If you have sat down and added up all the money you spend on coffee, espresso, and coffee based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos you have probably come to the conclusion that it’s time to get your own machine. With so many out there to choose from how do you know which one to buy? To keep you from having to buy and restore several machines, we’ve listed the top sellers for you along with why they are considered the best.

These machines have been judged using looks, quality of machine (consistency, crema, etc.), convenience, value and price.

The Capresso Espresso Pro

With a cost of around $250 this machine has a striving-for-art deco look, but it missed that mark slightly. On the other hand, it makes a quick espresso shot s without making a huge mess. The frothing wand really siphons the milk out the tank and into the wand, unlike other machines that send the steam into a pitcher of milk.

Although the machine is small and relatively simple to use, most reviewers crash that the espresso is bitter and has a burnt taste.

Krups

Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. It isn’t an art piece to be oohed and ahhed over, but it does make a high grade espresso. Priced at around $180, this machine is not completely consistent in its manufacture. When it does produce a excellent espresso, it is really excellent. Reviewers stated that its consistency is around 66% reliable. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.

Krups benefit specialty didn’t fare much better with reviewers. All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.

Starbuck Barista

Priced at $399 this machine is a small on the high-priced side, but not near as high-priced as some other models. Having the Starbucks name implies that this is going to produce an brilliant espresso, and it doesn’t let you down. While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an brilliant scale.

The Barista is simple to use, well designed and simple to master. The only drawback reviewers found was the steam wand is on l the left side of the maker. Most people will tend to reach to the right. This is simply a matter of becoming accustomed to success to the left. One final plus for the Barista is that Starbucks does have a wonderful customer benefit.

Gaggia Classic

This espresso maker hasn’t changed in at least 20 years and probably won’t for another 20 to come. The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines.  That could account for why this machine makes such a fantastic espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema.  And all at around $499.

The Gaggia has simple controls that are easily learned and is also simple to clean and maintain. The only negative aspect reviewers reported was a small cup warmer and the length of time it takes to warm up.

Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all. On the other hand you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality machine. The Gaggia makes a wonderfully thick, rich espresso with a golden crema and doesn’t cost as much as many other models.
 

Katya Coen provides information on the best espresso machines for Espresso Xpert – your online handbook to espresso!