Best for beginners
Breville Bambino Plus
~$400–$500 at time of writing
What we like
- Fast heat-up and automatic milk frothing
- Compact
Keep in mind
- Needs a separate grinder
Best with built-in grinder
Breville Barista Express Impress
~$800–$900 at time of writing
What we like
- Grinder plus assisted dosing and tamping
- Very beginner-friendly
Keep in mind
- Large footprint
Best touchscreen
Breville Barista Touch
~$1,000–$1,200 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's runner-up: solid built-in grinder
- Easy drink programming
Keep in mind
- Expensive
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Best classic all-in-one
Breville Barista Express
~$600–$700 at time of writing
What we like
- Built-in grinder and steam wand
- Huge owner community
Keep in mind
- Learning curve
Best premium
Profitec Profitec Go
~$1,000–$1,200 at time of writing
What we like
- Wirecutter's top pick: fast, consistent, flavorful shots
- Simple interface
Keep in mind
- Weaker steam wand
- Needs a separate grinder
Best for tinkerers
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
~$450–$500 at time of writing
What we like
- Commercial-style portafilter, repairable
- Can pull excellent shots
Keep in mind
- Less forgiving: temperature surfing and manual steaming
Best espresso + drip combo
Ninja Luxe Café Premier
~$500–$600 at time of writing
What we like
- Espresso, drip coffee and cold brew in one
- Built-in grinder
Keep in mind
- Large footprint
Best super-automatic
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo
~$700–$900 at time of writing
What we like
- One-touch drinks with built-in grinder
Keep in mind
- Less control over shots
Best pod machine
Nespresso Vertuo Next
~$150–$200 at time of writing
What we like
- One-button coffee and espresso-style drinks
Keep in mind
- Pods cost more per cup
- Not pump espresso
Best budget
De'Longhi Stilosa
~$100–$130 at time of writing
What we like
- Cheap way into pump espresso
- Manual steam wand
Keep in mind
- Basic build
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breville Bambino Plus | Best for beginners | ~$400–$500 | — |
| 2 | Breville Barista Express Impress | Best with built-in grinder | ~$800–$900 | — |
| 3 | Breville Barista Touch | Best touchscreen | ~$1,000–$1,200 | — |
| 4 | Breville Barista Express | Best classic all-in-one | ~$600–$700 | — |
| 5 | Profitec Profitec Go | Best premium | ~$1,000–$1,200 | — |
| 6 | Gaggia Classic Evo Pro | Best for tinkerers | ~$450–$500 | — |
| 7 | Ninja Luxe Café Premier | Best espresso + drip combo | ~$500–$600 | — |
| 8 | De'Longhi Magnifica Evo | Best super-automatic | ~$700–$900 | — |
| 9 | Nespresso Vertuo Next | Best pod machine | ~$150–$200 | — |
| 10 | De'Longhi Stilosa | Best budget | ~$100–$130 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: Wirecutter's home espresso machine guide (2026) and Serious Eats espresso machine testing (2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate and change often; see today's price on Amazon. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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Espresso machines: frequently asked questions
What is the best espresso machine in 2026?
Our #1 pick is the Breville Bambino Plus (best for beginners), at ~$400–$500 at time of writing. Fast heat-up and automatic milk frothing.
What is the best budget espresso machine?
The De'Longhi Stilosa is our best budget pick at ~$100–$130 at time of writing. It ranks #10 of 10.
What is the best premium espresso machine?
The Profitec Profitec Go is our premium pick at ~$1,000–$1,200 at time of writing. It ranks #5 of 10.
How did Rank the Rest rank these espresso machines?
We compared published expert testing, public review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test these products, we never invent ratings, and affiliate commissions never change the order.
Are the prices current?
Prices are approximate as of October 14, 2026 and change often, especially during sales. Use the price buttons to see today's price at the retailer.
