Editor’s Note: With a new year comes new options. We’ve updated our list of the best espresso machines with several new options and updated prices on older offerings that are now an even better deal than before.

Espresso is so the new moonshine. But these latter-day at-home concoctions don’t run through slipshod copper stills or spend time fermenting in claw-foot tubs. Instead, amateurs and connoisseurs across the globe utilize beautiful, complicated and completely legal kitchen countertop machinery to whip up and drip out high-grade buzz that people pay good money to sip.

Novices looking to break into the shot-pulling biz, though, will find that buying the proper equipment is an intimidating affair, complicated by ever-escalating price tags and more mechanical nerdery than a bus full of mathletes with erector sets. Rest assured, the right espresso machine for you is out there, and Eliot Ness isn’t going to forcefully confiscate any of these puppies any time soon. Because he’s dead. Follow our guide on buying an espresso machine and you’ll have all the schoolin’ you need to pick an ideal home setup.

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Pick Your Poison

Four main categories of machines — manual, semi auto, full auto, and super automatic — are offered on today’s market, and deciding on one of these types will greatly focus a buyer’s search. If the perfect espresso is one that requires the least effort to produce, the following are, in the broadest of terms, ordered from least to most desirable:

Manual machines are like a restored car from the early 1900s — a beautiful homage to heritage, but unimaginably complicated compared to today’s most advanced models. There are no crank start mechanisms or chokes to contend with on manual espresso machines, but because they don’t maintain constant water pressure on their own, users must push water through the coffee manually, which can vary the quality of the final product. In short, these machines should be considered by experienced home baristas only.

Semi-Auto espresso makers came to be thanks to Achilles Gaggia’s 1938 patent, which introduced electric pumps to devices, resulting in even, hands-free water pressure. Because operators can decide when to turn the pump on and off (hence “semi” automatic), and because boiler temperature controls are automated on these makers, this is the most popular type of traditional machine in use today.

Fully-Auto machines are very similar to semi-auto machines, but include an electronic nanny to regulate the amount of water passing through the espresso. It is often the case that fully automatics include redundant semi-automatic controls.

Super Automatic machines have all the bells and whistles, frequently including a built-in grinding apparatus and other related gadgets. Currently, “caffe crema” — essentially espresso-brewed coffee diluted to the strength of regular joe — has come into vogue as a result of the prevalence of super automatic machines.

Buyer’s Guide

Before You Pull like a Pro, Shop like One

Before you go shopping ask yourself one very important question: What exactly do you want? Since different machines’ faculties and specialties vary, the first step in your espresso-stential journey is asking what types of drinks you’re looking to make (e.g. straight espresso or cappuccino, or both?). Furthermore, depending on how many drinks you want to churn out in one swoop and how often you will be making them, the questions of sustained performance and durability may come more into play. Would you be able to utilize a direct-plumb machine that connects directly to your home’s water pipes? (If not, you’ll simply need to fill the machine’s water reservoir manually.) Because some machines need more juice than others, you’ll also need to determine what kind of power supply you have available.

What can you get for your cash money? Let’s talk boilers. There are three price points to consider, each offering a different boiler configuration with different accompanying mechanicals. Machines under $1,000 are commonly single-boiler, dual-use setups: because these use a single thermostat to control the water temp (switchable from one boiler to the other at the user’s behest), these machines can’t brew and steam milk simultaneously. Above the $1,000 mark, you’ll come across mostly single-boiler, heat-exchanger machines, which feature a larger boiler that keeps water at or around 240 degrees Fahrenheit and make it possible to brew and steam simultaneously. Dual-boiler machines tend to cost well over $2,000, and feature two separate boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming. While “dualies” seem like the way to go for serious espresso nerds, keep in mind that North American 110V power outlets can’t always handle the needs of these machines (we have to throw Europe a bone every now and then), though North American brands are slowly coming up with new approaches to work in our market.

Dripping Knowledge

We sat down with Enrico Maso, who as senior product manager at DeLonghi, knows a thing or two about espresso for a quick chat about life’s most important questions.

