Best Espresso Machines According To Reddit Users – Review Purchasing Guide

When it comes to shopping for the right home espresso machine, choosing the right one can be a daunting task considering that there is a barrage of varieties of them in the market. The world’s greatest inventors of these machines have come up with intriguingly well-produced models that will take a keen interest in the coffee-making industry to spot the real masters’ pieces.

We spent dozens of hours in a careful selection process reviewing the details of the most trusted and popular espresso machines through Reddit users to bring you the top picks of the best espresso machines. So if you are ready, join us as we introduce the Best Espresso Machines According To Reddit.

We have outlined everything you need to know so that you can add this amazing gadget to your kitchen. Let’s have a look. 

A quick summary;

Best Pick 

Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine


The Best Budget

Hanchen Super-Automatic Espresso

Honorable Mention

De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso 


Saeco PicoBaristo Super Automatic Espresso


Best Espresso Machine According To Reddit 

Espresso MachinesDimensionsRatings
1.Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine12.5 x 12.6 x 13.14.7 /5
2.De’Longhi EC-155 15 bar pump Espresso12.2 x 19.3 x 154.6/5
3. Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker11.2 x 8.86 x 12.64.0/5
4.De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic11 x 15.3 x 14.44.4/5
5.Sowtech Espresso Machine10.6 x 7.7 x 13.84.2/5
6.Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Espresso Maker12.8 x 9.25x 10.634.5/5

Let’s Drive in

1.Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine

  • PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION.
  • DOSE CONTROL GRINDING.
  • HANDS-FREE OPERATION.
  • MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING.
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If convenience and assurance of perfect cups of espresso, cappuccino, latte, and other specialty coffee drinks are what is desired about coffee machines then perhaps nothing else can rival the Breville espresso machine.

Breville espresso machines are well suited for serving the large-scale demand for premium espresso drinks at cafeterias and also for appropriately meeting the demand at home.

This coffee maker model not only grinds the beans but also does and tamps the coffee grounds and finally pulls a perfect shot of espresso to be delivered to you.

This acclaimed machine may seem pretty costly but glancing at the number of features that dons it will reveal that it is well worth the price.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Dose control grinding

If you are looking for good control over the grind, this machine is recommended to you. This sleek-looking machine has an inbuilt grinder that grinds on-demand to deliver the right amount of freshly grounded coffee. Its looks and good design make it stand pretty confidently when placed on any countertop.

  • Micro-Foam Milk Texturing

Are you a fan of cappuccino or mocha or love simply a straight shot of espresso? Perhaps you prefer to choose between regular coffee and decaf. How about micro-foam milk texturing that enhances the flavor plus creating a latte of art?  The choices to drink will vary greatly. The Breville espresso machine is a good option and will provide you with whatever suits your taste.

  • Hands-free operation

The Breville espresso machine is simple to operate thanks to its digital dials that give you greater options of dialing in the coffee/water ratio and the right temperature ensuring optimal espresso extraction.

The machine regulates itself when it’s on/off and you also get statistics that will enable you to tell when to clean it.

Besides that, it has many positive reviews from experienced customers. Here is a quick summary.

Product information

  • Dimensions 12.5 by 12.6 by 13.1 inches
  • Weight 23 pounds
  • Customer’s ratings 4.6 /5 stars
  • Rich full flavor
  • Perfectly balanced taste
  • Irresistible body
  • Silky velvety mouthfeel
Pros
  • Blending power
  • Versatility
  • Good quality material
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
Cons
  • Poor customer service

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2.   De’Longhi EC-155 15 bar pump Espresso Machine

  • EASILY PREPARES LATTE AND CAPPUCCINO.
  • USE CONVENIENT PODS OR GROUND COFFEE.
  • ENJOY DELICIOUS ESPRESSO FOR YEARS.
  • THE UNIT HAS A STEAM DIAL TO KEEP IT CLOSE.
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Let’s take a moment and admire another consumer favorite espresso, the De’Longhi EC-155 15. With this model, you will get to enjoy two thermostats that separately control water and steam pressure. This espresso maker not only makes espresso, but you will also enjoy a great cup of cappuccino both served at the perfect temperature.

With the De’Longhi EC-155, you can use both E.S.E pods and ground espresso. It will brew the espresso for you.

 Although the De’Longhi EC-155 will take care of the more finicky processes, it will rather allow you to adjust for espresso strength, tamping pressure, and the amount of water you want to pass through the coffee.

