November 04, 2010
Revised November 3, 2010. Copyright © 2010 Dealhack.com. All Rights
Reserved.
Disclosure: Dealhack is a blog
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relationship with some of the retailers
mentioned in this article.
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 coffe 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 espressso 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 :
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 macines 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, are messier and prone to (inexperienced)
barrista mistakes. Pods can be more expensive on per-load basis but are
cleaner, produce consitent results and don't require a grinder.
Ultimately, it's an individual choice. Some machines accomodate both
inputs and might be perfect for those who want pods' convenience but
want to practice their barrista 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 capuccino 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 Amazon.
 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
macine. Best price: $59.99 after rebate at Amazon (that's an
incredible deal).
 Breville
Cafe Roma XXESP8XL
The Breville Cafe Roma is simple-to-use, with a large removable water
tank with a window that indicates when the tank is low. The Roma
also includes a 15 bar pump, stainless boiler, a warming plate to
preheat cups, and a froth enhancer to aid in steaming perfect foam.
Breville has metal casing which gives it better look and durability
than many machines in this class. Other pluses: large water tank, good
temperature control, can use ESE pods, the unit includes a warming
plate, a froth enhancer for lattés and cappuccinos,
and a removable drip tray and grid for easier cleanup. The
machine also comes with a stainless-steel espresso cup set and a
frothing jug. Some of the negatives that were mentioned in reviews:
while the pressurized portafilter design
makes brewing easy, some feel that a better espresso can be
achieved with a non-pressurized portafilter; does not have a 3-way
valve so cleaning the
portafilter after brewing can be messy. The new ones are hard to find
and therefore expensive, but you can get a factory-recertified for only
$85.99 from Buy.com.
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. But you can save over
$100 while getting essentially the same espresso by going with a
slighly lower-end Gaggia Baby (see below). Best price: $399 shipped at Amazon.
 Jura
Capresso Ultima 121 Espresso/Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso Ultima tamps and brews automatically. Place between 7 and
15 grams of ground espresso coffee in
the machine, then turn and close the lever. Coffee grounds are evenly
moistened and conditioned through a two-step pre-infusion cycle, then
brewed with a high-pressure 18-bar power pump. You can brew more than
30
espressos at a time with the large-capacity 53-ounce removable water
container. Makes one espresso to two 6-oz. cups of coffee at once. The
double coffee spouts adjust to fit almost any size cup. Dual Frother
Plus System lets you froth and steam milk using the built-in Dual
Frother Plus, which has two settings: Latte (for steamed milk) and
Cappuccino (for steamed and frothed milk). Easy cleanup: used coffee is
automatically removed and stored in
the Ultima's convenient internal container, and an
indicator light illuminates to let you know when it's time to empty it.
Best price: $168.99 at Sears.
 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. Best price: $379.90 shipped at Amazon. Also, consider
striking-looking Gaggia Espresso Machine Pure Black (model: 12600) for
$249 shipped from Compact Appliance.
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: $1,500 shipped at Mercantila.com.
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