Investing in one of the best high-end espresso machines is a game-changer for coffee lovers seeking perfection in every cup. Whether you prefer a sleek and stylish design or precision and control, there are countless espresso machines out there to suit your needs. But which brands are the cream of the coffee crop? We found out! According to 15 experts, there are five espresso machines that deliver the ultimate brewing experience so you can have barista-level creations — without the barista!
Interestingly, scientists have been studying how to make the perfect espresso. They’ve looked at how the beans are ground, the pressure of the water and even the minerals in the water. One notable takeaway is that the size of the ground coffee particles affects the flavor. Smaller particles have more surface area, which is good, but if they get too small, they don’t extract the flavor as well. Another important factor is the freshness of the beans. Over time, the flavor can fade as certain compounds escape. And when it comes to the water, it needs to come into contact with the coffee evenly, which doesn’t always happen with regular coffee pots. So, there’s a lot of science and technique that goes into making that perfect cup of espresso, but high-end espresso machines can help take the guesswork out of the process.
Whether you drink espresso at all may come down to your genes. According to Professor Elina Hyppönen, the Director of UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health, people have different reactions to coffee based on their genetic makeup and blood pressure. She explains that individuals who consume a lot of coffee are likely genetically tolerant to caffeine and can self-regulate their intake. On the other hand, those who don’t drink coffee or prefer decaf may have adverse reactions to caffeine and may be at risk for high blood pressure. This suggests that our bodies have a natural mechanism to protect us by guiding our coffee consumption based on our genetic predispositions and blood pressure levels.
Whether you were born as a coffee lover or not, you can demand excellence in every sip if you have a high-end espresso machine. To narrow down the best options, we’ve found the five espresso makers that industry experts recommend most often. These experts took into account various factors, including brewing capabilities, build quality, ease of use, durability and the overall consistency of espresso shots. The selected machines are not only equipped with cutting-edge features but also boast a reputation for consistently producing exceptional results. Get ready to discover the crème de la crème of espresso machines. If we missed one, let us know in the comments!
The List: Best High-End Espresso Machines, According to Experts
1. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
The Spruce Eats reviews this machine as the best of the best: “The Rancilio Silvia provides the look, feel, and performance of a café-quality espresso machine. It has … a steam wand powerful enough to make rich lattes and cappuccinos. The Silivia works manually, so prior experience helps and it may take some trial and error to perfect espresso shots, but overall it isn’t difficult to use.”
When it comes to a high-end espresso machine, this is Forbes’ recommendation for the best upgrade: “The Rancilio Silvia was the single most professional piece of equipment I tested. It’s the perfect choice for coffee geeks and hobbyists. The quality of extraction from the Silvia is truly remarkable. The steam wand was by far the most impressive I tested. It took some practice to get the steaming process just right, but once I did, the cappuccino I made rivaled the best I’ve had in Italy.”
“The machine is straightforward with three settings (for hot water, to pull shots and to activate the steam wand). While all espresso makers generate noise, this one is on the quieter side,” sums up The Strategist.
2. Breville Barista Express
Lots of people love this espresso machine! According to the New York Post, “[It] has an integrated precision conical burr grinder to grind on demand and even includes different milk steaming settings. What’s more, it has a low-pressure water system that gradually increases water pressure at the start to help ensure all coffee flavors are evenly drawn out during the brewing process.”
“The standout here is the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. It combines the precision, quality and power of a commercial machine with the simplicity, size and value of a home machine, suitable for the beginner and expert alike. This machine is going to bring your household alive every morning and we believe it’s the best,” says Coffee Archive.
Ranking it as their top choice, Rolling Stone writes, “The Breville Barista Express has become a go-to for entry-level home baristas. As a semi-automatic machine, the Barista Express is customizable and powerful enough for pros yet highly approachable for beginners.”
3. Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine
Are you a coffee connoisseur? Black Ink Coffee Company thinks you’ll like the Jura E8, and here’s why: “For people who want quality and variety, the Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine provides precisely that. You don’t just get espresso with this. You get 13 other types of coffee, including latte macchiato, flat white, ristretto, cappuccino, and hot water for tea. If you’re a coffee connoisseur who’s picky about what they drink and want it quickly, you might consider checking the Jura E8 out.”
“Aside from being the all-time best selling automatic coffee machine among all Jura machines, the Jura E8 coffee machine is also one of the most versatile espresso machines on the market. This is due to the fact that it provides high quality all round performance in a small package, and can produce professionally made coffee beverages at the touch of a button,” raves OnCoffeeMakers.
This machine is the best luxury pick, according to GQ: “Swiss brand Jura, the caffeinated kings of great coffee and countertop presence, has done it again with its relaunched E8 bean-to-cup machine. You’ll never darken the door of your local hipster cafe again. One-button barista-quality coffee and your kitchen’s new statement centrepiece? The price is high for a very good reason.”
4. Gaggia Classic Pro
SeriousEats recommends this option for espresso enthusiasts, saying, “The Gaggia Classic Pro makes espresso that’s as close as you can get to the quality you’d find at your local specialty coffee shop and allows folks eager to learn about coffee plenty of room to explore and play.”
USA Today reviews it like this: “It continuously delivered superior texture and full-bodied flavor in our taste tests. The taste was pleasant, with notes of caramel and cocoa, indicating a high-quality coffee. The commercial-grade steam wand frothed velvety milk foam that helped us create perfect lattes.”
“The Gaggia Classic Pro is compact, powerful enough to turn out rich, full-bodied shots, and is as simple as espresso machines get without compromising quality,” writes Insider.
5. Breville Bambino Plus
Just starting out with at-home espresso? Then Epicurious recommends this beginner-friendly option: “This is the most dummy-proof semi-automatic espresso machine we’ve used. It’s got functionality that’s as simple to use as some of the truly entry-level beginner machines (which we do not recommend at all).”
GearLab says, “[It’s] a top-notch machine that pulls great shots and offers the best mostly-automated milk-steaming we’ve found.”
If counter space is a concern, Kallista ranks this model as the best small option: “A small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality appliances. The Bambino Plus is a compact version of the best Breville has to offer.”
We hope you found the high-end espresso machine of your dreams! After all, the Italians say, “Tutto e’possibile dopo il caffè,” which translates to “all things are possible after espresso.”
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Sources
- The Spruce Eats
Forbes
The Strategist
Coffee Archive
Rolling Stone
New York Post
Black Ink Coffee Company
OnCoffeeMakers
GQ
USA Today
Insider
SeriousEats
Epicurious
GearLab
Kallista
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