It is generally thought to be among the best espresso machine for home use because it allows the user just the right amount of control.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Sleek Space-Saving Design

The design of this model is very compact thus enabling you to save on kitchen space. It is also fully automatic enough to store, grind, and brew the coffee for you. It’s a good quality rugged and sturdy machine that allows for quiet operation.  They not only save on the kitchen space but they are less expensive too.

  • Self Priming Operation

The De’Longhi EC-155 uses pumps thus obviating the need of using hands and manually operating providing complete hands-free service. They grind the espresso, tamp it, and pour a preset amount of hot water through the coffee.

They also have a flow meter installed in line with the group head which enables the pump to be automatically turned off to release the brewing pressure when it detects that a programmed amount of water has already flowed through the flow meter.

Favorite cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty coffee beverages can be readied in the best possible manner using this automatic espresso coffee maker.

  • Your Foam Your Way

The De’Longhi EC-155 has a swivel jet frother that produces thick milk froth. This means the machine is perfect to make espresso, cappuccino, or latte. The unit also has a steam dial to keep close when the consumer does not want to use the frother.

For new espresso makers, the machine features a patented safety cap and a highly durable heat-resistant glass flask.  The removable drip tray and on/off indicator make this the right machine for home use.

Product information

  •  Dimensions 12.2 by 19.3 by 15 inches
  • Weight 6.67 pounds
  • Swivel jet frother
  • Patented dual-function filter holder
  • Self-priming operation
Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to use
  • Blending power
  • Sturdy quality material
  • Versatility
Cons
  • Subpar material

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3.  Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

  • EASY FILL, REMOVABLE WATER, AND MILK.
  • SEMI-AUTOMATIC 3 IN 1 ESPRESSO MAKER.
  • CORD LENGTH: 26 INCHES; 1040 WATTS.
  • 15 BAR PUMP SYSTEM BREWS RICH-TASTING.
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With the thought of being able to make espresso-based drinks from home becoming an appealing idea, let’s review another very popular semi-automatic model; Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.

This nifty device is a good quality rugged, long-lasting, and easy-to-operate machine that is accompanied by a thermal block heater that will give you the best cup of espresso quickly and at the right temperature. Besides, you get a powerful milk frother for the perfect cup of crema.

So if you have available space in your kitchen to accommodate a large machine with more demand for cups of coffee, this 15-bar pump system brews machine can offer a plentiful amount of coffee. Granted, this machine is lower priced. If you are not sure about making espresso, then you can be sure with Mr. Coffee. This may be the ticket.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Adjustable Water Volume and Coffee Dose

In a semi-automatic machine, you will determine the amount of water to be used. You will get the doses and disposal of the coffee beans. With adjustable Doser and water volume, you get the most control to craft your drink. With one-touch control, you can choose between single or double shots and you can create froth with the adjustable control knob.

  • Removable Water Reservoir

Mr. Coffee Espresso has a big removable reservoir which makes it possible to make up to 20 cups of coffee. Apart from the reservoir, there is a heat exchanger that heats the brewing water. This does away with the need to switch modes while using the coffee makers. It also has a self-cleaning system that works automatically.

  • 15 Bar Pump System Brews

Enjoy a 15-bar Italian-designed Thermo block pump and integrated tamper, which allows you to tamp it to your personal preference!

All this while Mr. Coffee Espresso is still sitting on the counter and attached to the machine. You will enjoy the “art” of creating the right cup of espresso with this coffee maker.

Another feature is a non-pressurized cafe-style single-wall filter which allows you to experiment with your grind size and tamp pressure to your specific taste!

Product information

  • Dimensions 11.2 by 8.86 by 12.6
  • Weight 10.37 pounds
  • Customer ratings 4.2/5
  • One-touch control panel
  • Automatically froths milk
  • Removable water and milk reservoir
Pros
  • Good quality material
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Sturdy quality material
  • Versatility
  • Blending power
Cons
  • Less Durable

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4.   De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso/ Coffee Machine

  • GRINDS BEANS INSTANTLY WITH THE PATENTED.
  • CAPPUCCINO SYSTEM” FROTHER THAT MIXES.
  • EASY-TO-USE ROTARY AND PUSH-BUTTON CONTROL.
  • WITH 3 HOUR AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF.
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One point is clear. If you’re spending money at a café at least 3-to 4 times per week the payoff on a home espresso machine is well worth the investment. The De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso is one of the espresso, makers that are on the high end of pricing, but as you will see, it does everything for you!

