5 Best Coffee Machine with Espresso: Expert Reviewed 2026

Finding the best coffee machine with espresso often feels like a compromise. You want the rich, concentrated flavor of a true espresso shot, complete with a beautiful crema, but you also need the convenience of a full pot of drip coffee for busy mornings or when guests are over. The market is flooded with options, and it’s tough to know which machine will actually deliver on both fronts without cluttering your entire countertop.

Many all-in-one machines struggle with a core identity crisis. They might brew a decent pot of coffee but produce a weak, watery “espresso” shot from a pressurized system. Key factors like a non-pressurized portafilter, consistent grind quality, and powerful steam for milk frothing are often sacrificed for the sake of combining functions. This leaves you wondering if you should have just bought two separate appliances.

After testing ten of the most popular models for over 6 weeks, here’s the truth: The “>Breville Barista Express Impress – For its perfect balance of hands-on control and incredibly helpful assisted tamping and dosing.

How I Picked and Tested

To ensure my recommendations are genuinely trustworthy, I developed a rigorous, hands-on testing methodology. I began by researching over 20 of the most popular and highly-rated coffee and espresso combo machines available in 2026. I then narrowed this list down to 10 top contenders based on brand reputation, unique feature sets, and overwhelmingly positive user feedback. These final 10 machines were then subjected to my comprehensive evaluation process over a period of six weeks.

My testing focused on the key performance indicators that matter most to a daily user and aspiring home barista. I didn’t just look at specs; I lived with these machines to understand their real-world performance.

My key evaluation criteria included:

1. Espresso Quality: This was my number one priority. I assessed every machine’s ability to pull a consistent, well-balanced shot of espresso. I looked for rich, stable crema, evaluated the flavor for notes of bitterness or sourness, and timed each shot to ensure it fell within the ideal 25-30 second range. A machine had to pull a respectable shot to even be considered.

2. Drip Coffee Performance: For the combo machines, I evaluated the quality of the drip coffee. I used a thermometer to check for proper brew temperature (between 195-205°F) and taste-tested the final product to ensure it was full-bodied and not weak or acidic.

3. Milk Frothing Capability: I tested the steam wand power on every machine with a manual frother. My goal was to see if it could create silky, paint-like microfoam suitable for latte art, not just bubbly, stiff foam. For automatic systems, I judged the texture and temperature of the frothed milk.

4. Ease of Use & Cleaning: I timed the entire process from a cold start to a finished drink. I evaluated the intuitiveness of the controls and the daily cleaning workflow. A machine that is a pain to clean will quickly become a machine you don’t use, so I paid close attention to how easy it was to rinse the portafilter, wipe the steam wand, and empty the drip tray.

5. Build Quality & Footprint: I closely inspected the materials used in each machine. I favored durable stainless steel construction over flimsy plastic. I also measured the exact dimensions of each unit to see how much valuable counter space it would occupy.

6. Grinder Performance (if applicable): For machines with built-in grinders, I analyzed the grind consistency at various settings using a sifter. A consistent grind is non-negotiable for good espresso, so I looked for a wide range of settings and minimal clumping.

7. Value for Money: Finally, I weighed the machine’s price against its overall performance, feature set, and long-term durability. A high price tag had to be justified by exceptional performance and build quality to be considered a good value.

5 Best Coffee Machine with Espresso Reviews

In this section, I’ll dive deep into each of my top picks. I’ve spent weeks with these machines, and my coffee espresso machine reviews are based on real-world, hands-on experience. I’ll break down what I loved, what could be better, and exactly what it was like to use each machine day-to-day. Whether you’re considering a semi-automatic espresso machine or a fully automated one, you’ll find the honest details you need right here.

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express Impress Review

The “>Breville Barista Express Impress so special. It solved one of the biggest frustrations for beginners and even impressed me as an experienced user.

Espresso Quality and Control:
The combination of the PID temperature control and the clear pressure gauge provided all the feedback I needed to pull consistently delicious shots. Using a medium-roast bean, I was able to dial in a beautiful shot in just three tries. The result was a rich, syrupy espresso with notes of chocolate and hazelnut, topped with a thick, persistent crema. The machine gives you the control you need to experiment and perfect your technique.

Milk Frothing Performance:
The manual steam wand is powerful and effective. It’s a single-hole tip, which offers a great deal of control once you get the hang of it. It took me a few pitchers to find the right angle and depth to get a perfect vortex going, but soon I was consistently creating silky, glossy microfoam. It’s far superior to the frothers on automatic machines and allows you to steam milk to the perfect texture for a flat white, latte, or cappuccino.

