5 Best Italian Espresso Machines (Your 2023 Guide)

This review aims to give you a definitive guide to pick the best Italian espresso machine that can be found in 2021.

As work from home is the new normal, grabbing an espresso from your favorite café seems like a distant memory! And that doesn’t mean that you should settle down for crummy coffee that doesn’t taste like espresso at all.

I also love a latte and completely understand how it feels when you don’t have your favorite coffee next to you while working. So, I chose De’Longhi EC680M Espresso and I can vouch for the delicious coffee it prepares. 

Furthermore, here are the best Italian espresso machines so far that’ll serve you with barista-level coffee at home. 

The post even rounds up a buying guide and some essential accessories you need to have a perfect cup of espresso without stepping out of the house.

In a rush? My picks for Best Italian Espresso Machines in a nutshell:

1. De’Longhi Dedica EC680M Espresso
2. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
3. Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine
4. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine
5. DeLonghi EC155 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

#1: De’Longhi Dedica EC680M Espresso

The winner of this roundup is the Italian espresso machine that I’ve been using for six months. A significant reason for choosing De’Longhi C680M Espresso is its smaller footprint. The machine doesn’t occupy a lot of space and fits in the cabinet as well.

De’Longhi C680M Espresso kills it in terms of design, and it certainly gets full marks for how it looks like.

The machine lets you brew like a pro, and it produces Barista-quality drinks within minutes. Furthermore, the coffee maker is easy to operate and dispenses the right amount of espresso, so forget about any spillage and mess.

The milk frothing arm attached to the espresso machine lets you froth the milk manually for a customized cup of coffee (However if you are into lattes and cappuccinos I’d recommend swapping it with a Rancilio Silvia Steam Wand).

The espresso machine also feels robust, and the handles and other accessories are high-quality. The best part about Delonghi C680M Espresso is that it doesn’t get hot too quickly. 

The double drip tray can accommodate a big mug, and you can fit a tall glass as well. The water chamber is at the back and is entirely transparent, so you can quickly check how much water is there.

In a nutshell, De’Longhi C680M Espresso is a bang for the buck. The machine automatically dispenses one or two shots depending on your preference.

Lastly, it has a sleek design, and the entire body is stainless-steel with high-quality plastic. Some coffee machines wobble when brewing, but this isn’t the case with Delonghi C680M Espresso.

What are the pros? 

• Built to last 
• Advanced milk frothing (hot milk and cappuccino options)
• Twin brewing cycle
• Easy to operate 

What are the cons? 

• It cannot prepare more than two shots at a time
• Removing the drip tray is a bit hard 
• It’s a manual coffee maker so you will need to do some cleaning after making a coffee

Read my full Delonghi Dedica review

#2: Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

If you want to experience the real flavor of coffee shop quality Italian espresso, have a look at Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine. It’s a super-automatic coffee maker so forget about the hassles of grinding beans and then adding them to the machine.

The interface is simple and user-friendly and you won’t have a hard time with this machine. The coffee maker has limited buttons, and there isn’t any confusion when brewing a cup of joe. The bigger screen makes it easier to understand the operation you have selected. 

I like the bigger coffee grinding hopper that accommodates a ceramic burr grinder. The coffee machine even features a bypass doser in case you are looking to use pre-ground beans. 

The Panarello steam wand shoots the steam with immense pressure creating rich foam for special beverages.

You don’t get a pitcher with the coffee maker, so get a stainless-steel one for frothing milk. The entire body is stainless-steel that looks premium and doesn’t attract scratches and stains easily. 

This is an intelligent espresso machine with Gaggia Adapting System that automatically adjusts the grinder as per your taste. Furthermore, the bigger drip tray ensures zero spills, and you can remove it for thorough cleaning.

Overall, Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine is what you need to brew delectable coffee on the go. From cup selection to adjust the coffee strength, you can do almost anything just with a click.

