Introduction

Any comparison and Top 10 list of espresso machines is bound to be subjective. How do you determine which espresso machine is the best? We all have our preferences in how we like our cup of espresso or cappuccino. Some people like automatic espresso machines with pre-packaged pods, others prefer to grind their coffee beans and generally do things by hand. These recommendations are not based on us trying all of these espresso machines and judging the quality of the resulting espresso. We went through reviews and opinions from sources we have considered reasonably unbiased, analyzed their picks, and chose those espresso machines that had the most recommendations.

Our Sources: the sources for our selections were two-fold: websites that don't directly sell espresso machines (and so have no reason to be partial) and user reviews. Here are some of our sources :

• sites - Bestcovery, Coffeegeek, Cheapism, Coffeecrew, CNNMoney.com, TheHomeApplicanceGuide, and more.

• user reviews - Buzzilions, Epinions. Amazon.

The machines ultimately selected for the list had the best combinations of expert and user reviews.

Buying Considerations

The quality of the brew and the purchase price are obvious, but what other things one should look for?

Strictly speaking, there are five types of espresso makers: stovetop pots, steam espresso makers, manual machines, semi-automatic machines, and fully automated espresso machines. With one exception, we are focused on semi-automatic and fully automatic machines here. We don't mean to sound snobbish, but the stovetops and steam espresso makers don't generate enough pressure to brew real espresso. And manual machines are just not worth it when there are good and inexpensive automated alternatives.

Construction and durability are important. A cheap machine that starts leaking after six months is not a bargain. Most experts recommend buying a machine with stainless steel and/or metal construction. They hold up longer, they are heavier (so they don't shift on your countertop), and they look better. They also tend to cost more.

You have to decide whether you want to use ground beans or sealed, one-serving pods. Ground coffee can produce a better espresso, but require a good grinder, is messier and prone to (inexperienced) barista mistakes. Pods can be more expensive on per-load basis but are cleaner, produce consistent results and don't require a grinder. Ultimately, it's an individual choice. Some machines accommodate both inputs and might be perfect for those who want pods' convenience but want to practice their barista skills with coffee beans.

Depending on what you want to make, you are likely to need accessories, such as a steaming pitcher for milk, a cappuccino bowl, a measuring scoop, etc. Some machines come with extras, some don't. You may want to take that into account when deciding what to buy.

Top 10 Espresso Machines

We divided our Top 10 list into three sections: budget, moderately priced, and luxury. You are not going to directly compare $100K Mercedes S-class vs. $11K Nissan Versa, why compare head-to-head espresso machines that vastly differ in their prices? We defined three categories and tried to find the best machines within each one. Note that Best Prices are as of November 3rd. Unless specified otherwise, the prices are for new machines.

Budget, under $200 espresso machines

Don't expect all the bells and whistles, but these machines will get you a decent cup of espresso.

NIB MrCoffee ECM-160

If you're looking for a space-saving budget machine that's simple to use and can provide your java fix at home, Mr. Coffee is it. A steam - rather than pump - no-frills machine that includes a frother to make creamy lattes or cappuccino. Simple to use and consumers find it quieter than most pump machines. You can't beat the price value you get with this basic model. But many consider this to be not a true espresso macine because it's steam-driven. Best price: $37.28 shipped at Amazon.

Nespresso Essenza D90

Nespresso’s Essenza line offers simple and straightforward espresso brewing. The Essenza D90 lets you create single or double espresso shots with just 2 buttons: a power switch and a brewing button. The D90 uses only Nespresso single-serve pods which come in a variety of blends and are available in single shot and double shot sizes. Maintenance is easy: the used capsule drawer that can hold up to 14 spent capsules, drip tray, and large water reservoir can all be easily removed and cleaned. The Essenza D90 does not have a steam wand, so if you want to make cappuccinos and lattes, you should buy a separate $20-30 milk frother. Best price: $149 shipped at J&R.

DeLonghi EC-155 Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

The DeLonghi is compact, attractive and fast, able to heat to temperature in about a minute. Pump-driven preparation and a large water will give you 10 shots of espresso between refills. It has two thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure. It is E.S.E. pod compatible if you don't want to deal with grinding. The machine has some design flaws: it can't accommodate larger mugs for cappuccinos and lattes and that the frothing wand is poorly positioned, making it difficult to fit a steaming pitcher underneath it. Some users complain that it looks cheaply built with too much plastic, but in fairness one gets what one pays for - and the price is right on this machine. Best price: $79.99 at Amazon.

Tassimo Brewbot Coffee Espresso Cappuccino Maker

The Tassimo Brewbot makes seven drinks—cappuccino, coffee, crema, espresso, hot chocolate, lattes and tea—at the push of a button. The Brewbot reads the bar code on "T Discs," which are single-serving discs featuring these drinks, and not only makes what you want but brews it to your specifications. Chrome finished details (including operation button, on/off switch, beverage outlet), metallic finishes, stainless steel drip tray. Adjustable cup stand accommodates most cup sizes. Easy to clean: most of the movable parts are dishwasher safe. Capable of customizing the strength of each beverage to your taste by using the manual function. The best deal we’ve seen on the Brewbot is $135.96 (down from $169.95) shipped from Gevalia. If you follow this link and find the TASSIMO Suprema Home Brewing System Bundle, you’ll get the 20% discount at the checkout, after you add Tassimo Suprema to the cart.

Moderately priced, $200 to $500 machines

This is probably a "sweet spot" for most espresso lovers: make a great espresso without sacrificing your first-born.

