For some, the morning coffee is as important and personal to us as our clothing choices. Some people prefer a drip machine or a single-cup Keurig coffee brewer, while others prefer the pour-over method.
Suppose espresso is your go-to coffee, and you’re on the hunt for the best Italian espresso machines. In that case, luckily, you’re at the right place because we’re going to crack down on the top best Italian espresso machines that are just for espresso lovers.
Our experts have done hard work and deep research to find the Best Italian espresso machines. Read this article to the end because we’re going to compare various espresso coffee makers, including a buying guide and the frequently asked questions.
But before we start, let us tell you some basics of an espresso machine so you know what you’re looking for and what fits your preferences.
Table of Contents
Espresso Machine Basics:
Automatic VS Superautomatic:
Espresso machines are available for beginners and experts too. The basic machine type is an amazing factor in determining how easy it is to use an espresso machine.
However, semiautomatic machines are the trickiest to learn and operate, most of the machines that you see in business today are semiautomatic because the user has the maximum control over the brewing process. You can customize everything according to your preferences.
Automatic machines, however, are the best for beginners because they work on the programmed settings and the user doesn’t really have to worry about the timing of each espresso shot. You can’t customize it, it works on its own programmed settings. Instead of just controlling the brewing cycle, these models will grind, tamp, brew, and even steam the milk for you. You just need to select the drink that you need from the programmed settings and it’ll be prepared.
Now you must be wondering, which one’s the best?
The answer is none of them are better than one another in making tasty espresso shots. It’s all about your preferences and what really fits your personal or business needs because each has its pros and cons.
Semiautomatic machines are a bit tricky to master because the user has full control over the length of shots, but it’s good to experiment with or make highly specialized drinks on them.
Automatic machines are easier and more consistent but they’re not as flexible as semiautomatic machines because you depend on the machine to end the brewing cycle for you. Automatic machines are not customizable but they’re inexpensive on the other hand, semiautomatic machines are customizable but are expensive.
Direct Connect VS Pour-Over:
In a commercial setting, you’ll mostly find direct connect machines than pour-over machines. That’s because the direct connect machines are directly connected with the water supply and they refill water automatically with the water connection. So, you don’t need to keep a close eye on if the water level’s low or when to stop filling water in these machines.
On the other hand, pour-over machines are required to refill water manually when the water level’s low. So, in busy shops or businesses with a high demand for espresso coffee, stopping everything to refill the water tank can be really inconvenient.
But for home usage for mobile businesses where coffee demand is low, pour-over machines are good. If you’re using a pour-over machine, our experts highly recommend using water filters and softeners because that’ll protect your machine and maintain the quality of water as well.
Group Heads:
When you got a line of customers waiting outside for their coffee, it’s important for you that your coffee machine works fast.
Although many other factors contribute to the efficiency of an Italian espresso machine the most important is, how many groups of heads it has. Two group heads mean double the quantity of drinks as one group head. The more the groups of heads the more your coffee machine will brew cups of coffee at a time.
Our Recommendations Best Italian Espresso Machines
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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DELONGHI ESAM 3300 Italian Espresso Machine – (Best Overall) | Top Pick Easy to use. Customizable. Easy to clean. Attractive. |
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Delonghi Italian Espresso Maker – (Best Value) | Amazing design. Sleek and compact. Perfect size. Inexpensive. Delicious espresso. |
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Gaggia Brera Italian Espresso Machine – (Best for cappuccino): | Versatile. Easy to use. Customizable. |
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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine – (Best for espresso) | Three-way solenoid valve. Easy to clean and maintain. Compact and sturdy design. User-friendly. |
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Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine, | Dual heating elements. A Quiet pump mounting. Good for beginners. Not so expensive. |
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Nuova Simonelli Oscar II – (Best Design) | Easy to maintain and clean. An espresso machine with amazing latte art. Aesthetically designed. Not fully-automatic. |
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De Longhi ECAM45760B Eletta – (Super Automatic) | Highly customizable drinks. Automatic and manual frothing. Auto cleanses itself. Detachable milk carafe. |
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Saeco’s Incanto carafe – (Most versatile) | Durable. Automatic frothing. Plastic Body |
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8 Top Best Italian Espresso Machines in 2023 :
There can be great models of espresso machines out there but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Italy is the homeland of espresso so it’s no surprise that there are various amazing Italian espresso machines available in the market.