GP: Why is espresso the finest coffee drink?

EM: I think that several factors make espresso the finest coffee drink: the high pressure of the extraction process enhances the aroma and the body of the coffee. The extraction time plays an important role in making a good espresso, as the right timing will prevent an over-extracted or under-extracted brew. Right water temperature is (92 to 96 degrees Celsius) is also key factor that affects the taste. So we can say that espresso is the finest drink because it is the harmonious combination of several elements controlled at a perfect level.

GP: What exactly is crema and why is it so important?

EM: Crema is the flavorful thick layer of foam that sits on top of the coffee liquid. When you sip the drink and break this layer, you enjoy all of the different elements and flavors that go into the espresso in one. Why? Because Crema is an emulsion of air, gases, water and coffee that occurs as a result of the pressurized extraction process. It’s one of the most essential elements in espresso to gives the drink an aroma and body.

GP: How often should you clean an espresso machine, and are there any best practices?

EM: You should clean the espresso machine every day to avoid any residue left behind; this residue can easily cause over-extraction or staleness, resulting in a burnt taste. De’Longhi’s home espresso machines are designed to be easy to clean — the Gran Dama Avant, for example, features a clean button that automatically performs a clean cycle on the milk tank and removes unwanted residue. Many espresso machines also feature easily removable parts, making them easy to wipe down with a cloth. Taking care of your machine is a simple task that will enhance your espresso experience, making it better everyday.

When actually purchasing a machine pay attention to how intricate the machine is, and to how easy it will be to maintain and clean. Check out the max pump pressure, and if it’s self-priming, know what type of boiler setup you’re looking at and if there is a thermostat involved — this will determine how much personal effort you’ll need to put into each drink. Furthermore, is the water tank a good size (indeed, is there a water tank at all?), and do you like the size and design of the machine as a whole? Espresso machines can be large and heavy, and they run the aesthetic gamut.

Finally, allow us to offer some advice, straight up. We can’t stress this bit enough: you must invest in a proper, high-quality bean grinder and learn how to use it. If you don’t properly grind, your espresso, just like your first high school dance, will be a completely disappointing, mediocre failure. Also keep in mind that while in a perfect world the most outfitted, option-laden choice is the best and most desirable, there are some optional espresso machine accouterments that can and/or should be avoided altogether. Never mind crema enhancers — these damage the espresso instead of bettering it. Machines that have high-bar pressure ratings — 15, 16 or 18 — don’t usually deliver those pressures anyway, due to restrictors or overflow valves, so anything claiming over 9 bars doesn’t make a lick of difference. Frothing aids may seem handy, but the technique isn’t all that difficult to master without help, and these aids can reduce the natural sweetness of milk froth because they continuously administer heat (like your drunk frat brother trying to get a date). Steam buttons are a no-go too: they’re binary, on-or-off affairs, whereas a steam knob offers steam power fine-tuning.

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to take a shot at offering up solid recommendations. In the interest of easing potential sticker shock, keep in mind that these machines are ultra-specialized and precision-made, and they crank out super refined stuff when used properly. Depending on your needs and means, you can probably find something that suits you; regardless, these machines are a serious endeavor and make for an impressive, tasty, high-octane experience. At any rate, now that you’ve practically got a PhD in coffee technology (which is probably still more useful than a Creative Writing MFA), let’s get to it.

Our Picks for All Budgets

Pull Out Your Wallet and Get Crackin’

Lucca A53 Mini

Beginner and intermediate shot-pullers alike will enjoy the Mini LUCCA, designed by La Spaziale specially for Clive Coffee with handsome (and optional) wooden elements (the panels and the portafilter handle). The compact machine sports dual boilers, a vibratory pump (“pretty quiet”, according to Clive) and manual-fill 3-liter water tank (which means a water line isn’t necessary). Brew temperature is adjustable by single degrees, giving aspiring and experienced baristas room to flex and newbies the comfort of factory default settings; shot volumes are also customizable and programmable, as is the offset differential.

