Breville Bambino Plus
This machine is the perfect compromise between an automatic espresso machine like a Nespresso and a fancy one with more bells and whistles. This machine is semi-automatic and uses a pump to get the pressure into the espresso shot, making it great for beginners. You’ll get cafe level espresso shots and you won’t have to worry too much about figuring out how to use the machine. It has the ThermoJet heater which makes it easy to switch from making the espresso and frothing the milk without a long wait time, like some other machines.
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine
The Barista Touch machine is perfect if you have a huge countertop, since it’s definitely got some more heft to it. It also features a burr grinder in addition to a hot water wand. Don’t be fooled by the touch screen, it is just as easy as the Bambino along with the same easy milk frother and quick heater.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
For those who are looking more of a classic espresso machine, the Rancilio Silvia is a great option. According to Suyong Mody, the co-founder of Driftway, a coffee subscription company: “Rancilio specialized in commercial machines, and this type of machine was made as a sample to send as a gift to their distributors. It ended up becoming so popular that they decided to release it on the consumer market.” This makes sense as the Rancilio has the commercial construction that makes it so durable. It’s also quiet and doesn’t take up much space, which is great for smaller kitchens. You do need to get a conical burr grinder and as always, you should invest in a good one for this. While this one’s price is more steep, you are getting a machine that will last for 10 to 15 years easy.
JURA Automatic Espresso Machine
If you want a fully automatic machine that does the heavy lifting for you, then this one is the one for you. It produces a great shot of espresso and many models include a milk brother as well. The only thing you really need to do is add the coffee beans and fill the water tank. It takes up about the same amount of time as a Nespresso pod, since there’s no grinding involved. It’s a way less involved process, but it is also quite expensive.