Best Steam Espresso Machines

There is nothing that compares to pressure forced coffee, that is why Cafes are doing so well with their high pressure steam espresso machines. But that is not to say that you can not get rich, concentrated coffee made by forcing pressurised hot water at home. You need one of these steam espresso machine.

Richer, stronger, and quicker than regular coffee; espresso is a perfect start for your morning or a perfect end to your meal. Known for its powerful flavor, espresso is a concentrated form of coffee made by forcing pressurized, hot water through finely ground coffee beans.

From espresso, you can then make your favourite beverage with warm milk for latte, frothy milk for cappuccino, hot water for a long coffee or americano or any of your favourite coffee recipe.

These manual steam espresso machines stay true to the whole theater of preparing coffee the traditional way instead of pushing a button with automatic bean to cup machines. With these steam espresso machines, you take the time to make your cup of tailored espresso coffee just the way you like it.

Most machines are easy-to-operate, compact, delivers excellent espresso or delicious cappuccino quickly. All steam espresso machines come with steam wand for frothing milk for cappuccinos and heating up milk with steam for lattes. There is typically a cup warming plate on top of the machine and a group head with adapter so you can use the machine for convenient espresso pods or ground coffee. There is also a removable and drip tray and water reservoir for easy cleaning and refilling.

Top 10 Best Steam Espresso Machines

1. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
2. Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine – BEAN GRINDER
3. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – BEAN GRINDER 
4. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine – COMMERCIAL DESIGN
5. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker BVMC-ECMP1000 – AUTOMATIC MILK FROTHER
6. Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine – COMMERCIAL DESIGN
7. De’Longhi EC680 Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine – COMPACT
8. Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker
9. De’Longhi ECP3420 15 Bar Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Machine
10. Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

BUDGET: Entry Level Low Cost Espresso Machines

1. BELLA 13683 Espresso Maker – GLASS CARAFE, BUDGET 
2. De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso Maker – BUDGET
3. Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine – GLASS CARAFE, BUDGET

BONUS: New to the Market

• Bialetti Steam Espresso Coffee Machine – GLASS CARAFE
• Bialetti Mokona Trio Espresso Machine – QUIRKY & UNIQUE DESIGN
• De’Longhi Scultura Traditional Pump Espresso Coffee – TRADITIONAL LOOK

Let’s check out each of these excellent coffee machines in turn.

1. Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Easily the most impressive dual boiler steam espresso machine. It uses two separate boilers, one for espresso making and the other for the steam wand for heating and frothing milk. This makes it easier and quicker to prepare your drink. Simply start the espresso and you can take your time frothing your milk withing any loss of pressure.

The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler offers commercial features and performance, in a domestic footprint. Espresso perfection requires precision temperature and pressure control, consistently, every time. The Breville does this with technology not found on other espresso makers.

The espresso boiler, for the espresso shot, is PID temperature controlled, while a separate steam boiler offers instant and powerful steam on demand. So you can extract your shot at the right temperature, delivering optimal flavor, while simultaneously steaming your milk to cafe quality.

There is another element in the group head, ensuring the entire system maintains a consistent temperature. The Dual Boiler also features an Over Pressure Valve (OPV) which limits the maximum pressure throughout the extraction, preventing bitter flavors in the shot.

It also offers a true low pressure pre-infusion, which gradually increases the pressure to gently expand the grinds for an even extraction. But there’s much more to this machine for the coffee geek. Brew temperature and pre-infusion pressure and duration are all programmable.

An optional Auto Start setting preheats the machine at a programmed time; a top-fill 84 oz. (2.5L) water tank ensures easy access; and the dedicated hot water outlet makes it faster to preheat cups and prepare an Americano.

There is also a shot clock and pressure gauge to help you improve your barista skills over time. The new Dual Boiler now includes a descaling function for cleaning at home, a Razor Dosing Tool for precision dosing and consistent extraction. All you’ll need are some freshly ground beans and a bit of practice to rival the best cafe.