Lastly, it is a front-loading coffee machine so you can access the water reservoir and bean hopper for quick refilling.

What are the pros? 

• The stainless-steel panels give it a rich look 
• Rapid Steam technology raises the temperature quickly
• Adjustable ceramic grinder with five settings 
• Cleaning the coffee maker is easy 
• made in Italy

What are the cons?

• There’s one dripper only, so it dispenses one cup at a time
• Not a great choice for kitchens with small countertops

#3: Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore Automatic Espresso Machine

With time the Italian espresso machines have got stylish, and Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore is a perfect example. The machine is compact and looks like a cute vacuum cleaner. However, it houses best-in-class innards that make it a premium coffee maker.

Talking about usability, using the coffee maker is easy. There’s no display, but the buttons and adjustable dial make it simple to brew different types of coffee at home.

Inside the machine, there’s a smart burr grinder with a ceramic crusher. The grinder grinds the beans coarsely without overheating them, so you get perfectly brewed coffee every time.

The best thing is that the grinder is adjustable for five settings, so you have complete control over the coarseness of the beans.

The coffee maker can fill two cups in one go, thanks to the dual-nozzle dripper. Beside the drippers, there is a prolonged steam wand ready to froth the milk.

You get evenly frothed milk with a thick layer of foam floating on the top. The thing I found convenient is the big dial that lets you set the brewing programs. 

There’s no need to wait for the steam, as the superfast water boiler allows immediate steam for frothing. 

Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore is an energy-efficient machine that consumes less power and enters standby mode after one hour of brewing the coffee.

When it comes to cleaning, the Italian espresso machine doesn’t disappoint. You can remove the brewing group to clean it thoroughly. 

In a nutshell, Saeco HD8645/47 Vapore is an amazing coffee brewer with a small footprint. The machine has everything you need to prepare delicious joe every time.

What are the pros? 

• Frothing milk is easier than ever.
• It saves energy, thus brewing coffee doesn’t have to be expensive 
• Easy to store, thanks to the smaller footprint 
• You can brew two cups in a single swoop

What are the cons? 

• The plastic body attracts dust and scratches
• The customer support isn’t that great

#4: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Do you love old-school Italian coffee makers? Well, you should consider the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine then! Rancilio is a very popular producer of Italian commercial espresso machines. And many people say that it’s the best espresso machine out there. The coffee maker has a simple interface that includes four buttons and one knob only to make coffee brewing quick and easy.

It’s a commercial-grade machine, so don’t expect it to offer an energy-saving mode. With a medium footprint, the coffee maker is ideal for small and big kitchens. 

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is a top-load machine, and refilling the coffee beans and water is easy. However, there is no built-in burr grinder, so getting the Rancilio Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder will be a great idea.

The coffee machine comes ready to use, just add the ingredients and press the power button. You can even froth milk with the big frothing arm, just make sure to turn on the steam button.

The best part about using Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is the steam adjustability. Using the knob, you can adjust the flow of steam, so frothing milk will be a spill-free task.

The drip tray is big and covers the coffee dripper and the steam wand to keep the kitchen clean. There’s a cup warming plate on the top so you can get the cups ready while the coffee is getting ready.

I love the stainless-steel body, and it rewards the coffee maker with a chic appeal. Cleaning the Italian espresso machine is easy. However, it may take some time in the beginning. 

To sum up, Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine is a fantastic coffee maker with double boilers. It’s a robust machine with a 2-liter water reservoir to brew multiple cups of coffee on the go. It’s also much more sturdy than usual home espresso machines.

What are the pros? 

• It’s a highly durable coffee machine.
• Dual water boilers for quick availability of steam 
• Adjustable height cup tray
• You can use it with Rancilio capsules and coffee pods

What are the cons? 

• No built-in burr grinder 
• The machine gets noisy sometimes

#5: DeLonghi EC155 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Looking for the best cheap Italian Espresso maker? Have a look at DeLonghi EC155 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. The coffee machine has an elegant design and no fancy features, so it’s perfect for brewing coffee every day.

