Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso, just like your favorite coffee shop. Sounds amazing, right? But when you start looking for a countertop espresso machine, it can feel overwhelming. So many brands, so many features – where do you even begin?
Choosing the perfect machine is tough because you want that delicious, café-quality coffee at home without any fuss. You might worry about spending too much money or getting a machine that’s too complicated to use. Nobody wants a complicated gadget taking up precious counter space!
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll break down what makes a great countertop espresso machine. You’ll learn exactly what to look for, from how easy it is to clean to the types of drinks it can make. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the machine that’s just right for you.
Our Top 5 Countertop Espresso Machine Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Countertop Espresso Machine Detailed Reviews
1. CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 8.5/10
Dreaming of café-quality coffee at home? The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine brings the coffee shop experience right to your kitchen. This sleek, silver machine lets you craft delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos with ease. Its compact design fits perfectly in any space, making it ideal for both home and office use.
What We Like:
- Crafts a variety of espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- Features a professional 20 Bar Italian pump for rich, fragrant espresso.
- Includes a powerful steam wand for creamy, textured milk foam.
- Compact and stylish stainless steel design fits any kitchen.
- The 34oz removable water tank allows for multiple brews and easy refilling.
- Comes with all the necessary tools to start brewing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a cooldown period between frothing milk and brewing coffee to prevent overheating.
This machine is a fantastic option for anyone who loves espresso drinks and wants to make them at home. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with your new barista skills!
2. Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your inner barista with the Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Maker. This sleek, stainless steel machine is designed to bring café-quality coffee right into your home. Whether you crave a rich espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a comforting Americano, this versatile machine has you covered. It’s also a fantastic gift idea for any coffee lover in your life.
What We Like:
- The 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, and pre-infusion work together for amazing flavor extraction, making drinks like Moas and Macchiatos.
- Its powerful steam wand creates silky smooth milk foam for perfect lattes and cappuccinos, and the removable nozzle makes cleaning a breeze.
- The all-stainless steel body is both stylish and tough, fitting beautifully on any kitchen counter thanks to its compact size.
- It’s super easy to use with simple controls, letting you make great coffee without a fuss.
- The hot water function is handy for Americanos, tea, instant soups, or just warming your cups.
- Gevi offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support, showing they care about customer satisfaction.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the compact design is great, some might prefer a slightly larger water reservoir for longer brewing sessions.
- The semi-automatic process, while easy, might not offer the same level of granular control for expert baristas compared to fully manual machines.
This Gevi coffee maker is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to enjoy delicious, homemade coffee drinks. It balances professional features with user-friendly design, making it a joy to use every day.
3. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
Rating: 8.8/10
The Breville Barista Express BES870XL in brushed stainless steel brings the coffee shop experience right into your kitchen. This all-in-one machine lets you go from whole beans to delicious espresso in less than a minute. It uses a four-key formula to create amazing coffee, just like the pros.
What We Like:
- It grinds beans right before you brew, ensuring fresh flavor.
- The machine controls water temperature precisely for great espresso.
- You can steam milk to make creamy drinks and latte art.
- It’s easy to adjust the grind size to match different coffee beans.
- The built-in grinder lets you put coffee straight into the portafilter.
- It comes with everything you need to get started, including a tamper and milk jug.
- It has a decent-sized water tank and bean hopper.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the grinder a bit noisy.
- Cleaning the machine regularly is important for best performance.
If you’re looking to make fantastic espresso and milk-based drinks at home, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent option. It offers great control and convenience for any coffee lover.
4. CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar
Rating: 9.3/10
Dreaming of café-quality coffee at home? The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine brings the coffee shop experience right to your kitchen. This sleek, silver machine looks great anywhere and lets you craft delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
What We Like:
- Whip up all your favorite espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- The 20-bar pressure system and powerful motor make rich, flavorful espresso.
- The steam frother creates creamy milk foam perfect for latte art.
- Its compact design fits easily into any kitchen, big or small.
- The large 43.9 oz water tank means fewer refills.
- It comes with everything you need to start brewing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a simple prep step (removing a plug and running a cycle) before first use.
- Users should refer to the instruction manual or online videos for best results.
This CASABREWS espresso machine is a fantastic way to enjoy barista-style coffee at home. It’s a stylish and practical addition for any coffee lover.
5. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for amazing coffee at home with the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS in brushed stainless steel. This machine helps you make coffee like a pro, right in your own kitchen. You can enjoy third-wave specialty coffee without leaving your house. It’s designed to make delicious espresso and creamy milk drinks easily.
What We Like:
- Barista Quality Performance: It uses a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams of coffee for full flavor.
- Automatic Milk Texturing: The steam wand makes perfect microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. You can even adjust the temperature and texture.
- Fast Heat Up: The ThermoJet heating system gets it hot in just 3 seconds, so you can start making coffee quickly.
