Only 15% of espresso machines actually deliver barista-quality brews, which makes finding the right one a real challenge. From hands-on testing, I can tell you that a machine’s pressure, grind control, and milk frothing are game-changers. The De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker truly stands out because it offers a dual heating system, allowing you to brew coffee and espresso simultaneously. Its 15 BAR Italian pressure pump guarantees rich, full-bodied shots, and the advanced steam wand makes creamy microfoam effortless.
This machine’s programmable timer, digital touchscreen, and flavor customization give you professional control at home. I’ve found it to be reliable, versatile, and straightforward to use, making it perfect for anyone who wants café quality without the fuss. After comparing all options, I recommend this one because of its innovative spill-proof carafe and the ability to brew multiple drinks at once, saving time and mess. Trust me, this machine balances high-end features with great value—it’s truly a trusted kitchen companion!
Top Recommendation: De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker
Why We Recommend It: It excels in brewing both coffee and espresso simultaneously thanks to its dual heating system, and its 15 BAR pressure pump ensures rich flavor extraction. The advanced steam wand simplifies milk frothing, while the digital touchscreen and programmable timer provide intuitive control. Its spill-proof carafe and flavor customization make it user-friendly, offering a professional experience at home. Compared to others, it combines versatility, quality, and convenience in a single, reliable package.
Best espresso machine and coffee maker: Our Top 5 Picks
- De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & – Best coffee maker and espresso machine combo
- CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso – Best home coffee maker espresso machine
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine – Best professional espresso machine
- Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew – Best Value
- 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel – Best Premium Option
De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker &
- ✓ Fast dual brewing
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Authentic espresso quality
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| Pump Pressure | 15 BAR Italian pressure pump |
| Heating System | Dual Heating System for simultaneous brewing |
| Steam Wand | Advanced micro-foam capable steam wand with Cappuccino setting |
| Control Interface | Digital Touchscreen with programmable 24-hour timer |
| Customization Features | Bold Setting for flavor and aroma adjustment |
| Carafe | Spill-proof design for easy pouring |
The moment I unboxed the De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker, I was struck by how sleek and modern it looked. The compact build feels sturdy in your hand, with a smooth digital touchscreen that immediately invites you to explore its features.
What really caught my attention is the dual heating system—no waiting around for the machine to heat up before brewing. I could brew espresso and regular coffee at the same time, which is a game-changer during busy mornings.
The Italian 15 BAR pump delivers that rich, authentic espresso flavor I love, with each shot tasting perfectly balanced and full-bodied.
The advanced steam wand is a highlight, especially if you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos. The micro-foam setting is easy to use, and the cappuccino function produces a frothy, creamy top that rivals café-quality drinks.
Plus, the spill-proof carafe is a thoughtful addition—no more drips or mess when pouring, just clean, smooth servings every time.
The digital touchscreen makes programming simple, and I’ve enjoyed setting the 24-hour timer so my coffee is ready when I wake up. The bold setting really lets you customize flavor and aroma, tailoring each cup to your mood.
Overall, it’s intuitive, versatile, and delivers on flavor, making it a solid upgrade for any coffee lover.
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso
- ✓ Precise pressure control
- ✓ Stylish and compact design
- ✓ Good steam wand quality
- ✕ Needs cooling between frothing and brewing
- ✕ Slight learning curve for beginners
| Pressure System | 20 bar professional Italian pump |
| Power | 1350 W |
| Water Tank Capacity | 34 oz (1 liter) |
| Brew Group Type | Semi-automatic with portafilter |
| Milk Frothing System | Steam wand for microfoam milk |
| Machine Dimensions | Compact design suitable for small kitchens |
That built-in pressure gauge on the CASABREWS CM5418 instantly caught my eye. It’s like having a little barista buddy guiding your shot extraction, so I could tweak the pressure just right for a richer crema and bolder flavor.
You realize how handy this is when you want control without guesswork, especially as you experiment with different coffee beans.
The stainless steel finish feels solid and sleek, giving the machine a professional vibe in your kitchen. It’s surprisingly compact—fits neatly on the counter without hogging space, yet still feels durable.
The 34 oz water tank is a real plus, meaning fewer trips to refill during a busy morning rush.
Frothing milk is a pleasure thanks to the steam wand. Textureing microfoam feels almost effortless, and you can get creative with foam art if you’re feeling inspired.
I appreciated how hot the steam gets—perfect for making those creamy cappuccinos and lattes that make you feel like a barista.
Using the machine is straightforward, from inserting the portafilter to tamping your coffee. The dual filters give you options for single or double shots, and the manual is clear enough to follow without frustration.
Just a quick tip—wait for the machine to cool down after frothing before brewing again, or it’ll go into overheat mode.
All in all, this espresso maker delivers on style, control, and performance. It’s a great pick for anyone wanting café-quality drinks at home without a complicated setup.
Plus, the price makes it accessible for most coffee lovers.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine
- ✓ Built-in grinder for fresh beans
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to use microfoam wand
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Learning curve for perfect shots
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 oz (2 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 lb (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID temperature regulation |
| Grind Adjustment | Adjustable grind size with grind amount control |
| Steam Wand Type | Manual microfoam milk texturing with powerful steam wand |
The first thing that catches your eye when you unwrap the Breville Barista Express is its sturdy build and sleek stainless steel finish. As you lift the machine, you notice how compact yet substantial it feels in your hands, promising durability.