The coffee maker can dispense two shots at a time, and you can prepare two cups in a single swoop. The bigger dial at the front lets you choose between steam, hot water, and Espresso coffee. 

Furthermore, the coffee maker eliminates the need for start-up preparation as it’s an automatic machine. The coffee machine uses a powerful heating element, and that’s why there’s no temperature gauge at all.

You can control the flow of water and steam separately, and that means you can brew coffee while frothing the milk.

The advanced Espresso maker maintains the optimal temperature and lets you brew cup after cup if you want to brew multiple cups at a time. 

Cleaning the machine is easy, as the convenient water tank is removable. Plus, most of its parts are dishwasher safe, including the drip tray and the reservoir.

Overall, DeLonghi EC155 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker is the coffee maker that’ll serve you with great-tasting Espresso coffee. The espresso machine is affordable and requires lesser maintenance and upkeep. 

DeLonghi is a dependable brand, so you can rest assured about the after-sales service as well.

What are the pros? 

• Short footprint 
• Bigger water reservoir 
• Milk frother with controlled pressure 
• The heating element is efficient 

What are the cons?

• The machine is noisy 
• The portafilter can develop leaks over time 

Types of Italian Espresso Machines 

Italian Espresso machines come in a range of types, and the choice should depend on how dedicated you are. If you are willing to put some effort into preparing delicious coffee, a manual machine should be your choice.

On the other hand, an automatic machine will save you a lot of time, and preparing espresso will be a cakewalk.

Here are the types of espresso machines you’ll find in the market.

Manual espresso machines

As you can easily guess what a manual espresso machine is. It requires you to add fine grounds and water. Furthermore, the filtration process also works manually, and you may have to invest a lot of time in brewing one cup of coffee.

Also, mastering the art of filtration may cost you a few cups of crummy coffee.

Semi-automatic espresso machines 

Next comes semi-automatic Italian espresso machines that are easier to use than manual machines, still you have to put some effort into preparing coffee.

The machines use an automatic system that dispenses the water on the coffee grounds. Moreover, you have the freedom to control the size of the cup without pressing any buttons. But you have to brew coffee manually, as the machine will just dispense water, which is not enough for preparing espresso.

Capsule espresso machines 

Espresso lovers prefer capsule machines for brewing one cup at a time. There are no hassles of grinding the beans and adding them to the chamber. All you need to do is just add the capsule of K-pod to the espresso machine and press the brewing button.

The best part about capsule machines is the consistency. However, you cannot control the strength of the coffee without changing the K-pod or capsule.

Automatic espresso machines 

I also use an automatic espresso maker, and it has made my life pretty easy. The machine works on itself, and all you need to do is select the coffee strength and press the brew button. The machine does everything on its own, and some of them even have a self-cleaning function. 

Super-automatic espresso machines 

Italian Espresso machines have got much smarter, and now your voice command is enough to brew a cup of coffee. Moreover, these machines are compatible with mobile applications, so your smartphone’s screen helps you set the coffee strength and quantity.

Things to Look for When Buying an Italian Espresso Machine (Buyer’s Guide)

Buying the best Italian Espresso Machine may sound easy, but it can be a challenging task. When I was looking for an Espresso machine, I was totally unaware of what to look at and how to choose a maker, and as a result, I bought an average machine which I returned later.

So, if you don’t want to settle down with an average machine, make sure to check out these factors:

Capacity 

The choice of the Italian Espresso Machine should depend on its capacity. Are you looking for a machine to use at home or a restaurant? Machines for homes are smaller and tend to have less capacity than commercial-grade coffee makers.

Have a look at how many cups the coffee maker can brew in one go to determine if it fits your needs.

Ease of use 

Always go for an espresso coffee machine that’s easy to use and doesn’t require you to attend masterclasses. Go for an espresso machine that even the elderly can use. 