Buy Now: $2,525

Elektra Microcasa

Yeah, this thing looks pretty ridiculous. And so is the brew it spouts, according to more than a few reviewers. Elektra has refined its design for increased precision, but its look hasn’t changed since the 1980s, and the method itself remains straightforward: the coiled heating element brings the water to temperature and a pull of the lever infuses the grounds in the grouphead. Boiler pressure is preset at 0.9 bars and can be adjusted to the user’s liking. The downside is the time commitment: the boiler takes about 10 to 12 minutes to heat fully, and mineral buildup demands continued care (slightly less so in the chrome model). In other words, this is the espresso machine for those with a deep historical curiosity.

Buy Now: $1,549

Slayer 1-Group

When Slayer’s commercial-purpose tri-grouphead model hit the market in 2010, it received a glowing reception for its paddle actuators, whose precision left more control than ever in the hands of the barista (literally). The 1-Group leans more homeward with its titular single grouphead, even if its $9,000 price tag doesn’t. Utilizing dual boilers and a quiet gear pump, the 1-Group’s pre-brew water volume can be adjusted mid-infusion with the paddle, giving users unprecedented control over the flavor profile of each shot. Alternatively, you can program this via glass touchscreen, along with steam pressure, water temperature (adjustable to the tenth of a degree) and shot timers.

Buy Now: $9,000

Vesuvius Dual boiler with Pressure Profiling

The Vesuvius is noted for its touchscreen-controlled PID with five preset pressure profiles — the main draw of this particular model — along with its temperature control and water tank volume. The list of high-end features continues from there: an E61 commercial grouphead, a programmable timer, LED heading lights, no-burn steam and hot water wands, and the ability to switch between the 3-liter reservoir and direct plumbing.



Buy Now: $4,495

Faema Carisma

The Carisma is an ideal machine for casual coffee drinkers who want a good balance between no-fuss brewing and authenticity. With that in mind, the Carisma’s copper boiler is treated with Ruveco Teck, which ensures consistency by reducing the amount of metals found in the water that goes into its tank. The steam and hot water are controlled with ergonomically designed knobs; pressure and temperature are displayed on a circular LCD screen, as is pump pressure, and a helpful float indicates when it’s time to empty the drip tray. Everything is there to help beginners inch towards being comfortable with experimentation — or just stay in their comfort zone.



Buy Now: $1,695

Saeco Aroma

Since it comes in both black and stainless steel, the Philips Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine is ready for whatever kitchen design theme you’ve got going on. It’s versatile too — this little guy’ll brew freshly ground beans or prepackaged coffee pods, of which 12 are included. For less than a few Benjamins, it’s the best “machine” option available for the budget constrained drinker.

Buy Now: $291

Rancillo Silvia V3

As its ubiquitous presence attests to, Rancillo’s Silvia V3 ($629) is a classic and popular piece of semi-auto espresso hardware. Brass fixtures ensure even heat, three thermostats keep simple the task of monitoring your brew, and as long as you pay close attention to how your beans are ground (Silvia is sensitive, guys) you’ll be in business. Most sources agree it’s the best single-boiler espresso machine available for under $1,000.

Buy Now: $685

Quick Mill Alexia

Quick Mill’s Alexia isn’t for latte lovers, as frothing milk is far from the little lady’s specialty. If you’re down for sipping’ your swill straight, however, she’s your girl. The Alexia is touted as a good choice for manual machiners testing the semi-auto waters. This is a straightforward pull-style device; the pump is noisier than some and manually regulating the temp requires a small learning curve.

Buy Now: $1,250

Pasquini Livia 90

The prosumer espresso machine market owes its own existence in large part to the Pasquinia Livia 90 ($1,735). The auto refill feature and automated pressure system make it possible to enjoy shot after shot of the serious stuff. Its core technology is somewhat dated and sensitive to technique, though, and making repairs an expensive proposition.

