10 best espresso machines in 2026 (242+ compared)

Topping the Ariete selection is Ariete 1313, earning an overall score of 6.69 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.000 L, and costing around £410.

The Ariete 1313 is a semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a full stainless steel body, a 1600W power system, and a 15-bar pump with an integrated pressure gauge. Its standout characteristics include a built-in coffee grinder with an 11-step adjustment knob, a 220g bean hopper, a large 2-litre removable water tank, a Maxi Cappuccino steam wand, and a heated cup warming base.

Best value alternative: Ariete 1318W, with an overall score of 6.16 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 0.800 L, and a price of around £150.

Check out our in-depth best Ariete coffee machines guide to view detailed specifications and ratings.

Our top-rated Black+Decker espresso machine is BLACK + DECKER BXCO850E, achieving an overall score of 6.33 points, a pump pressure of 20 bar, a water tank of 1.500 L, and priced around £90.

The BLACK + DECKER BXCO850E is an 850W traditional espresso coffee machine equipped with a powerful 20-bar Italian pressure pump, a 1.5-liter removable water tank, and an intuitive touchscreen control panel. Designed exclusively for ground coffee, it features an integrated pre-infusion system and Extra Cream technology to enhance flavor extraction, alongside a swivel steam wand for milk frothing and a top cup-warming tray.

Runner-up: BLACK + DECKER BXCO800E, with an overall score of 4.66 points, a pump pressure of 3.5 bar, a water tank of 0.240 L, and a price of around £55.

Our top-rated Gaggia espresso machine is Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza Deluxe, achieving an overall score of 6.31 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.400 L, and priced around £220.

The Gaggia RI8525/01 Carezza Deluxe is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 1900W stainless steel boiler, 15-bar pump pressure, and a front-loading 1.4-litre water tank. Key characteristics include an integrated retro temperature gauge, automatic pre-infusion for enhanced flavour extraction, and a pressurized "Crema Perfetta" portafilter compatible with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods.

Runner-up: Gaggia Classic Pro 886948011010, with an overall score of 6.05 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.100 L, and a price of around £440.

For more top-rated models from this brand, check our best Gaggia coffee machines guide.

Leading the Krups lineup is Krups Opio XP320840, delivering an overall score of 5.95 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.500 L, and retailing for around £95.

The Krups Opio XP320840 is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 15-bar pump system, an 1140W rapid-heating aluminum boiler, and a generous 1.5-liter removable water tank. It operates using manual rotary controls and includes single and double shot filter holders, a built-in cup warmer, a removable drip tray, and an integrated steam nozzle for milk frothing.

Runner-up: Krups XP344010, with an overall score of 5.94 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.100 L, and a price of around £130.

See our complete best Krups coffee machines guide for in-depth comparisons and alternatives.

Leading the Salter lineup is Salter EK4369 Caffé Barista Pro, delivering an overall score of 5.67 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.200 L, and retailing for around £80.

The Salter EK4369 Caffé Barista Pro is a compact, 850W manual espresso machine operating with a 15-bar Italian pressure pump to extract flavour from ground coffee into a dual-cup stainless steel filter. Key characteristics and pros include a 1.2-litre detachable water tank, an integrated milk frothing wand for lattes and cappuccinos, a removable washable drip tray, and a quick 30-second initial heat-up time.

Runner-up: Salter EK3131 Espressimo Machine, with an overall score of 4.71 points, a pump pressure of 5 bar, a water tank of 0.240 L, and a price of around £45.

Ranking first among Beem models is BEEM ESPRESS-GRIND-EXPERT, with an overall score of 6.92 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.800 L, and available for around £480.

The BEEM ESPRESSO-GRIND-EXPERT is a premium 1250-watt portafilter coffee machine featuring an integrated 30-stage conical burr grinder, a 15-bar ULKA pump, and a dual thermoblock heating system that allows for simultaneous espresso extraction and milk steaming. Its primary advantages include precise temperature stability via an electronic PID controller, an intuitive touch display showing extraction and grinding times, a commercial-sized 58mm portafilter, and generous capacities with a 2.8-litre BPA-free water tank and a 250g bean hopper.

