Independent espresso testing · United States
Nine bars of pressure. Zero sponsored scores.
We buy the machines, pull hundreds of shots on each one and publish what actually happens on your kitchen counter. Then we tell you which one to buy and, more usefully, which one to skip.
Updated this month
The three machines we actually recommend
Replace the shortcode below with your own review IDs from Reviews → All Reviews.
[nb_roundup ids="1,2,3"]
Find your machine
Most popular
Semi-automatic
You control the grind, dose and shot time. The best balance of price, control and counter space.
One-touch
Super-automatic
Bean to cup with a single button. Convenience first, ceiling on shot quality second.
Full control
Manual lever
You are the pump. Steep learning curve, the most rewarding shots when it clicks.
Budget
Under $200
What is genuinely worth buying at entry level, and the three traps to avoid.
Sweet spot
$500 – $1,000
Where a home machine starts producing café-grade espresso. Most of our top picks live here.
Enthusiast
Over $2,500
Dual boilers, PID, plumbing. Whether the jump from $1,200 is worth it for a home kitchen.
Latest hands-on reviews
Publish your first review under Reviews → Add New Review and it will appear here.
Methodology
The same protocol on every machine
We buy most machines at retail. When a manufacturer lends one, we say so at the top of the review and send it back. No manufacturer sees a review before it publishes and no score has ever been changed at a brand’s request. Read the full methodology.
Learn