Espresso Machines Reviews

Of all the publications that review espresso machines, Australia's Choice magazine tests the largest number (15 manual and semi-automatic and 9 automatic espresso makers). Editors rate each on its espresso taste, ease of use, features and build quality. New Zealand's Consumer magazine rates eight manual and semi-automatic espresso machines. Editors also test espresso machines against uniform criteria, and they uniquely test for temperature consistency of multiple shots of espresso. Although these two sources are the most scientific of the reviewers we found, most of the tested espresso machines aren't available in the United States, which limits these reviews' usefulness.

Although its professional reviews are not as comprehensive as those at Choice or Consumer, CoffeeGeek.com is an outstanding source for detailed reviews -- and all of the tested espresso machines are available in the United States. Editors provide quick looks at new-to-market machines, as well as lengthier reviews of time-tested models like the Rancilio Silvia (*est. $550). Editors often pit the machine they're testing against costlier espresso machines, which enables them to comment on value. CoffeeGeek.com also allows owners to post reviews, and the owner comments here are usually more insightful than those at general-interest sites such as Epinions and Amazon.com. Comments on long-term reliability are particularly useful. They also provide a number of "hacks" for various machines that boost espresso quality.

Consumer Reports' latest report covers just seven espresso machines, so highly regarded brands such as Breville, Solis, Gaggia and Rancilio weren't included at all. We are disappointed that Cook's Illustrated magazine has not tested espresso machines since 1996. In the intervening years, editors have tested a single stovetop cappuccino maker, the Bialetti Mukka Express Stovetop Cappuccino Maker (*est. $90), which is a close relative of the traditional Moka pot. The Mukka brews espresso and steams milk simultaneously. Editors report that it does a decent job with lattes, but you shouldn't use it to brew cappuccino.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

Although purists may scoff at pod espresso makers, owners love them because they drastically shorten the learning curve. The Nespresso D290 gets the best reviews among these. Unlike the cheaper Nespresso Le Cube, the D290 has a steam wand for frothing milk. Among regular espresso machines, the Rancilio Silvia is the best choice overall. We found good reviews for the Gaggia Classic, but we include the Gaggia Espresso in Fast Answers, instead. The Gaggia Espresso has a plastic housing, but its "guts" are of high quality, and experts recommend it as an entry-level espresso machine.