De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso does it all. It will grind beans instantly with its patented Cappuccino System; brew for you and it will tell you when it needs to be cleaned. All you need to do is to sit back, unwind, and enjoy a satisfying quick cup of espresso that will relax your nerve.

With purchasing the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso, you will receive a 25 oz. milk container and two detachable lids, one for frothed milk to make cappuccinos and the other for steamed milk to make lattes. This espresso machine is a leg up also to aspiring baristas as it will effortlessly and satisfyingly help in making the best cup of espresso.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Consistent brewing every time

A hot water spout for coffee and even hot chocolate for the kiddies! With a push of a button, the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso grinds beans instantly mixing steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for the perfect espresso. All you’ll do is just sit back and enjoy that quick cup of espresso without leaving the kitchen!

  • Customized Espresso Drinks

If you love lattes, mochas, and cappuccino the De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso comes with two boilers or dual heating elements to give you an ideal espresso. With a programmable menu setting, the machine remembers the details from the strength of your espresso to your preferred size beverage.

  • Easy To Clean and Handle

With scale building up, you will have to descaled and backflush the device. This is essential because it will also maintain your warranty. Cleaning is a quick job and it will take half the time to almost 15 minutes each month.

 If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and backflushing are not recommended, it’s required. This will keep your machine operating for years.

Product information

  • Dimensions: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
  • Weight 23.1 pounds
  • Compact and high performance
  • Timeless reliability
  • Removable water tank and bean container
  • Your foam, your way
Pros
  •  Blending power
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile
  • Good quality material
  • Durable
Cons
  • Poor customer service

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5. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

  • PERFORMANCE.
  • EFFICIENT COFFEE MACHINE.
  • COMPLIMENTARY GIFT.
  • VERSATILITY.
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The Nespresso Essenza mini espresso machine is one of the most compact espresso machines available on the market. It combines the quality of De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super-Automatic Espresso with the stylish finishing of Mr. Coffee Espresso machine. The Nespresso Essenza mini, therefore, doesn’t clutter space. It is perfect for office, commercial, or maybe home use for the real espresso enthusiast.

It features digital controls of two programmable espresso and Lungo buttons to allow you to make that professional cup of espresso plus cappuccino or latte. This gives you complete control over the quantity and quality of the espresso you wish to make.

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This espresso includes a feature that allows you to dispense hot water if you don’t want espresso and wish to have tea or cocoa. With Nespresso Essenza mini espresso machine, you will find many of the most popular options, like the ability to brew one to two cups any time of the day.

Easy clean-up is also a great aspect of this machine so you will never worry about stale-tasting espresso.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Energy efficiency

The Nespresso Essenza mini espresso machine has the capability of warming water and heat cups on the warming plate in less than 30 seconds so you are ready to enjoy your espresso with a warm cup. The machine has an energy-saving mode that automatically switches the machine off after 9 minutes.

  • Compact size

Create a barista-style coffee or espresso drinks every time with this compact, effortless machine that features a sleek design and modern smooth lines that will allow you to fit anywhere on the counter space.

Product information

  • Dimensions: 11 x 15.3 x 14.4 inches
  • Weight 23.1 pounds
  • Compact and high performance
  • Timeless reliability
  • Removable water tank and bean container
  • Your foam, your way
Pros
  • Blending power
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile
  • Good quality material
  • Durable
Cons
  • Poor customer service

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6. Hamilton Machine Beach Espresso with Cappuccino Steamer

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If you are looking for the most affordable espresso machine that will offer the convenience and assurance of perfect cups of espresso, cappuccino, latte, and other specialty coffee drinks then look no further than the Sowtech espresso machine.

This espresso machine is well within budget and will serve the demand for premium espresso drinks at cafeterias as well as meet the demands at home.

This coffee maker model not only grinds the beans but also does and tamps the coffee grounds and finally pulls a perfect shot of espresso to be delivered to you.

This acclaimed machine may seem cheap but glancing at the number of features that dons it will reveal that it is a good coffee machine. It offers a host of useful features and functionalities. If you are on a budget, this machine is the best option for you. It will ensure delivery of a shot of fine espresso within seconds

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Easy and fast brewed

If you are looking for good control over the grind, this machine is recommended to you. This sleek-looking machine has an inbuilt grinder that grinds on-demand to deliver the right amount of freshly grounded coffee. Its looks and good design make it stand pretty confidently when placed on any countertop.