If you’re reading this article, you must be on the hunt to find out the best Italian espresso machine on the market. But people can get confused when they see plenty of options but that’s why we’re here. Our experts have checked all the Italian espresso machines and compiled the best ones for you all. So, keep reading this article till the end and we assure you that by the end you’ll be able to have one of your own.
1. DELONGHI ESAM 3300 Italian Espresso Machine – Best Overall:
One of our favorite Italian espresso machines and the first one on our list is the Delonghi espresso machine model. The one and only De Longhi Magnifica super-automatic espresso machine’s latest iteration. It’s easy to use because it takes whatever it is to make you a delicious cup of espresso coffee. It also offers enough customization options so that you get exactly what you want.
One thing that stands this coffee maker out from all the other inexpensive options on our list it’s double boiler system. It has separate boilers for both steaming milk and pulling espresso. This means that you can do both sides by side and both of these boilers come to temperature in under a minute.
Your morning will get more efficient with this espresso machine. Because its built-in premium quality conical burr grinder offers 13 grind settings and that insane, more than enough settings to get your perfect espresso shot. A bypass doser is also available if you use pre-ground coffee for a late evening decaf.
All you need is to press the button for a single or double espresso shot, the brew head will also adjust itself automatically, depending on your choice. Then you just need to customize the strength and size of your coffee and the machine will store these settings for the future.
A steam wand will manually do the milk frothing. That’s the high-quality milk froth and it’ll also give you ultimate control over the texture of the milk. You just need to know that it might need a little practice to master.
This espresso maker is easy to use and easy to clean which makes it a great option for a single person or even for a family. The minimal style of this machine is also a plus one. Now you can see why this machine is the first one on our list, right?
2. Delonghi EC680M Italian Espresso Maker – Best Value:
It’s more of a basic espresso machine with a low price, but don’t let that turn you off. This espresso maker might miss some bells and whistles but it has everything that you might need to make a fancy espresso.
The compact size and the fun style of this little brewer has our heart. It’s at least 6 inches wide and can easily fit into any kitchen.
Are you thinking that it’s flimsy? No, it’s not, thanks to its stainless steel construction, its sturdy and durable, and all that at such a low price. Amazing, right?
There’s more to this espresso brewer, despite its small size, it has a perfect clearance between the brew head and the drip tray. It’s shocking because most espresso makers lack this thing, manufacturers don’t pay much attention to it. You can easily fit a large cappuccino mug and a digital scale with Dedica. That’s something amazing about its design.
In this budget model, you won’t get a built-in grinder, but it does come with a 3-in-one filter basket. You can easily get a single or even double shot using freshly ground coffee. You can also use an ESE pod if you want to. They’re a bit expensive but they do ensure consistency and they’re time-saving as well.
It is an amazing fully automatic Italian espresso machine which means that it has a flowmeter for you to monitor the progression of your shots. You can’t pull the shots, you can only grind, dose, and tamp. Some people like to be in control of the frothing which they will be with this espresso machine.
Now that we’ve discussed all the good parts, so let’s just be honest here because some people have reported that their Delonghi broke within a month or so. You need to be very careful that you don’t break it. Otherwise, with this price tag, you won’t get anything better than this one.
3. Gaggia Brera Italian Espresso Machine – Best for cappuccino:
Gaggia is a name known to all when it comes to Italian espresso machines. They’re known for their exceptional quality, simple navigation, and classic designs.
Throughout history, their emphasis was always on the exceptional quality of espresso and that’s what reflects in their espresso machines.
Gaggia Brera Italian Espresso Machine is equipped with Gaggia’s unique Pannarello steam wand that uses an intake hole to pump air directly into the milk, causing a rich and velvety foam. That’s one of the main reasons why we love this machine, because of its milky drinks. Honestly, that’s the best cappuccino system on our list.
Not a dual boiler, Gaggia uses rapid steam technology in this system to temperature in 10 seconds.
A high-end built-in grinder is also incorporated into this amazing coffee maker.
That’s not it. The most amazing and astounding thing about this coffee maker is its patented adapting system. Your coffee beans are usually learned by the grinder which then sets the grind fitness accordingly. This means that you don’t have to do much to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee because Gaggia Brera Italian Espresso Machine will do the job for you.
