10 Best Espressos 2026 in the United States

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series is a versatile espresso machine that combines four coffee-making functions in one: espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and hot water, making it a great choice if you want one machine to handle various coffee styles. It offers five espresso options, including single and quad shots, plus multiple drip and cold brew sizes. The built-in grinder has 25 settings, and its weight-based dosing ensures consistent coffee grounds for each brew, which helps achieve balanced flavors without guessing. The included tamper simplifies tamping coffee grounds, reducing mess.

Milk frothing is handled by a dual froth system with a hands-free steam wand and XL milk jug, allowing you to make different froth textures easily, including cold foam, ideal for cappuccinos or lattes with dairy or non-dairy milk. The machine’s stainless steel design is compact enough for most kitchens, and it has built-in storage for accessories, which keeps your countertop tidy. Cleanup is made easier with included cleaning tools and reminders, although the multiple functions and components might require a bit more time to maintain compared to simpler machines. The Barista Assist Technology actively adjusts temperature and pressure for optimal flavor, which helps if you're new to espresso making.

This machine is best for coffee lovers who appreciate variety and convenience in one appliance and want a guided, hands-off experience when brewing. However, if you prefer a straightforward, single-purpose espresso maker or want precise manual control, this may feel a bit complex or bulky. Its 27-pound weight and footprint mean it takes some counter space, so consider your kitchen size. The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series is an excellent choice for those seeking an all-in-one espresso and coffee system with smart features that simplify brewing and milk frothing.

The Breville Barista Express BES870BSXL is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed to bring quality coffee making into your home. It features an integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter, which ensures better flavor and convenience. The machine uses low pressure pre-infusion and precise temperature control (PID) to help extract balanced and flavorful espresso shots. It also offers manual microfoam milk texturing via a powerful steam wand, giving you the ability to create creamy milk foam for lattes or cappuccinos.

The size is moderate for home kitchens, with a sturdy stainless steel design in an attractive Black Sesame finish. Its 67-ounce water tank and half-pound bean hopper are sufficient for regular use without constant refilling. Cleaning is relatively straightforward with included tools like cleaning discs and brushes, though some users may find the manual frothing and grinding require a learning curve. The machine’s control dial for grind size and dose amount provides customization, making it suitable for coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with their espresso.

This machine is not fully automatic, so it demands some hands-on involvement. If you want a quality, versatile espresso maker with an integrated grinder and don’t mind a bit of practice to perfect your brew and milk froth, this machine is a solid choice.

The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is designed for at-home baristas looking to enjoy high-quality espresso. Its standout feature is the integrated conical burr grinder, which allows you to grind fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness. The machine's dose control grinding feature helps you get the right amount of coffee for a balanced taste. With its precise digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion, it extracts rich flavors from the coffee beans, offering a well-rounded espresso experience.

The manual steam wand is powerful and enables you to create microfoam milk, perfect for latte art and enhancing the flavor of your drinks. This feature can be a bit challenging for beginners but offers great customization for experienced users. The machine's brushed stainless steel design is both sleek and durable, adding a modern touch to your kitchen. However, it's relatively large and might take up considerable counter space.

Cleaning is made easier with the included tools, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity. While it comes with a variety of useful accessories, the one-year limited warranty might be seen as a downside compared to other models offering longer warranty periods. The Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice for those who are serious about their espresso and enjoy having control over the brewing process, despite requiring some space and regular upkeep.