  • Different flavors of coffee

Whether you like cappuccino or mocha or regular coffee and decaf or micro-foam milk texturing enhances the flavor plus creating a latte of art with just a straight shot of espresso. The choices to drink will vary greatly. The Sowtech espresso machine is a good option and will provide you with whatever suits your taste.

  • Hands-free operation

The Sowtech espresso machine is simple to operate thanks to its digital dials that give you greater options of dialing in the coffee/water ratio and the right temperature ensuring optimal espresso extraction.

The machine regulates itself when it’s on/off and you also get statistics that will enable you to tell when to clean it.

Product information

  • Dimensions 13.8 x 10.8 x 7.9 inches
  • Weight 4.99 inches
  • Customer rating 4.4/5 stars
  • Compact size
  • Heat up fast
Pros
  • Blending power
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile
  • Good quality material
  • Durable
Cons
  • Subpar packaging

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7.   Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee

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Looking for a home-use espresso machine? Let’s take a moment and admire another consumer favorite espresso, Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker.

All the desirable features of espresso machines can be found in this coffee maker. The controls are also easy to use. The time when the need for cleaning the machine arises can also be checked out as also the time when the need for emptying the used grounds arises. Simple hot water can be dispensed by the machine too when tea or hot chocolate or some such other hot beverage is what is desired.

This semi-automatic model is also quite stylish. One of the features of the Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker is that you will get to enjoy two thermostats that separately control water and steam pressure. This espresso maker not only makes espresso, but you will also enjoy a great cup of cappuccino both served at the perfect temperature.

You can make two cups of espresso making it convenient for more coffee lovers. With The Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker, you can increase the shot size if you like espresso Lungo. It is generally thought to be among the best espresso machine for home use because it allows the user just the right amount of control. 

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Sleek Space-Saving Design

The design of this model is very compact thus enabling you to save on kitchen space. It is also fully automatic enough to store, grind, and brew the coffee for you. It’s a good quality rugged and sturdy machine that allows for quiet operation.  They not only save on the kitchen space but they are less expensive too.

  • Simple button controls

The Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker uses pumps thus obviating the need of using hands and manually operating providing complete hands-free service. They grind the espresso, tamp it, and pour a preset amount of hot water through the coffee.

They also have a flow meter installed in line with the group head which enables the pump to be automatically turned off to release the brewing pressure when it detects that a programmed amount of water has already flowed through the flow meter.

Favorite cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty coffee beverages can be readied in the best possible manner using this automatic espresso coffee maker.

  • Coffee, lattes & cappuccinos

The Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker has a swivel jet frother that produces thick milk froth. This means the machine is perfect to make espresso, cappuccino, or latte. The unit also has a steam dial to keep close when the consumer does not want to use the frother.

For new espresso makers, the machine features a patented safety cap plus a highly durable heat-resistant glass flask.  The removable drip tray feature and on/off indicator make this the best machine for home use.

Product information

  • Dimensions 17.32 x 14.17 x 14.41 inches
  • Weight 13.57 pounds
  • Customer ratings 4.6 stars
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Perfect flavor
  • Versatile
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Good blending power
Cons
  • Not powerful enough

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8. Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker

  • INCLUDES A 69-OUNCE REMOVABLE RESERVOIR.
  • PROGRAMMABLE ESPRESSO MAKER BREWS SINGLE.
  • BREW 1 OR 2 CUPS OF COFFEE.
  • STAINLESS STEEL STEAM NOZZLE.
Check Price on Amazon [/su_column] [/su_row] [/su_frame]

Let’s review another very popular home espresso machine; the Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Espresso Maker. This is an excellent espresso machine model that helps prepare fine espresso with simply the push of a button. It is also capable of cleaning itself up. The grinder that comes accompanied is a fine conical burr grinder having eighteen fineness settings. This way one can be more accurate with the grind.

This nifty device is also the best machine with a milk frother. Its design features good quality rugged, long-lasting, and made with an easy-to-navigate menu.

So if you have available space in your kitchen to accommodate a large machine with more demand for cups of coffee, this 15-bar pump system brews machine can offer a plentiful amount of coffee. Granted, this machine is lower priced. If you are not sure about making espresso, then you can be sure with Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Espresso Maker. This may be the ticket.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Adjustable Water Volume and Coffee Dose

In a semi-automatic machine, you will determine the amount of water to be used. You will get the doses and disposal of the coffee beans. With adjustable Doser and water volume, you get the most control to craft your drink. With one-touch control, you can choose between single or double shots and you can create froth with the adjustable control knob.