Their smart design strategy is also evident in this espresso machine because both the water tank and dregs bin are accessible from the front. That’s so convenient especially when you’re placing the coffee maker in a cupboard. We should be thanking Brera’s compact design.
Talking about the drawbacks, the water reservoir is small and the machine’s small too, which means that some cups won’t fit in. also, the steam wand dispenses the hot water which can be a little less sanitary.
4. Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine – Best for espresso:
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machines have been on the top for two decades and there’s a reason for that. These espresso machines have the commercial model’s soul and they’re like the Italian cousin of Breville espresso machine models.
This machine is just for you if you want to pull espresso shots like a pro.
The latest model of the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine has some very amazing updates. One of our favorites is the enhanced energy efficiency. The new brass boiler is almost 8% more efficient in standby mode than the older versions. It also contains a commercial-style 3-way solenoid valve which relieves the pressure and makes your espresso puck dry and easy to clean.
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machines are sturdier than most home espresso machines, with brass components and stainless steel side panels this machine makes a perfect fit for you.
Its strong design will be nicely rooted on your kitchen shelf and it also means that it’s built to last. In fact, the oldest models of Silvia Espresso machines are still working amazingly.
Also, it’s a semi-automatic espresso machine so it won’t do everything for you. You should consider it as an opportunity to be more involved in the brewing process and master the art of making espresso shots.
You can also froth milk at any angle and a manually adjustable knob to get the perfect texture of milk. But these machines don’t have hot water want, you should consider this if you love tea or Americanos.
5. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro Espresso Machine
The second Gaggia RI9380/46 Italian espresso machine on our list is Classic Pro. This machine is perfect for those who’re trying their hands on espresso machines for the first time.
This espresso machine is easy to use and is inexpensive as well. It’s a huge setup under this price tag. Just like the other semi-automatic espresso machines, this will also take some practice before you dial in the perfect grind, dose, and shot timing. If you’re new to home espresso, then this machine will be great fun for you.
A lot of people love this machine because it’s the perfect espresso machine for home use. And now the latest model has some very cool upgrades.
There’s a commercial-grade steam wand instead of the Panarello wand which allows you to generate tighter microfoam that’s perfect for latte art. The user interface and stainless steel frame have also been upgraded for a simpler operation and compact look.
The pump mounting has also been kept quiet because no one wants to hear something loud in the morning before the caffeine intake.
Dual heating elements are perfect to get the boiler to temperature fast. That’s something amazing for rushed mornings, you’ll have your espresso shot in no time. And like the Silvia, the classic pro also has a commercial-style 3-way solenoid valve to create no mess after brewing.
6. Nuova Simonelli Oscar II – Best Design
Want to save some money? Who doesn’t? Instead of buying both the espresso machine and the artwork for your kitchen, go for the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II espresso machine.
It’s a high-quality Italian espresso machine that also has a piece of modern art. Its glittery chrome exterior and aesthetic design make it look more like a piece of art than just a coffee machine.
This espresso machine is the updated version of the original oscar model, that’s a highly popular espresso maker that was designed for professional quality espresso at a reasonable price tag. This new model is lighter, durable, and faster than the earlier model.
It’s easy to use and a fully-automatic machine. All you need to do is to dial in your grind and set a timed dosage, the rest will be handled by the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. The interface of this espresso machine is amazingly simple with just two buttons, one for a single shot of espresso and the second for a double espresso shot. You just need to master the grind and tamp, and your perfect espresso shot will just be a button away.
Moreover, the steam wand is articulated and long enough, so it works with any frothing vessel. That’s not it, it’s controlled by a manual steam lever that allows you to regulate the steam flow. This is just the machine for you if you are a lover of latte art.
7. De Longhi ECAM45760B Eletta – Super Automatic:
Do you dream of having an espresso machine that does everything for you? Well, this machine will make your dream come true.
The automatic frothing of this machine uses De Longhi’s patented LatteCrema system so that you can get a cappuccino or latte just the way you like. You can even customize your drink’s temperature, strength, and milk-to-espresso ratio, and this machine will store your preferences for your future drinks.
Despite all this customization, this machine works pretty straightforwardly. All you need to check is there are coffee beans in the hopper and the water reservoir is full, and Eletta will do the rest for you.
