin, and personal taste preferences.
  • Brew The Freshest Coffee: With bean to cup brewing system and a breakthrough built-in steel burr grinder, you can expect the freshest cup of coffee, every time, unlike competitor machines, Dinamica does not leave grounds in the brew unit.
  • Froths Your Favorite Milk Perfectly: Whether you prefer soy, almond, coconut, rice or cow’s milk, you’ll have dense and creamy foam that outperforms the competition. Frothing quality will vary depending on the type of dairy or non-dairy milk selected. De'Longhi recommends cold skim or 2% dairy milk cold or non-dairy milks that are found in the refrigerator case at the store.
  • Customized One-Touch Drinks: Adjust the size and strength precisely, with five strength settings from extra mild to extra strong - and the ability to program drink lengths based on your preferences and or to fit perfectly in your favorite cup for a more personalized beverage.
  • Works with illy iperEspresso capsules features two programmable Coffee settings and adjusts to fit almost any cup size to ensure you can enjoy your Espresso or Coffee just the way you like it with the Y3 blade you can enjoy both brewed Coffee and espresso any time you want. The two different capsules (brewed Coffee and espresso) bring home the quality of barista-prepared Coffee
  • Effortlessly prepare Espresso and coffee with easy to use one-touch operation. Works with illy iperEspresso capsules
  • Features two programmable Coffee settings and adjusts to fit almost any cup size to ensure you can enjoy your Espresso or Coffee just the way you like it
  • Stylish and compact design makes it a perfect fit for any kitchen decor
  • Removable water tank: 25. 4 oz, automatic ejection of used capsules, used capsules drawer capacity: 7 capsules. Machine Dimensions inches 3. 94 (W) x 11. 73 (D) x 10 (H)
  • The de’longhi lattecrema system creates perfectly layered Espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
  • Fresh Espresso for every cup the integrated burr grinder with 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.
  • Warranties may not apply to purchases from an unauthorized retailer.
  • Maintenance:  de’longhi machines require half the cleaning time of other brands, unlike competitor machines, which require chemical cleaning tablets monthly.
  • Consistent brewing every time Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And, you can customize the settings to ensure it’s always just the way you like it.
  • Commercial delonghi fully automatic espresso machine cappuccino ESAM5500MH
  • Dual frothing
  • Piston operated
  • 38oz. boiler capacity
  • Makes one or two cups at a time
  • Mounted pressure gauge

What to Look For in a best italian espresso machine?

Actually, when you decide to invest in best italian espresso machine for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item. 

We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best italian espresso machine below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:

Size

Think about how much space you will have for your espresso maker. You will find the more versatile ones to be larger while those that are simpler and offer fewer options for brewing are less straightforward.

Ease Of Use

It was clear from the descriptions of different espresso machines that the ease and convenience of use is a key factor. You can find a machine that automates a lot of the processing. There are models available that can make cappuccinos, a more complex espresso drink.

Look for espresso makers that are automated and have programmable settings if convenience is important to you. Before you make a purchase, ensure that you are familiar with all buttons and additional features.

Durability

The warranty on espresso machine models with higher prices comes standard. It can provide some insight into their reliability. A model's longevity can be determined based on its reputation as well as customer reviews.

The material of the espresso maker can make a big difference. Machines made from metals tend to be more resilient and heat-resistant. High-tech models that are heavily automated will require more frequent repairs than manual machines.

Price

While a quality espresso maker can have many features, such as a built-in grinder or many beverage options, it is more costly than a basic machine. However, espresso makers with more advanced heating and milk frothers can create a better cup than those that are simple.

Type

Type is the most important thing when looking for an espresso machine. What type of espresso machine do you prefer? A traditional, hands-on machine that grinds grounds with a portafilter, a more sophisticated one that has a built-in grinder, or one that makes use of capsules? All have their own pros and disadvantages.

Clean-up

According to our experience, espresso maker are simple to clean. It is usually only necessary to clean the milk frother after every use. The drip tray can then be emptied and washed as required. There are some milk containers which connect with the machine via a straw. These can be difficult to clean and larger drip trays may be more cumbersome.

FAQs

How Do Espresso Machines Work?

Espresso machines are basically a way to make espresso. They force hot water through finely ground coffee and apply pressure to create rich but not bitter coffee.

Although it sounds simple, there are specific requirements for making good espresso. Good espresso is made with the right amount of coffee, correct tamping, correct compaction, water temperature, length and pressure.

Why Are There Two Spouts On An Espresso Machine?

The portafilter is actually what has the spout, or spouts, on the bottom. Others are completely bottomless and have no spouts. You can brew up to two shots of espresso simultaneously using portafilters that have two spouts. The type of espresso machine used will determine whether the espresso machine is automatic or manual. For one-person brews, the espresso simply flows to your cup with its center.

What Do “bars” Mean For Espresso Machines?

"Bars" are the required pressures (psi), to create enough pressure for espresso to be good. The lever machine achieves this by pulling the lever while applying the correct pressure. The internal pump pumps the power to electric machines. A pump machine can be set to bar pressure between 3.5 and 19 bars. The pressure gauge on a good manual machine allows you to determine when to begin pulling the shot.

How To Clean An Espresso Machine?

For good espresso, it is crucial to clean your machine. The machine can become clogged with oils, sand and other debris. This will affect the quality of your espresso. The machine should only be cleaned about once every month if used regularly. The filters and portafilter should be rinsed with hot water. For those who are unable to detach or remove the shower head/group for cleaning, you may use a brush and hot water without the filter.

Cleaning Your Espresso Machine Your machine's frothing wand will become unusable and smelly, and can also clog up your health. You will get the most out of your machine if you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What Is The Best Bar Pressure For Espresso Machines?

Some debate exists, but baristas and historians all agree that 9 bars are the right amount to make the perfect espresso shot. 9 bars, or psi (pronounced "9x" in technical terms) refers to 9 times sea level atmospheric pressure. You'll focus the pressure of hot water on a very small area (the size your espresso puck) for between 25-30 seconds. It doesn't make sense to use higher pressure, but wait for the water to warm up for 25 seconds to extract properly.

How Long Should An Espresso Machine Last?

This depends on how well the machine is made. That means the quality and quantity of its materials. If it's super-automatic it also has to do with the technology and electronics. The machines with stainless steel boilers or steel frames will last longer than the ones made from cheaper materials. Two parts can be problematic: the heating element (for non-lever machines), and the pump mechanism. High-quality, long-lasting components are best for espresso machines. They can be repaired and reused if they become a problem.

After knowing the suitable kinds of best italian espresso machine and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy. 

Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best italian espresso machine perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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