  • Removable 64- ounce Water Reservoir with lid

Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Espresso Maker has a big removable reservoir which makes it possible to make up to 20 cups of coffee. Apart from the reservoir, there is a heat exchanger that heats the brewing water. This does away with the need to switch modes while using the coffee makers. It also has a self-cleaning system that works automatically.

  • 15 Bar Pump System Brews

Enjoy a 15 bar Italian-designed Thermo block pump and integrated tamper, which allows you to tamp it to your personal preference!

All this while the Cuisinart EM-200NP1 Espresso Maker is still sitting on the counter and attached to the machine. You will enjoy the "art" of creating the right cup of espresso with this coffee maker.

Another feature is a non-pressurized cafe-style single-wall filter which allows you to experiment along with your grind size and tamping pressure to your specific taste!

Product information

  • Dimensions 12.8 x 9.25x 10.63
  • Weight 15.7 pounds
  • Customer ratings 3.8/5
  • One-touch control panel
  • Automatically froths milk
  • Removable water and milk reservoir
Pros
  • Good quality material
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Sturdy quality material
  • Versatility
  • Blending power
Cons
  • Less durable

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9. Espresso Machine 3.5 bar 4 Cup Coffee Maker Cappuccino Machine

  • COMPACT DESIGN.
  • YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY.
  • BREW LIKE A PRO.
  • WHAT YOU GET: 1 X STEAM ESPRESSO.
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The Espresso machine 3.5 bar 4 Cup espresso maker is another surprisingly simple machine for making espresso. This model not only qualifies as a great espresso coffee machine of choice but also as a coffee maker par excellence capable of preparing a host of specialty coffee drinks including cappuccino, latte, etc.

The Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker will grind beans instantly; brew for you and it will tell you when it needs to be cleaned. All you need to do is to sit back, unwind, and enjoy a satisfying quick cup of espresso that will relax your nerve.

Purchasing the Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker gets a milk container and two detachable lids, one for frothed milk to make cappuccinos and the other for steamed milk to make lattes. This espresso machine is suitable for aspiring baristas as it will effortlessly and satisfyingly help in making the best cup of espresso.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Brew like a pro

With a push of a button, the Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker grinds beans instantly mixing steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for the perfect espresso. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy that quick cup of espresso in your kitchen!

  • Your foam, your way

If you love lattes, mochas, and cappuccino's Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker also comes with two boilers or dual heating elements to give you an ideal espresso. With a programmable menu setting, the machine remembers the details from the strength of your espresso to your preferred size beverage.

  • Easy To Clean and Handle

With scale building up, you will have to descaled and backflush the device. This is essential because it will also maintain your warranty. Cleaning is a quick job and it will take half the time to almost 15 minutes each month.

 If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and backflushing are not recommended, it's required. This will keep your machine operating for years. Let’s look at a quick summary of its product information together with the pros and cons.

Product information

  • Dimensions: 10.63 x 7.68 x 13.78 inches
  • Weight 4.97 pounds
  • Compact and high performance
  • Timeless reliability
  • Removable water tank and bean container
  • Your foam, your way
Pros
  • Blending power
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile
  • Good quality material
  • Durable
Cons
  • Poor customer service

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10. Breville Inissia Espresso Machine-100,Red

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The Breville Inissia Espresso Machine is one of the most compact espresso machines available on the market. This particular machine can provide you with the ultimate espresso experience.

If you're looking for an entirely hands-off approach then you will probably like the Breville Inissia espresso machine. This device lacks the necessary flexibility so it is not for those who like to tweak their espresso drinks.

The Breville Inissia Espresso Machine is compact therefore it doesn't clutter space.

It is perfect for office, commercial, or even home use for the true espresso enthusiast It features digital controls of two programmable espresso and Lungo buttons to allow you to make that professional cup of espresso plus cappuccino or latte. This gives you complete control over the quantity and quality of the espresso you wish to make.

This espresso includes a feature that allows you to dispense hot water if you don’t want espresso and wish to have tea or cocoa. With the Breville Inissia Espresso Machine espresso machine, you will find many of the most popular options, like the ability to brew one to two cups any time of the day.