Gaggia Classic

The Gaggia espresso machines have a long and illustrious history. There are good reasons why Gaggia Classic has been a bestseller for a number of years. This is a beautiful piece of equipment that can easily fit in anywhere. It has been designed using brushed stainless steel with a satin finish. Its dimensions are 14.2 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and 9.5 inches in depth. It offers rugged construction for longevity, a high-power 17-1/2-bar pump with a high-voltage boiler for quick warm-up times, and forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop. The machine works with coffee pods and is designed to deliver two cups at once. Other convenient features include a hot-water dispenser for tea, a frothing wand for crema, and a cup warmer. The Gaggia can use ground coffee or pre-packaged espresso pods. It is able to use pods from any approved ESE (easy serve espresso) roaster. The ESE consortium is the largest in the coffee industry.

The Gaggia Classic espresso machine includes a CD which offers a huge amount of information, along with 14 videos that are designed to increase your knowledge of how it works. After perusing this literature and watching the videos, you should be able to tackle the machine with ease.

This is a great machine at a reasonable price that produces a quality cup of espresso, cappuccino, or other coffee specialty drink. If you are ready for the intermediate espresso step, going from a cheap machine to a top-of-the-line machine, this one is probably a safe bet. Based on the reviews, we consider Gaggia Classic the top espresso machine overall. It is currenly on sale for $319.99 at Best Buy. But you can usually save some money while getting essentially the same espresso by going with a slightly lower-end Gaggia Baby (see below).

Nespresso C100 Essenza Espresso Machine

Adds a few bells and whistles to the lower-end Nespresso D90. It's more programmable, you can set the "volume" of your espresso shot and it stops automatically when the espresso shot is done. The Nespresso C100 will also allow you to pick what shot to put on the brew button. You can choose between the 5 oz lungo shot or a standard espresso shot. It is also a single-serve system using Nespresso pods. Best price: $195 shipped from Amazon.

Gaggia Baby Espresso Machine

The Gaggia Baby is another long standing model from Italy that has gone through several revisions, and is now available in several variants, including the Class, Dose, Basic, and Class D. The Gaggia Baby benefits from having the same brewing components of the Gaggia Classic. The housing is made of a tough thermo-set plastic (nearly a 1/4 inch thick). This unit distinguishes itself with the highest wattage system (1425w), one of the strongest pumps available (17.5 bars) and is the only machine at this price point with a "three way solenoid valve" for better removal of the used coffee grounds. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (one and two shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop. As you can see from the pictures, Gaggia Classic and Gaggia Baby look quite similar, with the main difference in brewing controls and slightly different housing. The Gaggia Baby Class is positioned between the Baby and the Classic and combines the traditional styling of the time tested Baby line, with an updated control panel. Currently on sale for $319.99 at Best Buy (add to the cart to see this price). Also, consider striking-looking Gaggia Espresso Machine Pure Black (model: 12600) for $279 shipped from Compact Appliance.

Francis Francis X8 Espresso Machine

You can save on select espresso machines when purchased with iperEspresso Membership Program at illy USA. The iperEspresso method uses a proprietary capsule with a patented two-stage extraction to produce full-bodied espresso topped with long-lasting crema. Just drop the capsule into the Francis Francis X8 machine and turn the dial to enjoy authentic espresso within seconds. Use the X8’s auto-frothing steam wand to create cappuccino, latte and all your favorite café drinks. Francis Francis X8 iperEspresso machine, regularly $445, is offered for $175. No commitment required beyond your first shipment of 6 cans of espresso.

The luxury, over $500 machines

They are expensive but quality and durability make them worth it for some. If you entertain a lot, such machines are faster and last longer.

Rancilio Silvia

Overall, reviewers say that the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine offers the best blend of build quality, espresso quality and ease of use. In fact, many reviewers say it's the best machine available for less than $1,000. Reviewers hold the machine's build quality in especially high regard; many say it's built like a tank. The combination of polished and brushed steel looks really slick. One look at it and you think "quality" and "durability." The Silvia is, however, a somewhat finicky machine, and users must experiment a bit to find the right espresso grind and tamping pressure. Has a tough learning curve for those not intent on figuring it out. It has a single-shot boiler - this means that it can only make one shot of espresso at a time. This isn't good for parties. Best price: $649 at Amazon.

Pasquini Livia 90 Automatic Espresso Machine

With just a push of a button on the Livia 90, you can choose either a single or double shot of espresso. Once you select the cup size amount you want, the Livia 90 Automatic will brew a rich, aromatic cup of espresso, just the way you asked for it. You can also program the button to bring you your favorite style of espresso, every time. Want even more? You can brew any size coffee on the Livia 90 by switching on the manual override feature.

The Livia 90 provides great steamed milk, without waiting for the brewing cycle to finish. A chrome plated brass steam pipe on the left side of the machine brings the steam down to the frothing tip. You have two tips to choose from, a more traditional commercial tip of stainless steel and a second tip made of Teflon. This second tip is a froth enhancer for making no nonsense foam. Small holes on the side of the tip draw in air and direct it to the milk. Instantly you'll have foamed milk for any number of lattes or cappuccinos. With one of the biggest boilers for a machine this size, the Livia 90 has no problem making espresso and steaming milk at the speed or in the quantities you desire. It features rapid heating and recovery as well. The only negative we found is the price - The Livia 90 comes in a little high on the $ scale. Best price: $1,615 shipped at Mercantila.com.