(Part 2) Best espresso machines according to redditors
We found 518 Reddit comments discussing the best espresso machines. We ranked the 157 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
https://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Machine-Cappuccino-Frother-Steamer/dp/B079BXT1X8
I’m loving it so far
There is the Rok manual presser, Looks well built but I’ve not tried it.
Another option is to buy a vintage lever machine — if it survived this long it probably will keep going!
Edit: there's also the flair which I've read good things about: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-Espresso-Maker-Bundle-Set/dp/B071DMQ952
It looks very similar to this one - https://www.amazon.com/Minipresso-compatible-Nespresso-brand-capsules/dp/B01M4J94WY
I love my DeLonghi EC685M Dedica. I bought it barely used on craigslist for $110.
If you're handy, there's a cool DIY mod to swap out the semi-manual steam wand with a fully manual one. There are a few videos and guides but here is one.
Bean to cup machines are probably out of your range, but you can still get a really good espresso machine for less than £150. These take ground coffee, and some have a steam spout too to make foamed/steamed milk. I have this one and I'd definitely recommend it: link
I wouldn't go with a pod machine. They are cheaper to buy, but it is much more expensive to buy the pods than just ground coffee. They are also bad for the environment as the pods generally aren't recyclable.
for those who were wondering where to get their own ;)
http://www.amazon.com/Nespresso-Inissia-Espresso-Maker-Black/dp/B00KMSLHDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452357643&sr=8-1&keywords=nespresso+inissia
E' una specie di Coldbrew a pressione.
In teoria se pompassi molto lentamente (tipo 6 ore) permettendo al caffè di avere molto più tempo di contatto con l'acqua, si otterrebbero risultati simili alla Moka tradizionale.
Ci sono già ste robe scrause che fanno qualcosa di simile, però comunque richiede acqua calda.
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$390 all in for equipment, with the caveat that it is all manual.
Plus the ongoing cost of good freshly roasted beans with lots of waste involved in dialing in your grinder and coffee. Would recommend Daterra Brazil Sweet Blue from Redbird https://redbirdcoffee.com/collections/coffee-selections/products/brazil-sweet-blue 5lb for $60. Repackage into ziplocs inside mason jars and deepfreeze most of it to maintain a supply of fresh beans.
Depends on your budget. A few that I've seen /r/Coffee recommend are:
Saeco Aroma
Gaggia Classic
Crossland CC1
But keep in mind that the Grinder is more important than the machine. A solid coffee grinder that can offer a consistent find grind will cost you at least 300 bucks.
Also, you should look into tamping, understanding PIDs, and knowing about different portafilters and what they are capable of.
Espresso is the last thing I'm planning to touch because of the sheer effort and spectacularly high price requirements for a college student such as myself.
I’ve been using the Delonghi Dedica por the past 2 years with zero problems. It’s come down in price recently so it’s worth a look:
https://www.amazon.ca/Delonghi-EC685M-Dedica-Espresso-Machine/dp/B072WZL4ZT
I use this, and it works really well, though I still am not great at using the milk frother, so I froth my milk with a separate appliance.
Espresso Machine, Aicook 3.5Bar Espresso Coffee Maker, Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Steamer, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079BXT1X8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_64olDbNZ27VG6
The Ninja coffee bar is a bit expensive for what it is. If she wants coffee-house style drinks and you're willing to up your budget, you could get a decent 'super automatic' espresso machine such as the Gaggia Brera (made by Phillips, so not actually Italian anymore - They also own Saeco) http://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-Superautomatic-Espresso-Machine-Silver/dp/B003XV31IG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449606426&sr=8-1&keywords=gaggia+brera
If you want to stick in the $200 price range, perhaps a Nespresso or DeLonghi?
I love coffee too. I recently got a delonghi espresso machine (this one or close to it https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CTY9BFG/ref=psdcmw_14162661_t2_B000F49XXG)
Really great investment. Making espresso with your own choice of beans, freshly ground, is amazing. The frother works fine and once you get a knack for it I think you can make drinks on par or superior to Starbucks stuff.
If you enjoy coffee and don't have a gizmo like that you owe it to yourself to get one!
For your price range, this is what i would get:
https://www.amazon.com/Nespresso-Inissia-Espresso-Aeroccino-Frother/dp/B00L7RU8C0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1481735141&sr=8-10&keywords=nespresso
The Nespresso machines turn out a decent and consistent espresso. The frother is decent too. I mean you're not going to get latte art worth froth out of it but it will make a good latte. This is probably the cheapest way to get an easy consistent latte.