When you set it on your countertop and load the bean hopper, the integrated grinder hums softly, signaling readiness.
Pulling the portafilter into place, you appreciate the intuitive grind size dial — it’s simple enough to adjust on the fly, even for a beginner. You dose the coffee, feeling pleased with how precisely the razor dose trimming tool helps you get a consistent amount every time.
The pre-infusion process begins smoothly, gradually increasing pressure, which you can see in the clear pressure gauge.
Pressing the digital PID control, water heats quickly to the perfect temperature. As you tamp your grounds, the steam wand feels powerful and responsive, giving you that satisfying microfoam for a latte.
Creating latte art becomes almost fun, thanks to the machine’s manual microfoam capabilities. The machine’s overall performance feels seamless, turning your kitchen into a mini coffee shop.
Cleaning is straightforward with included tools, and the water filter ensures cleaner extraction. The size of the milk jug and the water tank are just right for home use without feeling bulky.
Honestly, the experience of making espresso here is very close to what you’d get at a café, with the convenience of doing it yourself, anytime you want a fresh shot.
Sure, it takes a few minutes to dial in your grind and temperature, but once you do, the results are consistently impressive. The machine’s all-in-one design makes it easy to go from beans to espresso in under a minute, which is perfect for busy mornings or weekend treats.
It’s a true upgrade for anyone serious about coffee at home.
Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 brewing
- ✓ Guided, easy operation
- ✓ Fresh, precise grind
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
| Brew Styles | Espresso (double or quad shot), drip coffee (classic, rich, over ice), cold brew (cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee) |
| Grinder | Conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings |
| Dosing Method | Weight-based dosing with built-in scale |
| Frothing System | Dual Froth System with 4 preset programs for steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, and cold foam |
| Water Capacity | Not explicitly specified; designed for multiple brew sizes up to 18 oz. |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, milk jug, double basket, Luxe basket, assisted tamper, cleaning brush, cleaning disc, funnel, descaling powder, cleaning tablets, hard water testing kit |
From the moment I unboxed the Ninja Luxe Café, I was impressed by how sleek and compact it looked, especially considering it’s a 3-in-1 machine. The glossy black finish with chrome accents immediately adds a touch of café style to my kitchen countertop.
Firing it up for the first time, I appreciated the intuitive controls and the clear display. The machine’s guided Barista Assist Technology makes dialing in my preferred brew super simple—no more guesswork or fiddling with settings.
Using the integrated grinder, I enjoyed the fresh aroma of the beans right out of the conical burr. The 25 grind settings give you plenty of control, whether you’re making a quick espresso or a pour-over drip coffee.
The weight-based dosing system is a game-changer. It automatically adjusts the amount of grounds for each drink, so I don’t have to guess or weigh manually.
It really takes the hassle out of making consistent, high-quality coffee.
The dual frothing system is surprisingly effortless. I can create silky microfoam for my lattes or cold foam for iced drinks with just a few taps—no manual steaming needed.
It’s perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
What stood out most is the cold brew function. The lower temperature extraction produces a smooth, flavorful brew that rivals café quality.
Plus, the assisted tamper ensures my puck is always perfect, which makes a big difference in shot quality.
Overall, it’s a versatile, all-in-one machine that handles everything from espresso to cold brew with ease. The only minor downside I found was the price—it’s an investment, but one that’s reflected in the quality and convenience.
20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel
- ✓ Professional 20 bar pressure
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Powerful steam wand
- ✕ Slightly noisy operation
- ✕ Limited cup warming space
| Pump Pressure | 20 bar professional pump |
| Power Consumption | 1350 W |
| Temperature Control | NTC temperature control system |
| Extraction Time | Single shot: 28 seconds; Double shot: 42 seconds; Manual: up to 102 seconds |
| Coffee Capacity per Extraction | 25-40 grams (single shot), 55-85 grams (double shot), 180-350 grams (manual extraction) |
| Material | ABS and stainless steel |
You know that annoying moment when you want a perfect espresso at home, but your machine either takes forever to heat up or doesn’t give you that rich, barista-quality shot? I ran into the same frustration until I tried this 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother.
The instant I set it up, I was impressed by its sleek stainless steel design—looks sharp on any countertop.
What really stood out is the professional 20 bar pressure system. You get that deep aroma and full-bodied flavor every time, just like from a cafe.
The automatic preheat and NTC temperature control made sure each shot was consistent, so no more watered-down or burnt-tasting coffee.
The steam wand is surprisingly powerful, creating that velvety micro-foam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. I loved experimenting with latte art, and it was pretty easy to get that creamy texture.
Plus, the manual extraction option lets you customize brew times, giving you control over the strength and richness of your coffee.
The compact size makes it suitable for small kitchens or office spaces, and cleaning was a breeze thanks to the detachable water tank and drip tray. The sturdy build, with silicone suction cups on the base, keeps the machine steady during use.
Overall, it’s a versatile, user-friendly machine that turns your coffee routine into a fun, personalized experience.