• Dual stainless steel boilers and dual Italian pumps for simultaneous espresso extraction and steaming
• Over-Pressure Valve (OPV) limits extraction pressure to prevent bitter flavour in the extraction.
• Electronic PID temperature control for precise water temperature
• Backlit LCD displays brew temperature, shot clock or time
• 2.5L water tank – BIGGEST WATER TANK
• Includes water hardness test strip, descale alert and LCD assisted descale procedure

2. Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine – BEAN GRINDER

The only way the Breville Steam Espresso Machine can get better is if it comes with a bean grinder, wait a minute, this one has it built-in. The 980XL also has the iconic Dual Boiler but the Oracle has a Bean Hopper and bean grinder built-in to complete the barista style machine you find down at the local cafe. The displays are also funny digital including the pressure gauge in the middle.

The Oracle is the world’s first automatic manual espresso machine that brings true cafe quality to your home without the barista. The Oracle has automatic grinding, dosing, tamping and milk texturing, automating the two most difficult parts of manual espresso.

• Automatically grinds, doses & tamps the required amount of coffee for mess free, barista-quality espresso
• Programmable hands-free milk texturing with automatic purge
• Dual stainless steel boilers & dual Italian pumps with PID; Boilers can be descaled by user
• One Touch Americano delivers water directly into the cup after extraction; 3 preset & 6 customisable settings
• Programmable shot temperature from 190 Degree-205 Degree. Displays in either Degree F or Degree C

3. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – BEAN GRINDER

If you are not quite ready for such a big investment, a cheaper version of the Oracle (above) is available in the form of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine which is equally impressive also with a conical burr grinder and a 1/2 lb sealed bean hopper, 2L water tank and conventional pressure gauge instead of digital display.

4. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Iron frame construction with stainless steel side panels, the Rancilio Silvia’s build quality is impressive. It has a 12oz boiler and uses 58 mm porta filter with a 2 Quartz water reservoir. The machien is built to last with strong linear designed housing similar to commercial units albeit smaller.

It uses the Rancilio’s commercial grade group head for better heat stability and premium extraction. The patented ergonomic 58mm porta filter is exactly the same as those used on Rancilio’s commercial machines.

The single boiler has the largest capacity in class holding 0.3 Liters (12ox) of water in a chrome plated brass boiler, producing outstanding steaming power and make for better recovery time between shots.

The 2 Quartz water reservoir is removable or can be filled from the top of the unit during operation. The Rancilio Silvia features an articulating stainless steel steam wand that allows for a complete range of motion for steaming perfect latte quality milk.

The steam is controlled from a commercially designed steam knob. The unit includes a 7 gram coffee scoop, a plastic tamper and two filter baskets (single and double).

• Ergonomic porta filter handle same as the proven design of Rancilio commercial machines
• Commercial grade group head for superb heat stability and extraction quality
• Articulating steam wand offers complete range of motion and professional steaming knob precisely controls steaming pressure
• Classic linear design fits most decors

OPTIONAL Base: Rancilio HSD-BS50 Base for Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine and Rocky Grinder (BASE ONLY)

5. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker BVMC-ECMP1000 – AUTOMATIC MILK FROTHER

The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista features an automatic milk frother with milk carafe and milk dispenser built-in. It features One-Touch Control Panel for single or double shot espresso, cappuccino or latte taking out the guess work.

The Automatic Milk Frother lets you make your perfect cappuccino or latte effortlessly, frothing up milk and making it warm, bubbly and creamy ready to top your drink.

The Milk and water reservoirs are removable for each storage or cleaning. It has an adjustable cup tray, one for short and another for tall mugs or cups. The tray for short cup or mug is drawn from under the milk jug platform.

The unit includes single and double shot filters, measuring scoop, tamper and coffee recipes.

• 15 bar pump pressure with integrated milk container
• The only pump espresso in our list with automatic milk frother with removable milk reservoir
• Include single or double shot filter, measuring scoop, tamper and coffee recipes
• Three pre-programmed for single or double shot espresso, cappuccino or latte, height adjustable cup platform for smaller or bigger cup, removable drip tray
• 55 ounce removable water reservoir

6. Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine

The Gaggia Classic in brushed stainless steel has a big capacity removable water reservoir. It uses a brass porta filter and group head for temperature stability. It also has a powerful boiler that pushes steam out at 17.5 bar instead of the standard 15 bar found typically on most machines. The single boiler supplies the grouphead, dispenses hot water  or used to froth milk via the frothing wand. The unit includes single and double shot stainless steel filter basket, tamper and measuring scoop.