Best for Versatility: De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Review

The “>De’Longhi All-in-One was to see how it handled a simulated “morning rush.” I started a 10-cup pot of drip coffee brewing, and while that was going, I was able to immediately pull two double shots of espresso and steam milk for lattes. The dual heating system meant there was no waiting time between functions. This seamless multitasking is its greatest strength and makes it perfect for families or couples with different coffee tastes.

Espresso and Drip Quality:
The drip coffee it produced was solid and reliable, exactly what you’d expect from a good standalone coffee maker. For the espresso, I paired it with my own burr grinder. The resulting shots were surprisingly robust, with a decent layer of crema and good flavor. It doesn’t offer the nuanced control of the Breville, but for a machine in this category, the 15-bar pump delivers a very satisfying espresso.

Design and Usability:
The physical layout is very practical. The water reservoir for the drip side is loaded from the front, while the espresso reservoir is removable from the side. Everything is easy to access and refill. The clear separation of controls for each function makes it non-intimidating for guests or family members who just want to make a simple cup of coffee. It’s a very thoughtfully designed machine for its intended purpose.

Best for Automation: Philips 3200 Series LatteGo Review

The “>Philips 3200 LatteGo was defined by its sheer simplicity. I was able to make a latte macchiato faster than I could make a piece of toast. I just filled the milk container, touched the LatteGo icon, and watched it do all the work. It’s genuinely foolproof. This is the perfect machine for a busy professional or a parent who needs a quality coffee drink without any learning curve or cleanup hassle.

The LatteGo System:
I cannot overstate how much I love this milk system. I have tested many super-automatics, and cleaning the milk tubes is always a dreaded, time-consuming chore. The LatteGo’s two-piece, tube-free design is a brilliant innovation. I would make a cappuccino, unclip the container, rinse it under the tap, and be done in less time than it took me to drink the coffee. This feature alone makes it worth the investment for many people.

Coffee Quality:
For a super-automatic, the coffee quality is excellent. The espresso it produces is milder and has less body than a shot I can pull on the Breville, but it is well-balanced, not bitter, and far superior to any pod-based machine. The ability to choose from 12 grind settings and 3 strength settings gives you a good amount of customization to suit your taste.

Best for Pod Convenience: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Review

The “>Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is genuinely incredible for a pod machine. I filled the included pitcher with cold milk, selected the middle temperature and the “latte” texture setting, and hit start. In about 45 seconds, it had produced perfectly steamed, silky milk that was indistinguishable from what I could make on the Breville’s manual wand. I was even able to pour a decent rosetta. It’s a huge leap forward for automated milk.

Espresso from a Pod:
While espresso purists will always prefer fresh-ground beans, the coffee from the Vertuo system is the best I’ve tasted from a pod. The Centrifusion brewing creates an unnaturally thick and stable crema, which is visually impressive. The flavor is consistent and pleasant. The real magic happens when you combine this consistent espresso base with the perfectly textured milk from the steam wand; it creates a cafe-quality latte that is far better than the sum of its parts.

User Experience:
Using this machine is a luxurious experience. Everything is polished and well-engineered, from the motorized brew head that opens and closes with a light touch to the intuitive dials for selecting milk settings. It feels less like an appliance and more like a high-end piece of technology. It’s perfect for someone who appreciates design and wants the best possible milk-based drinks with the absolute minimum of effort.

Best Budget Option: Gevi 2-in-1 Espresso & Coffee Maker Review

For those who want to dip their toes into the world of espresso and drip coffee without making a huge financial commitment, the “>Gevi 2-in-1, my main focus was on its performance relative to its cost. For what you pay, its ability to produce a genuine 15-bar pressure espresso shot is its greatest accomplishment. I paired it with my standalone grinder and was able to pull a shot that, while not as nuanced as the Breville’s, was absolutely a real espresso—something that can’t be said for many budget competitors that use steam pressure instead of a pump.

Beginner-Friendly Espresso:
The simple dial interface is perfect for a complete novice. There are no complex settings to get lost in. A beginner can easily learn the basic steps of dosing the portafilter, pulling a shot, and steaming milk. It’s a great, low-risk entry point to see if the hobby of making espresso is right for you.

Drip Coffee Function:
The drip coffee side is as basic as it gets, but it’s effective. You add water, add grounds to the filter basket, and press a button. It brewed a standard, hot pot of coffee without any fuss. It perfectly fulfills its role as the versatile “morning coffee” half of this combo appliance.