Buy Now: $1,735

Rocket Espresso Giotto Evoluzione V2

If you’re looking to get molto autentico, first stop saying “Eye-talian” and then refinance your villa so you can pick up a Rocket Espresso Giotto Evoluzione V2. This made-in-Milan prosumer model looks old school (pictures don’t do it justice) but boasts trick features like a new insulated all-copper boiler to better stabilize temperatures, a vibratory pump to prevent line blockage and a dual pre-infusion system. There’s a 2.9-liter water reservoir for those “off the grid”, but it can connect directly to water supply should your habit escalate.

Buy Now: $2,349

Izzo Alex Duetto III

The Izzo Alex Duetto III’s patented lever-controlled brew system handily maintains a constant temperature, and its rotary pump is whisper quiet. The machine’s Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) maintains strict temperatures in the group and steam boiler while providing a variety of other useful controls including switching the machine’s operational mode from 15 to 20 amps, its temp readout between Fahrenheit to Celsius and turning off either boiler if you don’t need heated milk or to save energy. Think of it like a steady-handed nanny, keeping things even and reliable no matter how jittery your caffeine-laden hands are. Shoppers looking for an espresso heavyweight should look no further — not only is this machine extra-accurate, it weighs in at over 70 pounds.

Editor’s Note: Upgraders should note that the Duetto shown here and in our slideshow above have been customized with a variety of accessories including a Clive Style 7 Walnut Bottomless PF, a Duetto brew lever knob and wood-grain tampers sold exclusively by our friends Clive Coffee.

Buy Now: $2,595

DeLonghi Gran Dama ESAM6700

If you prefer drinking espresso and could care less about making it then the DeLonghi ESAM6700 Gran Dama Avant Touch-Screen Super-Automatic Espresso Machine is worth a gander. The modernized counter-yacht easily prepares practically any espresso drink you’d order at a coffee bar with the touch of a button — from grinding all the way to the finished product. There’s even a “long coffee” function, which replicates the taste of traditional drip via an extended brewing process, for those mornings when you don’t feel like being an Italian.

Buy Now: $2,271

La Cimbali Junior Casea DT1

If you’re the type who takes his business home after work, you should have a commercial quality espresso machine at home that means business too. The La Cimbali Junior Casea DT1 is a looker that’s built to last. Commercial-grade construction, programmable volumetric dosing and a new three-hole steam tip for creating rich foam even in low doses means this one has potential to make it into your will. But commercial grade doesn’t mean commercial size: the DT1 will fit under standard kitchen cabinets (though it does tip the scale at nearly 80 pounds). It can’t be used anywhere, however, since it must be plumbed in.

Buy Now: $2,995

La Marzocco GS/3

Unlike the other stainless steel doppelgängers on this list, La Marzocco’s silhouette can be customized with exotic wood paneling for a more natural look that somewhat underplays its freak-of-nature powers within. Top-line components, including a PID temperature controller, dual boilers and saturated brew groups, provide unrivaled performance, but you’ll need to directly plumb it for optimal use. On the downside, its digital programming isn’t the most intuitive option on the market for today’s iPhone-addicted masses. It’s constructed to take a beating, and can be configured as an automatic or manual machine, though the latter will cost you a bit more. The manual version features a “paddle” that allows users to fine-tune pre-infusion and extraction as they see fit.

Buy Now: $6,900

Kees van der Westen Mirage

Let’s say you win the lottery, or maybe that you have a seriously inadequate… errm… espresso tamper (or perhaps both) and you happen to want to make ultra-premium espresso. It’d be absurd if you didn’t buy the Mirage (if you have to ask, it’s too much). The Kees van der Westen-designed beast is often referred to as the best espresso machine in the world, and looks like the offspring of a Spyker C8 that copulated with a suit of armor. Classic lever operation and museum quality everything else make this the things java dreams are made of.

Learn More: Here

Nick Caruso Nick Caruso is Gear Patrol's coordinating producer and former Motoring Editor.

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