Manual lever espresso machines have been around for a very long time.
Some newer iterations you add the water manually (1), (2).
There are a plethora (3) of machines that have the boiler and sometimes a steam-wand built in. There are even new 5-figure versions still being introduced (4).
However, if you want to make your own, that would be an exciting challenge. I have seen a few cross-sections of machines that should get your brain off to the races (5), (6).
I picked up the capresso ultima pro, makes good drinks on the small setting using the big portafilter attachment, basically ristretto shots. Can get it at BBB using 20% off for $160
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CR73S5C/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B01D3LZU1Q_pb
There’s no real solution for your requirements at 300. Cheapest super automatic I can recommend is at $450:
Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine in Silver. Pannarello Wand Frothing for Latte and Cappuccino Drinks. Espresso from Pre-Ground or Whole Bean Coffee. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XV31IG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_oyOYDbFAHQEXW
Edit since you are new to this here’s a video of the machine and some intro to the economics of using a super automatic machine. https://youtu.be/ZFM-XF1zeGk
I had one of these a long time ago: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bialetti-Freestanding-10-Cups-Stainless-Independent/dp/B071D1JBT9?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_1649355031 but actually now I either use my 12 year old Gaggia (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaggia-Cubika-74511-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B0000WXE6K) or this fab portable espresso maker: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacaco-Nanopresso-Portable-Protective-Minipresso/dp/B0752XV66X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549917490&sr=8-3&keywords=nanopresso
https://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-ECP3120-Espresso-Cappuccino-Stainless/dp/B07CTY9BFG/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=delonghi&qid=1559262541&s=gateway&sr=8-25
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Just buy pre-ground such as Bustello, or https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coffee+espresso+grind&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
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I've owned nothing but these and then ESAM 3300.
More than I'll ever be willing to spend on a coffee/espresso machines. Amazon has it for $999.
if you like espresso, I adore my nespresso. I have the essenza, but it seems like it's not being made anymore [Here's the next closest one] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L7RU8C0/ref=psdc_14163731_t1_B005HH5YUM) that's not an arm and a leg.
I recently purchased a Delongi Dedica EC680 from eBay for £40. It's a slimline espresso machine with milk frother. It is in nearly new condition. I kept an eye out for a while to be fair and got lucky but you can definitely pick one up for cheap. They're £120 new.
Everyone on here will rightly tell you that there are better machines out there (which there are of course!) and some compare this to being a 'toy' but I am skint so I went with what I could afford. I have since replaced the pressurised portalfiler basket with a non-pressurised basket from Amazon (£7), changed the steam wand (£10, bit of handy work required but easy enough) and invested in aKrups electric grinder (£30) and buy fresh coffee beans from my local roaster (about £6 a bag).
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Oh my gosh. The flavour is amazing. I used to just use a French Press. This is next level. I make cappuccinos, flat whites, americanos and just regular mugs of coffee to take to work in the morning. Its great. Totally entry level espresso machine but I'm already producing coffee that is tastier than Starbucks, Coffee #1, Costa Coffee, Cafe Nero etc.
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I actually get up early to make coffee now. Game changer.
The "Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine"
http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-303-01-Espresso-Cappuccino-Machine/dp/B001QTVXCI
I have a home setup that works great for us:
For under $200, you can buy the Cuisinart 15-bar espresso machine, and a decent burr grinder, and Terry's tamper is worth the $6 + s&h.
Also, as others have mentioned, the Aeropress makes great strong coffee that can make great mochas and such.
I have a blade grinder and an entry level espresso machine. When they ship I'll be the proud owner of the new ZPM machine (that Kickstarter project).
My grinder is a Bodum:
http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Bistro-Electric-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0043073WQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331046738&sr=8-1
My machine is:
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-EM-100-1000-Watt-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B000MX3HOQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331046765&sr=8-3
If you're in Canada, NewEgg.ca has a great deal on a Saeco Aroma espresso machine (200$). Most places (including Amazon.com and NewEgg.com) have the same for machine for $300-$400.
You can add in a Baratza grinder for 150$-200$ and have a nice setup for 500$
You can get a pretty good quality machine starting at $500. they just keep going up from there. if it were me, I'd want either a Breville dual pump semi-auto, or this Pasquini and grinder combo
I myself have a Rancilio Silvia and think it's fantastic.
About $3500.
There is the Gaggia Pure for like 150, I have it, it works well and makes amazing espresso. I bought it first and did not have a grinder (like you) but then got a grinder later. I would advise this machine, although it's inexpensive it's good quality and very worth the money.
