Best Stainless Steel Espresso Machine

Buying Guide

When you want coffee, you want it now. With an espresso machine, you don’t have to worry about going to a coffee shop to get your fix. And espresso machines are not one size fits all so there are plenty of options for all types of caffeine lovers.

If you usually indulge in store-bought coffee drinks, getting an espresso machine might be a great option for you. Since espresso-based drinks often have a premium price, you can ultimately save a noticeable amount of money by getting your own machine.

One thing to think about when choosing an espresso machine is how quickly you need your coffee to be prepared. Sure, it might seem easier to go to a local cafe, but with your own espresso machine, you hold the power.

A stainless steel espresso machine may also look good on your countertop, but don’t forget that they will require some maintenance. You have to empty the coffee grounds or capsules, clean the drip tray and fill the water compartment. You may also need to replace parts down the line.

Think about how much time and energy you want to put into your homemade espresso. Some machines are higher-tech and more involved than others. Thinking about the ease of operation is crucial as this is something that you may end up using every day. Think about the steps it takes to brew, the effort required to optimize the taste of your coffee and any other equipment that might be needed that’s not included in your original purchase.

There are some machines that are super simple and will do the job and there are machines that have a lot more bells and whistles. If you are new to brewing your own espresso, think about going the simpler route and upgrading down the line. 

Also, espresso machines often take up more space than a typical coffee maker, so know where you want to place it. We suggest measuring the areas around your kitchen and seeing where it would fit best, and also paying attention to the measurements of the espresso machine before you buy it. If you are someone who loves to decorate your home, think of this as another piece of the puzzle.

Some machines come with dose control settings. This is great if you are always guessing about how much coffee you should use, or if you just want the peace of mind that you are getting the best cup every time. With the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, for example, you have that option. It also has a steam wand that allows you to create texture micro-foam milk that not only enhances the flavor of your coffee but allows you to create latte art.

One thing you might forget to think about is how big the cup is that you want to brew your espresso in. If you have taller cups, consider checking out Delonghi’s espresso machine. It allows for taller cups to be used and a bottom tray that is easy to adjust or remove. This is especially important if you frequently use travel mugs. 

Another optional feature is low-pressure pre-infusion. With low-pressure pre-infusion, you are treated to a cup of espresso that has gone through a special process to pull out all the best flavors. With the Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, you have the low-pressure pre-infusion, plus an auto-purge that automatically purges the heating system after steaming to ensure your next drink is extracted at just the right temperature.

If you are someone who needs to brew two cups of espresso at once, there are machines that will save you time. With some models, you can brew two cups at the same time from either ground espresso or pods.

Overall, there is a machine for everyone, it just takes some time and understanding, as well as personal preference, to find the right one. If you have the room, time and need, an espresso machine will be a great overall investment.

• Do some research about what kind of espresso machine you want. There are many different kinds, like super-automatic, manual and capsule espresso machines. Think about your skill level and what makes you feel most comfortable. The last thing you want is to buy a machine that you are unsure of how to use.
• Think about the types of places you like to frequent for coffee outside of your home. You may want to ask that place what kind of espresso machine they use so you can replicate the process yourself.
• Understand your budget and what you can get within your means. You will want to weigh the price of the machine against how often you go out to get coffee each week.
• Think about how many cups you drink back-to-back. This will help you understand how big of a brew or steam boiler you will need. For a few morning cups, a single boiler or small dual boiler will work. If you are a frequent and often drinker, a larger dual-boiler machine might work better for you.
• Do not just pick any coffee. Use quality beans for the best experience. This might mean going to your local coffee shop and purchasing the beans they sell there to really create a cup of espresso you know you will love.
• Look for the number of grind settings. These settings will let you adjust the coffee strength and temperature. Some machines may have additional controls like flow control and pulse brewing.