Best value alternative: BEEM ESPRESS-GRIND-PROFESSION, with an overall score of 6.66 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.800 L, and a price of around £310.

Leading the Breville lineup is Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881, delivering an overall score of 7.97 points and retailing for around £1320.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress BES881 is an assisted semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 3-second ThermoJet heating system, a 2-litre water tank, and an integrated precision conical burr grinder with 30 stepped grind settings. Its standout characteristics include an intuitive full-colour touchscreen interface with 8 pre-programmed and customisable drink profiles, the Auto MilQ system offering calibrated settings for dairy and plant-based milks, and the Impress Puck System providing automated dosing and 22 lbs of calibrated tamping pressure.

Best value alternative: Breville Prima Latte III VCF147X, with an overall score of 6.93 points and a price of around £200.

The best De'Longhi espresso machine is De'Longhi Scultura Traditional Barista ECZ351BK, with an overall score of 6.28 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.400 L, and a price of around £110.

The De'Longhi Scultura Traditional Barista ECZ351BK is an 1100-watt manual espresso machine featuring a 15-bar professional pump, a 1.4-litre removable water tank, and a stainless steel boiler regulated by two separate thermostats. Compatible with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods, it incorporates a built-in tamper, a dual-floor crema device, a cup warming plate, and a manual Cappuccino System steam wand.

Runner-up: De'Longhi Dedica EC685, with an overall score of 6.26 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.100 L, and a price of around £120.

Explore our dedicated best De'Longhi coffee machines guide for full model rankings.

The best Klarstein espresso machine is Klarstein Arabica Comfort TK42, with an overall score of 7.32 points, a pump pressure of 20 bar, a water tank of 1.8 L, and a price of around £130.

The Klarstein Arabica Comfort (TK42-ArabicaC) is a versatile 1350-watt portafilter espresso machine featuring a powerful 20-bar pump pressure system, a generous 1.8-litre removable water tank, and a touch control panel with an LED display. Key advantages include its dual compatibility with both ground coffee and ESE pods, a 90-degree adjustable stainless steel steam wand with a detachable milk container for automated cappuccino and latte preparation, and a built-in cup warmer.

Runner-up: Klarstein TK3G, with an overall score of 5.97 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.25 L, and a price of around £80.

Our top-rated Lelit espresso machine is Lelit Anna PL41TEM, achieving an overall score of 6.33 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.700 L, and priced around £440.

The Lelit Anna PL41TEM is a compact, entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 250ml brass boiler, a 1000W heating element, a 15-bar vibration pump, and a spacious 2.7-litre water tank. Its standalone characteristics include digital PID temperature control for degree-accurate brew adjustments, a front-facing extraction pressure gauge, and a 3-way solenoid valve for quick portafilter depressurization.

Runner-up: Lelit Anna PL41EM, with an overall score of 6.06 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 2.700 L, and a price of around £350.

Topping the Russell Hobbs selection is Russell Hobbs 26450-56, earning an overall score of 5.66 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.100 L, and costing around £170.

The Russell Hobbs 26450-56 Distinctions is a semi-automatic espresso machine featuring a 1350-watt thermoblock heating system, a 15-bar pressure pump, and a 1.1-litre removable water tank. It accommodates ground coffee and ESE pods using a versatile portafilter that supports both automated single or double shot dispensing and manual volume adjustments.

Best value alternative: Russell Hobbs 28250-56, with an overall score of 5.58 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.100 L, and a price of around £70.

The best Severin espresso machine is SEVERIN Espresa Plus KA 5995, with an overall score of 6.09 points, a pump pressure of 15 bar, a water tank of 1.100 L, and a price of around £130.

The SEVERIN Espresa Plus KA 5995 is a compact manual espresso machine constructed from brushed stainless steel, featuring a 1350W thermoblock heating system, a 15-bar pump, and a removable 1.1-litre water tank.

Runner-up: SEVERIN KA 5978, with an overall score of 4.57 points, a pump pressure of 3.5 bar, a water tank of 0.220 L, and a price of around £35.