EDIT: I just clicked on the page that i linked and it sells it for much more than 150. However, I think you can find it for cheaper.
wont be back at work til tuesday but this is it
I liked my Krups espresso machine. It made decent lattes and other milk based drinks.
I had a 5240. The only thing I didn't like was how finicky the steam wand was. I just took to buying spares, as eventually I'd break things.
It seems they have fixed that in the 5280 line.
What I will say is this: The 5280 is $210. For that kind of money you can get a low end Gaggia machine (http://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-102532-Espresso-Pure-Semi-Automatic-Espresso/dp/B0015QX3BG/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371764480&sr=1-4&keywords=gaggia+espresso) where it's no longer just a steam toy.
What the Gaggia gives you over the Krups is that there are upgrades available for the Gaggia if you ever wanted to PID it or start doing anything higher end.
Also highly considering this one
This is the espresso machine, not sure why it's so much more expensive in the U.S.
This is the grinder
Here it is, actually substantially cheaper now: https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Cuisinart-EM-100-Stainless-Espresso/dp/B000MX3HOQ/ref=pd_sbs_79_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RJVJXWC5GSPSVG38M25A
I'm in the exact same position and recently pulled the trigger on a new/unused (unwanted wedding gift) EC702 I found on craigslist for $100. I also got lucky, in that my roommate already has a Baratza Virtuoso grinder so that's not something I researched too deeply. BUT, I was very close to buying this beforehand. I've heard good things about it from friends who own and use it daily. Plus you can buy your own reusable pods for your coffee of choice. Hope this is helpful, update us with what you end up going with
Mod means use these:
If you can bump up your budget to swing a Gaggia Classic though, I'd look into one of those. Used, you can probably find them near $200.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B005I722YC/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all
Ad esempio una EC685 su amazon warehouse deals e passa la paura:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/offer-listing/B06X97L4CC/
https://www.amazon.it/gp/offer-listing/B06WGTZ874/
I think what I'd call high-end is what you're calling low-end, so I'd say that probably answers my question as to how usable low-end machines are haha.
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I see the one linked to above is available for significantly cheaper,
https://www.amazon.ca/Welljoin-Professional-Frother-Cappuccino-Coffeemaker/dp/B07CXRX71L/ref=sr_1_36?keywords=milk+steamer&qid=1549768705&s=gateway&sr=8-36
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What would be the difference between that, and the stovetop ones?
https://www.amazon.com/European-Gift-50SS-Stove-Top-Stainless/dp/B0040BF8QG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549768827&sr=8-2&keywords=milk+steamer+stove+top
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Essentially what I need to know is;
Comparing a steamer in a cheap $100-200 machine to a $600-800 machine, is it merely buying better espresso, and only $1000 machines are where you see a huge difference in the steamer? And in what I suppose you would consider very low end machines like this,
https://www.amazon.ca/Delonghi-EC685M-Dedica-Espresso-Machine/dp/B072WZL4ZT/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=espresso+machine&qid=1549769259&s=gateway&sr=8-7
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What qualities do the steamers have that make them far inferior to those found in the Silvia?
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Also thanks for the help so far.
>Gaggia Pure
Do you mean this one? It's not so small... https://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-102532-Espresso-Pure-Semi-Automatic-Espresso/dp/B0015QX3BG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Yea, I think if I ever go the espresso route, I'm getting one of these. But I really love my moka pot. So much actually, that I have a 6 cup one, and a 3 cup one, for the afternoon
I guess the person above pasting that img doesn't know what a coffee machine is, this is a coffee machine:
https://www.amazon.com/Jura-15068-IMPRESSA-Automatic-Platinum/dp/B00Z4TSRFW
And this coffee machine was ment in the thread above.
So apparently most of them are still really expensive way more than i thought. Maybe someone can comment on this one if it meets its pressure rating it might not be bad
www.amazon.com/dp/B07D53TTFD/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_Nh09BbCHWYWGB
Hi David! Huge fan of your show, btw.
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If you want something simple, go with a Rancilio Silvia, which you can find here. https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/rancilio-silvia-espresso-machine-version-m. It’s not as high tech as something that Saeco or La Marzocco would put out but when paired with a Rancilio Rocky grinder they are a great duo worth their price.