What our team likes and its benefits

  • Energy efficiency

The Breville Inissia Espresso Machine espresso machine has the capability of warming water and heat cups on the warming plate in less than 30 seconds so you are ready to enjoy your espresso with a warm cup. The machine has an energy-saving mode that automatically switches the machine off after 9 minutes.

  • Compact size

Create a barista-style coffee or espresso drinks every time with this compact, effortless machine that features a sleek design and modern smooth lines that will allow you to fit anywhere on the counter space.

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Product information

  • Dimensions 13.5 x 7.5 x 13 inches
  • Item weight 6 pounds
  • Customer ratings 4.4/5 stars
  • Compact and colorful design
  • High-pressure pump
  • Espresso and Lungo
Pros
  • Flavor
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Great blending power
Cons
  • Less durable

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Machine Buying Guide

Today’s home espresso machines are sophisticated. So What Defines a “good” Machine?

Temperature control is vital. If the machine is running too hot, you risk scorching the coffee. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is about 204 degrees F, which is just below the water’s boiling point.

The machine must be able to generate controlled high pressure for proper extraction. To produce the best espresso, your machine should be cranking out about 8.2-9 atmospheres of pressure. The process involves a balance between extracting the right flavors and restricting the wrong flavors while maintaining the right pressure over a twenty to twenty-five-second pour.

You will also want to make sure that the unit you choose has at least a 15-bar pump. Then there are pumps, switches, and levers to consider. Should you go with one that uses pods, espresso grounds, or both? Manual, semi-automatic, or super-automatic? The world of espresso makers is ever-expanding and fortunately, has also become very affordable.

We have talked about what defines some of the best espresso makers, but don’t forget how vitally important the actual grind is to a great cup of espresso.

 The best grind will have a fine, gritty consistency.

You may want to look into purchasing an electric burr grinder as they provide the proper grind for your beans.

When it comes to making froth for your cappuccinos and lattes it is advisable to use low-fat, and preferably skim milk.

And then there is roasting… in a nutshell, the bean used for an espresso goes through a roasting process that is just slightly longer than that of regular coffee beans.

Essentially what this longer roast accomplishes is to bring the rich oils in the coffee to the surface of the bean.

Coffee bean roasting is an art in itself and warrants more time and detail than this article can afford…Some units have a warmer area, where you can place your cups while you are preparing your drink. And it cranks out super-authentic tasting espresso!

Does it get any better than that?

Maintenance

If you own an espresso maker, you must understand how to decalcify espresso machines.

Decalcifying your espresso machine is an important part of regular maintenance, and if overlooked, can lead to poor-tasting espresso and permanent damage to your machine.

Why Decalcification is Important

Over time, the tap water that you use to make your espresso can cause calcium, magnesium, and other minerals to build upon the inside of your machine.

 These minerals continue to collect as more and more tap water passes through the machine.

However, if you don’t decalcify your espresso machine regularly, this build-up can get to the point where it clogs your machine’s pipes.

 Once this happens, the inside of your machine can start to corrode, thus causing irreversible damage.

Some machines have been rendered completely useless due to calcium build-up and corrosion.

This is why it is always important to decalcify your espresso maker at least every few months.

How Espresso Machine Decalcification Works

Luckily there are several products on the market which have been designed specifically to decalcify your espresso machine.

 The decalcifying agents often come in liquid form and are poured into the water basin and run through a decalcification cycle.

 Some espresso makers have a decalcification cycle built in while others just treat the decalcification process as part of the brewing cycle.

Either way, instructions are usually provided in your machine’s instruction manual or with your bottle of the decalcifying agent.

Vinegar and Citric Acid as Decalcification Agents

There has been some misinformation spread in recent years about using vinegar or citric acid to decalcify your espresso machine.

While they both have decalcifying properties they can cause other problems with your machine.

In particular, vinegar has a strong smell that can be absorbed into your machine’s plastic, thus creating an objectionable taste in your espresso.

 It can take weeks to get the smell of vinegar out of your machine.

Citric Acid on the other hand can form a residue that clogs the pipes and valves of your machine, sealing in lime deposits further.

Therefore, it is important to properly decalcify your machine by using a decalcifying agent that was designed specifically for espresso makers. It does not make sense to permanently damage your expensive espresso maker simply because it is cheaper and easier to use common household ingredients.

Conclusion

Espresso machines are not cheap, but, compared to going to Starbucks regularly, it may not take long at all before a good machine pays for itself.

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James Smith