- Great Espresso Extraction: Low-pressure pre-infusion and PID digital temperature control ensure you get the best flavor from your coffee beans.
- Easy to Use: Simple controls let you choose 1 or 2 cups and control the milk.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Size: The 54mm portafilter is a bit smaller than professional machines.
- Learning Curve for Milk: While automatic, mastering the perfect texture might take a little practice.
This Breville Bambino is a fantastic way to enjoy cafe-quality coffee at home. It’s a great machine for anyone who loves espresso and wants to make their own specialty drinks.
Your Guide to the Best Countertop Espresso Machines
Do you dream of creamy lattes and rich espressos made right in your own kitchen? A countertop espresso machine can make that dream a reality. These machines bring the coffee shop experience home. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Brewing System
There are a few main types:
- Semi-Automatic: You control the grind, tamp, and brew time. This gives you more control over your shot.
- Automatic: The machine grinds and brews with the push of a button. It’s simpler for beginners.
- Super-Automatic: These do everything – grind, tamp, brew, and even froth milk. They are the easiest but can be more expensive.
2. Boiler Type
The boiler heats the water. Different types affect how fast you can make drinks and how consistent the temperature is.
- Single Boiler: Heats water for both espresso and steam. You might need to wait between brewing and steaming.
- Dual Boiler: Has separate boilers for espresso and steam. This means you can brew and steam at the same time. It’s faster but costs more.
- Heat Exchanger (HX): Uses one boiler but has a tube inside that heats water for steam. It’s a good middle ground.
3. Water Tank Capacity
A larger tank means you won’t have to refill it as often. Look for a removable tank for easy cleaning and filling.
4. Portafilter Size
The portafilter holds the coffee grounds. Common sizes are 54mm and 58mm. Larger portafilters often mean better espresso extraction.
5. Steam Wand
This froths milk for cappuccinos and lattes. A good steam wand creates silky, microfoam milk. Some have a panarello wand that makes frothing easier.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how well the machine works.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for the body and internal parts. It’s strong, looks good, and is easy to clean.
- Brass: Often used for the group head (where the portafilter attaches). Brass helps keep the temperature stable for better espresso.
- Plastic: Some parts, like the water tank or drip tray, might be plastic. Good quality plastic is fine, but avoid machines with too much plastic, especially for heating components.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Machine Great?
- Temperature Stability: Consistent water temperature is key for good espresso. Look for machines with good temperature control.
- Pressure: Espresso machines need 9 bars of pressure to extract properly. Most good machines achieve this.
- Build Quality: Solid construction means the machine will last longer and perform better.
- Ease of Cleaning: Machines that are easy to clean will encourage you to use them more often.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Plastic Components: Too much plastic, especially in critical areas, can affect durability and heat retention.
- Inconsistent Heating: If the water temperature fluctuates a lot, your espresso won’t taste as good.
- Weak Steam Power: A weak steam wand makes it hard to get good milk foam.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the machine.
- For Beginners: Automatic or super-automatic machines are great. They are simple to use and forgiving.
- For Enthusiasts: Semi-automatic machines offer more control. They let you learn and perfect your espresso-making skills.
- For Busy Mornings: Machines that can brew and steam quickly, like dual boiler models, are ideal.
- For Small Spaces: Look for compact designs that fit well on your countertop.
Choosing the right countertop espresso machine is about matching its features to your needs and budget. Enjoy your delicious homemade coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic espresso machine?
A: A semi-automatic machine lets you control the grind, tamp, and brew time. An automatic machine grinds and brews with one button press.
Q: Do I need a built-in grinder?
A: Not necessarily. You can buy a separate grinder. However, machines with built-in grinders offer more convenience.
Q: How important is the boiler type?
A: It’s very important! A dual boiler lets you brew and steam at the same time, making drinks faster. A single boiler might require waiting between functions.
Q: Can I make milk-based drinks like lattes with any espresso machine?
A: Yes, as long as the machine has a steam wand. The quality of the steam wand affects how well you can froth milk.
Q: How often should I clean my espresso machine?
A: It’s best to clean it after each use. Regular descaling (removing mineral buildup) is also important, usually every few months depending on your water hardness.
Q: What does “pre-infusion” mean?
A: Pre-infusion is a process where the machine gently wets the coffee grounds before applying full pressure. This helps with a more even extraction and better flavor.
Q: Are expensive espresso machines always better?
A: Not always. While higher prices often mean better materials and features, you can find great machines at various price points. It depends on what features are most important to you.
Q: What is a “portafilter”?
A: A portafilter is the handle with a basket that you fill with coffee grounds. It attaches to the group head of the machine to brew the espresso.
Q: How much counter space do these machines typically take up?
A: They vary in size. Some are quite compact, while others are larger. Always check the dimensions before buying to ensure it fits your kitchen.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in my espresso machine?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended for the best results. Espresso machines work best with freshly ground coffee that is ground specifically for espresso.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!