All the coffee makers that I’ve reviewed in this list are easy to operate. So, you can choose any of them to enjoy a cup of joe. 

Type 

I have explained the types of Italian Espresso machines in this post. Now it’s time to choose the right one. Based on the explanation, your needs, and your budget, you can select the type that’s perfect for you.

Footprint 

If you have a massive kitchen with a lot of counter space available, you can prefer any coffee maker. But if you have a small kitchen, you need an espresso machine with a smaller footprint. 

There are some good Italian Espresso machines like Delonghi Dedica Espresso Machine that have a smaller footprint. 

Power requirement 

An espresso machine that serves you great-tasting coffee every day is good! What if it consumes a lot of power, and the hike clearly reflects in the utility bills? Well, it may not sound like a deal.

Always check the power consumption of the coffee maker to ensure using it is affordable. All the best Italian Espresso machines I’ve listed in this article are suitable for use at home. 

Certifications

By having a look at the certificate, you can quickly find out if the machine you are planning to purchase really delivers what it promises. Some coffee makers come with a certificate that ensures that the machine meets the food safety laws of your state.

Budget 

Italian espresso machines are available at a range of options with varying prices. Some machines can cost up to $200, whereas some machines can cost as low as $50-60. The choice depends on the type, brand, and capacity.

Having a budget in mind will save you from overspending. 

Accessories to Buy with an Italian Espresso Coffee Machine 

So, you are all set to buy the best Italian Espresso machine? Great, you are just a few steps away from enjoying a cup of Espresso at home!

But wait, do you have the required accessories in place? Most of these coffee machines don’t come with all the required accessories. 

Here are the accessories you need right away to use with the Espresso machine.

Push tamper 

Having a push tamper will help you achieve consistency when brewing espresso. Furthermore, a study discovered that push-style tampers could reduce the risk of back and wrist injuries. 

I am using LuxHaus 58mm Calibrated Pressure Tamper for Coffee and Espresso at the moment, and it’s perfect for pressing the grounds in the filter.

Knock box 

Having a knock box is necessary to get rid of the coffee grounds puck. You can even remove the puck manually, but having a knock box reduces the mess, and you can empty it directly in the trash bin. 

Espresso machine cleaner 

Cleaning an espresso machine is imperative to extend its lifespan. But cleaning a coffee maker requires you to invest in cleaning supplies. 

I’m using CleanEspresso Espresso Machine cleaning tablets. It’s a pack of 20 tabs and six filters. Just toss the pill into the water reservoir, and you can clean the innards of the machine with ease.

Milk pitcher 

You cannot prepare espresso without a milk pitcher, so having one is essential. Get a milk pitcher with a big handle so that you can use it for frothing as well. 

Tamping mat 

A good tamping mat will protect the counter from any damages. Just buy a thick mat to ensure that the counter remains protected when you tamper the coffee grounds. 

Shot glasses 

There’s no need to explain why you need shot glasses with an Espresso coffee maker. Buy a set of high-quality and durable glasses to enjoy shots of espresso coffee with your friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Italian Espresso Machines 

PS If you are after a delicious espresso you may also find these articles useful:

• Best espresso machine under $200
• A minimal and white espresso machine that will change your kitchen (5 picks)

My Verdict 

You are just an espresso machine away from enjoying espresso, latte, and cappuccino at home. Just go through these best Italian espresso machine reviews, and find a machine that fulfills your requirements and is under the budget.

My recommendation is De’Longhi Dedica EC680M Espresso. It offers the highest quality shot of espresso and comes at a really affordable price. It’s very small and will fit your kitchen really well.

However, if you are still struggling just make sure to go through the buying guide and accessory section as well to have everything required to prepare coffee. So, what are you waiting for? Buy the coffee machine and start brewing great-tasting Barista-level coffee in your kitchen.