The machine is built to commercial grade specifications with rugged construction using heavy duty materials for longevity. Forged brass componetns offers stability in temperature and a three-way solenoid valve controls the steam flow. The Gaggia 14101 combines advanced technology with classic design.

• 17.5 bar pump with high voltage boiler for hot water dispenser and frothing wand
• Single or double shot stainless steel 58mm filter basket, tamper and measuring scoop included
• 72-ounce removable water reservoir – BIG CAPACITY WATER TANK

7. De’Longhi EC680 Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine – COMPACT

Sleek design taking the least footprint and space compared to other espresso machines, the Dedica only uses 6-inch of space. Using De’Longhi’s Thermo block technology, it heats up and retains the ideal temperature quickly in 35-40 seconds. The Cappuccino Frothing system makes barista standard foam. It has sturdy stainless steel construction and preset buttons with automatic flow stop.

• 15 bar pump pressure with thermo block technology allows machine to heat up to the ideal temperature in 40 seconds
• Compact, only take up 6-inch of space, saves counter space
• Flow stop feature delivers single or double shot espresso
• Three in one filter for single shot, double shot or espresso pod, built-in cup warmer, illuminated easy to use control panel

8. Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker

• 950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine made of heavy-duty stainless steel
• ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system provides uniform, constant pump pressure
• Removable 2-1/4-quart water reservoir can be refilled from the top at any time
• Cup warming area allows up to 9 cups to be warmed before use
• Measures 9-1/2 by 9-1/4 by 12-1/2 inches

BUDGET

If you are not prepare to splash out on a premium espresso machine, one of these low cost espresso maker may be for you.

2. De’Longhi EC155 15-Bar Pump Espresso Maker – BUDGET

Enjoy delicious espresso made your way with the DeLonghi pump espresso and cappuccino maker. Choose to use ground espresso or E.S.E pods with the unique patented dual filter holder.

Enjoy espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats. The unit uses an easy-to-use swivel jet frother, which makes perfect drinks every time.

It includes a self-priming system to eliminate start-up wait time and has the usuals; removable water tank and drip tray. The boiler is made from high-quality stainless steel.

• Input Power: 1100 watts
• Boiler: Stainless Steel
• Pump Pressure: 15-bar
• Cup Warmer

3. Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine – GLASS CARAFE, BUDGET

Mr. Coffee® Café Espresso Steam Espresso and Cappuccino Maker makes rich espresso, bold cappuccinos and creamy lattes. Brews 1-4 cups of espresso into easy-pour glass decanter with drip-free spout. Frother steams milk up light and creamy to top off your coffee drinks. Designed with removable drip tray and cord storage. Recipes and measuring scoop included.

• Steam Heat forces hot steam through the filter for dark, rich espresso brew
• Frothing Arm makes creamy froth to top off your cappuccinos and lattes
• Easy Pour Glass Carafe serves up to 4 shots with just the tilt of the wrist
• The Drip Catcher is a removable, washable drip tray to collect coffee drips and keep brew space neat and clean

BONUS

When searching for a suitable espresso coffee machine, it is worth considering some of the newer models in the market. The following are new espresso coffee makers to reach the shelves.

Bialetti Steam Espresso Coffee Machine – GLASS CARAFE [NEW]

• Top warming plate keeps cups warm with stainless steel catch around the edge that stops cups from falling off
• 18 oz. Reservoir Size, Dial Selector (espresso, steam or off) and Power Indicator Light
• Steam wand for frothing or warming milk for cappuccino or latte
• 4 cup capacity glass carafe. Dishwasher safe carafe and attachments
• Built-in cord storage, removable drip tray and coffee measuring scoop included
• Measures 10″ W x 6.6″ D x 11.34″ H

Bialetti Mokona Trio Espresso Machine – QUIRKY & UNIQUE [NEW]

Bialetti Mokona Trio is a three in one machine capable of taking coffee capsule, Coffee pod or Ground coffee. Also available in Rossa Trasparaente (Red), Trasp Nera (Black) and Bianco Panna (Cream).

De’Longhi Scultura Traditional Pump Espresso Coffee – TRADITIONAL LOOK

• Stylish traditional coffee machine with high gloss finish, available in silver, black, grey or champagne.
• Power: 1100 Watt
• High performance 15 bar pump pressure
• Removable 1.4 litre water tank
• Great for making cappuccinos, lattes and espresso
• Matching kettle and toaster also available