Its integrated burr grinder will give you freshly grounded beans every time, and it can also be adjusted to suit your coffee beans. This espresso machine has a massive register of 11 different drinks and all of them are customizable. 7 of these drinks are available just by pressing a single button, like a single espresso, a double espresso, latte, cappuccino, hot water, coffee, and macchiato.
You can detach the milk carafe so you can store the milk in the fridge after usage. Moreover, it auto cleanses itself after each usage by running hot steam through the plumbing so that no milk’s left behind. The best part? If you don’t want an automatic frothing, you can switch to the manual steam wand instead.
8. Saeco’s Incanto carafe – Most versatile:
The Incanto is about half the price of Eletta and lacks some functionality but we still love it because it’s quite affordable to get a consistent dose of latte or cappuccino by just touching a button.
This espresso machine is cheap mostly because it has a plastic body but this won’t affect the quality of your coffee. Although the front face of the machine is made up of robust stainless steel which gives it a premium look and also ensures durability.
It has a ceramic burr grinder which is of high quality and known to make nicely even grounds for the most delicious espresso.
This espresso machine also incorporates Saeco’s popular AquaClean filtration system. This filtration system not only ensures that you’ll get fresh water for your brew but also makes sure that you’ll have to descale this machine far less than any other.
Its automatic frothing allows enjoying one-touch milky drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. That’s one of those functions that come with higher price tags in other models. If you want a cappuccino in the morning, but don’t want to go through all those steps involved in making it, this easy-to-use espresso maker has got you covered. This Italian espresso machine will save your daily money from going to a coffee shop.
Buying guide: Choosing the best Italian Espresso Machines:
Now that you have decided that you want an Italian espresso machine before you go out shopping, we want you to sit and consider a few things. What kind of coffee maker do you want? That’s the main thing that’ll define your preferences.
What are you exactly looking for?
How much is your coffee intake? Do you want it for yourself or for your office or a family? Do you really need to buy a Simonelli Oscar II? Do you need to buy a steamer or a frother separately or do you want them in one espresso machine? These are good questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.
Super-automatic or semi-automatic?
If you’re a beginner, you should probably start with something more automatic.
Semiautomatic machines are the trickiest to learn and operate, most of the machines that you see in business today are semiautomatic because the user has maximum control over the brewing process. You can customize everything according to your preferences.
Automatic machines, however, are the best for beginners because they work on the programmed settings and the user doesn’t really have to worry about the timing of each espresso shot. You can’t customize it, it works on its own programmed settings. Instead of just controlling the brewing cycle, these models will grind, tamp, brew, and even steam the milk for you. You just need to select the drink that you need from the programmed settings and it’ll be prepared.
Are you entertaining large groups?
Do you want an espresso machine to fulfill your daily dose of caffeine or do you want it to impress your friends? Or maybe you’re hosting a party and you want it to be the centerpiece, then aesthetics will be more important to you than functionality.
How much are you spending?
You should definitely think about how much are you spending. And you should also consider how much espresso you want to brew. Some machines have smaller reservoirs and will only brew a single or two cups while others have larger reservoirs and will be more suitable for large social gatherings.
Bottom Line:
There you have it, the top best Italian espresso machines for everyone. We have also mentioned which one would be economical, which would be good overall, and which would be good in functionality. We understand that there are plenty of options in the market and one can get confused when it comes to selecting one espresso machine, but we do hope that this list would be of great help to you. Happy brewing!
FAQs:
Which is the best Italian coffee machine?
One of our favorite Italian espresso machines is the Delonghi espresso machine model. The one and only De Longhi Magnifica super-automatic espresso machine’s latest iteration. It’s easy to use because it takes whatever it is to make you a delicious cup of espresso coffee. It also offers enough customization options so that you get exactly what you want.
Do Italian coffee machines better?
There can be great models of espresso machines out there but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Italy is the homeland of espresso so it’s no surprise that there are various amazing Italian espresso machines available in the market. Read the article, to know more about the top Italian espresso machines.
Which espresso machine does the Italian use?
Most of them use one of our own favorites, the one and only De Longhi Magnifica super-automatic espresso machine’s latest iteration. It’s easy to use because it takes whatever it is to make you a delicious cup of espresso coffee. It also offers enough customization options so that you get exactly what you want.
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