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On the higher end of the price range, the Saeco Superautomatic Xelsis is literally all you will ever need. Anecdata here: a close friend of mine uses it, and it's great. It's fully digitized, it's smaller, it looks great, and the performance is second to none for home espresso IMO. https://www.amazon.com/Saeco-SM7684-04-Automatic-Espresso/dp/B07G3XYR3R. ($2,399)
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My personal espresso machine I have used for the past 5 years is a Gaggia Classic Semi-auto espresso maker. I can't find it on amazon, however the Gaggia Anima is very similar and actually a bit better than mine. https://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-Automatic-Macchiato-Cappuccino-Programmable/dp/B016RYODRS/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=gaggia+classic&qid=1558640715&s=home-garden&sr=1-4 ($899)
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As for grinders, I would definitely recommend getting an automated burr grinder. I personally hand grind my coffee just because I like the control it gives you, but it is time consuming. If you want a good hand grinder, start with the Hario Skerton. https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Skerton-Ceramic-Coffee-Mill/dp/B001802PIQ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hario+skerton&qid=1558640805&s=home-garden&sr=1-2 ($40)
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For an automated grinder, I would start with the Baratza Virtuoso. It's roughly $250 USD and the quality is up there
My friend uses this one religiously, and hasn't complained yet:
http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-303-01-Espresso-Cappuccino-Machine/dp/B001QTVXCI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1289707797&sr=8-7
She's a medical student, so you can imagine how often she needs to replenish her caffeine levels :P
Above average won't happen. Coffee shops have specialized equipment to do this. On a budget, you'll want a high bar espresso hand press and a handheld milk frother.
I’m using this made by Staresso currently. Makes a good shot, but doesn’t seem like it’ll hold up long term.
So what you are saying is... overall mission failure? ಠ_ಠ
I am trying to keep myself from purchasing this Breville and comments like this make me one step closer haha
You can get the Nespresso Inissia for $100
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMSLHDY/
My wife loves hers much more than the Keurig she had for 5 years.
I think its this one. Its probably an older model because there are buttons on the left side of it that i cant see in this picture.
Jura 15068 Impressa C65, Platinum it has a little refrigerator on the side that holds milk.
http://www.amazon.com/Jura-15068-Impressa-C65-Platinum/dp/B00Z4TSRFW/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1449668087&sr=1-1&keywords=jura+coffee+machine
I don't want anything that big it will never fly with the other half having something that big sitting on the counter :) But it can make some really good coffee.
The Breville Dual Boiler machine gets some pretty good reviews. The dual boiler will give you all the oomph you need for steaming milk to your satisfaction and the semi-automatic functionality of the machine will give you the control over the shot you are looking for.
You won't be able to make regular brewed coffee like you would using your Jura, but you can make an Americano which is close enough for government work.
Edit: There is a newer model that is cheaper and fixes some of the bugs in the older model. you can find it here.
This is the one we have at the moment:
https://www.amazon.ca/Gaggia-RI9305-Automatic-Espresso-Machine/dp/B003XV31IG/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481119170&sr=8-2-fkmr0
I actually still have the one it replaced, it just got relegated to my upstairs office because I'm a lazy shit (recently passed its 5000th shot, I think). It doesn't have an automated milk feature simply because milk drinks aren't my focus, and I felt like the additional complexity, while nice, would mean that there's a higher chance of shit breaking down or microbial growth; when I really want something with milk (besides just adding cream to my americanos/espressos), it's easy enough to use the steam wand to prep it.
As for making things hot enough, ours makes at least the espressos hot enough to burn, and since I use the wand on dairy, it gets as hot as I could ever want.
This one is relatively basic as far as superautos go, but you can change brew length, time, etc. It also has a bypass for grinds if you want to try something new.
Protip regardless of which model you get: you should either immediately empty the grind tray after every use, or place a folded paper towel in the bottom of it - warm + wet + dark + carbon adds up to an excellent fungal growth environment, haha, and pucks in these will stick to the bottom (the paper towel lets you easily dump everything out).
Cool! Burr grinder is just as important as the machine in terms of espresso making. If you are going for small form and good value, check out the Saeco Aroma and the Gaggia Classic. I recently went through the entry level machine research phase and the overwhelming consensus was that these are the two best value entry-level machines. I ended up going with the Gaggia Classic (I found it used for $270 shipped) and am super happy with it. It doesn't take up a ton of counter space. It seems that the Saeco Aroma is significantly more compact though, if you look at the dimensions.
Good luck and congrats on the wedding!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000MX3HOQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487603119&sr=1-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=Cuisinart+espresso
I buy this one whenever we replace (every 4 yrs or so) and it keeps getting better. Inexpensive but great brew for two-people-everyday usage.