Best Espresso Machines

Build quality is key in espresso makers

Although you can spend a lot more, most experts say an espresso machine in the $300 to $600 price range is the best value for home users. Not surprisingly, this is where you'll find the most competition, and we found the largest number of reviews for espresso machines in this price range.

The Rancilio Silvia (*Est. $700) is a legendary machine with legions of fans; coffee guru Mark Prince says the Silvia is "built like a tank." In more than 150 reviews posted to CoffeeGeek.com, owners give the Silvia a high cumulative rating, and many say that the Silvia delivers shots that are nearly on par with commercial espresso machines. Many owners note that the Silvia's resale value is excellent, and repair parts are readily available -- important for a machine that can be expected to last for 10 or 15 years. There's a learning curve to every espresso maker, and the Silvia is slightly finicky with regard to temperature, tamping pressure and grind. Several owners suggest buying a higher-quality tamper than the one included. Overall, reviews agree the Silvia is a workhorse that's built to last.

Reviewers say that Gaggia also makes high-quality espresso machines. The interior components of most of the company's machines are virtually identical; only the housings differ. The Gaggia Evolution (*Est. $250) earns a high overall rating from owners at CoffeeGeek.com, CoffeeCrew.com and Amazon.com. Reviewers say that although the housing is plastic and the drip tray is too small, the Evolution espresso machine is a superb value.

We also read good reviews for the pricier Gaggia Classic (*Est. $450), which has a 72-ounce water reservoir and trades in its plastic shell for a sturdier stainless-steel housing. In this price range, the Rancilio Silvia gets better reviews overall, but most experts say the Gaggia Classic is also a high-quality machine. In fact, it boasts many of the same high-end features of the Rancilio for a fraction of the price. Plus, the Gaggia is Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) certified, meaning it can make espresso from pre-packaged pods as well as freshly ground coffee. Users at WholeLatteLove.com, CoffeeGeek.com and Amazon.com rave about the machine's durability, and many claim to have owned theirs for years. We found many complaints, however, about the plastic frothing wand, which owners say falls off easily and is hard to clean. But experts at WholeLatteLove.com point out that newer models have a Pannarello-style frother instead, which requires less technique and is easier to use and clean. Other complaints include a dark water reservoir that makes it difficult to judge water levels and an aluminum boiler that is more susceptible to corrosion than brass. All the reviews we read, however, agree that the Gaggia Classic makes top-quality espresso with perfect crema.

In Consumer magazine's 2006 tests, the Breville Cafe Roma (*Est. $200) was not only the best overall performer but also the lowest-priced machine. Unlike some espresso machines in its price category, the Cafe Roma has a stainless-steel housing rather than a plastic exterior. Owners posting to Amazon.com and CoffeeGeek.com give the Cafe Roma an above-average rating. They say that the machine is easy to use and makes very good espresso. A few say it's hard to see the water line in the reservoir and that the frothing wand is too short.

We also found good reviews for the Breville Die Cast 800ESXL (*Est. $400). Its die-cast, stainless-steel housing is attractive, reviewers say, though some suggest Breville put more effort into this model's appearance than its functionality. Some reviewers say they wish that it featured a stainless-steel portafilter and head rather than the aluminum gear it's fitted with. Critics also complain that the steaming wand is underpowered and that spent grounds don't come out of the portafilter in a dry puck, as they do with other espresso machines. Instead, the grounds come out in a wet pile that's harder to clean out. This model is the top pick in a roundup at CNNMoney.com, where it finishes in front of four other espresso machines, including the Gaggia Classic (the Rancilio Silvia wasn't included in this test).

If you're looking for an inexpensive espresso machine, reviewers say the DeLonghi EC155 (*Est. $85) is a bargain. Experts at Good Housekeeping say that it tops taste tests in its price range and remark that the detachable water tank is easy to fill and to clean. Editors at SingleServeEspresso.com also give it high marks, saying that it gives a lot in return for its cost and that the 15-bar, self-priming pump produces "wonderful crema, a really good cup of espresso." The EC155 is reviewed more often than any other espresso machine at Amazon.com and gets impressive reviews. Several say it is a huge step up from steam machines for only a small increase in price. Some complain that the frothing wand is poorly positioned, making it difficult to fit a steaming pitcher underneath it. Others mention that only small demitasse cups will fit under the portafilter. Still, most say these aren't dealbreakers. The DeLonghi EC155 comes with two easy-to-clean portafilters, one for ground coffee and one for ESE espresso pods.