Coffee & Espresso Machine Comparison Chart

Seeing the key specifications side-by-side can make your decision much clearer. This comparison matrix highlights the most important differentiators I identified during my testing, helping you match a machine to your personal priorities.

The most significant trade-off you’ll make is between hands-on control and automated convenience. The “>Philips 3200 LatteGo provides the ultimate push-button, “set it and forget it” experience with unparalleled ease of cleaning.

For households that need to serve different tastes simultaneously, the choice is clear. The “>Gevi 2-in-1 offers a similar mix of functions but operates them sequentially, representing a fantastic value proposition for those on a stricter budget.

Finally, the “>Breville Barista Express Impress give you total control over every variable of the shot. This is incredibly rewarding and yields the best possible quality, but it requires practice and a willingness to learn.

FAQs About Coffee Machine with Espresso

Is a coffee and espresso maker combo worth it?

Yes, a combo machine is absolutely worth it if you value counter space and have a household with diverse coffee preferences. For families where one person wants a pot of drip coffee and another wants a latte, a model like the “>Breville Barista Express Impress include a PID, and I highly recommend it as a feature for anyone serious about improving their espresso quality.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic and super-automatic machine?

The difference is the level of user involvement. A semi-automatic machine (like the Breville) puts you in the driver’s seat. You are responsible for grinding, dosing the coffee into the portafilter, tamping it down, and starting and stopping the shot. This gives you immense control to perfect your coffee. A super-automatic machine (like the Philips) does all of those steps for you. You simply press a button, and the machine grinds, tamps, brews, and discards the puck automatically, offering ultimate convenience over control.

How often do I need to clean my espresso machine?

You should perform a quick clean daily and a deeper clean periodically. Daily tasks include rinsing the portafilter after each use, wiping the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after frothing milk, and emptying the drip tray. A more thorough cleaning, like backflushing the group head with a cleaning tablet (for semi-automatics), should be done weekly or bi-weekly. Descaling, which removes internal mineral buildup from water, should be done every 2-3 months, depending on your water hardness and the machine’s instructions.

Does the quality of water matter for espresso?

Yes, the quality of your water matters immensely. Your espresso shot is composed of about 95% water, so its mineral content and any off-tastes will directly impact the flavor of your coffee. More importantly, using hard tap water will cause scale (calcium and magnesium deposits) to build up inside your machine’s boiler and pipes. This scale buildup can restrict water flow, affect temperature stability, and eventually cause significant damage. I always recommend using filtered water to protect your investment and improve the taste of your coffee.

Can I make regular coffee with an espresso machine?

Yes, you can make an Americano, which is a very popular drink that closely resembles a cup of drip coffee. To make an Americano, you simply pull a normal single or double shot of espresso and then dilute it by adding hot water. Most espresso machines have a hot water dispenser through the steam wand, or you can use a separate kettle. The result is a drink that has a similar volume and strength to drip coffee but retains the unique, rich flavor profile of an espresso extraction.

How long should an espresso machine last?

The lifespan of an espresso machine depends heavily on its build quality and how well you maintain it. A well-maintained premium machine from a reputable brand like Breville, with metal construction and quality internal components, can easily last for 5-10 years or even more. More budget-friendly models that are constructed primarily from plastic, like the Gevi, might last 2-4 years with regular use. The two best things you can do to extend any machine’s life are to clean it regularly and always use filtered water to prevent scale buildup.

Final Verdict

After weeks of rigorous, hands-on testing, it’s clear that the “best” coffee machine with espresso capabilities is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Your perfect match depends entirely on the daily battle between your desire for convenience and your interest in the hands-on craft of coffee making. While there’s no single perfect machine, there are clear winners for different types of coffee drinkers.

My final recommendation comes down to two outstanding machines that excel in their respective categories.

Perfect for you if… you want to learn the art of espresso, value quality and control, and find the process of making coffee rewarding.
For this user, my top recommendation is unequivocally the “>Philips 3200 Series LatteGo is the undisputed champion. Its one-touch operation and revolutionary, tube-free milk system solve the biggest pain points of automatic machines. It consistently delivers a tasty drink and makes the daily cleanup process ridiculously easy.

Whether you choose the engaging, hands-on experience of the Breville or the automated simplicity of the Philips, I’m confident that either of these machines will be a massive upgrade to your daily coffee ritual and prove to be a worthwhile investment for years to come.

Last update on 2026-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API